If you’ve ever walked you dog around a wild berry bush, you might have noticed your four-legged friend can’t seem to stay away. But as any good pet owner knows, your pup can’t just pop anything in his mouth. Are strawberries good for dogs? Today we will explore the safety and nutritional content of this sweet summer snack.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
We all drop food every now and then and learned the hard way that most dogs act as a second vacuum. Maybe your canine has gotten his teeth on a berry or two and you’re wondering if it’s safe. The good news is dogs can eat strawberries.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) safely says there are many warm weather fruits and veggies that are canine approved. Strawberries are one of the safer choices for doggy nutrition.
Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
You now know that dogs can eat strawberries. But are strawberries good for dogs? It turns out that strawberries are quite nutritious for pups. (Just keep them away from the chocolate dipped treats at Godiva.)
Pet website Chewy reviews the benefits of strawberries for dogs. Strawberries earn points for having fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. As an added bonus, they are also fat-free.
Likewise, strawberries are a very low calorie treat. They are an ideal snack for dogs with weight management issues.
Why Should My Dog Eat Strawberries?
With so many treats on the market, why choose fruit options?
The AKC credits fresh fruit with aiding dogs with aging, weight management, and a strengthened immune system for canines. Moreover, swapping fatty, salty snacks with approved fresh fruit will also help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
What to Avoid with Dogs and Strawberries
A good rule of thumb for many approved human foods is to feed them to your dog in their natural form. This is no different when it comes to strawberries.
Avoid feeding your dog canned strawberries and syrupy ones. Dogs should not be consuming high amounts of sugar.
However, there are fun ways your dog can enjoy strawberries. There are many strawberry flavored dog treats on the market that are sure to keep your canine happy.
Just remember, all good things in moderation. Strawberries provide an excellent snack for dogs, but they should not be meal replacements. Also make sure not to give your dog too many berries in a day.
Dogs and Fruit: Safe Berries
The three best berries for dogs to eat are listed as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. Here’s a quick guide to these berry benefits.
Blueberries are full of fiber, antioxidants, and natural plant chemicals called phytochemicals. Strawberries are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and Vitamin C. They also have an enzyme in them that can aid in dog teeth whitening. Lastly, blackberries have free radical fighting antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins.
To round out the berry list, be sure to steer your dog away from pitted berries. Raspberries are also edible for dogs. However, they naturally contain xylitol. Because this sweetener is toxic to dogs, raspberries should be served in strict moderation.
Sweet Snacking: How to Serve
Dogs don’t sit down and carefully cut up their food, so it’s up to you to serve them safely. In order to avoid choking and aid in digestion, you should cut up strawberries before serving them.
In addition, you can puree or mash the berries up for smaller dogs to snack on. Feel free to add the mixture to normal dog chow. You can also freeze berries in water for a hot day treat or make homemade fresh fruit pops.
Remember to follow basic guidelines when introducing new foods to your dog. Start with small servings. Also make sure to monitor your canine’s reactions for possible allergic reactions or digestion issues. When in doubt, ask your vet.
Final Verdict
Do strawberries get the green light? They certainly do! And are strawberries good for dogs? It’s a firm yes. Berries provide many benefits for canines and humans alike.
Don’t be shy about sharing a bowl of strawberry goodness with man’s best friend. To read more about what berries dogs can eat, check out can dogs eat blueberries.
