Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? Vet Approved Advice

Strawberries are full of healthy nutrients that are good for dogs. These berries are not toxic or poisonous to dogs but contain sugar, and too much sugar can cause digestive issues, obesity, and diabetes.

Is Strawberries Good for Dogs?

The health benefits of strawberries are undeniable and well-known to everyone. This berry contains vitamins of many groups, including C. The product also contains phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and special enzymes contributing to teeth’ natural cleansing and whitening.

They are among those berries that contain the most valuable nutrients. It is an excellent source of fiber, low in calories, and relatively low in sugar. The most significant health benefit is the high antioxidant content. Studies have also shown the positive effects of these berries on eye health, neurological health, and skin health.

In humans, eating berries prevents the development of macular degeneration of the retina, cataracts, dry eyes, progressive blindness, and other problems associated with age-related tissue changes. The unique biochemical composition of berries prevents the occurrence of many diseases that lead to visual impairment and contributes to the progressive treatment of existing ailments.

Studies have shown that strawberries are a source of many antioxidants, including luteolin, gallic acid, flavonoids, quercetin, and many more. Strawberries contain two main vitamins that act as antioxidants in the body – vitamin A (as beta-carotene) and vitamin C (as ascorbic acid). Antioxidants slow down the formation of oxidative stress in the body, which is responsible for the aging process and the development of most diseases.

Another benefit of these berries is that they promote detoxification or cleansing of the body, helping restore the gastrointestinal tract’s health. The fiber and antioxidant vitamins A and C contained in it are important elements that stimulate the body’s detoxification. Strawberries help keep the digestive system in good condition by preventing constipation, balancing intestinal pH levels, and reducing intestinal inflammation.

When Are Strawberries Bad For Dogs?

The usefulness of these berries does not mean you can give them to an animal ad-lib. However, a pet may have its own views on how many strawberries it can eat. If you find the missing berries, do not panic. Strawberries, unlike grapes, are not toxic to dogs. But the following issues may develop:

Strawberries can trigger allergies. It is of two types: immediate and delayed. In the first case, there are problems with breathing and swelling, and this is an acute form of allergy that requires immediate veterinary attention. In the second case, the animal will begin to look bad, and rashes form on the skin. There may be discharge from the eyes and nose, itching, and diarrhea.

The animal will become lethargic or irritable and behave strangely; vomiting and diarrhea may occur. In this case, you need to show the animal to the veterinarian. Such allergies are thought to be incredibly rare in dogs.

Strawberries contain acidic fructose, which can cause digestive problems such as stomach pain, flatulence, or diarrhea if consumed too high.

How Much Sugar Do Strawberries Have?

In its composition, these berries contain a lot of water – approximately 90 percent, and soluble and insoluble solids occupy the remaining space. Strawberries also contain sugar and acids. Their composition depends, first of all, on the variety of the given fruit and the general conditions of its cultivation.

Strawberries contain the minimum amount of sucrose, fructose, and glucose in equal amounts. As for the acidity of these berries, it is approximately two percent.

READ MORE: Benefits and Risks of Feeding Your Dog Sour Cream

How to Feed My Dog Strawberries?

If a dog eats a well-balanced dog’s diet that contains all of the necessary vitamins and micronutrients, then we do not have to widen their diet. If the pet enjoys its taste and texture, strawberries can diversify their diet.

If your dog has never eaten this berries before, start with a small amount. Give one strawberry and wait about 24 hours to see if the pet tolerates it well.

Dog owners often talk about how the animal eats strawberries right from the garden. But this cannot be allowed: firstly, it is impossible to control how much the dog has eaten, and secondly, unwashed berries could make your pet poorly. Herbicide and pesticide poisoning is also a concern here.

Strawberry leaves, useful for humans, should not be eaten by dogs. They contain tannins which can cause stomach upset and even organ damage if consumed in excessive amounts; this is another reason why the pet should not be allowed in the strawberry beds.

How Many Strawberries Can Dogs Eat?

Puppies are not allowed to eat strawberries until they are two months old. For adult dogs, berries are allowed a couple of times a week in small quantities:

• 1-2 berries for a small pet;
• 3-4 berries for medium;
• 5-6 for larger dogs.

For a person, this dose of treat seems tiny, but it is worth remembering that the main diet of a dog should be protein food, and strawberries are a nice addition to the meat menu.

Almost all products with processed berries are prohibited for pets. The drink is allowed if cooked exclusively for a pet, without sugar and other berries. But the benefits of such a drink will be in question since some of the beneficial properties of strawberries will be lost during heat treatment. Strawberry preserves and jams are forbidden as they are too sweet. Baking with strawberries is prohibited for the same reason.

Can my Dog Eat Canned Strawberries?

Canned or processed strawberries, sweets containing strawberries, or foods with an artificial strawberry flavor are not suitable for dogs.

They usually contain excess sugar, syrup, sweeteners, preservatives, and chemicals, and sometimes even chocolate or xylitol, which are toxic to dogs. If your dog eats these foods, he may need to take a trip to the vet.

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Homemade Treat Ideas

You can cook dog treats that will appeal to every pet, including frozen treats for dogs. They can be prepared from absolutely any seasonal fruit that your pet enjoys. Watermelons, apples, berries, bananas, pears, blueberries, lingonberries – all these fruits are rich in vitamins which are very useful for any four-legged friend.

Frozen Strawberry Dog Treat Recipes Ideas:

Yogurt Puree:

• A few fresh strawberries.
• An apple.
• Low-fat natural yogurt without additives.

We put the strawberries in a separate container and poured 3.3-5 fl oz of yogurt. Mix everything well with a blender. If there is no blender, you can simply mash the strawberries with a fork and mix the resulting puree with yogurt. Next, pour the resulting mass into molds.

When the berry sweets are completely frozen, you can offer them to your pet. By the way, if your furry friend does not like frozen fruit treats, you yourself can eat them with great pleasure!

Note: Many dogs won’t tolerate the lactose in yogurt and it can cause a stomach upset, so offer it only in small amounts and monitor your pet closely after.

Dr. Linda Simon

Peanut Butter Pupsicles:

• 4 ounces of peanut butter;
• 3 ounces of water and 2 ounces of yogurt;
• a handful of strawberries (or any fruit or berry you have, even mango);

Mix all liquid ingredients in the blender. Put strawberries last and blend them a bit – it’s totally okay to live some chunks of fruit for your pup to chew on. Douse each well in a row. You may use a spoon, add extra water and mix longer, or wipe the tray afterward if the batter is messy. Left in a freezer and wait till the hottest part of the day comes.

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