Nutritional breakdown of strawberries

More positively, strawberries contain a range of vitamins and minerals that help with your dog's overall health. These are:

• Vitamin C
• Fibre
• Antioxidants
• Manganese
• Magnesium
• Folic acids
• Potassium
• Omega-3

 

Health benefits of strawberries for dogs

Boosts immunity with Vitamin C

Although not essential, Vitamin C can be beneficial to your dog's health. These potential benefits include boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, supporting joint health, fighting infections, preventing hip dysplasia, and enhancing the quality of the skin and coat. In addition to strawberries, other fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin C are raspberries, broccoli, pumpkin, oranges and more.

 

Rich in antioxidants for long-term health

Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect cells and tissue in your dog's body from damage caused by free radicals. 

 

Fibre for healthy digestion

Strawberries are a good source of fibre, which supports healthy digestion and regular bowel movements. Including a small amount of fibre-rich fruits in your dog's diet can help prevent constipation and keep their gut healthy.

 

Low-calorie treat compared to processed snacks

Unlike many processed dog treats, strawberries are naturally low in calories and fat. This makes them a great occasional treat option for those on a weight management plan or for owners who want to offer something tasty without the guilt of overfeeding. It is important to remember that treats should not take up more than 10% of your dog's daily calories.

 

Hydration benefits due to high water content

Since strawberries are composed of around 91-92% water, they make for a refreshing and hydrating snack for your dog. This makes them great as a snack in the warmer months, especially for those dogs that do not drink enough water.

 

Can Strawberries Be Bad for Dogs?

Whilst strawberries are generally safe and healthy for dogs when fed in moderation, there are certain risks to keep in mind before making them a regular treat for your dog.

Sugar content and obesity/diabetes risk

Similar to many other fruits, strawberries have a high sugar content, making them naturally sweet. Although the sugar found in strawberries is less harmful than the kind found in processed treats, feeding these types of fruits to dogs with diabetes should be avoided. In addition, overconsumption of sugary foods may increase the risk of dental disease and obesity in dogs.

 

Upset stomach or diarrhoea if overfed

Feeding your dog too many strawberries can overwhelm their digestive system. To add to this, the stem and leaves of a strawberry are difficult for a dog to digest, which may lead to an upset stomach, loose stools, or diarrhoea. To avoid your dog getting an upset stomach, ensure that the stems and leaves are removed, and stick to small, controlled portions when feeding your dog strawberries.

 

Allergic reactions and symptoms to watch for

Although rare, some dogs can develop allergies to strawberries. Common signs include itching, swelling around the face or mouth, coughing, sneezing, or gastrointestinal upset. If you notice any unusual symptoms after feeding strawberries, stop immediately and contact your vet.

 

Choking hazards in small dogs

Whilst unlikely, whole strawberries can be a cause of concern for small dog breeds as they can pose a choking hazard. As with any treats for small dog breeds, cut the strawberries into bite-sized pieces before feeding.

 

How many strawberries can a dog eat?

The amount of strawberries your dog can eat is dependent on their size. If your dog is overweight or suffers from any health conditions such as diabetes, it is best to speak with your veterinarian for advice on serving amount and whether it is suitable to feed to your dog.

Overall, it is advisable to introduce strawberries in small quantities. This is done to make sure your dog doesn't have any intolerances or allergies to this fruit.

Abiding by the 10% rule, where treats, including strawberries, should not exceed more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, is crucial, especially since 28% of veterinary professionals believe dogs being fed too many treats are reportedly the reason for a rise in pet obesity. As a general guideline, small dogs should eat no more than 1 strawberry a day, and large dogs should not eat more than 4 strawberries a day.

 

How do I feed my dog strawberries?

Before feeding your dog strawberries, make sure to thoroughly wash them through and slice off the stems and leaves. Strawberries can be sliced into smaller pieces and fed as a reward during training sessions or as a delicious and healthy snack for your dog. Furthermore, strawberries can be frozen, mashed, or sliced into smaller pieces and mixed into homemade dog treat recipes.

 

Home Made Dog Treats with Strawberries

Frozen Strawberry Treats

Blend fresh strawberries with plain, unsweetened yoghurt. Pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. These make a refreshing snack to keep your dog cool on hot days.

 

Strawberry-Banana Bites

Mash a ripe banana and combine it with chopped strawberries. Mix in a small amount of softened rolled oats for added texture. Shape into small bite-sized balls and refrigerate until firm.

 

Strawberry Dog Smoothie

Blend strawberries with water and a spoonful of peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free). Serve as a hydrating drink or freeze into popsicles for a fun, cooling treat.

 

Can puppies eat strawberries?

Yes, puppies can eat strawberries, but there are a few extra considerations to keep in mind. Puppies have smaller, more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs, so new foods should always be introduced gradually and in tiny portions. Start with a small slice of fresh strawberry and monitor for any signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction.

Since puppies are still growing, the majority of their diet should consist of a balanced, complete puppy food, and, on the other hand, treats like strawberries should only ever be occasional and make up a tiny part of their daily intake.

 

Can dogs eat frozen strawberries or other strawberry products?

Frozen strawberries as cooling treats

In moderation, frozen strawberries can be a delicious snack that can help to cool your dog down during the Summer heat. You can also slice some fresh strawberries into smaller pieces and mix them into a dog-friendly ice lolly.

 

Can dogs eat strawberry ice cream?

Strawberry ice creams tend to contain high levels of sugar and, at times, may contain artificial sweeteners. Due to this, it is recommended to avoid giving your dog strawberry ice cream.

 

Can dogs eat strawberry yoghurt?

A plain strawberry yoghurt that doesn't contain any added sugars or harmful ingredients can be given to dogs as a little treat. However, please feed in moderation and avoid if your dog is lactose intolerant.

 

Can dogs eat strawberry jam, jelly, or juice?

It is best to avoid giving your puppy strawberry jam due to the high levels of sugar, preservatives, and the risk of xylitol being present. The same applies to strawberry jelly, which is often made with added sugar, flavourings, or sweeteners that are unsafe for dogs. Similarly, strawberry juice should be avoided, as it is usually very concentrated in sugar and offers none of the fibre that makes whole fruit a healthier choice.

 

Can dogs eat strawberries for training?

Technically, yes. Strawberries can be used as a reward for training. The issue with using strawberries as a dog training treat is that you can only feed a small amount. Therefore, it might not be the best option or most efficient during training sessions. We would recommend opting for treats that are natural and low in fat and calories, allowing you to get the most out of your training sessions with your dog. Take a peek below at our customer's top training treat picks.