Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? The Juicy Truth Behind This Sweet Treat

When you’re trying to find fun and healthy snacks for your canine companions, strawberries may not be the first thing you’d think of. However, these delicious delights are, surprisingly, as good for dogs as they are for us! I’m often asked “can dogs have strawberries” I always say yes. The tricky part is figuring out how to get your dog to eat a strawberry. Keep reading:

 Can Dogs Have Strawberries?

Let’s cut to the chase, can my dog have a strawberry once in a while? Yes! Dogs can absolutely eat strawberries! You should, of course, consult with your veterinarian to make sure that your pooch’s tummy is ready to handle these juicy treats, but most dogs are capable of digesting strawberries. So, yes, it’s safe to give dogs strawberry pieces as a treat, but will your dog accept this slimy fruit?

can dogs eat strawberries
Image Source: @pawssum

Should Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are completely safe for dogs and contain no toxic compounds, but is strawberry good for dogs, or just neutral? Once again, the answer to this question is yes! Obviously, a dog needs a balanced diet and cannot survive on berries alone but some studies show that strawberries (and other berries, particularly blueberries) can be beneficial to pooches.

While Here are just a few strawberry benefits for dogs:

A Powerful Antioxidant & Source of Vitamin C

dogs benefit from the antioxidants in strawberries

While studies of doggy nutrition are still in their early stages, there’s a decent amount of evidence to suggest that they also benefit from the antioxidants found in berries. For example, a study by the University of Alaska Fairbanks found that feeding sled dogs blueberries as they exercised boosted their antioxidant levels. As a result, they were better able to combat the effects of oxidative damage.

The findings mirror human trials, which show that berries, including strawberries, can help reduce the risk of joint damage, heart disease, and memory loss. Vitamin C has many of the same benefits. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

can dog eat strawberries

Another main component of strawberries is omega-3. This nutritional component is essential for your dog’s coat health. When given sufficient omega-3, dogs have gorgeous, lush, and shiny coats.

study published by Veterinary Research Communications also found that omega-3 fatty acids may also influence dog behavior; aggressive dogs appear to have lower levels of omega-3.

Meanwhile, a study from the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition found that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce and ease symptoms of arthritis in elderly dogs. 

How to Feed Your Dogs Strawberries

how to feed your dog strawberries

If you want to give your pooch some strawberries, begin with a small amount. This allows for you to quickly stop if your pooch begins to exhibit abnormal behaviors.

Never feed too many strawberries at once, as these treats are high in sugar. Moreover, never feed canned or processed strawberries to a dog. In general, if a berry of any type is suspended within syrup, it shouldn’t be fed to a dog.

The biggest challenge is HOW to get your dog to eat strawberries. Some dogs love eating strawberries. Others, not so much. None of my dogs will eat strawberries unless I doctor them up.

dogs and kids like strawberries
Dogs and kids alike sometimes need their food specially-prepared!

Common Health Problems 

The most common problems a dog will encounter after eating a strawberry are intestinal distress and, for particularly energetic eaters, choking. If you’re unsure of how much your pup can tolerate, start small and build from there. 

While it isn’t known to be common, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to strawberries. When you first provide your pooch with strawberries, keep a close eye on them. If they develop hives or begin to have trouble swallowing and breathing, this is a sign of an allergic reaction, which should be treated as a veterinary emergency.

Obviously, if your dog shows signs of distress or discomfort after eating strawberries, stop providing them!

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The Simple Method

The easiest way to feed your pup some strawberries is by rinsing them and slicing them up, making sure to discard the stem and leaf. Cut the strawberries into small pieces to reduce the choking risk.

Image Source: @luna_moon_shihtzu

For particularly petite pooches, like Luna the Shih Tzu, you may even want to blend or purée the fruits. You can even mash them up!

Premade Treats

If you’re in a rush or simply don’t have the space to set up a doggy kitchen, there are still plenty of ways to serve up some strawberries. There are a whole slew of pre-made treats with strawberries inside. 

👆These Odorless Yak chews are made with real strawberries and are a sneaky way to get some strawberry into your dog’s diet.
And these strawberry and beet flavor treats  provide all 10 essential amino acids and are small enough to be training treats

The Verdict: Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

PositivesNegatives
Dogs benefit from the antioxidants found in berriesHigh in natural sugar.
Strawberries can help reduce the risk of joint damage, arthritis, heart disease, and memory loss.While it isn’t known to be common, some dogs may have an allergic reaction to strawberries.
Strawberries contain omega-3 which is essential for your dog’s coat healthMany dogs don’t like strawberries in their natural form so you’ll have to doctor them up, which can be time consuming.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in strawberries may also help calm aggressive dogs.
Lots of strawberry dog treat recipes are available online so you won’t have to look far.
⭐️⭐️ WINNER ⭐️⭐️✔️ Dogs CAN Eat Strawberries

STRAWBERRY DOG TREAT RECIPES

For a truly elevated experience, consider making your own homemade treats for your dog!

