Strawberries are a popular fruit. They’re sweet, juicy, and delicious. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, aiding digestion and providing energy. Strawberries also contain a powerful antioxidant called polyphenols, which may help protect against cancer.
Unfortunately, strawberries also contain a lot of natural sugar, which can cause digestive issues for your dog. Although you may be tempted to feed your dog strawberries for their health benefits or as a treat, it’s essential to know whether it’s safe for your dog to eat strawberries.
We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about feeding strawberries to your dog — including what they’re good for and what you should avoid feeding them.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
The answer is yes; dogs can eat strawberries in moderation. Strawberries are a healthy treat for dogs. They are low in fat and calories and contain vitamins A, C, and K and fiber. However, because strawberries are so high in sugar, they should not feed to dogs who are suffering from diabetes or other medical conditions that could be aggravated by too much sugar.
Dogs are naturally attracted to sweet foods, and strawberries are no exception. They are incredibly high in sugar and vitamin C, which makes them appealing to your furry friend. However, it’s important to note that dogs cannot digest strawberries very well and may cause stomach upset if they overeat them at once.
Nutritional Profile of Strawberries
Nutrients |
Quantity |
Calories | 53 Kcal |
Carbohydrates | 12.7g |
Protein | 1.11g |
Dietary Fiber | 3.30g |
Folate | 40mg |
Vitamin A | 20 IU |
Magnesium | 22mg |
Vitamin C | 97.60mg |
Potassium | 254mg |
Calcium | 27mg |
Iron | 0.6mg |
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Strawberries?
The short answer is yes; strawberries are safe for dogs. There are no known side effects or health concerns associated with feeding them to dogs.
Strawberries are safe for dogs to eat if they’re picked at their peak freshness— when they’re plump and juicy and must be free from pesticides.
However, there are some things you should keep in mind before giving your pup a strawberry.
- First, strawberries contain a lot of sugar — about 12.5 grams per cup. This amount can be dangerous if your dog has diabetes or any other condition that requires them to limit their sugar intake. It’s best to consult your veterinarian before feeding any fruit to your pet.
- If your pup has digestive issues, this could be a problem when feeding him strawberries. Please do not give your dog any type of fruit until you have consulted with a vet and found out whether or not it is okay for your pet to eat them.
What Happens if a Dog Eats a Strawberry?
If you’re thinking about giving your dog a strawberry, you might wonder what happens if they eat one. Here’s what you need to know:
Strawberries are a fruit that contains antioxidants and other vitamins and minerals. If a dog eats strawberries, it will probably have no adverse effects. However, you should still talk with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet eating strawberries.
How Many Strawberries Can I Give My Dog?
The most important thing to remember when feeding your dog strawberries is that they are a treat. The best rule of thumb for how many strawberries can be given to your larger dog is 3-5 per day. If your dog only weighs 20-25 pounds, you can give one strawberry daily. However, eating too many strawberries can cause diarrhea in dogs.
That said, your dog can get all the benefits from eating strawberries without having any issues — especially if you give them only small bites at a time and make sure not to feed them more than one strawberry at once.
How To Feed Strawberries To A Dog?
There are many ways to feed strawberries to your dog. You can give him a whole strawberry or slice it into small pieces. The best way to feed strawberries to your dog is by washing the strawberries and then cut into slices to prevent choking hazards. Then put these into your furry friend bowl and let him eat them as he wants.
What Are The Benefits of Strawberries In Dogs?
Strawberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which helps to keep your dog’s digestive system working correctly. Here are the most common benefits of strawberries in your canine friend;
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Good Source of Antioxidants
Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent disease and treats the common cold. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in your pet’s body, which can harm his health. Vitamin C also helps strengthen the immune system and combat infections. Vitamin C may also help reduce the risk of heart disease in dogs.
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Boosts Immune System & Protects Against Cancer
Strawberries are a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for your dog’s health and can help prevent or reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. They also provide iron, which may be beneficial in helping to maintain a healthy immune system.
