Read time: 5 mins
04 May 2023
Strawberries are such a tasty summer treat, it makes sense that you might want to split some of the deliciousness with your four-legged friend. They contain lots of great nutrients and dogs, being omnivores, should share in that, right?
The answer is yes, dogs can eat strawberries.
However, we would recommend feeding strawberries as a treat, in small quantities.
Although strawberries aren’t harmful to pups, they should only be enjoyed as a treat. This means only feeding them to your dog occasionally and keeping a beady eye on how many they’re wolfing down. They contain lots of sugar which isn’t great for a dog’s health and eating too many might cause an upset tummy.
However, these bright red fruits are indeed packed full of lots of good stuff that's beneficial for dogs. So they're both a delicious and nutritious treat. You’ll find (deep breath here) vitamins B1, B6, C and K in strawberries, along with potassium, iodine, folic acid and Omega-3 in there.
Strawberries can aid in upping your pooch’s vitamin and mineral intake, helping to ensure they stay as fit and healthy as possible. B vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and a lovely shiny coat, while vitamin C helps reduce inflammation and cell damage.
Of the minerals found in strawberries, magnesium is one of the most important. It helps to build healthy bones, keep the nervous system working and produce energy for cell repair. As part of a balanced diet, strawberries could be just the thing to satisfy your pooch’s sweet tooth.
Strawberries are best served to your pup in their raw, fresh form.
Although your dog can eat strawberries straight from the fridge (after being washed of course), an extra-fun way to serve them up during warm weather is by freezing them. Even the cleverest of pups will be intrigued by the change in texture. Plus, strawberries from the freezer are a fab way to cool down when it's hot outside. They’re way more appetising and often less messy than ice cubes – they certainly won’t hang around long enough to melt.
It's important to avoid tinned, processed or sweetened strawberries because these can contain (even more) added sugar and synthetic sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Although they are unlikely to be harmful, we would recommend removing the green leaves on top of strawberries before serving them to your pooch.
Strawberry stems and leaves are not toxic to dogs but they do pose a choking risk and can cause gastrointestinal obstructions. Big thumbs down to upset stomachs. Plus, they’re not exactly the tastiest part of a strawberry and the bitter taste might leave your dog feeling unsatisfied.
No, dogs should not eat strawberry jam.
Jam is typically laden with sugar, citric acids and preservatives, all of which can wreak havoc to dogs digestive systems. Regardless of how ‘natural’ a jam may claim to be, it is not a beneficial addition to your dog's diet and should be avoided at all costs.
Ideally, you should try to feed your dog organic strawberries, but we know that’s not always possible. So, before serving them to your pup, strawberries should be thoroughly washed to get rid of any lingering dirt and traces of pesticides.
Once you've washed the berries, you can feed them directly to your pup as a special surprise. It’s a good idea to cut any large berries in half, particularly for toy breeds who might struggle to get their mini gnashers around a whole berry. Similarly, be mindful of small strawberries as a choking hazard for bigger breeds.
You can also feed strawberries to your dogs in pureed or mashed form which is a good option if your dog has trouble chewing or digesting food.
For an extra enrichment activity, you can spread mashed strawberries onto a LickiMat to get your pup’s mind ticking.
Because strawberries are a natural alternative to processed dog treats, they’re great to offer as a snack, especially in the summer months. Grab a handful of juicy strawberries and you might get a squeal of excitement or a drool of delight (mops at the ready, everyone).
Strawberries are fantastic training rewards, especially if you tend to give out the same treats all the time. Like many of us, pooches thrive on variety.
At Butternut Box, our meals are jam packed with fruit and vegetables, alongside human-grade meat and lots of tasty herbs. There’s no need for you to add anything to our complete meals as they contain all the ingredients your dog needs to thrive, thanks to our super-smart personalised algorithm.
However, if you feel like giving your pup an extra treat you could consider mashing some berries and mixing them in with their usual food.
As an occasional goody, strawberries can be a tasty and nutritious treat that many dogs love. When you next buy a punnet, remember to save a few for your furry friend before you polish them off all by yourself.
Of course, you should always consult your vet if your dog has a medical condition that might mean they can’t eat some types of food. If your pup is healthy then a treat of organic strawberries that are free from chemicals will be im-paws-ible to resist. Be sure to start with small portions, major changes to your dogs diet can leave them with an upset stomach.
If your dog is showing any adverse signs of a reaction, such as vomiting, diarrhoea or lethargy, consult your vet immediately to be on the safe side.
Butternut Box customers have free, 24/7 access to our Vet Nurse helpline who are always on hand (or paw) to help you with any concerns you may have, no matter how big or small.
