Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
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Strawberries are a popular springtime fruit. They’re sweet, healthy, and delicious. But can dogs eat strawberries? And if so, how many strawberries can a dog eat?
Strawberries are, indeed, a safe and healthy treat for dogs when served properly and eaten in moderation. Ahead, we’ll discuss the juicy fruit’s health benefits, how to safely feed strawberries to dogs, and more.
Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
Strawberries boast several health benefits for dogs. Not only are they high in immune system-boosting vitamins, including vitamins C, B-1, B-6, and K, but they’re also loaded with fiber and contain omega-3, which helps support coat health.
Here are some of the vitamins and minerals found in strawberries:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B-1
- Vitamin B-6
- Vitamin K
- Magnesium
- Folic acid
- Fiber
- Iodine
- Potassium
- Omega-3
Can Strawberries Be Bad for Dogs?
And are strawberry plants toxic to dogs? While strawberries are not toxic to dogs, there are a few risks to feeding dogs strawberries, including:
- They have a high sugar content. Strawberries, like many other fruits, have a high sugar content. Although strawberries are safe for most dogs, high-sugar fruits should not be given to dogs who have diabetes or those with sugar sensitivities. Over time, a high-sugar diet could also affect your dog’s health by making them prone to dental issues, obesity, diabetes, and more.
- They can cause upset stomach. Some parts of the plant, including the leaves and stems, can cause issues. The leaves and stems can be bitter and difficult to digest, which can cause upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea when eaten. It’s also important to keep the portions small when feeding strawberries to your dog. If your dog eats too many, they could get an upset stomach.
- They can be a choking hazard. Whole strawberries can be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. Always slice strawberries into smaller slices before serving (more on that below). Remove the stems and leaves, too, so they don’t become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
- They might trigger itching and allergies. It’s believed among veterinary dermatologists that strawberries and other fruits may cross-react (or trigger the same allergic response) with environmental triggers (pollen, dust, grass, etc.). If your dog has skin issues associated with allergies, or if they seem itchier when strawberries are included in their diet, speak to your vet about what is best for your dog.
How Many Strawberries Can a Dog Eat?
Treats, including dog-safe human foods like strawberries, should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
Below are some general guidelines for safe strawberry portion sizes based on your dog’s weight. Each slice should only be ¼-inch thick.
| Dog Size | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) | 1–2 slices |
| Small dog (21–30 pounds) | 2–3 slices |
| Medium-size dog (31–50 pounds) | 5–6 slices |
| Large dog (51–90 pounds) | Handful of slices |
| Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) | Large handful of slices |
When offering new foods to dogs, start slowly. Offer just one or two pieces at a time, and monitor your dog for any reactions, like diarrhea, that could indicate that the food doesn’t agree with them.
If you’re concerned your dog may have eaten too many strawberries, watch for signs of an upset stomach. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Acting depressed
- Looking uncomfortable
- Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects
Take your dog to the vet immediately if you see worsening symptoms like vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in their vomit or stool, weakness, or collapse.
How To Safely Feed Your Dog Strawberries
Here are some tips for preparing strawberries for your pup:
- Wash thoroughly and remove leaves and stems. Although the leaves and stems are not toxic, they can lead to upset stomach when eaten.
- Cut into smaller pieces. Cut the strawberries into ¼-inch thick pieces to avoid choking hazards or intestinal blockages.
Next, here are some fun ways to feed these strawberry treats to your dog:
- Fresh: Give fresh sliced strawberries as treats, or add them to your dog’s food.
- Frozen: Frozen sliced strawberries are a great cold treat on a hot day.
- Blended: Make a fruit smoothie by blending sliced strawberries with bananas, blueberries, and a little bit of plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. Feed to your dog as a cold treat or dog food topper. (Remember to start with a small amount!) Or, put it in their KONG® toy and freeze it for later.
- In a dog treat recipe: Try this recipe for carob-covered strawberry dog treats.
Dogs and Strawberries FAQs
Can dogs eat strawberry tops?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat the strawberry tops. While the leaves and stems on a strawberry plant are not toxic for dogs, they could cause your dog to have an upset stomach. Remove these parts of the strawberry, so they don’t become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
Can dogs eat strawberry yogurt?
No, dogs cannot eat strawberry yogurt. There’s usually a high sugar content in flavored yogurt. Some yogurts may even contain xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.
Instead, try using a plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt, and mix in some chopped-up pieces of strawberries. You could add this on top of your dog’s food or freeze it for a cool, refreshing treat.
Can dogs eat strawberry ice cream?
No, dogs cannot eat strawberry ice cream.
Ice cream usually has even more sugar than yogurt, and it may also contain xylitol or other potentially hazardous ingredients for dogs.
Can dogs eat frozen strawberries?
Yes, dogs can eat frozen strawberries. They can be a fun, crunchy, refreshing treat for your pup.
Cut the strawberries into ¼-inch slices or pieces to avoid choking hazards or intestinal blockages. Allow the strawberry to soften slightly before feeding to your pet, though. A larger piece of frozen strawberry can crack your dog’s teeth and cause damage.
