Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

According to Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care, fresh or unsweetened frozen strawberries are good for dogs. 

Here are a few of the health benefits of strawberries for dogs: 

• High in immune system-boosting vitamins C, B1, B6, and K 
• High in minerals, including potassium, iodine, magnesium, and folic acid, which help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. 
• Loaded with fiber to aid in digestion 
• Contain omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health 
• Contain an enzyme called malic acid that can help whiten your dog’s teeth 

Fresh and frozen, sliced strawberries aren’t bad for dogs, but there are a few potential risks to consider: 

• They’re relatively high in sugar. While strawberries have less sugar than tropical fruits, they can still be problematic for diabetic dogs or those with sugar sensitivities. A high-sugar diet can also contribute to weight gain and dental issues. 
• They can be a choking hazard. Whole strawberries can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. Slice or chop strawberries before serving them to reduce risk. 
• They can cause an upset stomach. The stems and leaves of strawberries can give your dog an upset stomach, as can eating too many strawberries at once. Make sure to remove stems and leaves before serving and keep portion sizes small. 
• To minimize risks, make sure you’re only feeding fresh or unsweetened frozen, sliced strawberries to your dog. Do not feed them strawberries that are canned, sugared or packed in syrup. The sugar content is too high, and these foods might have added preservatives and sweeteners like xylitol, which can be deadly.  

Also, skip chocolate-covered strawberries—chocolate is toxic to dogs. 

So, how many strawberries can dogs eat? Treats, including strawberries, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, with the rest coming from a complete and well-balanced dog food.  

Below are general guidelines provided by Dr. Bayazit. For reference, a slice is defined as a quarter of an average-size strawberry. Always consult with your vet before serving strawberries to determine the right portion size for your dog. 

And, as with any new food added to your pet’s diet, start out serving strawberries very slowly to see how well the fruits are being digested. Soft stool or diarrhea can be indications that strawberries do not agree with your dog or that they’ve consumed too many. 

Before giving your dog strawberries, you’ll want to do a little prep to make sure you’re feeding them safely: 

• Wash the strawberries. 
• Remove the tops, stems, and leaves. While leaves are not toxic, consuming them can lead to stomach upset.
• Chop or slice berries into bite-size chunks to avoid a possible choking hazard. For smaller dogs, you may want to mash or puree the strawberries and mix them into your dog’s regular food.

Once the strawberries are prepped, here are some ideas for feeding them to your dog: 

• Give them sliced strawberries as a treat. 
• Mix a few slices of strawberries with a small amount of plain, low-fat Greek yogurt. You can put this on top of their food or in a KONG toy. Remember, strawberries are higher in sugar, so it’s not a good option for dogs prone to pancreatitis or diabetes. You should also avoid giving yogurt to lactose intolerant dogs. 
• Add a few small pieces to your dog’s prepared food as a vitamin-booster. 

Homemade Dog Treats With Strawberries 

You can also combine strawberries with other dog-friendly foods to make homemade dog treats. Here are some recipes to get you started: 

• Homemade Disney Donuts for Dogs 
• Fruit-Studded ‘Pupsicles’ for Dogs 
• Strawberry Ghost Halloween Dog Treats 
• Carob-Covered Strawberry Dog Treats 

Store-Bought Dogs Treats With Strawberries 

Store-bought treats are another option. Here are some top-rated picks that are made with real strawberries: