Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? A Guide to Safety

Strawberries are a spring fruit. They are sweet, healthy, and yummy. The question then is, can dogs eat strawberries? And when that is the case, how many strawberries may a dog eat?

Indeed, when eaten in moderation and served as fruits, strawberries are a healthy snack that does not pose any danger to dogs. Let us now examine the nutritional values of juicy fruits and the aspect of safely supplementing strawberries for dogs.

Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?

Some health benefits of strawberries for dogs exist. They are not only rich in vitamins that stimulate the immune system, such as vitamins C, B1, B6, and K, but they are also rich in fiber and packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help promote and maintain the health of the coat.

These are some of the vitamins and minerals contained 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?

Are dogs affected by strawberry plants? Although strawberries are not poisonous to dogs, there are a couple of dangers of feeding strawberries to dogs, such as:

1. They contain a lot of sugar. Strawberries contain lots of sugar, like most fruits. Strawberries are safe for most dogs, although high-sugar fruits should not be fed to dogs with diabetes or those with sensitivity to sugar. Eventually, a sugar-rich diet might also influence the health of your dog by making him susceptible to dental problems, obesity, diabetes, etc.
2. They are prone to upset stomachs. Certain other areas of the plant, such as the stems and leaves, are problematic. It is possible to experience an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea when ingesting the leaves and stems due to their bitter nature, which can be challenging to digest. The quantity of strawberries that you feed your dog should also be minimal. Your dog may have an upset stomach should he consumes too many.
3. They may pose a hazard of choking on. The entire strawberry as a food item may pose a choking problem, particularly when given to a small dog. Always cut the strawberries into smaller portions before serving (more on that below). Additionally, cut the stems and leaves, as they may pose a choking hazard and risk of intestinal obstruction. 
4. They could cause itching and allergies. Among veterinary dermatologists, it is considered that strawberries and other fruits can also cross-react with environmental triggers (pollen, dust, grass, etc.), which produce the same allergic reaction. In case your dog experiences some skin problems connected to allergies or feels itchier when strawberries are present in their diet, talk to your vet and find out what your dogs need.

How Many Strawberries Can a Dog Eat?

Snacks or dog-friendly human food, such as strawberries, should constitute a total of 10 percent of the diet of your dog. The remaining 90 percent should be a balanced dog food diet. 

Some general safety suggestions on the number of strawberry portions your dog may have are listed below, depending on their weight. It should have only 1/4-inch thick slices.

• Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds): 1–2 slices
• Small dog (21–30 pounds): 2–3 slices
• Medium-sized dog (31–50 pounds): 5–6 slices
• Big dog (51–90 pounds): A couple of slices
• Large dog (91+ pounds): A handful of slices

Introduce new foods to dogs gradually. Give them one or two pieces at a time, and observe your dog to see if there are any reactions, such as diarrhea, as this may be a sign that the food is not suitable for the dog.

In case you suspect that your dog has eaten excess strawberries, monitor the signs of an upset stomach. Call your vet in case you see the following conditions:

• Loss of appetite or loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Acting depressed
• Looking uncomfortable
• Licking the air or objects, licking their lips, etc.

When you observe more severe symptoms such as vomiting, exceptionally excessive diarrhea, blood in the vomit or the stool, weakness, and collapse, take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. 

How To Safely Feed Your Dog Strawberries

The following are some ideas on preparing strawberries to feed your pup:

• Groceries, Treat product, leave, and stem. The leaves and stems are not toxic, but they may cause an upset stomach if consumed.
• Divide into smaller ones. To ensure the avoidance of choking hazards or intestinal blocks, cut the strawberries into chunks that are 25 mm thick.

Now, what are some fun ideas to feed these strawberry treats to your dog?

• Fresh: provide pieces of fresh strawberries as well as add to the food of your dog.
• Frozen: You can freeze pieces of strawberry as a cold slurry when you want refreshments on a hot day.
• Blended: Prepare a fruit smoothie by combining sliced strawberries with bananas, blueberries, and some plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. Serve your dog as a frozen treat or add to dog food. There are (do not forget to start with a small amount!). 
• In a recipe for dog treats: Try this recipe of carob-covered strawberry dog treats.

Should I Feed My Dog Strawberries in Moderation?

When fed in as little as small portions, the strawberries can be of good health benefits to dogs, just like any other snack or treat. Strawberries are to be taken as snacks and thus cannot constitute more than ten percent of the total calories in your dog’s diet. Go by this to ensure your dog does not gain extra weight by feeding him strawberries. 

We cannot eat strawberries because they are sweet, and sweet means sugar. Plenty of sugars that are present in the fruit are not suitable for dogs. The other reason why dogs should not be given a lot of strawberries is because of the amount of sugar that is contained in a strawberry.  

What Are the Health Benefits of Strawberries for Dogs?

Strawberries are also densely loaded with antioxidants, which are very necessary for both humans and dogs. The antioxidants help safeguard the cells in the body against the effects of free radicals. They are also beneficial in promoting overall health and can strengthen the immune system, potentially contributing to the prevention of illnesses and diseases. 

There are also strawberries: 

• Water content: High water content 
• Fiber 
• Vitamin C 
• Malic acid is a tooth-whitening enzyme. 

How to Feed Strawberries to Dogs

When your pooch tries new flavors, you may be wondering what ingredients are safe. To begin with, give them one strawberry, either in the form of a puree or a frozen one.   

Slow-feeding strawberries will be the case, as dog owners will be aware of any issues that arise during the process. Contact your veterinarian when you see your dog with stomach upset, digestive problems, a lot of scratching, and more thirsty than usual. All these may be a sign that strawberries are not your pet dog’s food. 

What is the Best Way to Prepare Strawberries for Dogs?

According to Carbo-Johnson, rinse and clean strawberries before you feed them to your dog. The washing will flush out the dirt and the remaining chemicals. 

Dog owners are expected to remember that any food can prove to be a choking hazard, including strawberries. Hence, wash them and take out the stems. For small breeds or puppies, it is advisable to make strawberries more palatable by cutting strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Squashing them and pureeing or mashing them might do the job.  

In the case of larger dogs, it should be sufficient to either cut them in half or serve the berry can be served whole.  

Are Canned Strawberries Bad for Dogs?

Yes! Syrup or sweetened fruits may be detrimental to your dog since they have excessive sugars and a lot of calories. Carbo-Johnson advises that it is good to present fresh or frozen strawberries. Additionally, canned strawberries may contain additives, such as artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which can be toxic or even fatal to dogs.