There are many recipes available and we’re including our favorites here!

1. Strawberry Sensation Dog Treat Recipe

Image Source: The Honest Kitchen

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup strawberries diced
  • 1 banana
  • 1 1/4 cup Whole-wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup oat flour
  • 1/4 cup whole grain rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup water

  Steps:  

  • Put banana and strawberries in a blender. Mix until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add flour, oat flour, whole grain rolled oats, and The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form supplement. Mix until combined.
  • Add strawberry and banana mixture, and almond milk to the dry mixture. Stir until dough is moist but firm, knead with hands if necessary.
  • On a parchment paper lined surface, roll out dough to ¼ thickness. Cut with cookie cutters and place on cookie sheets.
  • Place cookies in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
  • Remove cookies from oven and place on cooling rack overnight.
  • Store cookies in airtight container or bag and keep in refrigerator or freezer.

Summer (and any warmer times) can be tough on dogs, and making them a delicious frozen treat is an excellent way to ensure they get their needed dosage of H2O and stay hydrated.

Why not try one out that includes strawberries?

2. Strawberry Peanut Butter Pupsicle Recipe

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Peanut butter
  • ¼ Cup Water
  • Knife
  • Blender
  • Ice Cube Trays

Steps:

  1. Cut off strawberry tops.
  2. Add strawberries and water to the blender.
  3. Blend together until smooth.
  4. Pour into ice cube trays.
  5. Add a dollop of Peanut butter to the tops
  6. Freeze and serve.

Strawberries are an excellent way to indulge canine sweet tooths without the dangers of chocolate or processed sugar overload.

Fresh fruit offers a natural sweetness to dog treats, along with all the benefits of fresh fruit- strawberries for their phytonutrients and antioxidant properties, while bananas offer potassium and amino acids.

You can feel really good about slipping your beloved pet these treats knowing they are made with wholesome ingredients and no additives, food dye, or preservatives.

3. Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies For Dogs

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup diced strawberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup oatmeal
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
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Steps:

  1. Mash bananas and strawberries.
  2. Add in flour,oatmeal, and yogurt. Stir until well combined.
  3. Turn dough out onto well floured counter, dough will be sticky.
  4. Flatten to 1/4” with your floured hands or rolling pin.
  5. Cut shapes with cookie cutters or use a small cup for circles.
  6. Place on lightly greased cookie sheets
  7. Bake in oven preheated to 350° F for 15-17 minutes until golden and still slightly soft.
  8. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Strawberry fun facts:

  1. Strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring.
  2. Strawberries are the only fruit with the seeds on the outside.
  3. Strawberries are actually a member of the rose family.
  4. Strawberries are low fat, low calorie; high in vitamin C, fiber, folic acid and potassium.
  5. In medieval times, strawberries were served at important functions to bring peace & prosperity.
  6. Americans eat approximately 3.4 pounds of fresh strawberries each year.
  7. Ninety-four percent of U.S. households consume strawberries.
  8. Strawberries, as part of a five-servings-a-day fruit and vegetable program, can help reduce the risk of cancer and heart attacks.
  9. Unlike some other fruits, strawberries don’t continue to ripen after being picked.
  10. California produces some 80% of the strawberries in the U.S.

May Is National Strawberry Month

As the internet has taught us, there’s a holiday for just about everything. And as it turns out – fruit is no exception, as May is national strawberry month. National Strawberry month is when we celebrate the pure love of strawberries and take notice of all the value this delicious fruit has to offer.

So, dog lovers, what other strawberry dog-friendly recipes have you tried? Leave them in the comments below.

Strawberry for Dogs FAQ

If you’ve still got questions about strawberry and dogs, you’re in luck—we’ve got answers to the internet’s most pressing questions about strawberry for dogs. 

Can dogs eat strawberry yogurt?

Yes, you an give your dog strawberry yogurt in very small quantities every once in a while. Make sure to only feed your dog all-natural yogurts, and always check the ingredient list for potential toxins like the artificial sweetener xylitol. In general, you should steer clear of yogurts that are heavily sweetened, but a few licks of sugary yogurt won’t hurt your pooch in the long run. 

