Fresh strawberries are sweet nutritious fruity treats for dogs. Strawberries are loaded with fiber, high levels of antioxidants, and different vitamins and minerals, including folate and potassium.
While it may be tempting to offer your dog a bowl full of strawberries, pause it there. Much like most human foods, overfeeding could lead to several health issues such as gastrointestinal problems.
In this post, you will learn about the health benefits of strawberries for dogs as well as recipes for nutritious strawberry dog treats.
Are strawberries good for dogs?
Strawberries are high in fiber and full of vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for your dog. The fruit is a good source of vitamins that help strengthen the immune system.
Here are some of the nutrients your dog can gain by snacking on this fruit:
- Vitamin C
Boosts the immune system and keeps joints strong.
- Vitamin K
Assists in blood-clotting and promotes bone growth and development.
- Vitamin B1
Provides energy and helps in maintaining nerve and muscle function
- Vitamin B6
Supports muscle development and tissue repair
- Folate
Aids in metabolizing amino acids. It helps preserve the healthy state of cell membranes.
- High in fiber and vitamins
It prevents stomach problems such as diarrhea and constipation, helps in weight loss, and keeps colon cancer at bay.
- Magnesium
Boosts heart health and strengthens healthy bones.
- Potassium
Promotes heart health and prevents cellular damage
- Protein
Promotes healthy skin and shiny coat and. Reduces the risk of inflammation and prevents arthritis.
- Antioxidants
Fight off cancer and reduce inflammation.
Are strawberries safe for all dogs to eat?
Some dogs are prone to food allergies, and strawberries might be the trigger. Therefore, make sure to supervise your dog, especially when it’s his first time eating the fruit.
Feed your dog strawberries in moderation to prevent severe stomach upset. Look out for signs of an allergic reaction such as:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Sneezing
- Swelling
Bring your dog to the vet immediately if he shows these symptoms. He will undergo diagnostics and undergo elimination diet. This will determine what food caused the reaction. If it is strawberry, then you must not include the fruit in your dog’s diet.
Can diabetic dogs eat strawberries?
Always consult the vet before introducing new food to a diabetic dog’s diet. Keep in mind that strawberries are high in sugar. Feeding strawberries to a diabetic dog may worsen his condition.
If the vet concludes that strawberries are unsuitable for your dog, they may come up with alternative fruits that are appropriate for him.
Can puppies eat strawberries?
Give puppies only small amounts of strawberries; around ½ -1 strawberries will be enough. Keep in mind that puppies have a more sensitive digestive system compared to adult dogs. They may suffer from an upset stomach or diarrhea when they consume strawberries.
Monitor your pup when he eats strawberries. If your puppy shows signs of digestive problems, it is best to exclude strawberries from his diet.
Can dogs eat strawberry leaves?
Strawberry leaves are not toxic to dogs but are a potential choking hazard and may cause stomach problems. Make sure to remove the leaves before serving the strawberries to your dog.
Can dogs eat dried strawberries?
Processed dried strawberries are not good for dogs as they often contain too much sugar or sweeteners, which can harm your furry friend. However, you can feed him homemade dried strawberries without added sugar.
Can dogs eat strawberry jelly?
Dogs should be kept away from commercially processed strawberry jelly. Any strawberry-flavored products such as cakes and juices should be avoided too, since they have high sugar content.
Beware that sugar-free strawberry snacks can also be dangerous as they may contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. Thus, it is better to stick with fresh strawberries as the safest dog treat choice.
How much strawberries can a dog eat?
Strawberries should be served to dogs sparingly and in small amounts. Smaller dogs can eat 1 medium-sized strawberry, mid-sized dogs can have 2 / 3 strawberries, while large dogs can have 3 / 4 strawberries. They must make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
While strawberries are good for dogs, they have high sugar content. Overfeeding your dog with this fruit can lead to health problems. This includes excessive weight gain, stomach upset, and diabetes.
How to prepare strawberries safely for your dog
Strawberries are a simple and healthy snack to prepare. Here’s how to prepare strawberries that your dog can safely enjoy.
- Choose organically grown strawberries. These are less exposed to pesticides, making it safer for your dog to eat.
- Thoroughly wash the strawberries to remove any harmful bacteria or chemicals.
- Remove the strawberry leaves.
- Make sure to cut them into small pieces to avoid the risk of choking.
- Fresh strawberries are highly recommended, but you can also serve frozen strawberries.
Sweet Strawberry Dog Treats
Turn fresh strawberries into tasty dog treats with the help of these recipes:
Strawberry Banana Biscuits
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 ripe banana, mashed well
- 1 egg, beaten well
- ½ cup oats
- 1/3 cup creamy all-natural and unsalted peanut butter
- 5-6 strawberries, hulled and diced
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 300F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix the butter, egg, flour, mashed banana, oats, and peanut butter until incorporated. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface at least 3 to 4 times. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Cut the rolled dough into different shapes using a cookie cutter.
- Place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it cool, and serve it to your dog. Place leftover cookies inside an airtight container or resealable bag and store them in the freezer.
Strawberry Pupsicle
Ingredients
- 1 sliced banana
- 1 ½ cups of plain Greek low-fat yogurt
- ¼ cup of skim milk
- 2 cups of sliced strawberries
- 3 tablespoons of honey
Directions:
- Place all the ingredients in a blender.
- Set the blender to medium speed and blend for at least 2 minutes.
- Pour the blended mixture into the mold or ice cube trays.
- Place it in the fridge until frozen, and serve it to your pup.
- Store leftover pupsicles in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag.
