AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale.
Strawberries are a warm-weather favorite treat for dogs and their humans. Warm weather means that fresh fruits and vegetables are even more available, and just as we are incorporating them into our diet, we can feed some of them to our dogs. Can dogs eat strawberries? Yes, in moderation.
Key Points
-
Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
How can dogs have strawberries? When fed in moderation, strawberries can be a healthy, low-calorie, sweet treat for your dog. They’re full of antioxidants, high in fiber and vitamin C.
By giving your dog strawberries, you may also help them stay healthy in more ways than one. For example, over time, eating strawberries may help slow down the aging process, strengthen the immune system, and help with weight management. Strawberries can also help whiten your dog’s teeth.
What is the Safest Way to Give Strawberries to Your Dog?
So now that you know that you can give your dogs strawberries, what is the safest way to do it? The safest way to serve strawberries is to wash them thoroughly and then cut the fruit up into small pieces. This prevents your dog from choking and makes the treat more digestible.
If you have a small dog, you can mash up the berries or puree them and add them to the dog’s food. When cut up, frozen strawberries make a nice, cool summer treat. Avoid feeding your dog strawberries in syrup or canned strawberries; these options have too much sugar and may even contain artificial sweeteners that are toxic to dogs (like xylitol).
Whenever you introduce any new food to your dog’s diet, it is best to talk to your veterinarian first. And if you do begin to give your dog strawberries, be careful to start with small quantities, watching your dog for any changes in behavior or any digestive issues. If you notice anything different, stop giving strawberries to the dog and check with your veterinarian.
As with any treat, strawberries should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For most dogs, one to three strawberries per day is a reasonable starting point depending on their size. Smaller dogs should have less. If your dog has diabetes, is overweight, or has a sensitive stomach, check with your veterinarian before offering strawberries.Your dog may also enjoy dog treats that have strawberries as an ingredient. Try grain-free salmon snacks with strawberries, doggie macarons flavored with strawberries, or dehydrated treats with cod and strawberries.
Risks to Keep in Mind
Strawberries are safe for most dogs, but there are a few things to be aware of before sharing them.
- Natural sugar: Strawberries contain natural sugars, which can be problematic for dogs with diabetes or those prone to weight gain. Keep portions small and treat them as an occasional snack, not a daily addition.
- Choking hazard: Whole strawberries can be a choking risk, especially for smaller breeds. Always slice or mash them before serving.
- Stems and leaves: While not toxic, the stems and leaves can cause stomach upset. Remove them before serving.
- Digestive upset: Too many strawberries at once can cause loose stools or diarrhea. Start with a small amount and see how your dog tolerates them.
- Allergic reactions: Though rare, some dogs may be sensitive to strawberries. Watch for itching, swelling, or digestive changes after the first serving.
- Avoid processed strawberries: Canned strawberries, strawberries in syrup, and strawberry-flavored products often contain added sugar, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Other Fruity Treats for Your Dog
Veterinarians recommend that any type of treat should only make up about 10% of your dog’s diet. There are other fruits you can feed your dog that are safe and may contribute to keeping them healthy. Here are a few more:
- Frozen bananas
- Watermelon (removing the seeds)
- Apples (removing the seeds and the core)
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupe
- Mango (peeling and removing the pit)
