The puppy dog eyes of persuasion are always watching, and they’re laser-focused on food. Before you divvy up a dog-sized snack bowl of fruit salad, stop and make sure everything in it is safe for them to eat. What about strawberries, for instance?
The answer: Yes, absolutely, strawberries are 100% ok for dogs to eat!
Full of flavor, natural sweetness, and health benefits, strawberries are a human favorite. Fortunately for our four-legged friends, they can also enjoy one of the most popular fruits in the world. Next time you’re prepping some strawberries for a snack, don’t forget to put a few aside for your pup to indulge in as well! Check out this article if you’re also wondering if dogs can eat apples!
What Are The Health Benefits Of Strawberries?
Although strawberries are covered in tiny seeds, this treat is safe for dogs. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and potassium, and they’re low-cal, sodium-free, and fat-free, making them a great treat for weight management.
They also pack a powerful antioxidant punch and help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like cancer, fight bacteria, improve heart health, and even whiten teeth1.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries Every Day?
As with all treats, moderation is key. Since strawberries have a natural sweetness, they still contain sugar, and too much sugar is never a good idea. No matter how much your pup begs, this fruit should be given occasionally and not as a replacement for their daily meals. Try to stick with two to three strawberries per day depending on your dog’s size.
What If My Dog Eats Too Many Strawberries?
Strawberry overload may cause tummy aches or eruptions of Mount St. Diarrhea. Always provide plenty of water, keep an eye on your dog, and contact your vet if you become concerned. Excessive diarrhea or runny poops can cause dehydration, which is a bit more serious than their ordinary poopscapades.
How To Introduce Your Dog To Strawberries
Little by little is the best way to introduce your dog to any new food. First to see if they like it, and then to observe their behavior and rule out any allergic reactions. Some common symptoms of a reaction include diarrhea, itchiness, or vomiting.
When in doubt, fresh is best when it comes to these bright red berries! Simply remove the leaves, rinse, and let your dog enjoy. Cutting strawberries into small pieces allows for easier eating and digesting, and reduces choking risk. Try freezing them for a cool snack in warm weather, or blend into a fresh berry “sauce” and add a little spoonful on their normal food.
Please avoid canned fruit and strawberries in syrup—the artificial additives and extra sugar are a no-no. Absolutely avoid chocolate-covered strawberries (obviously).
No matter how you serve ’em up, strawberries are great for your dog’s health and tastebuds alike, especially when you can share them together.
Sources
1Pramesti, A., Jasrin, T., & Hidayat, T. (2018, January). (PDF) teeth re-whitening effect of Strawberry Juice on … Padjadjaran Journal of Dentistry. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322749412_Teeth_re-whitening_effect_of_strawberry_juice_on_coffee_stained_teeth
