Skip to main content

Can dogs have strawberries? Benefits, risks, and how to feed them safely

Are strawberries safe for dogs to eat? Here's the full scoop

A brown and white dog eats a strawberry off a fork
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Your dog is a member of your family, and you treat them that way. You take your on trips, buy them gifts, and share the occasional snack together. But that doesn’t mean your pooch can share all of your favorite snacks. Certain fruits, like grapes, are toxic to dogs, and you should avoid giving them these foods at all costs. Others, like blueberries, are perfectly safe for your pooch. You’ve come to the right place if you’ve ever wondered, “Can dogs have strawberries?” Here’s what you should know.

The benefits of feeding your dog strawberries

Low-calorie and nutrient-dense, strawberries are a fruit rich in immune-boosting vitamin C and antioxidants. Strawberries are also high in fiber, making them an ideal choice for pups that struggle with occasional constipation. With minerals like potassium, which is necessary for muscle function and may help regulate blood pressure, strawberries can provide wonderful, nutritional benefits for dogs. Strawberries also contain magnesium and manganese, which improve your pup’s bone health and metabolism.

The potential risks of strawberries for dogs

While strawberries can provide health benefits for dogs, it’s important to keep in mind that you should only give them to your furry friend in moderation. Adding new foods to your dog’s diet can cause stomach upset, and feeding your pup too many strawberries can lead to gastrointestinal distress and symptoms like upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Additionally, the leaves, stems, and green tops of strawberries can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities, so their removal is extremely important. These parts of the plant contain a compound called oxalic acid, which can cause digestive problems, kidney damage, or in extremely severe cases, can even lead to death.

When feeding your dog strawberries, you also need to factor in any preexisting health conditions. If your dog has diabetes or kidney disease, it’s best to avoid feeding them strawberries as a treat, as the fruit’s natural sugars and oxalic acid content can lead to potentially life-threatening issues.

A chocolate brown lab licks his lips.
Janet / Shutterstock

Incorporating strawberries into your dog’s diet

When it comes to feeding your pup strawberries, start by giving them a small piece or two and keep an eye out for digestive upset. Small dogs can eat one whole strawberry, while medium breeds can eat three to four, and large breeds can eat up to five berries.

Dogs love snacking on human food, and while berries in general are relatively safe treats for dogs, it’s best to speak with your vet before giving dogs with any health conditions a new treat. Make sure to clean the fruit thoroughly, remove the inedible parts, slice them into tiny pieces to avoid choking, and err on the side of caution whenever you give your dog people food as a treat.

Editors' Recommendations

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Why do dogs like peanut butter so much? It’s more than just taste
Here's why peanut butter makes a great snack for dogs
Dog licks its nose while sitting

Every pet owner knows that a small scoop of peanut butter goes a long way toward making you a better pet parent, at least in the eyes of your pooch. A spoonful of PB is the perfect snack for many owners when trying to get Fido to take a pill or do a trick, but why do dogs like peanut butter in the first place? Like so many things, it's mostly evolution with a little human encouragement along the way.

Why do dogs like peanut butter?
Interestingly, while wolves and domestic cats are carnivores, dogs are officially omnivores. That means that they eat all kinds of foods, including meat and fruits, nuts, and veggies. Your pet cat can't really taste sweet things, but your dog definitely can (you knew that though, right). So it's a safe bet that part of the reason canine pets crave peanut butter and other similar treats is their insatiable sweet tooth.
Additionally, nuts, even in butter form, contain quite a bit of protein. Like us, pets need this to thrive and feel full. Of course, our buds will naturally seek out food that's good for them, like high-protein snacks. Lastly, one theory suggests that nut butters might smell meaty to animals. If that doesn't resonate with you, remember dogs have a sense of smell AT LEAST 10,000 times ours.
We may never get a definitive answer on exactly why pups go crazy for this gooey stuff — perhaps it's the smell, the sugar, or the protein. Most likely all three. And best of all, your dog's favorite snack is always whatever you happen to be eating. Don't be surprised if they start licking their chops any time you reach for the peanut butter jar for your own sandwich.

Read more
These 4 diabetic dog treats are healthy, tasty, & can be made in 30 minutes
Diabetic dog treats that are both healthy and delicious
a dog with his back to the camera reaches for a treat that a woman holds out

A diagnosis of canine diabetes can throw any dog owner for a loop, but with the right dietary management, these pups can live just as long and happily as any other. They don’t have to miss out on anything — even treats for diabetic dogs are becoming simpler to find... and to make! Homemade diabetic dog treats are a great option that gives pet parents more control over their furry friend’s diet, even just for treats. Every owner of a diabetic dog should consider them!
These treats are not only safe for diabetic dogs, but they’re also easy to make. Some take as little as five minutes! With diverse ingredients from veggies to protein and even a little fruit, you’ll have plenty of options to give your health-conscious pup something yummy. Who said healthy had to be boring?

What to look for in a healthy treat for diabetic dogs
When your dog has been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you may feel pressure to change every little thing about their diet. The good news is that many ingredients you have at home are perfectly suitable for your diabetic dog, and if you already make dog treats at home, you may not have to make as many changes as you thought.

Read more
Can dogs eat seafood? Yes, if you follow these tips
If your pup likes it, then why not make it a snack for them?
A brown French bulldog lies on the floor next to their black food dish

Dog food isn’t just chicken and rice. As healthy as these staples may be, variety is just as important when it comes to creating a balanced meal for your fur baby. There are many safe and nutritious protein alternatives to chicken or your regular dog food, including turkey, beef, eggs, and even fish. Yep — fish.
Many people foods are known to be safe for dogs, but seafood doesn’t usually make the list. Fish certainly isn't the most popular food for dogs, which might have left you wondering: Can dog eat seafood? Is seafood bad for dogs?

Can dogs eat seafood?
Absolutely! Dogs can eat seafood, but only when it’s prepared correctly. The meat of many fish species contains healthy fats and nutrients such as omega-3s that are great for a dog’s coat, but you must be extremely careful not to feed your dog certain parts of the fish, including bones — or shells, in the case of shellfish. Any seafood your pup gets also needs to be completely cooked, or you run the risk of bacterial or parasitic infection.

Read more