Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are one of the best fruits out there and definitely one of the most popular berries among dogs. They’re juicier than blueberries and sweeter than raspberries, so it’s no wonder why so many dogs love them! And yes, dogs can eat strawberries as much as their heart desires, but it’s up to you to keep them balanced, as too much fruit is never a good idea!

I’m passionate about this topic, as strawberries are my favorite fruit, and I love to eat them fresh, eat them with yogurt and oatmeal. I always make a special wish when I eat the first strawberry of the season!

My dog is not particularly fond of them, but he likes to steal some when I make fruit bowls or eat a few pieces from my oatmeal. If you like strawberries and eat them quite often, then definitely stay tuned because, in this article, I’ll talk about how dogs can eat strawberries, how much, and what to pay attention to if you have a garden and grow your own strawberries!

Can dogs eat strawberries from the garden? What about wild strawberries?

If you grow your own strawberries and don’t use harsh pesticides and all the funky stuff, then yes, allow your dog to eat strawberries from the garden and destroy all your hard work! Jokes aside, strawberries are absolutely safe, and while it’s best to wash them and remove the stems if your dog has a thing for strawberries, let them!

Wild strawberries are also safe for dogs, but please make sure you know how to recognize them (or at least use Google Lens). If you’re in a park or near the road, maybe don’t let your dog eat wild strawberries, as you don’t know how dirty they are. But if you’re somewhere nice in nature, then both you and your dog can enjoy wild strawberries!

Are strawberries good for dogs?

Strawberries can definitely be good for dogs, although dogs don’t need extra vitamins from fruit. We just give them fruit for fun and as a healthy treat, but dogs get their complete nutrition from their dog food.

Now, strawberries are very healthy, as they have lots of vitamins and antioxidants.

They’re also rich in fiber, which can be both good and bad for your dog, depending on what kind of stomach they have and whether they are a small breed or a large dog. Too much fiber from fruit can upset your dog’s stomach, but some fiber can definitely help with constipation and keep them regular.

How to safely feed your dog strawberries

Any way is a safe way to give your dog strawberries, but if you have a small dog, don’t give them large strawberries, and make sure they chew them well.

Strawberries are quite soft, so I’m not worried about choking, but if your dog is a gulper, anything can happen.

What’s important for you is to do the following:

Can strawberries be bad for dogs?

I don’t think strawberries can be bad for dogs, but too much fiber can cause digestive issues. If you’re interested in reading more about the impact of fiber on a dog’s health, you can read this study.

Basically, it says that too much fiber can be a problem for dogs, even though it’s generally good for them. Eating a lot of fiber can also impact how your dog absorbs nutrients from their food. In the same way, we eat a salad with pasta to slow down the absorption of carbs. Too much fiber will slow down the absorption of other nutrients.

Too much fiber can also lead to bigger, wetter poops and cause bloating. Not all fibers are the same, though—soluble and insoluble fibers can affect your dog differently. Strawberries have both soluble and insoluble fiber, but they are higher in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like substance, which can help regulate digestion.

How many strawberries can a dog eat?

This really depends on their size, eating habits, and how well they handle fruit.

I would suggest one or two strawberries for a small dog, twice that amount for medium dogs, while larger dogs can have a handful of strawberries without any issues!

What other berries are good for dogs?

Almost all berries are great for dogs, as they are low in sugar, full of vitamins and antioxidants, and super tasty!

• Blueberries: Probably the most famous berry, blueberries are safe for dogs and a very popular food topper. You can mix them with yogurt, share a handful as a healthy snack, or make dog-friendly treats with them.
• Raspberries: Another great and healthy fruit, raspberries are a dog-friendly treat! There’s a common myth going around that raspberries are dangerous for dogs because they contain natural xylitol, but dogs can’t eat enough raspberries to reach a remotely dangerous dose, so don’t believe that.
• Mulberries: These fine berries are healthy, tasty, and super sweet! Dogs can eat mulberries, and they’re a good source of vitamins and fiber.
• Blackberries: Dogs can eat blackberries, both fresh and frozen. They’re a healthy and nutritious berry!
• Cranberries: Great for urinary health, tasty, and often used in kibble. Cranberries are healthy for dogs, but they’re best when unsweetened.

What is your favorite dog-friendly berry? Let us know in the comments!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat freeze-dried strawberries?

If your dog eats freeze-dried strawberries by accident, they’ll be fine, as freeze-dried strawberries are not toxic to dogs. However, you shouldn’t give your dog freeze-dried strawberries as a snack because they’re concentrated and not the best option (they’re high in sugar).

Are canned strawberries bad for dogs?

Not necessarily, as long as you’re buying canned strawberries without extra sugar, however, those are rare, so it’s best not to give your dog canned strawberries and stick to fresh ones. If your dog eats some canned strawberries, don’t worry—they’re not toxic. Also, don’t give your dog strawberry jelly it’s full of sugar and not healthy for dogs!