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Diuretic Properties
Strawberries are also rich in potassium, which can help keep your dog’s muscles and heart healthy. Potassium can have a diuretic effect on your dog’s body, helping to regulate water balance and aid in kidney function. Strawberries are an excellent choice for dogs that need extra potassium due to their health conditions or medications (such as diuretics).
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Healthy Heart
Potassium is also an important electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure in dogs and cats. It also promotes normal heart rhythms and muscle contractions, which helps prevent, heart disease or cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). Strawberries are high in fiber and vitamin K, which may help dogs’ blood clotting and bone health. Strawberries contain flavonoids naringin that may help keep your dog’s heart healthy by protecting against oxidative damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules).
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Healthy Coat & Skin
Strawberries are packed with vitamins B9 (folate) and C, which can be good for skin and coat health in dogs (especially if they’re shedding). Strawberry is rich in vitamin A for a healthy heart and skin.
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Reduce Skin Problems
Strawberry is also known to lower cholesterol levels in dogs prone to itchy skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis or flea allergies. The flavonoids naringin may have antimicrobial properties and prevent bacterial growth on dogs’ skin and paws.
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Protect from Heart Diseases
It contains anthocyanins that help protect the liver from oxidative stress, leading to liver disease in dogs if left untreated. Anthocyanins may help protect against heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, and decreasing inflammation of the arteries.
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Improve Eye Health
They contain a high amount of vitamin A, which helps promote healthy skin and eyesight in dogs. Beta-carotene may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts in older dogs.
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Anti-viral
Strawberries can also help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and other joint problems. They are also rich in anti-viral compounds that may help prevent canine flu infections (puppy influenza).
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Helps Control Blood Sugar
Strawberry also contains compounds called ellagitannins that manage hyperglycemia and hypertension.
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Dietary fiber
Fiber helps keep your dog’s digestive system healthy. The soluble fiber found in strawberries passes through the intestines more quickly, so it can help reduce the risk of constipation and diarrhea in dogs with gastrointestinal issues. Fiber helps keep the digestive tract moving smoothly, so it can absorb nutrients properly.
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Anti-inflammatory
Strawberries are rich in phenols, which help protect against oxidative damage and inflammation. Phenols also help reduce inflammation by reducing chemical reactions that trigger pain and swelling. Strawberries are high in vitamin K, which helps protect against osteoporosis among senior dogs.
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Reduces Risk of Diabetes
Strawberries are high in fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and may even help reduce the risk of stroke. Fiber has decreased the risk of obesity and diabetes in dogs.
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Source of Protein
A serving of strawberries contains about 1.11 grams of protein, which is essential for your dog’s diet. Protein helps maintain muscle mass and can be used as a source of energy for your dog when they cannot get enough food through their regular diet.
Is Strawberry Toxic to Dogs?
Strawberries are not toxic to dogs and won’t cause any adverse effects — as long as they’re not overdone or eaten by a sick dog. The ASPCA reports that although most dogs have no problems eating strawberries, some can have adverse reactions and become sick after eating too many.
The most common health issues related to strawberries are diarrhea and vomiting. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, take him to the veterinarian for treatment. It is important to note that strawberries are high in sugar for dogs and may cause obesity in large quantities.
Strawberries also contain medium oxalates (7.8 mg), which can form crystals in the dog’s body if overeaten or over a long period. It can lead to kidney stones and even kidney failure if left untreated. If you notice that your dog has been eating lots of strawberries, then speak with their veterinarian immediately so that they can monitor their health and make sure that nothing serious has occurred during this time.
Final Verdict — Can You Give Strawberries To Dogs?
Yes, you can give strawberries to your dog. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and has high amounts of antioxidants that provide health benefits for dogs. Strawberries are also a natural fiber source, which helps keep the digestive system functioning correctly. Strawberries are low in calories and fat, so they’re an excellent snack for your dog if he’s trying to lose weight or maintain healthy body weight.
But remember that they are a bit high in sugar, which could lead to digestive upset. Dogs should be given strawberries in moderation. If you decide to feed your dog strawberries, make sure they are fresh and free from pesticides. You should also wash them thoroughly before feeding them to your canine friend.