Can dogs eat strawberries or should you consider another sweet treat for your pup?
If you enjoy sharing healthy snacks with your best friend as much as I do with my dog Pax, you’re probably wondering what fruits are safe for dogs and which are toxic.
While strawberries can be a delicious and nutrient-rich addition to a dog’s diet, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind before feeding them to your pup.
So if you’re interested in learning more about the health benefits of strawberries, how to safely feed them to your dog, and what strawberry dog treats you should stay away from, you’re in the right place.
Are strawberries good for dogs?
The answer is yes, strawberries are non-toxic and healthy for dogs if eaten in moderation. You can feed your dogs strawberries as a health-boosting snack because they are low in calories and rich in essential nutrients.
Although strawberries are safe for dogs, it is important to recognize that they are one of the most heavily sprayed fruits. This is why I recommend choosing locally grown organic fruits whenever possible or growing them yourself.
This may come as a surprise to some of you, but British Columbia, Canada, where I’ve lived for over 30 years, has the best summer strawberries I’ve ever eaten, so I can’t share it with my dog Pax is completely absent. a question! Sometimes, she eats them fresh, but she also loves them as a frozen summer treat to cool off.
Benefits of strawberries for dogs
Strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals, some Omega-3 fatty acids like ALA, antioxidants, and fiber that help boost the immune system and promote optimal organ and digestive function.
Here are more details on the nutrients found in strawberries and how they can boost overall health:
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Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, protects the body against free radical damage and reduces inflammation.
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Folate (vitamin B): Promotes normal cell growth and regeneration and aids in healthy organ development.
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Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and balance electrolytes.
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Magnesium: Protects brain and heart health, regulates blood sugar, and maintains healthy bones.
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fiber: Feeds friendly gut bacteria and supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.
How to feed strawberries to your dog
I usually recommend giving your dog some fruit – up to 5 percent of their daily food intake — because dogs usually only eat a limited amount of fruit in nature.
Whenever you feed strawberries to your dog, be sure to wash them thoroughly to remove dirt and pesticides. You can give them whole, blended into a smoothie, or sliced, depending on your dog’s preference.
I prefer feeding Pax strawberries at least 1 hour before or 3 hours after feeding protein food. Protein takes longer to digest than fruitsso keeping the two separate when feeding your dog helps prevent digestive issues.
Always remove the leaves and stems from the fruit before serving it to your pup. While strawberry leaves are not toxic to dogs, they can cause stomach upset when ingested. However, I doubt many dogs would find them enjoyable in the first place.
Precautions: Traditional strawberries are one of the most pesticide-treated fruits. Ideally, buy organic strawberries and if you feed traditional ones, only feed them occasionally.
Feeding strawberries to puppies: Special considerations
Can puppies eat strawberries too? Younger canines can enjoy strawberries just like their older counterparts, but with a little caution. Puppies’ stomachs are more sensitive, and new foods should be introduced slowly.
Start by giving your puppy a small piece of strawberry. Watch for any signs of stomach upset such as diarrhea or vomiting. If no adverse reaction is seen, you can gradually increase the portion size.
Note that while strawberries are a source of vitamins such as A, C, B6, and sugar content, they should not replace a balanced puppy diet. Although the immune system can benefit from these vitamins and the aging process can be slowed down, they should not be the main source of nutrition.
Are canned strawberries bad for dogs?
Dogs or people commonly donen‘t benefit from canned strawberries because they contain high amounts of sugar or even artificial sweeteners such as xylitolwhich is highly toxic to dogs.
Also, canned fruit is tainted with chemicals from the inner lining of the cans and the high temperature processing reduces the nutritional and vitamin value of the strawberries.
If you want to give your dog a healthy fruit treat, stick to fresh or frozen organic strawberries. Speaking of treats, here are some fun and easy homemade dog treat recipes for you to try.
Top dog treats you can make with strawberries
Strawberries can easily be added to your go-to dog fruit smoothie for a refreshing summer treat.
Looking to prepare a healthy strawberry snack for your dog? Here’s an easy recipe you can make anytime:
Can strawberries cause any health problems for dogs?
If your dog likes strawberries, I don‘t More than 5% of their daily diet is recommended.
Although many healthy nutrients are found in strawberries, dogs can still be allergic. If your dog develops symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, itching, hives, and swelling soon after eating strawberries, stop feeding them to your dog and consult your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Can dogs eat strawberries – FAQ
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What fruits can’t dogs eat?
Grapes/raisins, black and red currants, and grapefruits are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. Also, although dogs can eat cherries, don’t forget to remove the pit because it contains cyanide.
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How many strawberries can I give my dog?
If you want to feed strawberries to your dog, you need to adjust the amount of fruit according to their size. Start with just a few pieces of fresh or frozen strawberries, and see how your dog’s stomach reacts.
For small dogs, I recommend a couple of strawberries per day. In the case of medium-sized and large dogs, you can give up to 10 strawberries per day. However, don’t forget that non-organic strawberries are one of the most pesticide-treated fruits.
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What dogs can’t eat strawberries?
The only contraindication is if your dog is allergic to strawberries or shows symptoms of digestive upset after eating them.
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Can dogs eat frozen strawberries?
Yes, dogs can safely eat strawberries, fresh or frozen. Frozen strawberries can be fed whole or cut into bite-sized pieces if your dog tends to swallow food.
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Can dogs eat strawberries?
If you’re wondering, should dogs eat strawberries? In fact, strawberries are safe for dogs to eat. They are rich in fiber and vitamin C, folic acid, and in addition, they contain an enzyme that can help brighten your dog’s teeth when eaten. Like all fruits, strawberries have natural sugar, so it is advisable to give them in limited quantities.
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Are there any toxic parts of strawberries that dogs should avoid?
No, although it is recommended to remove the stems and leaves from strawberries before feeding them to your dog, they are not poisonous. However, if eaten, they can cause stomach problems for your puppy.
