Can dogs eat strawberries
Summary
Packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries can be a great fruity treat for your dog. While plain strawberries are a hit, strawberry-flavoured foods like jam and yoghurt aren’t a good choice because of all the extra added sugar.
Whether you’re picking your own, or grabbing them at the supermarket, strawberries are a fantastic fruit. Especially with cream! If you’ve got some handy, you might be wondering if dogs can eat strawberries too.
The short answer is yes, they can! We’ll cover when your dog can safely enjoy this fruit, and more importantly, when they shouldn’t. Just remember to always check with your vet before feeding your dog anything new.
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. They’re safe for dogs and also pack a nutritional punch. Packed with essential vitamins and antioxidants, strawberries can be a healthy addition to your dog's treat menu.
Like any new treat, it's important to introduce strawberries slowly so you can make sure your dog doesn’t have any reaction to them. And remember to chop them into bite sized pieces so they aren’t going to be a choking hazard.
Every dog is different so if your dog has any intolerances, underlying health issues or different nutritional needs, check with your vet before giving them strawberries or any other new treat.
Can puppies eat strawberries?
Yes, puppies can eat strawberries. Introducing any new foods to a pup’s diet should be a gradual process because puppies have more sensitive stomachs. Sudden changes can cause digestive problems and runny poop for pups. So start with a small piece of strawberry and watch your puppy for any strange reactions.
Can dogs eat strawberry tops?
When it comes to strawberry tops, which are the green leaves and stems, it's best to remove them before giving a strawberry to your dog. The red flesh of the strawberry is safe and delicious, but the tops can be a choking hazard and not as tasty for your dog.
Are strawberries good for dogs?
Yes, strawberries are good for dogs and have some health benefits. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and provide a healthy dose of fibre. These little red fruits also contain essential vitamins such as A, B, C, E, and K.
Even though they have these health benefits, they’re not an essential part of your dog’s diet. Strawberries are a treat, or an ingredient in treats, so shouldn’t make up a lot of your dog’s food. Nutritionally complete dog food should be their main food and where they get their vitamins and nutrients from.
How many strawberries can a dog eat?
There is no defined number on how many strawberries a dog can eat. But like all fruit, they contain natural sugars so should only be given in moderation.
Plus, eating too many strawberries, or any fruit, can give your dog digestive problems. A small dog or puppy can tolerate less than a big dog, so keep strawberries limited to one or two for a small breed.
We’d recommend giving your dog just a few small pieces of fruit to start with. If your dog likes it and digests it well, you can give them a few more pieces next time. But if your dog shows any sign of illness, stop feeding them and next time, give them less.
As a rough guideline, treats should be less than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. A nutritionally complete dog food should be their main food and is the most important thing for their health. Any treats your dog eats, including “healthy” fruits like strawberries and blackberries should still be kept as just treats.
Can dogs have frozen strawberries?
Yes, dogs can have frozen strawberries. They can eat them frozen or defrosted. Just be careful with frozen ones because they could be a choking hazard. But frozen fruit can make a tasty, refreshing treat on a hot day or part of a dog-safe lolly.
Can dogs eat strawberry jam?
No, dogs should not eat strawberry jam. It’s not toxic, but strawberry jam is loaded with sugar. Too much sugar can cause stomach problems, weight gain, and dental issues. So it's best to keep sugary treats like jam off the menu for your furry friend.
Can dogs eat strawberry yoghurt?
Dogs can eat strawberry yoghurt sometimes, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Many yoghurts contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which could be toxic for your dog. Dogs are typically lactose intolerant, so too much can cause digestive issues like diarrhoea. If your dog can have yoghurt, go for plain, unsweetened yoghurt instead of flavoured kinds like strawberry yoghurt.
Recap: Can dogs eat strawberries
Strawberries can be a great, nutritious treat to give your dog. From fresh to frozen, these red gems offer a naturally sweet flavour and health benefits. Remember to introduce them gradually, keep an eye on your dog’s reactions, and, as always, talk to your vet if you have any concerns. If your pooch likes them, enjoy sharing a strawberry or two!
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