Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK 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 unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so. 

Raspberries—just like blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries—are considered a superfruit, meaning they’re packed with nutrients and come with all sorts of health benefits. But can dogs eat raspberries and enjoy the same perks as humans?  

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 first. 

Can Dogs Have Raspberries?

Dogs can have fresh or frozen, plain raspberries in moderation. Avoid raspberry jam and other sweetened or processed raspberry products.  

Dogs can also have raspberries indirectly through dog treats and foods that include raspberries as an ingredient. Some good options include: 

Are Raspberries Good for Dogs?

When fed in moderation, raspberries can offer some health perks for your pup. Here’s what makes them a smart occasional treat: 

• They offer plenty of antioxidants. Antioxidants may 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.  

• They’re rich in nutrients. Raspberries provide a wide range of important nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and several B vitamins. They also contain minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium. Together, these nutrients help support everything from your dog’s immune function to bone health and energy metabolism. 

• They’re high in fiber. Extra fiber can help regulate your dog’s bowel movements and may even aid in weight management by helping them feel full for longer. Fruit-based fiber may also help balance gut bacteria. 

• They’re low in calories. If you’re watching your dog’s weight, raspberries make a great occasional snack. They’re naturally low in calories and fat, making them a good option for dogs who need to slim down or maintain a healthy weight. 

Are Raspberries Bad for Dogs?

While raspberries are generally safe in small amounts, there are also a couple of risks to keep in mind: 

• They contain naturally occurring xylitol. Raspberries are one of the highest natural sources of xylitol—a sugar alcohol that’s extremely toxic to dogs in larger doses. The amount in a handful of raspberries isn’t enough to cause harm for most dogs, but it’s still important to keep portions small. 

• Too many can cause digestive upset. Aside from the threat of xylitol, eating too many raspberries can cause some upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea. If it’s your dog’s first time trying raspberries, start with serving just one or two berries and see how they react before giving them more. 

How Many Raspberries Can a Dog Have?

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 it’s your dog’s first time trying raspberries, introduce them slowly. This can help reduce the risk of digestive upset or adverse reactions. 

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.  

That said, here are the recommended portions for different-sized dogs: 

How To Safely Feed Raspberries to Dogs

In addition to sticking to recommended serving sizes, it’s important to prepare raspberries the right way before giving them to your pup. Here’s what to do to avoid any stomach troubles or choking risks: 

• Wash the raspberries thoroughly. Rinse raspberries under cool water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or other residue. 

• Remove any stems or leaves. The stems and leaves aren’t toxic, but they can be tough for dogs to digest. 

• Cut the raspberries. Chop into halves or quarters to avoid any potential choking hazards, especially if you have small dogs. 

Once the berries are cleaned and prepared, you can serve them 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, or use a freezer mold, like the W&P Cup Cube Freezer Tray, to make a refreshing treat. 

• Mix some berries with plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt and spread onto a lick mat, like the LickiMat Soother, for an enriching activity. 

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

What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

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

• Apples 

• Bananas 

• Blackberries 

• Blueberries 

• Cantaloupe 

• Cranberries 

• Honeydew 

• Mango 

• Oranges 

• Peaches 

• Pears 

• Pineapple 

• Strawberries 

• Watermelon