Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

There are few things more summery than a big bowl of fresh strawberries and with something that manages to be both healthy and tasty, it’s only natural to wonder if dogs can enjoy them, too.

So can dogs eat strawberries? Yes, they can! In fact, they’re actually one of the safest fruits you can share with them as they’re completely non-toxic.

Keep reading to discover the health benefits of strawberries and the ways you can include them in your dog’s diet, including:

• Strawberries are completely safe for dogs to eat in their natural form
• The fruit even has some health benefits for dogs thanks to the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants found in each one
• Parents can feed fresh strawberries in bite-sized pieces, mashed into a puree or as a frozen treat
• It’s best to be conservative with the amount of strawberries given to dogs as the fruit is high in sugar
• Dogs shouldn’t be given strawberry products that contain other ingredients, such as excess sugar, fat or Xylitol

Parents should be happy to learn that strawberries are just as good for canines as they are for humans. Here are just some of the health perks.

They’re Packed Full of Healthy Nutrients

They Contain Antioxidants

They Help Keep Teeth White

Parents should take care of their dog’s oral hygiene with regular teeth brushing, dental chews and professional cleaning, but a few strawberries can also aid in the effort.

There are many ways parents can give strawberries to their dogs. They can be eaten whole by larger dogs, but smaller breeds might need the fruit to be cut up into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, they can be mashed up into a puree or frozen and given as a treat on a hot summer’s day.

In terms of preparation, parents should wash the fruit, remove the core and cut the tops off. This leafy part is technically edible, but it’s a lot more bitter than the flesh and some dogs will understandably turn their snout up at them.

If the fruit’s out of season or you’re finding it difficult getting hold of them for whatever reason, it’s possible to find dog treats that feature strawberries in the ingredient list.

Can I Give My Dog Canned Strawberries?

It’s important to look at the packaging before giving your dog canned strawberries. That’s because canned fruits often contain added sugar or syrup, both of which will do no good for your dog’s insides or teeth. Look for canned products that contain no added ingredients whatsoever.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Ice Cream?

While dogs can eat strawberries in sensible amounts, that doesn’t mean they can eat any recipe containing the fruit. For example, parents might well ask ‘can I give my dog strawberry ice cream?’ and the answer is definitely not.

Strawberry ice cream is high in fat, which could cause a dog to suffer from a bout of Acute Pancreatitis or lead to Obesity and linked diseases, such as Diabetes. There’s also the real danger that ice cream contains the artificial sweetener Xylitol, which is poisonous for dogs.

Generally, it’s never a good idea to give dogs any desserts intended for humans.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Yogurt?

Small amounts of plain, unsweetened yogurt are generally safe for dogs to eat and parents could add strawberries to this mix.

However, it's not recommended to feed your dog any strawberry yogurt or flavored yogurt that contains added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other ingredients that are harmful to their health.

It’s recommended to only feed strawberries to dogs in their natural form — that means no added sugar or other harmful ingredients. So how many plain strawberries can parents give to their dogs?

Firstly, it’s best practice to start with a small amount and see how your dog tolerates it before moving onto larger portions — watch out for signs of stomach upset, including diarrhea or vomiting. This is a good idea for any new food or treat you’re hoping to add to your dog’s diet. 

If there are no adverse reactions after an initial taster, parents can look to increase the amount of strawberries they give their dog. However, moderation is key as they’re relatively high in sugar. As a rough guide, the smallest of dogs can be given one, medium-sized breeds should have no more four, and large canines can enjoy five.

Don’t be surprised if your dog doesn’t like strawberries, however — they have significantly fewer taste receptors than humans, so the flavor might not be as enticing. Many will happily eat them, though. Dogs’ ancestors, wolves, often supplement their carnivorous diet with berries and fruit.