Strawberries are a favorite fruit of people of all ages because of its vibrant red color and sweet smell and taste.
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Not only the actual fruit is enjoyed, but also strawberry-flavored foods and drinks are prevalent.
So, it is no surprise that many dog owners ask the question, “Can dogs eat strawberries too without any side effects?”
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. Some fruits are toxic to dogs, such as grapes and raisins.
Fruits, such as plums, cherries, and peaches, have pits inside a choking hazard.
Strawberries are not toxic and have no pits, so just ensure that you wash them first to eliminate any toxic pesticides that may have been sprayed on them.
Do strawberries have any health benefits for dogs?
YES. They are full of antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
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They have a high fiber content that is good for the digestive system to keep bowel movements regular.
They contain Omega-3 fats that help improve skin condition (especially if your dog has allergies), keep the coat shiny, keep the heart and cardiovascular system working well, and help with arthritis in older dogs.
They contain potassium that helps to maintain a healthy heart as well as good muscle and nerve function.
They contain Magnesium that allows minerals to be absorbed, especially potassium and calcium.
They even include an enzyme that has been found to help to whiten teeth!
Not only that, but they are also a good source of vitamins such as – Vitamin C helps to strengthen the immune system, helps brittle bones be stronger, and helps prevent infections of the bladder.
Vitamin K helps to develop strong bones and healing of cuts by causing the blood to clot.
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin) helps create energy and supports both the nervous system and muscles.
Vitamin B-6 helps your dog use amino acids correctly to build proteins, which are essential for the development of muscles.
Vitamin B-9 (Folic acid) helps produce red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Disadvantages
So, we have looked at all the nutritional benefits of giving strawberries to your pooch but are there any disadvantages?
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Strawberries contain natural sugar, and too much sugar is not suitable for dogs as overeating too often can mean putting on extra unwanted weight as well as upsetting your dog’s stomach.
Canned strawberries, strawberry syrup, strawberry-flavored chocolate, strawberry milkshake, or strawberries with whip cream have a lot of sugar in them, so you should avoid giving them as treats to your dog – even if they beg with their cutest face!
Too much potassium can affect your dog’s thyroid function, so keep an eye on how much you give to them.
Once a day is enough for a treat.
Try to make sure the strawberries have no leaves or stem attached that could be a choking hazard.
The best way to prepare the fruit is to wash them first, then cut them into smaller pieces to help your dog chew and digest the fruit better.
For puppies over 6 months of age or smaller dogs, you can even mash them up.
It is best to introduce the new foods in small amounts so that you can see if your dog has any kind of allergic reaction.
The allergic reaction could be from pesticides, so make sure you have washed the fruit first or buy organic.
Signs of an allergic reaction could be general tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea, severe itching, or lack of appetite.
If your dog does show signs of an allergic reaction, then consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Are strawberries poisonous to dogs?
NO. But, if your furry friend accidentally eats too many strawberries, they are most likely to experience nothing worse than digestive problems, vomiting, and diarrhea, which should improve within 24 hours.
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If they are still showing symptoms after that, you should consult with the vet.
While they show these symptoms, you should keep them somewhere that is easy for you to clean up after them and provide a good supply of fresh water to prevent dehydration.
Keep an eye on them to make sure they are getting better, especially if they are a puppy or an old dog.
Conclusion
Strawberries are a good addition to your dog’s diet with many health benefits because of the vitamins, minerals, and fats that they naturally contain.
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They can even whiten your pooch’s teeth!
They can be mashed up and added to your dog’s usual kibble or cut into pieces to have as a snack.
Both ways give the same nutritional benefits.
The key is not to overdo it.
Start with small amounts and keep an eye on your dog for the first 24 hours when adding strawberries or any new food, to his diet.
So long as there is no unusual reaction or digestive issues, there is no reason why you should not keep strawberries in your dog’s diet in moderation.
Remember to feed only fresh strawberries to your dog.
Strawberries in any other form aren’t as healthy for them.
