Read This Before Feeding Your Dog Strawberries!

Wanting a happy, healthy dog is on the top of the list for many of us. There is a lot of information (often misinformation) on what we should and should not be feeding our furry friends. I’ve been doing some research on healthy eating for Goldendoodles, especially the introduction of human food into their diets. One superfood that is sometimes overlooked for dogs is strawberries. Are they good? Are they bad? Will they make my dog sick? If strawberries are good, how much should we be giving them?

I would like to share what I’ve come up with. Ideally, this will help all of us get and keep our Goldendoodles and any other dog on a healthy path by being a little better informed.

Can a Goldendoodle (or any other dog) Eat Strawberries?

Can a Goldendoodle eat strawberries? Research has shown that strawberries are one of three berries that are good for your dog. The three named are strawberries, blueberries and even blackberries!

Strawberries, specifically, are high in vitamin C, fiber, B1, B6, K, potassium, iodine, magnesium and folic acid. In addition, studies have shown that strawberries contain a specific enzyme that helps with your furry friend’s teeth.

Strawberries: The Good and the Bad

The Good

During my research, I’ve found the following benefits to providing your dog with strawberries as a regular part of their diet:

• Strawberries provide a low-calorie supplement to a dog’s diet.
  • This is especially good if your dog loves food and must be on a calorie-restricted diet.
  • It is also beneficial if you would like to give your dog a treat but want something that is healthy.
• Most dogs love strawberries and they make for a fun treat.
• As mentioned above, they provide multiple vitamins such as vitamin C, fiber, B1, B6, K, potassium iodine, magnesium and folic acid.
  • It’s like giving your dog a natural vitamin they love!
• Some research has shown strawberries contain a natural enzyme that helps clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath as it can be used as a natural dog chew.
  • This isn’t to say you should do away with your regular brushing routine, just use strawberries as a supplement to whatever routine you already have for your dog’s dental health.
• Some aging dogs have limited diets (such as protein restrictions) and giving them strawberries can serve as a healthy, low-fat, non-protein substitute with added health benefits of vitamins good for your dog.
• Many experts say that replacing your dog’s store-bought treats with nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables such as strawberries and benefit your furry friend’s health over time.

The Bad

While there are lots of benefits to giving your dog strawberries, you should also consider some of the cons as you move forward with deciding whether they are right for your furry friend.

• Just like humans, there are dogs that will have an allergy to strawberries. For this reason, introduce strawberries slowly. Experts say that signs of an allergic reaction are as follows:
  • Swelling
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (diarrhea may also be a sign of overindulgence)
  • Intensive thirst

If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your vet as soon as possible.

• While strawberries are not bad for your dog, they do contain sugar. Too many strawberries can give your Goldendoodle an upset stomach.
  • Too much of a good thing is just that. You don’t want to give your dog too many strawberries as it could result in painful gas or diarrhea. Just like humans, too many fruits and fibers can wreak havoc on digestive systems.
• Some dogs have problems digesting strawberries. If you choose strawberries to be part of your dog’s diet, you should introduce them slowly to ensure your dog can tolerate them.
• If you have other concerns about introducing strawberries to your dog’s diet, please discuss with your veterinarian.
• Strawberries may not be great for dogs with diabetes or cancer. Before making the decision to give a dog with diabetes or cancer this treat you should discuss any risks with your vet.
• You will want to stay away from processed strawberries you can buy at the grocery store. They often contain added ingredients that are not good for your dog. In addition, steer clear of foods that may contain fake strawberry flavor such as some yogurts, ice creams and other store bought foods.

Should I Give My Goldendoodle Strawberries?

Should you give your Goldendoodle strawberries? Bottom line, you know your dog and if no stomach issues or other health concerns exist all signs are pointing toward a big YES!

Strawberries are a great source of vitamins, help with digestion and most importantly they are a sweet treat for your furry loved one! They are an excellent addition to an already healthy diet and can be added to their favorite foods (ways to serve them are listed below). Experts recommend introducing them slowly and not letting your pet overindulge. For most of our Goldendoodles, strawberries are just one more great thing we can give them to let them know we care.

What Are Some Creative Ways to Give My Dog Strawberries?

