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Strawberries are one of the most cherished summertime fruits because of their healthy properties and sweet flavor. A plump and juicy strawberry is hard to resist, but can dogs eat strawberries? Yes, your dog can enjoy a few strawberries since they are non-toxic and healthy. However, they should avoid canned strawberries, strawberry syrup, and any baked treats made with strawberries.
Benefits of Strawberries for Dogs
Strawberries can be a healthy occasional treat for your pup to enjoy! Strawberries contain antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids. Antioxidants help protect their cells from damage brought on by free radicals.
They also support the dog’s overall health and well-being and may boost immunity. Additionally, they have an enzyme that can help your dog’s teeth become whiter.
Risks of Feeding Strawberries to Dogs
While strawberries can be a healthy treat for your dog, they have some drawbacks that you should be aware of. Like many other fruits, strawberries are high in sugar, and dogs with sensitivities to sugar or diabetes should not eat strawberries.
Furthermore, if you feed your dog high sugar foods such as strawberries regularly, this can eventually lead to weight gain and obesity and associated health concerns. Eating too many strawberries in one go can also cause stomach issues for your dog. Therefore, they should only be offered as an occasional treat and should not become part of your dog’s regular diet.
How to Safely Feed Strawberries to Your Dog
As we mentioned before, you should only feed your dog strawberries as an occasional treat. Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, even if they’re healthy snacks like strawberries. Before serving them, you should wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or chemicals. You can then cut them into small pieces or puree them and add them to your dog’s food.
Frozen strawberries are also great for the hot summer months and provide a crunchy, refreshing treat. When feeding your dog strawberries for the first time, you should do so slowly and monitor your dog for any behavioral changes or stomach issues. It is best to consult your vet before introducing new foods to your dog’s diet, especially if they have any underlying health concerns.
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Delicious Strawberry Dog Treat Recipe
When you make dog treats, you can be sure they are produced with only natural, healthy ingredients for your companion. Your dog’s new favorite treat might be this one!
- 5–6 Fresh, organic strawberries
- 1 Banana
- 1/3 unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 cup oat flour
- ½ cup oats
- Water as needed
Method
- Cut up your strawberries into small pieces.
- Mash up your banana into a bowl and stir in the peanut butter.
- Add in the oats and flour and stir to combine into a crumbly dough.
- Add some water so that the dough can easily be spooned into a mold.
- Place your dough into its molds and press a strawberry into each one.
- Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until they are golden brown.
Allow them to cool at room temperature and store them in an airtight container. They can last up to four days; if you freeze them, they can be stored for up to 4 months.
Other Fruity Treats Your Dog Can Safely Enjoy
- Blueberries
- Mango
- Apples
- Watermelon
- Banana
- Cantaloupe
FAQ
To help you decide if strawberries can be a new treat for your dog, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about the nutritious berries.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Leaves?
The leaves of a strawberry plant are not toxic to dogs, but if your dog consumes too many, it may cause an upset stomach. If you have strawberries growing in your garden, consider fencing them so that your dog doesn’t eat the leaves and the stems, which can be a choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Strawberries?
Canned strawberries usually contain sugary syrup and preservatives that are not healthy for dogs. If you feed your dog strawberries, stick to fresh strawberries rather than canned ones.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Yogurt?
While dogs can eat some yogurt, like Greek yogurt, it’s best to keep strawberry yogurt out of their diet. Flavored yogurts are usually packed with sugar which is not good for your dog. Some brands may even contain the sugar free sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Too Many Strawberries?
If you suspect your dog ate too many strawberries, you should monitor them for any signs of stomach upset. If you are concerned, it’s best to call your vet, especially if your dog shows signs of lethargy, decreased appetite, discomfort, and depression.
If the signs worsen and progress to vomiting, excessive diarrhea, blood in your dog’s vomit or feces, or collapse, you should get your dog to the vet immediately.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat strawberries, with a few considerations. They should only be served as an occasional treat and only a few at a time. Feeding your dog strawberries can provide benefits to their diet, but too many can also cause an upset stomach. The best way to feed your dog strawberries is by cutting them into small pieces, pureeing them, or freezing them for a summertime snack. You can also bake some delicious and healthy strawberry treats, which can be great for training. However, it’s best to talk to your vet before introducing new foods into your dog’s diet.
See Also:
- Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ
- Can Dogs Eat Golden Berries? Vet Approved Nutrition Advice
Featured Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay
