Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Dogs can eat strawberries in moderation as the occasional sweet treat. They are full of vitamin C and fiber and some pooches find them super tasty. Other dogs may show no interest in them at all. Make sure, of course, that the strawberries are prepared correctly. Read on to learn more about feeding your pet strawberries!
Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?
You might be asking yourself if strawberries are good for dogs. The answer is yes, strawberries are good for dogs, but only in moderation. Strawberries are naturally free of fat and they contain plenty of:
- Fiber
- Water
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Naturally occurring teeth-whitening enzyme
In fact, some experts believe that strawberries may help boost the immune system and slow signs of aging. Strawberries are also low in calories which means they can help with weight management.
How to Feed Strawberries to Your Dog
When feeding your dog strawberries, you first need to remove the stems. While strawberries are already fairly small, it’s also a good idea to cut them into small pieces to eliminate choking hazards. This also makes the strawberries easier to digest and helps prevent blockages in your pet’s digestive system. For itty-bitty dogs, you might even want to smash or blend the berries.
The strawberries also must be free of sauces, especially chocolate. Chocolate is poisonous to dogs! You should also skip strawberries in sugar, syrup or any other type of topping as these can upset your pup’s stomach.
When feeding your dog any kind of food for the first time, look out for adverse reactions such as sudden weight gain, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea or skin problems. Any of these symptoms could indicate an allergy and you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Also only introduce your dog to one new food at a time. This way, if your dog has a bad reaction, you’ll know which food was the culprit!
