Strawberries are a favorite fruit among pet parents and for good reason. They are tasty, low-calorie and filled with nutrients.
In fact, strawberries are probably among the top favorite summer fruits consumed.
But, can dogs eat strawberries too?
Yes, dogs can safely eat strawberries in small doses and, of course, in moderation.
Need Pet Insurance?
FACT: Pet insurance pays up to 90% of vet bills when your pet is sick or injured!
Table of Contents
Are Strawberries Safe For Dogs?
Yes. Strawberries are not toxic and are very safe for your dogs to eat, but in small doses, as they are high in sugar.
As with any new human food that you share with your dog, it’s always best to speak to your veterinarian to make sure strawberries are OK for your particular pup to sample.
Although strawberries are very nutritious, eating a few too many might cause your pup to experience digestive issues.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Benefits of Strawberries For Dogs
There are many benefits of strawberries as they are a healthy and low-calorie treat, filled with fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. They also contain vitamins K, B1, B6 as well as potassium and magnesium.
In fact, maybe you should introduce them into your dog’s diet for the extra nutrients!
Strawberries are also known to help whiten your dog’s teeth which is always good for your pup’s dental health.
Real Cost Savings from PetFirst Clients
Luna
PetFirst saved his parents
$6,712
A happy energetic Luna one morning couldn’t hold her food down. After months of multiple costly vet visits to specialists and an endoscopy, the problem was discovered and fixed. Luna put 22 pounds back on in no time and her parents were grateful for having PetFirst by their side to pay the bills.
When Strawberries Can Be Harmful to Dogs
While strawberries are OK in small doses, they do contain sugar which some dogs might have trouble digesting.
In fact, if your dog has diabetes, feeding them strawberries is probably not the best idea. Any illness that might be affected by the sugar in strawberries could potentially become worse.
Of course, if your dog consumes too many strawberries, it could cause digestive issues.
If this happens to your pup, pet insurance would help cover the costs of any of the medical bills and treatment that might be necessary during the visit which could be a relief financially and emotionally.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
If you grow strawberries at home, make sure your dog doesn’t consume them as they will not only have the stems but could have pesticides.
Don’t feed your dog processed or canned strawberries or anything with strawberry ingredients which can contain too much sugar and preservatives of Xylitol which is unsafe for dogs.
Of course, don’t feed your dogs any strawberries that are dipped in chocolate, which of course is also very unsafe for dogs.
Some dogs might have an allergic reaction to strawberries which is rare but could happen.
If your dog has any of the following symptoms, stop feeding your dog strawberries and make sure to go to your vet right away:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Swelling
- Gastric Upset
- Hives
How To Add Strawberries to Your Dog’s Diet
Every dog is different in how they will react to strawberries, so make sure to discuss with your vet whether strawberries are a good choice for your dog.
Your dog might have a condition that doesn’t tolerate any type of fruit or even strawberries.
Once your vet gives you the OK, there are different ways you can feed your dog strawberries.
Of course, remove the stem and cut them into small pieces and wash the strawberries thoroughly.
Some ideas you can try:
- Slice up the strawberries and put a few on top of your dogs’ dry food.
- Smash them up and mix them with your dog’s wet food
- Offer them in small slices as a treat or reward
- Put them in a blender to make a smoothie (and give your dog a teaspoon).
Other Fruits Your Dog Might Enjoy
If your dog doesn’t like strawberries and you want to sample some other fruit that is safe for dogs, try the following:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Mangos
- Watermelon
Grapes are one particular fruit (and raisins) that are NOT safe for dogs to eat and they should never sample.
Final Thoughts on Strawberries For Dogs
Strawberries are a tasty nutritious fruit that is filled with a burst of vitamins that your dog can enjoy in small amounts.
Make sure to introduce your strawberries (or any other new food), slowly to make sure your pup doesn’t have a bad reaction to them.
Of course, if your dog shows any unusual symptoms after eating strawberries, take your dog to the vet immediately.
Pet insurance providers, like Healthy Paws, can cover up to 90% of the vet bill and if your dog needs after hour treatment, you will be happy you have pet insurance!
To learn more about human food that is safe and not safe for your pup, our ultimate guide to safe food for dogs is a great place to start.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
What Is Pet Insurance?
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Dog Health Problems
Dog Breeds
CAT FAQ
Cat Health Problems
Cat Breeds
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
Raw Dog Food Diet
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Can Dogs Eat Avocados?
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Can Dogs Eat Corn on the Cob?
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce?
Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?
Can Dogs Eat Mango?
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Can Dogs Eat Onions?
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Why You Should NEVER Give Xylitol to Your Dog
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs