With the strawberry season now upon us, you might be tempted to share these juicy fruits with your pooch but, the crucial question is, can dogs eat strawberries?
In short, yes. Choosing healthy dog treats for your pooch is made much easier if you decide to include strawberries. However, these refreshing berries come with some restrictions as, although they are packed with healthy nutrients and are not poisonous or toxic to our beloved canines, they can cause upset stomachs due to the amount of sugar found in them.
Let’s take a look at why strawberries are good in moderation and how best to serve them. You certainly won’t be asking “What human food can dogs eat?” once you’ve read this article.
Are strawberries good for dogs?
Not only are strawberries wonderfully refreshing thanks to their high water content and sweet taste, but these popular fruits are also filled with fiber, potassium, and folic acid, as well as vitamin C, B1, B6, and K, so it’s safe to say that these berries can make for incredibly healthy snacks.
Strawberries also contain an enzyme that is known to maintain the health and whiteness of your dog’s teeth.
These nutrient powerhouses also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for the health of your pooches skin and coat.
When are strawberries bad for dogs?
Like many dog-friendly human foods, strawberries contain sugar, so should always be given to your pooch in moderation and never as a meal.
However, as with anything, it is possible that some pooches could be allergic to strawberries. Be sure to feed them in small quantities so that you can monitor whether the fruit gives your dog a stomach upset, causes them to scratch intensely, makes them thirsty or triggers any other digestive issues.
Strawberries can also prove to be problematic to dogs if they are served from a can, as these can often be sugared or covered in syrup. If these contain the artificial sweetener, xylitol, eating them could be fatal.
Tips on feeding your dog strawberries
If your pooch is getting bored of the best dog treats you collect from your local pet store then strawberries can be a good substitute. There are plenty of recipes you can make for your canine when it comes to homemade dog treats, but here are a few quick suggestions that include this delicious snack:
- Mash or puree strawberries, especially if your pooch is still in their puppy stage.
- Freeze chopped strawberries to provide a different texture.
- Mix a small amount of strawberry in with your dog’s food for a special treat.
Strawberries make the perfect treat – good for your canine’s teeth, skin, coat, digestion, and immune system. What’s not to love? But, remember, the key to a healthy, nutritious diet is to keep all things in moderation. It’s no exception when it comes to strawberries, as they contain the most sugar of any berry.
