Have you ever eaten a whole strawberry? Leaves and all? The answer is probably no. Almost all people prefer to pluck out the leaves and stem before grabbing a bite of this juicy red fruit. However, research shows that strawberry leaves are as healthy as the flesh itself for humans. But is it the same for dogs? Well, dogs can certainly eat a strawberry as it is a healthy low-calorie fruit and is super beneficial for their health. But can dogs eat strawberry leaves too?
Sadly, the answer is no. Although completely non-toxic, leaves and stems can be difficult for dogs to digest. It might cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities.
Before we move on to the effects of leaves and stems on dogs’ health, let us know more about strawberry and strawberry leaves.
About Strawberry
Strawberry, from a botanical point of view, is not a berry. Strawberries are low-growing plants. They have a fibrous root system and a crown from which strawberry leaves grow. The leaves are normally a combination of two or three leaflets that are edgy and hairy. The flowers grow from the stem of the leaves and are usually white in color. The flesh that we know as the berry is actually a greatly enlarged flower that is filled with many achenes, or as we call it, seeds.
About Strawberry Leaves
We are only accustomed to eating the red plump part of strawberry that can be prepared in various ways. Did you know that humans can eat strawberry leaves too? Not only are the leaves edible, but they are also packed with nutrients too. Here are some of the benefits of consuming strawberry leaves:
- Strawberry leaves contain caffeic acid that helps to relieve inflammation and tension from joints. Hence, the leaves help to ease the arthritis pain.
- Strawberry leaves are rich in Vitamin C which has antioxidant properties, calcium that strengthens bone health, and iron which improves the blood circulation of the body.
- Strawberry leaves also help with an upset stomach, bloating, and cramps as they contain tannins, a compound that acts as a strong digestive aid.
How Is Strawberry Leaves Harmful to Dogs?
The leaves and stem of a strawberry, although non-toxic, can cause gastrointestinal and digestive upset in your dog. Signs of indigestion are:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
If you find your dog chewing down strawberry leaves or notice any of the signs above, call your vet immediately.
Conclusion
If you’re still wondering whether dogs can eat strawberry leaves, then no, dogs cannot eat strawberry leaves. It’s important to remove the leaves and stem before giving this fruit to your pup. Still, there are various ways that you can add strawberries to your dog’s meal.
Now that you know strawberry leaves aren’t good for dogs, explore more on strawberry-related food on strawberries for dogs.
Has your dog mistakenly eaten strawberry leaves? Did you have to rush them to the hospital right after? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community in the comment section below.
My dog lost appetite for 2 days after eating strawberry leaves. I had to rush her to the vet soon after.
Cody, my dog, is allergic to strawberry leaves and eating them will cause him to get very sick. My dog once ate a bunch of leaves and then I noticed that he had vomited and was shaking. I also noticed that his tongue was swollen and he had a rash on his belly.
A few months ago, my dog had an upset stomach after eating strawberry leaves. I was with my dog in the park when he started acting weird and started licking his paws. I took him to the vet, and they asked what he had eaten in the past day.I told them that he had eaten a few leaves of the nearby strawberry plant. The vet said that this was likely the cause of his stomach ache and nausea.
I had never heard of dogs having an upset stomach from eating strawberry leaves before, but my dog had an upset stomach after eating some.
I have a German shepherd mix who is always hungry, but I have to watch what she eats. She’s had an upset stomach before, which I think was caused by eating some strawberry leaves. I want to know if there is any other food I can give her to help her poop?
My dog is a year old mixed breed, about 50 pounds. I noticed that my dog had been vomiting a fair amount of the time. I did a little research and discovered that strawberry leaves can be toxic to dogs.