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It won’t come as a shock to learn strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the U.S., with 8.1 pounds consumed per person in 2020 1.
Their sweet taste makes them a perennial favorite in everything from milkshakes and ice cream to cheesecake and strawberry delight, or simply eaten on their own straight from the fridge.
So it’s no surprise your dog will show an interest every time you buy fresh strawberries, and you may be tempted to give them one or two as a treat.
But can dogs eat strawberries?
The first thing you’ll be glad to hear is that, yes, dogs can eat strawberries and they make for a healthy and nutritious treat in small quantities.
They are non-toxic to dogs and contain vitamins and nutrients that can be beneficial to dogs’ health, but the berries come with a few caveats, so should only be given to your dog in moderation, as we’ll explain in the article below.
What are the benefits of strawberries for dogs?
Strawberries have a number of health benefits for canines. They contain a range of vitamins, including vitamin C, which can help to boost dogs’ immune system and reduce inflammation, and vitamins B6 and B1 to help support brain health and hormone regulation. They also provide vitamin K, which is essential for blood-clotting.
Strawberries also contain magnesium and potassium, minerals that can aid your dog’s heart health and muscle function.
In addition, strawberries are packed with fiber to boost gut health, and are 90% water, providing a good boost of moisture.
As a treat, they’re relatively low in calories — one strawberry contains around 4 calories — but these can quickly add up if you give your dog a lot.
What are the risks of feeding strawberries to dogs?
Strawberries contain a relatively high amount of sugar (around 5g of sugar per 100g), so feeding too many strawberries to your dog could result in weight gain, diabetes, dental problems or other health complications.
As a result, if your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, you should avoid giving them strawberries.
A sensible rule is to not feed your dog more than 10% of their daily calories from treats, so bear that in mind when feeding them strawberries, especially as they’ll no doubt make those eyes at you in an attempt to persuade you to give them more. As a guide, small dogs should only have 1-2 strawberries a day, and large dogs 4-5.
Also be aware that if your dog has a sensitive stomach, strawberries may not be a good idea. The leaves and stems can be bitter and hard to digest, leading to stomach problems. And like most foods, if you give your dog too many strawberries, it can also result in an upset stomach.
Ensure strawberries are sliced into smaller pieces, especially when feeding them to smaller dogs, so they don’t become a choking hazard.
Also, it’s worth highlighting that strawberries can trigger skin allergies in sensitive dogs, so kepe an eye out for any skin reactions if it’s the first time you’re giving your dog strawberries.
Can I give my dog canned strawberries or strawberries in syrup?
Fresh strawberries are the only way to give strawberries to your dog. Any other way — such as canned strawberries, strawberries in syrup, strawberry yoghurt or strawberry ice-cream usually have a much higher sugar content, and could potentially also contain artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.
How to incorporate strawberries into your dog’s diet
If your dog hasn’t had strawberries before, like any new food you should introduce them slowly and keep an eye on their reaction, checking for signs of allergies or stomach upset.
If you see any signs that worry you, or are unsure how many strawberries you can safely give to your dog, check with your vet
Due to their size, fresh strawberries make an ideal treat, and you can feed them to your dog fresh from the fridge. You can also freeze them whole, or blend them with plain yoghurt and then freeze them to create refreshing frozen treats for hot days.
You could also blend strawberries with other fruit such as bananas, blueberries, raspberries or even add dog-friendly peanut butter for a cooling treat or a treat to add to their lick mat or Kong toy.
Final word
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