Can dogs eat strawberry tops?

It is safe for dogs to eat the entire strawberry, top and all, but the green leaves could give your pup an upset stomach. While they’re not toxic, they are difficult to digest, so it’s better to remove the stems and leaves before you let your dog eat strawberry.

Can dogs have strawberry ice cream?

If dogs can eat strawberry yogurt, can dog have strawberry ice cream, too? Unfortunately, the answer here is no. While a lick or two of strawberry ice cream shouldn’t hurt your pup, it’s not a safe treat to share with them regularly. Ice cream is high in sugar and lactose, which can give your dog some serious tummy trouble. Ice cream can also contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, so it’s best to avoid giving them human ice cream in general. 

Can a dog have a strawberry off the plant?

If you catch your dog munching on strawberries straight from the plant, don’t worry, this is totally safe behavior! Many dogs really enjoy foraging for their treats, and finding a fresh strawberry in the garden is a delightful treat for a dog. As long as they aren’t eating too many, it’s completely safe to let your strawberry dog eat right from the plant. 

Can puppies eat strawberry pieces or whole strawberries?

Puppies have more sensitive digestive systems than adult dogs, so its best to limit treats of any kind. This said, giving a little bit of strawberry to dogs of any age is generally considered safe. To help your puppy taste test the strawberry, we recommend cutting it into pieces rather than trying to serve it whole. Of course, if your puppy is a large breed, they might enjoy a whole juicy strawberry. 

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Is strawberry ok for dogs with allergies?

Dogs with common canine food allergies like chicken and beef are often not affected by strawberries, but that doesn’t mean the same will be true for every dog. Dogs, like humans, can be allergic to almost anything including strawberries. If you have any reason to think that your dog might be allergic to strawberries you should not feed them to your pup. 

My dog ate a strawberry—what should I do?

Unless your dog is allergic to strawberries, you don’t need to worry if they snag one of these sweet fruits. In general, we consider strawberry safe for dogs, so you can rest easy if you catch your dog eating a strawberry you didn’t give them. 

Can I give my dog a strawberry as a treat?

Because almost every dog can eat strawberry without worrying about an allergic reaction, it’s completely safe to give your pup one of these berries as a treat. In fact, some evidence suggests that strawberry is good for dogs! If your pup is small, we recommend cutting the strawberry into pieces, but larger dogs can definitely enjoy a while strawberry. 

Should I be worried if my dog ate strawberry Pop-Tarts?

If your dog has already eaten the Pop-Tart, the best thing to do is keep an eye on them in case they have an upset stomach, need to throw up or have diarrhea. Pop-Tarts are loaded with sugar and artificial flavorings that aren’t good for dogs, but your pup should be completely fine if they accidentally snag just one. However, you should not purposefully feed strawberry Pop-Tarts to your dog, or any human foods high in sugar. 

Can my puppy eat strawberry jam?

No! Strawberry jam is made with tons of sugar, which isn’t good for your dog’s digestive system or health. While a fresh strawberry is okay for dogs, strawberry products like strawberry jam aren’t a safe or healthy treat. If for some reason your dog eats strawberry jam on accident, don’t worry. They might have a slightly upset stomach or an irregular bowel movement, but they should be completely fine. 

It’s also important to be aware that sugar-free jam is often made with artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Sugar-free jams are especially not good for your dog, so keep these kinds of products well out of their reach.

How much strawberry can dogs eat?

While dogs and strawberry usually get along just fine, it’s not a good idea to feed these fruits to your pup very often. Fruits that are high in sugar like strawberries should be an occasional treat, and shouldn’t make up a significant portion of your dog’s diet. One strawberry every once in a while is completely fine, but don’t let your pooch chow down on a full carton of strawberries. 

Can I give my dog strawberry Pedialyte?

No! While your dog can eat strawberry pieces and whole raw strawberries, they shouldn’t be given strawberry flavored foods or beverages. Pedialyte is not formulated for dogs, and you shouldn’t give it to them regardless of flavor. Pedialyte helps to hydrate humans, but it’s also high in sugars that can be harmful to your dog. 

Can my dog eat a strawberry off the plant? Is that safe?

Strawberry plants are completely safe for dogs, and contain no toxic compounds. If your pup likes to snack on fresh strawberries straight from the plant, that’s totally fine, just make sure they don’t eat too many or they could get an upset stomach. If your dog is eating the leaves of the plant, do your best to keep them away from that area of your garden for the sake of their digestive system. 

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