There are several ways I’ve found you can serve your furry friend strawberries. One rule of thumb, regardless of how you choose to serve strawberries is to ensure they are well rinsed before serving to get of any residue dirt or chemicals. Following are some of the most common as well as some creative ideas to get you thinking:

• Sliced strawberries
  • It’s okay just to just slice them up and give them to your dog as a treat. Most research suggests not giving strawberries whole to your dog as it may pose a choking hazard, especially in smaller dogs.
  • Some people even suggest freezing the sliced strawberries for those hot summer days.
• Pureed strawberries
  • This would be especially good for older dogs that may not be able to chew as well as they used to.
  • You can even freeze the pureed strawberries and give it to your dog as a sweet, cool treat.
• Mix strawberries in with their favorite food
  • It has been suggested that you can even mix strawberries into your dog’s favorite foods. For example:
    • Chicken and strawberries
    • Dog food and strawberries
    • Carrots and strawberries
    • Strawberries and bananas
    • Strawberries and peanut butter (just be sure your peanut butter does not contain Xylitol as that can be toxic to your pet)

In order to answer some additional commonly asked questions about strawberries for dogs I’ve come up with a Q&A below:

Related Questions:

Do I need to give my dog organic strawberries?

The use of pesticides is a highly debated issue and for strawberries, the suggestion would be to apply the same standards for your dog as you would for yourself. Whether you go organic or not, be sure to wash the strawberries prior to serving them to get rid of any lingering dirt or chemicals the berry may have come in contact with.

How much strawberry is considered safe for my dog?

How much strawberry can depend on how your dog’s stomach tolerates it. Some experts recommend that any combination of treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Remember, your dog may be able to tolerate a little more or a little less depending on their system and other health factors.

Can strawberries upset my dog’s stomach?

As mentioned above, experts recommend introducing any new food to your dog slowly. You should know quickly if your dog’s system is sensitive to strawberries and should stop providing them if this is the case. Also, too much of a good thing is just that. Even if your dog can tolerate strawberries, too many can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. If there are other health concerns you have, consult your vet before giving any new food to your pet.

Can I give my dog the stem of the strawberry?

The research I’ve conducted shows that dogs can eat the stem of the strawberry. That said, they may not be very tasty for your pet so you may want to consider removing the stem before serving your dog strawberries. Also, eating too many stems can cause an upset stomach.

Will my dog like strawberries?

Just like humans, not all dogs like the same foods. That said, most dogs do like strawberries and can tolerate them well.

Can my puppy eat strawberries?

Your puppy can eat strawberries, but you may want to watch them closer than you would their adult counterparts to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions. As with adults, you will want to watch for any digestive issues or allergies with the introduction of a new food. Signs of an allergic reaction are detailed above.

Is it ok to give my dog strawberry flavored treats from the store?

While strawberries can be good for your dog, beware of strawberry flavoring and other store-bought strawberry products as they can be high in sugar or contain other ingredients that may not be healthy for your pet. Should you have questions on whether you should give your furry loved one a store-bought strawberry treat, contact your vet to ensure there’s nothing to be concerned about.

Are there fruits other than strawberries that I can give my dog?

There are! Other fruits listed as safe for our dogs are apples (stems and seeds removed), bananas, watermelon (seeds removed), blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cantaloupe (seeds removed) and mango (peeled and seeded). Some experts have stated that your dog can even eat cranberries! However, they tend to be sour and many dogs won’t eat them.

How do I know if my dog is having an allergic reaction to strawberries?

As mentioned above some signs of an allergic reaction are swelling, coughing, hives, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, intensive thirst or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, or any other worrisome signs after giving your dog strawberries, contact your vet immediately.

Can my dog eat wild strawberries?

Most experts agree a dog can eat wild strawberries. However, if your dog eats too many or eats too many of the leaves attached to the plan it may cause an upset stomach.

What are some fruits I should avoid giving to my dog?

One of the top fruits you should avoid giving your dog is grapes, no grape or raisin is good for your dog and could at best land you at the vet and at worst kill your loved one. Other fruits to avoid are cherries and tomatoes. In addition, lemons, limes and grapefruit can cause an upset stomach.