Yes, dogs can eat strawberries, but you’ll want to give them a healthy serving according to their weight. This natural springtime fruit is rich in minerals, vitamins, and other key nutrients, making it a semi-healthy treat. Plus, their sweet ’n’ tasty flavor makes them a tail-waggin’ snack for most pups. But, like with all treats, moderation is key.
Here, we’ll help you introduce strawberries to your pet’s daily diet, offering insight on how many strawberries to give, how often, and when. Plus, we’ll also steer you in the right direction when deciding which types of strawberry products to treat your dog to (hint: stick with fresh, recently washed strawberries; dogs and vets agree these are the best!).
Key Takeaways
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Strawberries are safe for dogs in moderation: This natural fruit can be a healthy treat due to its rich content of minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients.
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Serving size depends on weight: Always consult your veterinarian for precise serving guidelines, but generally, smaller dogs should have fewer slices and larger dogs can have up to a full strawberry.
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Prepare strawberries properly: Always wash and slice strawberries into ¼-inch pieces to prevent choking hazards and remove unwanted stems or bugs.
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Moderation is crucial: Adhere to the 90/10 rule, where treats like strawberries make up only 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake. Overfeeding can lead to an upset stomach, weight gain, or even diabetes due to the natural sugars.
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Avoid processed strawberry products: Stick to fresh or frozen strawberries. Canned strawberries, strawberry yogurt, and other processed products often contain artificial sweeteners (like xylitol, which is toxic) and preservatives that are harmful to dogs.
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Puppies can have them with care: For puppies, mash or puree strawberries for easier consumption.
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Stems are not recommended: While not toxic, strawberry stems are difficult to digest and can pose a choking risk.
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Other berries are often safe, too: Blueberries and cranberries are also generally safe for dogs in moderation.
How Many Strawberries Can Your Dog Have?
Now, before you pop open the strawberry container and toss a handful into your dog’s bowl, we need to go over how much your dog should eat. This advice is based on your dog’s weight. Other conditions, like your dog’s medical history, are important to consider, too. So, to get a more accurate serving guide, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian.
First, start by washing your strawberries. This will help flush away bugs, stems, and other things you don’t want in your dog’s diet. Then, cut each strawberry into ¼ inch slices.
Extra small dogs (2-20 pounds): One to two slices of strawberries.
Breeds in this range include Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Rat Terriers, and Yorkies.
Small dogs (21-30 pounds): Up to three slices of strawberries.
Breeds in this range include Cocker Spaniels and Bull Terriers.
Large dogs (31-90): Up to a half of a strawberry.
Breeds in this range include Border Collies, American Staffordshire Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
Extra-large dogs (90+ pounds): Up to a full strawberry.
Breeds in this range include Bullmastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards.
If your dog’s new to strawberries, they may want to sniff the red, juicy fruit for a second or two. Start slow. Are you giving them multiple pieces? Offer up one or two at a time. Then, monitor your dog’s reaction and look for signs of an upset stomach. New foods might not always agree with your dog’s tummy. So, just keep an eye on them over the next few minutes to see if your dog tolerates this springtime fruit.
Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
Because they’re high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, strawberries are good for dogs. But your dog should stick to a serving that agrees with their size. Large dogs, like Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, and Cane Corso, can enjoy a bigger serving, while smaller dogs, like French Bulldogs, Toy Poodles, and Chihuahuas, should stick to a lighter serving size. If your dog eats too many strawberries, they can get an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries Every Day?
While you now know the answer to “can dogs eat strawberries,” you might wonder how often they can enjoy this super fresh, super tasty treat. For all dogs, regardless of size, breed, or age, we recommend the 90/10 Rule. Our veterinary friends at UC Davis have outlined this rule as a way to give our dogs treats. They say that 90% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should include healthy kibble or homemade, dog-friendly foods. Treats, like strawberries and other dog-safe snacks, should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Can Puppies Eat Strawberries?
Yes, puppies can eat strawberries, but make sure to give them an extra small dose. And since puppies might not always chew their food thoroughly, you may want to mash the strawberries up or mix them into a puree for easy licking.
Can Strawberries Be Bad for Dogs?
Too much of anything can be bad for dogs, even healthy, tasty strawberries. Because this fruit has a host of natural sugars, too many strawberries might lead to an upset stomach. And high sugar intake over your dog’s life can lead to diabetes and weight gain in dogs of all shapes and sizes. So, it’s crucial to stick to only giving your dog the suggested serving sizes and monitor them for changes in their weight and health.
Do Strawberries Help With Your Dog’s Skin & Coat?
Strawberries have a host of natural vitamins and minerals that can help fortify your dog’s skin and coat health. But daily strawberries might not be the best for their nose-to-tail wellness, thanks to their high sugar content. Plus, your pet probably won’t eat enough strawberries to reap all the benefits this fruit has to offer.
If you’d like to give your pet dog treats that help boost dermal health, check out our Skin & Coat Dogs Chews, made with a wide array of natural ingredients. These treats don’t contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or additives—no fillers, frills, or fluff. They use a targeted blend of ingredients to soothe hot spots, deter shedding, and promote hair growth in dogs. Just add a serving to your dog’s kibble and see the real benefits for yourself!
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Stems?
Strawberry stems aren’t toxic for dogs, but they don’t digest very easily either. Plus, they can often turn into a choking hazard for some dogs. So, it’s best to de-stem your strawberries before serving them to your dog.
More FAQs About Dogs & Strawberries
Can dogs eat canned strawberries?
Dogs shouldn’t eat canned strawberries, or any other canned fruits for that matter. You should only give your dog fresh or frozen strawberries. Many canned strawberry products contain a host of additives and preservatives that aren’t healthy for dogs. Plus, they come with a list of artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, which is toxic for dogs.
Can dogs eat strawberry yogurt?
While yogurt can contain a number of healthy nutrients for dogs, like prebiotics and probiotics, it’s not considered safe for dogs. If you’d like to treat your dog to strawberries, always stick with fresh or frozen strawberries.
Do you have to chop strawberries up for your dog?
Your dog might love burying their nose into a fresh strawberry, but it’s best to chop this fruit up before giving it to them. Strawberries come in weird shapes and sizes. Your dog probably doesn’t know how to nibble at them safely. And we certainly don’t want your pet to swallow the fruit whole. So, before serving your dog their favorite treat, chop the strawberries up into ¼ inch slices and only give a few at a time. You can also mash this fruit up, spin it up into a puree, or add it to other dog recipes to pamper your pet to a fresh, springtime treat.
Can dogs eat blueberries?
Just like strawberries, dogs can certainly eat blueberries. These little fruits carry a ton of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals key to your dog’s nose-to-tail health. Plus, they have a delicious taste that most dogs love. If you’d like to add blueberries to a dog diet, start slow and only give your pet a few at a time.
Can dogs eat cranberries?
Dogs can eat cranberries in moderation. Cranberries aren’t toxic to dogs, making them a safe, somewhat healthy snack for our furry little pets.
