Strawberries are not only a sweet and tasty snack for us humans, but they also constitute one of the most common flavors we can find in the food industry. Desserts like ice cream, muffins, smoothies, yogurts, and main courses like salads, pop tarts, and wraps, have one thing in common: they can all include this amazing and versatile fruit. But can dogs eat strawberries?
Can dogs eat strawberries? Benefits of strawberries for dogs
Strawberries are a very low-calorie fruit that contains approximately 92% of water. They are one of the strongest antioxidant fruits, and they are a great source of vitamins and fiber. Besides, strawberries contain:
- Vitamin C, B1, B6, and K
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Potassium, magnesium, and iodine
- Folic acid
In addition, strawberries are a healthy natural snack for dogs that can help an upset stomach, improve dogs’ immune system, help fight cancer, and promote a healthy heart function.
Can I feed my dog unlimited strawberries?
We've already answered the question: 'can dogs eat strawberries?' Now it is time to know how many strawberries they can eat. Even though strawberries are safe for dogs, there are some things you should take into account before feeding them to your dog:
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Moderate the quantity. All fruits usually have high sugar content, and strawberries are not the exception. You can give them to your dog as a healthy snack, but always in moderation.
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Never feed your dog canned strawberries. They contain preservatives, syrups, added sodium, and sweeteners like xylitol that can be toxic to dogs. It does not only apply to strawberries: try not to feed canned food to your dog.
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Be aware of allergic reactions. Even though they are pretty uncommon among dogs, allergic reactions to strawberries can occur. If you’ve never fed strawberries to your pup, you might want to start slowly, and in case of any unusual or adverse reaction, call the vet asap.
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Don’t give your pup a handful of strawberries. Apart from having a high sugar content, a handful of strawberries can represent a choking hazard, especially if your dog is a puppy or a senior.
Can dogs eat strawberry yogurt?
As long as it is natural and it doesn’t contain sugar substitutes, dogs can eat strawberry yogurt safely. However, many yogurts are high in fructose, corn syrup, and sugar, which are definitely not recommended for dogs. But if you make strawberry yogurt at home, unless your pup is intolerant to lactose, your dog is perfectly safe.
Can dogs eat strawberry ice cream?
It doesn’t matter if it’s strawberry, banana, or watermelon: Dogs should not eat human ice cream as it is not healthy, it contains tons of additives and preservatives, and it is high in sugar and fat. Nonetheless, we can’t pretend ice cream is not delicious and refreshing for dogs, so you can try making your own pup ice cream at home!
Strawberry treats for dogs
So, can dogs eat strawberries? Absolutely!
In fact, if you want to add this amazing fruit to your dog’s diet but he/she refuses to eat plain strawberries, here are some healthy treats you can prepare. You will only need:
- Strawberries
- 1 Scoop of natural peanut butter
- Water
- Ice
Mix the former ingredients in the blender, and, as simple as that, you will get a tasty smoothie to feed your dog. If your pup is not the smoothie-lover kind, don’t worry: You can pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and, ta-da! In 3-4 hours, you’ll have a natural strawberry ice cream your dog will love.
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Apart from strawberries, there are other berries dogs can eat, like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. However, it does not mean that all berries are safe for dogs. Some berries contain pits and can become choking hazards, or even be toxic to dogs. Before including a new fruit in your dog’s diet, always consult with your vet.
