You may be inclined to feed your dog some strawberries at the end of a warm, summer’s day.
Some dog owners might think it’s perfectly safe to feed your canine companion some fruit and vegetables given the health benefits that they provide humans.
However, some fruit and vegetables aren’t suitable for dogs. For instance, grapes and raisins are poisonous for pooches – you should contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten either of these.
So you’re probably wondering whether it’s safe to feed your dog’s strawberries.
Strawberries are generally safe to feed to your dog provided dog owners give their canine companions this fruit snack in moderation.
You should always do thorough research before you feed your dog a new food type for the first time to avoid causing a stomach upset.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. The content of our articles does not constitute veterinary advice. It’s always best to speak with your vet or a certified pet nutritionist before making any changes to your pet's diet or feeding routine.
Even though some dogs may have no issues eating a certain food source, other canines could suffer with a mild intolerance to the same food type.
We spoke to get a number of experts to learn about whether dogs can eat strawberries, the potential benefits of strawberries for dogs and how to safely feed strawberries to your dog.
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Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Julie Burgess, Certified Veterinary Technician and Founder of Critter Copy By Julie
Dogs can eat strawberries. My dogs love them! They are packed with Vitamin C and fiber.
Shadi Ireifej, DVM and Chief Medical Officer at vettriage.com
They’re generally safe.
Dr Sara Ochoa, Veterinary Consultant for Doglab.com
Strawberries are a great treat to feed your dogs.
Dr Stephanie Lantry, Co-Owner of Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate and Vet Expert at Airvet.com
It is safe for dogs to eat strawberries. They are not toxic to dogs.
Irene Keliher, pet expert at Rover.com
The short answer is: yes! Strawberries are among the fruits that dogs can safely enjoy. As omnivores, dogs benefit from many different fruits and vegetables for the same reasons humans do: these foods are low in fat and sugar, and high in vitamins and fiber.
Full Of Vitamins And Help Immune System
Klee Kai next to a plate of strawberries (Photo: lifewithkleekai / Instagram )
Shadi Ireifej, DVM and Chief Medical Officer at vettriage.com
They can contribute positively to oral hygiene, weight management and immune system. Strawberries contain vitamin K, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin B1, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, magnesium, iodine, fiber, potassium, polyphenols, manganese, and flavonoids (antioxidants).
Irene Keliher, pet expert at Rover.com
Strawberries aren’t just a sweet, juicy snack. They also contain healthy antioxidants and vitamin C.
Help With Weight Management
Irene Keliher, pet expert at Rover.com
Fresh fruit can help strengthen their immune system. And replacing fatty, salty snacks with strawberries and other fresh produce can even help with weight management over time.
Tasty Frozen Snack
Julie Burgess, Certified Veterinary Technician and Founder of Critter Copy By Julie
You can also use small pieces for training! It’s a good idea every now and again to change up your treat regimen to keep it interesting. Just ensure that your pup likes them first! Dicing them will provide the safest option to prevent choking.
The other option for strawberries for a tasty frozen snack is to mash them, fill an interactive toy, like a Kong, and freeze the Kong with some mashed strawberries, and plain yogurt, for a strawberry smoothie!
Whiten Teeth
Klee Kai next to a plate of strawberries (Photo: lifewithkleekai / Instagram )
Julie Burgess, Certified Veterinary Technician and Founder of Critter Copy By Julie
Looking to whiten your dog’s teeth? Strawberries contain an enzyme that can help whiten their teeth.
Dr Sara Ochoa, Veterinary Consultant for Doglab.com
One great reason that people may feed strawberries to their dogs is to whiten their teeth.
Feed In Moderation
Dr Stephanie Lantry, Co-Owner of Animal Medical Clinic of Gulf Gate and Vet Expert at Airvet.com
Strawberries are acidic so they can cause vomiting in dogs that are prone to acid reflux. They also contain sugar so they must be eaten in moderation so as not to cause stomach upset.
Dr Sara Ochoa, Veterinary Consultant for Doglab.com
It is best to give them to your dog in moderation as they do contain sugar that is not great in large amounts.
Irene Keliher, pet expert at Rover.com
Speaking of which, feed your dog fruit in moderation. Too much fruit can cause loose stool or constipation, depending on the fiber content. And the natural sugar that makes strawberries taste so sweet is best consumed in small amounts.
Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
A plate of strawberries (Photo: helloBARK!)
Dr. Stacy Choczynski Johnson, DVM and Vet Expert at Pumpkin Pet Insurance
Strawberries are non-toxic to dogs, but use caution when feeding strawberries that are found in syrups or strawberries mixed with artificial sweeteners.
Xylitol, a sweetener used in many strawberry jams and syrups, is poisonous to dogs. If you think your dog consumed Xylitol you should consult your vet.
Irene Keliher, pet expert at Rover.com
Just be sure to feed your dog fresh or unsweetened frozen strawberries, rather than strawberries that have been dusted with sugar or packed in syrup. Too much sugar isn’t good for a dog’s health, and can lead to diabetes and other health issues down the line.
Anything Else To Consider?
If you have any concerns or questions about feeding your dog strawberries, we urge pet owners to speak to their veterinarian to learn more about the potential benefits and potential risk associated with this fruit.
It’s not a good idea to make drastic or sudden changes to your dog’s diet. Your vet can offer you advice on how to introduce strawberries to your pooch’s diet without upsetting their stomach.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. The content of our articles does not constitute veterinary advice. It’s always best to speak with your vet or a certified pet nutritionist before making any changes to your pet's diet or feeding routine.
Wrapping Up – Our Final Thoughts
A plate of strawberries (Photo: helloBARK!)
Strawberries are generally safe to feed to your dogs provided your do so in moderation.
As we’ve heard from the experts in this article, strawberries are full of vitamins that can promote good health in your canine companion.
Strawberries can help with whitening teeth, boosting their immunity and weight management for dog’s on a strict diet.
Having said all that, if you feed your dog too much strawberries, they could suffer with gastrointestinal issues.
You should avoid strawberries that have artificial sweeteners or powdered sugar.
