Strawberries make a delicious snack for us and not to mention they’re also incredibly healthy! But this has got many of us wondering, do these benefits extend to our four-legged friends too? Read our guide to find out if dogs can eat strawberries and if they’re as good for us as they are for them!
The summertime is a wonderful season full of blue skies, green fields and of course it just so happens to be strawberry season too! To us humans, these delicious little berries are a superfood and we often find ourselves munching at them or loading them into a healthy smoothie. However, whilst we’re enjoying these juicy, sweet fruits, we’ll likely be watched by a big, soft pair of eyes pleading to allow them just one bite.
The notorious ‘puppy dog eyes’ trick is one we’re all familiar with and one we all fall prey to, but can dogs eat strawberries? Are strawberries good for dogs? Keep reading to find out if you can let your pup join you in your next snack time.
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries, but they do contain sugar so should always be given in moderation. Be sure to only feed a small amount (just like you would with any snack) and follow the guideline that treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Why not read our handy guide on fruits dogs can eat?
Are strawberries good for dogs?
Strawberries could be beneficial for your dog but only in moderation Strawberries do contain a range of vitamins and minerals but if your pet is already fed a complete food there is no additional nutritional benefit from them. Strawberries should be considered a treat and fed in small quantities because of the sugar content.
Fruits are high in sugar and can lead to a range of health problems in dogs including obesity, dental disease and diabetes.
How many strawberries can a dog eat?
How many strawberries your dog can eat depends on their size. Smaller dogs can have one strawberry a day and larger dogs can have about 4 strawberries a day. These all must be cut into bite-size pieces.
Before introducing any new foods to your dog, check with your vet as they will be able to recommend serving sizes depending on their size and also give advice on whether or not to feed the food in question to begin with.
Can I give canned or strawberries in syrup when fresh ones are out of season?
No, never give your dog canned strawberries or ones in syrup. These varieties contain very high sugar content which is bad for your pet. These products can also contain the artificial sweetener xylitol which is highly poisonous to dogs. Xylitol has many names including E 967, birch sugar and meso-xylitol.
Can dogs eat frozen strawberries?
Dogs can also enjoy cool treats on a hot day. Dogs can eat frozen strawberries – just make sure that they are cut up into small chunks.
Can dogs eat strawberry ice cream?
Dogs cannot eat strawberry ice cream as it is very high in sugar. It may also have dangerous additivities like xylitol or even nuts that dogs cannot eat. It’s best to avoid strawberry ice cream for dogs altogether.
Can dogs eat strawberry yoghurt?
Dogs should not eat strawberry yoghurt due to the high sugar content and potential xylitol. You can, however, mix some chopped up fresh strawberries in your own plain, xylitol-free yoghurt for a little snack! Again, this should always be in moderation.
Can strawberries be used as a dog training treat?
Yes – strawberries can be used as a dog training treat (providing your dog actually likes strawberries!) As they’re a non-toxic fruit for dogs, they’re a great option to reward ideal dog behaviour when training. However, remember that they should be given in moderation due to the high sugar content.
How should I feed my dog strawberries?
First give the strawberries a thorough wash to clean away any dirt or residue. Next, trim off the stem and cut the strawberry up into smaller pieces to prevent choking. If you have a smaller dog or if they prefer their food mushy, you can also try mashing it up.
Although dogs can eat strawberries, when giving them for the first time it’s always best to exercise caution in case it causes dog diarrhoea and only offer them a small amount.
Remember, just like us, our dogs have taste preferences, so if they turn their nose away or spit it out, it may be that strawberries are just not for them! Read our article on 'Can Dogs Eat Bananas?' next!
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