Holding those leafy green stems and taking a big bite out of a juicy, bright red strawberry can be a highlight for anyone’s day — including your dog’s!
So, are strawberries healthy for dogs?
Yes, strawberries are an excellent healthy snack that your dog can enjoy daily. Strawberries are 91% water, a great source of manganese, rich in Vitamin C, and provide your dog with a healthy mix of vitamins and minerals.
As a bonus, you can even grow them yourself. Growing strawberries and most other berries is a simple, savvy way to save money on treats if you don’t have a green thumb.
How many strawberries can I give my dog?
The number of strawberries you can give your dog will depend on their size. A general rule of thumb is to start with one strawberry for small dogs, two for medium dogs, and three to five for large dogs per day.
When deciding how much of any snack you should give your dog, the number of calories is always an important factor.
Strawberries are a great low-calorie treat, with only 33 kcals per 100 grams, but they contain more sugar than other healthy snacks. If your dog is overweight or on a weight loss diet, keep their intake to a small, occasional piece of strawberry.
If you plan to start giving your dog strawberries, save them as a healthy treat alternative. Fruits should not be considered part of your dog’s regular meal.
Anytime you introduce a new food to your dog’s diet, start slow and monitor how your dog reacts before increasing their intake.
The health benefits of strawberries.
Rich in antioxidants, berries, in general, are known as some of the healthiest fruits you can eat. Your dog can benefit from adding strawberries to their regular treat rotation since they offer numerous vitamins and minerals.
- The vitamin C in strawberries acts as an antioxidant and can help protect your dog’s cells from damage.
- Manganese helps your dog’s metabolism function properly, while the fiber content aids in their digestion.
- Vitamin B, potassium, magnesium, and folate are also present in strawberries and contribute to various health benefits for your dog.
Strawberries can even whiten your dog’s teeth since they contain malic acid, an antiseptic enzyme. Be cautious, however; like any food with high citric acid, too much at one time can also damage the enamel on teeth.
What berries are safe for dogs?
In addition to strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries and blueberries are all excellent choices for a healthy dog snack.
When feeding your dog berries, avoid mixing too many types of berries at once. Instead, rotate new berries seasonally, weekly, or monthly.
Many fruits, including berries, can introduce your dog to new allergens. If your dog suffers from an allergic reaction, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Benadryl is safe for most healthy dogs with mild allergic reactions. 2-4 milligrams of Benadryl per kilogram (0.9 to 1.8 milligrams per pound) is recommended by the Merck Veterinary Manual over an 8-12 hour period.
Rotating your dog’s fruit intake gives them time to adjust to the new snack and allows you to spot any adverse reactions they have to the fruit.
Always rinse fruits before giving them to your dog.
Pesticides and other chemicals can linger on the surface of fruits and vegetables.
Give your strawberries a quick rinse under cool water and dry them before offering them to your pup.
Final Thoughts.
The best part of introducing fruits to your dog’s diet is the chance to enjoy them together.
What are the benefits of strawberries for dogs?
Strawberries can replace high-calorie, processed dog treats for a healthy, refreshing snack. They are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and only contain 33kcals per 100grams — about eight medium-sized strawberries.
Now that you know all about feeding strawberries to your dog, go enjoy one with your favorite companion.
What’s your pup’s favorite fruit? Share this article and let us know!
