Can Dog Eat Strawberries?
No matter what we’re going through, we’d only want the best for our dogs. We give our canine friends food we know is good for them, but whenever they start batting those round puppy eyes, it's just too hard to say no. These furry ones would love to taste whatever it is we eat, even if they don’t know if it’s good for them—or even if they’ll like how it tastes.
They just know that they want to eat whatever we’re eating! Fruits are one of the most common foods that stump us when it comes to canine consumption. Some fruits are beneficial for them, but some can actually be toxic for dogs. Let’s take strawberries, for example.
Can We Feed Dogs with Strawberries?
Yes. That’s as short an answer you can get. Strawberries are one of the safest fruits you can feed your dog. They are yummy and nutritious, and your dog will surely love snacking on them as a treat.
Related Article: Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
How Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
Like all fruits, strawberries contain a rich amount of vitamins and minerals that can be good for your dog. They are rich in fiber that aid digestion. Strawberries also have plenty of Vitamin C, which helps boost their immunity, especially during the colder months. Dogs also greatly benefit from the Omega-3 in strawberries, which promotes coat and skin health.
Vitamins K, B1, and B6, as well as minerals such as iodine, folic acid, magnesium, and potassium provide your dog with a hearty health boost. Giving your dog strawberries as a training reward or a fun treat is a good idea. Not only will they feel refreshed, but they will also be able to reap the goodness that strawberries have to offer.
When Are Strawberries Bad for Dogs?
Yes, we just said that these are good for dogs. But remember that it’s impossible to have too much of something without consequence.
Sugar Content
Strawberries are known to have natural sugars. But sugar is still sugar, and too much of it can cause tummy troubles. Some might experience gastrointestinal upset or a sour stomach. If it’s your dog’s first time trying strawberries, give it to them in very small portions so you can observe how they’ll react.
Uncertain Sources
Only feed your dogs natural and—if possible—organic strawberries. If you’re uncertain about the source, the grower may have used pesticides or herbicides on their crops, which can pose a threat to your furry pal. Canned strawberries should also not be given to dogs. They contain more sugar and other artificial preservatives that can be harmful to dogs.
Some may use chemicals or artificial sweeteners such as xylitol that can cause emergencies or even be fatal for dogs. You should also avoid artificial strawberry-flavored food, strawberry byproducts, and processed strawberries. These have preservatives and countless other chemicals that are not good for dogs.
Possible Allergic Reactions
Much like humans, not all dogs can tolerate all kinds of food. Allergic reactions are always possible. It’s easy to avoid feeding dogs specific food if you know what they’re allergic to, but when you’re unsure of their allergies, you need to keep your eyes peeled for reactions. Some possible allergy signs include coughing, hives, sneezing, breathing difficulties, and swelling.
Other symptoms could present, so it’s strongly advised to ask your veterinarian for guidance on what you can do in case your dog does experience allergies. First aid knowledge can make all the difference. It’s rare for allergies to result in anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal reaction), but it’s best to know what to do.
How Should You Feed Strawberries to Your Dog?
Just because we’re eager to give in to the whims of our dogs doesn’t mean we should hand over anything they want to taste!
Less, Not Excess
Much like all other things in life, moderation is best. Even if your dog loves strawberries and never gets a bad reaction, don’t be tempted to overfeed them.
Size Doesn’t Really Matter
Strawberries are relatively small and don't necessarily pose a choking hazard. But if your dog tends to suck up food rather than chew them, it would probably be better if you can chop the berries into smaller pieces. You can also decide to put them in a blender and turn them into a smoothie or ice cubes for a cool treat during hot days.
Mashed strawberries are also a good idea for smaller dogs, especially if they’re trying out the fruit for the first time.
Know Your Source
Not all fruits are grown responsibly. So, it’s best to know where your fruit comes from, and if not, opt to only give your dogs the organic kind. This way, you’ll have better peace of mind that the strawberries you’ll provide them aren’t contaminated by chemicals or other substances that can potentially put your pet’s health at risk.
Other Fruity Treat
If you discover that your dog likes the taste of strawberries, it might be a good idea to introduce them to other safe, fruity treats that are good for their health. Here are a couple of treats you can try:
- Pineapples – You’ll need to make sure these are peeled and sliced smaller before giving it to them. Pineapples are packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as enzymes that help improve protein absorption.
- Apples – These fruits are loaded with vitamins A and C, and they provide a juicy treat. And because apples are low in fat and protein, they are ideal even for very young and older dogs.
- Raspberries – Apart from having plenty of nourishing vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties, raspberries are also very low in calories and sugar. These traits make them an excellent, guilt-free treat!
Just because you’re planning to give your dogs a healthy treat doesn’t mean you need to provide them in plain form. Feel free to use your imagination in preparations! Try freezing, mashing, mincing, or even tossing fruits together to make a nice and refreshing salad. The possibilities are practically endless. Innovative recipes will keep your dog interested and excited to eat fruits.
References
https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/59519-can-dogs-eat-strawberries
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/