We adore our dogs so it’s quite natural to feel tempted to give them whatever delicious meal we’re having every time. But you must be aware that not all human foods are good for dogs. In fact, some foods are downright dangerous. For instance, chocolate is extremely poisonous for canines. And grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, which is usually fatal. However, most fruits and vegetables are not that dangerous to your pet canine companion when consumed in small portions.

What about strawberries? Can dogs eat strawberries? The answer is yes; but not always! This low-calorie fruit is high in fiber and vitamins, especially A & C, which does a great job of reducing skin inflammations.  It is also an important source of antioxidants that help protect your dog’s cells from damage due to stress.

Dogs can eat strawberries, but only in moderation. Also, if you do choose to feed your dog strawberries, make sure they’re organic and washed before eating. Though some research has surfaced recently that raises uncertainty about strawberry safety for dogs, there are still no known human food alternatives that would be equivalent to this fruit in terms of nutrition or taste. Read further to know more.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Yes. It is safe for dogs to eat strawberries.

Strawberries contain a huge amount of antioxidants that help to boost your dog’s immune system. This will help in reducing the risk of dogs developing cancer and heart disease. Anti-oxidants also protect dogs’ cells from free radicals, highly reactive, oxygen-containing molecules that can damage cell membranes, enzymes, and even DNA.

Strawberries also contain vitamin C, which helps with bone growth and the healing of wounds. Vitamin C is essential for dogs because they cannot make it on their own. This is why many dog foods also include vitamin C for your canine friend’s health.

Strawberries can also help with digestion issues in dogs who suffer from constipation. The seeds in strawberries pass through your dog’s digestive system without being digested. This means that your dog may have loose feces and while it can be concerning under normal circumstances, this “effect” can be useful when your pet has bowel difficulties.

Harmful Effects of Strawberry on Dog’s Health

There are some negative health effects associated with eating strawberries. So, it is important to be aware of these health risks before you introduce your dog to this fruit.

Strawberries contain many seeds that create lots of small pits when they are eaten. The seeds of strawberries are not known to be toxic to dogs, but they are not easily digestible either. The stems and roots of strawberries can also be harmful to your dog as these parts can contain cyanide compounds that can produce toxic effects if ingested by animals. Stems and roots can also cause a choking hazard for some dogs due to the small size and sharp edges.

Dogs should not eat strawberries if they have never had them before because there is a chance of an allergic reaction. Strawberry allergies can present in a few different ways. One commonly reported symptom is diarrhea, which could start immediately or up to a couple of days after the dog eats strawberries. If your dog suddenly develops diarrhea after eating strawberries (or any other new food), it’s important to stop giving them strawberries and see your vet as soon as possible.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Leaves?

The answer is no. Although completely non-toxic, the leaves of strawberries can be difficult for dogs to digest. Signs of indigestion are:

1. Vomiting
2. Diarrhea
3. Abdominal pain
4. Constipation
5. Loss of appetite

Make sure you remove the leaves off of strawberries before you feed the fruit to your furry friend.

If you find your dog chewing down strawberry leaves or notice any of the signs above, call your vet immediately.

How Can You Feed Strawberries to Your Dog?

If you want to introduce your dog to strawberries, it’s best not to give them all at once. Instead of giving your dog an entire strawberry, break it up into smaller pieces. This way they’ll be exposed slowly and with a lot less risk to their health. This will prevent an allergic reaction by allowing your dog’s immune system to get used to the element of surprise in case they have a challenge with digesting strawberries.

There are various ways you can add strawberries to your dog’s diet:

• Sliced strawberries: You can cut the fruit into small slices and feed them to your pet directly. You can also freeze the slices when days get extremely hot.
• Pureed strawberries: If your dog has difficulty chewing, you can mash or blend the strawberries into a puree. You can then freeze it and serve it to your pooch as a cool summer drink.
• Mix Strawberries in their regular diet: If you are not sure how to introduce a new fruit to your dog, you can mix it with their favorite food.

If you have more questions, the best suggestion is to contact your veterinarian or veterinary technician.

So Strawberries Are Safe For Dogs, But What About Strawberry-Based Foods? Let’s Find Out!

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Cake?

No. Strawberry cake has no nutritional value and the ingredients that go into the making of this cake may be harmful to dogs.

Dogs may suffer digestive issues like diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation if they eat cake. Also, most dogs are lactose intolerant. As a result, the amount of milk, butter, and yogurt used in preparing the cake can have negative effects on the dog’s health.

Can Dogs Have Strawberry Ice-Cream?

No. Strawberry ice cream contains a large amount of sugar and a dog’s body isn’t equipped to handle too much of it. Excessive sugar intake can result in obesity and diabetes in dogs. Also, most dogs are lactose intolerant, so it is probably best to avoid feeding strawberry ice cream to your pooch.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Yogurt?

The answer is both yes and no. Non-fat strawberry yogurt without any additives is safe for dogs. But, strawberry yogurt, and all flavored yogurts, contain Xylitol as the sweetener which is extremely dangerous for your dog’s health. So, you have to be careful when selecting the right kind.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Jelly?

No. Dogs cannot eat strawberry jelly. This is mainly because of two reasons:

1. Strawberry jelly is high in sugar. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and diabetes in dogs.
2. Strawberry jelly contains artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives that are extremely dangerous for the dog’s health.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Jam?

No. Strawberry Jams or Jell-O is not recommended for dogs at all. Too much sugar in jams can cause diseases like diabetes and obesity. It can also cause inflammation in their pancreas.

Strawberry Jam also contains other additives like artificial coloring, Xylitol, and preservatives that can be highly dangerous to a dog’s health.

In the case of strawberry-based foods, the fruit is the only ingredient that contains some nutritional benefits for a canine’s health. However, those nutrients are insignificant when compared to the adverse effects of artificial preservatives and a high amount of sugar. So, it is best if you avoid all strawberry-flavored products for your dog.

Conclusion

If you are unsure of whether or not dogs can eat strawberries, we assure you, they can. Just make sure you know the right proportions and don’t let them over-indulge. Keep in mind, always consult your veterinarian before giving strawberries, or any human food to your dog.

To explore more, check out our other articles on strawberries for dogs.

How have you given strawberries to your dog? How did they react after eating? Have you ever mistakenly given harmful strawberry-flavored products to your dog? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!