Are Strawberries Dog Safe? Everything You Need to Know

Strawberries are one of the favorite fruits among people, and surprisingly in dogs too. Now, you might think, is it safe to give strawberries to dogs? If you also have this question, then you are one of many concerned pet parents.

The short answer is Yes; strawberries are dog safe when feed them in moderation means in limited quantities. But it has some potential risks, which include your dog’s allergic reaction, choking, etc.

In the article below, we have briefly discussed its potential risks, safe feeding ways, along benefits related to dogs. So, without wasting any time, let’s get to it.

Are Strawberries Bad for Dog:

No strawberries are not Bad for dogs. In fact, it’s healthy for dogs only if you give them in reasonable limits. According to Healthline strawberries contain Fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, that are considered good for dogs. It is also low in calories, which is another good point if your dog has weight issues. It also has a high content of sugar, so if your dog has allergies, weight, or dental issues, then don’t give them strawberries.

Potential Risk of Feeding Strawberries to Dogs:

Feeding strawberries to your dog is safe, but feeding them in the wrong way or too much can lead to some potential risks. And that’s what you should look for.

Choking:

As you know, strawberries are safe for dogs, but they may cause choking hazards, especially in small dogs. So, what you need is to cut the strawberries into small pieces. The small, manageable pieces prevent the dogs from choking and also make it easy to digest.

Allergic Reaction:

Just like humans, dogs also have allergies, and some are allergic to strawberries. The signs of allergies in dogs are gastrointestinal upset, difficulty in breathing, itching, and swelling. If you notice any of these signs in your dogs, then stop feeding your dog strawberries and take your dog to the vet.

Content of Sugar:

Like other fruits, strawberries also have excess amounts of sugar, which can be problematic if fed in large quantities. Feeding too many sweets to your dog including strawberries can lead to obesity, diabetes, and tooth problems. So it’s important to feed your dogs in moderation.

Here is some of nutritional value of feeding strawberries to your dogs.

Proper Way to Feed Strawberries to Your Dog:

1. First of all, wash the strawberries and remove any contamination and pesticides.
2. Remove the leaves and stems from the strawberries for dogs.
3. Now, give your dog one or half strawberries and see if their digestive system handles it.
4. If yes, then give them the next one, but if not, then stop feeding them.
5. For small dogs, cut the strawberries into small pieces so they don’t choke on them.

How Many Strawberries can a Dog Eat:

When it comes to how much strawberries you should feed your dog, then it depends upon their size. If it is a medium dog, then you should give them two to three pieces, but if it is a big dog, then you can give them 4 to 6. You should know that strawberries should not exceed 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.

When it comes to how frequently you should feed them, then it should be occasional rather than regular to the dog diet. You should give them once or twice a week in limited quantity because it has sugar, and too much sugar is not good for a dog.

Related: Growing Strawberries in Florida

Fruits to Avoid Giving to your dogs

There is a list of fruits that you should avoid giving to your dogs because they can put your dog in danger by causing vomiting, breathing problems, panting, diarrhea, tremors, and even death. Below, I listed some of those fruits.

Coconut:

It’s not the coconut, but it’s water which can cause problems for dogs. Anything with coconut water or oil can cause loose stools or diarrhea. So avoid giving it to your dogs and other pets.

Grapes:

Grapes and raisins contain tartaric acid, which should not be given to dogs because they can’t digest it, which then can lead to kidney failure.

Citrus Fruits:

All citrus fruit contains citric acid, which causes irritation, vomiting, and even central nervous system depression in dogs. Although giving them small amounts is not a problem, but consult with a animal nutritionist to know how much would be small, according to your dog size.

Coffee and Caffeine:

Everything that has caffeine in it should not be given to dogs because they have a substance called methylxanthines, which can cause diarrhea, excessive thirst, vomiting, hyperactivity, panting, and even death. So avoid anything with the caffeine.

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FAQs

Conclusion:

Giving strawberries can be very healthy for your dogs, but when you do it correctly. Before start feeding strawberries to your dogs, you should know their benefits, risks, and different safety aspects related to your dogs.

I hope you have any questions, then feel free to ask them in the comment section, and I will answer them as soon as possible.