As responsible dog owners, we aim to provide our beloved four-legged companions with a balanced and healthy diet. When it comes to incorporating fruits into their meals, strawberries often come to mind. But before sharing any type of treat with your dog, it’s essential to understand whether it’s safe for a dog to eat.
Strawberries are a delicious summer treat that humans love to eat but knowing whether they are safe for dogs is another matter. Thankfully, fresh strawberries are safe for dogs but there are a few things you need to know before you start feeding them to your furry friend.
In this article, we will take a closer look at whether dogs can eat strawberries. We will look at the benefits of eating strawberries for dogs and also the circumstances where dogs shouldn’t eat strawberries.
Let’s get started!
How To Feed Strawberries To Your Dog Safely
It is safe to feed fresh strawberries to your dog so when you buy some strawberries for yourself and the human members of your family, there is no need to leave out your four-legged friend! However, we do have a few tips to make sure that your dog eats strawberries in the safest manner possible.
Ask Your Vet
Although strawberries are safe for dogs to eat, you may want to check with your dog’s vet first. This is always wise whenever anything new is introduced to your dog’s diet and we especially recommend consulting with your vet if your dog has any known allergies or food sensitivities.
The vast majority of dogs will get the all-clear from their vet but it is always important to check.
Wash The Strawberries
Before you feed any strawberries to your dog, make sure that you have washed them thoroughly. Store-bought strawberries can have lingering dirt or chemicals on them from the farm or the supermarket so we always recommend washing fruit thoroughly before eating them.
This is also the case if you’re able to grow your own strawberries. Although you may be certain that the strawberries have been grown organically, they could have been exposed to pests and debris in the air that won’t sit right with your dog’s stomach.
Cut The Strawberries
It’s best to cut the strawberries into smaller pieces as this will make it easier for your dog to eat and digest them. It will reduce the chances of your dog choking on the fruit as well.
This is especially important for smaller dogs that have smaller digestive systems. You can even mash or puree the strawberries for particularly small dogs.
Watch Your Dog
When you first give your dog a strawberry, make sure that you start with a small piece and keep a careful eye on your beloved pet. Watch out for any changes in behaviour or issues with their digestion as these might be symptoms that your dog can’t tolerate strawberries or has an allergy.
If you do notice any issues, contact your vet immediately for further advice.
Only Use Fresh Strawberries
There are many strawberry products on the market but you should only feed your dog fresh strawberries.
Don’t give them tinned strawberries or strawberries that are served in any kind of syrup or sauce as these have additional ingredients that will not sit right in your dog’s stomach! Fresh strawberries that have been frozen and thawed will be fine, however.
What Are The Benefits Of Strawberries For Dogs?
We know that fruits are good for humans and are packed with a variety of different vitamins and minerals that can help our health, but is that the same for dogs?
Thankfully, yes, it is! Your dog can receive many different benefits from eating various fruits and strawberries are no different. Strawberries are great for both dogs and their owners because they’re low in calories. They have a sweet and juicy taste without being packed full of artificial sugars or sweeteners.
When it comes to vitamins and minerals, strawberries are especially high in fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C. Fibre is as important for dogs as it is for humans as it will help their digestion and contributes towards regulating glucose and cholesterol levels.
Unlike humans, dogs can naturally produce vitamin C but having a little extra in their diet is recommended by many vets.
Vitamin C works to increase the number of antibodies and white blood cells in a dog’s body, helping them to fight infections and remain fit. It can also help with arthritis, skin allergies, and healing injuries and wounds.
Believe it or not, strawberries can also help with your dog’s teeth! Strawberries contain malic acid which is the natural enzyme that whitens teeth. Eating strawberries is a natural way to make teeth a little whiter and it works for both humans and dogs.
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
If your dog loves strawberries, why not try another fruit? There are many other fruits that are safe for dogs, such as:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
- Mangoes
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Pears
- Pineapples
- Watermelon
Always double-check before you give your dog fruit as some, such as grapes, can be toxic.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we found that dogs can eat strawberries. They should only be fed fresh strawberries, however, and should not eat tinned strawberries or any that are served in a syrup or sauce.
It’s important to feed strawberries to your dog safely and you can take a few steps to ensure this is the case.
Ask your vet if you’re unsure whether strawberries will be safe for any dog with allergies or intolerances and keep a close eye on your pet for any issues with their behaviour or digestion. Only give small pieces of strawberries and make sure you wash the strawberries first!
Strawberries have many health benefits for dogs. They have high levels of fibre and vitamin C which are both important for a dog’s health. They can even whiten your dog’s teeth!
