Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Raspberries—just like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries—are considered a superfruit, meaning they come with all sorts of health benefits. And because they’re packed full of nutrients, raspberries are safe for dogs to eat—but only in moderation.

If you’re thinking about feeding raspberries to your pup as a special treat, here’s what to know about keeping Fido fit.

Are Raspberries Good for Dogs?

Raspberries contain numerous vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin K

• Vitamin B-complex

• Potassium

• Manganese

• Copper

• Folic acid

• Iron

• Magnesium

Raspberries are also high in fiber, low in sugar and calories, and known for their antioxidants. These could help protect your dog against health issues such as cancer and heart disease. In addition, antioxidants help reduce inflammation, which is especially helpful for senior dogs. 

Can Raspberries Be Bad for Dogs?

There is one concern about raspberries: They are actually one of the many fruits and vegetables that contain a small amount of naturally occurring xylitol.

But although xylitol is toxic to dogs, the amount found in raspberries is so small, your dog would have to eat multiple cups of them before any negative effect. Xylitol is more concerning when it’s used as a sugar substitute in foods, like in sugar-free candies, baked goods, or occasionally as a sugar substitute in peanut butter.

Just be sure to keep your dog’s raspberry snacking to a minimum—less than 1/2 cup per day (though this depends on the pup’s size). Aside from the threat of xylitol, eating too many raspberries can cause some tummy upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The fruit might also appear in your dog’s stool as red-tinged seeds, but there’s no reason to worry if you notice this!

How Many Raspberries Can Dogs Eat?

Although raspberries can be a healthy snack for your pup, treats of any kind should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet. 

If you’re ever concerned about your dog’s individual diet or have questions about treats based on their specific health needs—like food allergies, obesity, or diabetes—it’s always best to contact your veterinarian. Here are the recommended portions for different-sized dogs:

• Extra-small dog (2-20 pounds) = one to two raspberries 

  • Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

• Small dog (21-30 pounds) = two to three raspberries 

  • Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds

• Medium dog (31-50 pounds) = five to six raspberries 

  • Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs

• Large dog (51-90 pounds) = small handful of raspberries 

  • Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

• Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = handful of raspberries 

  • Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Even if a fruit isn’t toxic to dogs, too much of anything can give them an upset stomach. Typical symptoms include:

• Decreased appetite or loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Acting depressed

• Looking uncomfortable

• Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects

Worsening symptoms include: 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Blood in their vomit or stool

• Weakness

• Collapse

If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Again, your dog would have to eat quite a lot of raspberries to be affected by xylitol poisoning. However, if this does happen, watch for the following symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs:

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Loss of balance  

• Stumbling or lack of coordination  

• Lethargy

• Depression  

• Tremors and seizures  

• Collapse

• Coma  

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately, and take your dog to an emergency animal hospital.

How to Safely Feed Raspberries to Your Dog

Always thoroughly wash the raspberries and remove any stems or leaves before feeding them to your dog. If you have a very small pup, it’s best to cut the raspberries into halves or quarters to avoid any potential choking hazards.

Once the berries are cleaned and free of all stems and leaves, you can use them in a few different ways:

• Add whole, chopped, or mashed raspberries to your dog’s regular food as a tasty topper.

• Blend raspberries with other dog-safe fruits into a smoothie your pup can lap up.

• Mix some berries with plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt for a special treat.

• Stuff some berries into your dog’s favorite KONG toy.

Other Fruits Dogs Can Eat

While many fruits are safe and healthy for dogs to eat, not all are OK for our fur babies. Some fruits you can safely share with your dog are:

• Apples

• Bananas

• Blackberries

• Blueberries

• Cantaloupe

• Cranberries

• Honeydew

• Mango

• Oranges

• Peaches

• Pears

• Pineapple

• Strawberries

• Watermelon

Featured Image: iStock/Milan_Jovic