Dogs

Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Nicole Groshek  |  April 25, 2024  |  4 minute read

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Dogs can safely eat strawberries – they’re one of many human foods that aren’t toxic to dogs. Of course, you should always check with your veterinarian before feeding your dog a new food, including strawberries.

Strawberries Can Be Good for Dogs

Strawberries are low in calories and have nutrients that support overall health in dogs, including:

• Antioxidants
• Fiber
• Folic acid
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

Strawberries are also a hydrating food for dogs, which can be helpful if your dog doesn’t drink enough water.

Strawberries can be good for your dog’s teeth

Strawberries have malic acid, which breaks down stains on tooth enamel, and vitamin C which can help prevent plaque buildup. While the occasional strawberry snack might offer some dental health benefits, the best way to care for your dog’s teeth is with regular brushing and a daily dental treat clinically proven to control plaque and tartar.

Let strawberries be a special treat, not a mainstay

While strawberries can be good for dogs, you should only give your dog strawberries in moderation (more on that below). What’s best for your dog is complete and balanced nutrition from high-quality dog food. Just like us, dogs have individual preferences, and not all dogs will enjoy strawberries. If your dog loves strawberries you can use pieces of strawberry as a training treat, or add strawberry pieces to your dog’s food to encourage mealtime excitement.

Dog Food with Strawberries

Our chicken, duck and beef SuperBlends Meal Mixers have a blend of organic superfoods, including strawberries, blueberries and bananas, along with responsibly sourced raw animal protein.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Strawberries

Strawberries have a lot of natural sugar, which can give your dog indigestion if they eat too many. Feeding strawberries in moderation is the main thing to keep in mind if your dog begs for them!

Avoid Added Sugar & Sweeteners

Natural strawberries aren’t bad for dogs, but strawberries in processed foods often come with added sugar (which is bad for dogs) or artificial sweeteners (like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs). 

Don’t give your dog:

• Strawberries with sugar
• Strawberries in syrup
• Strawberry jam/jelly
• Strawberry candy
• Strawberry yogurt
• Strawberry ice cream 
• Strawberry desserts like cobbler, pie or cake

Clean Organic Strawberries Are Safest

Always wash strawberries before sharing with your dog to wash off any residue from pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Ideally, choose organic strawberries which tend to have less chemical exposure (though they should always be washed too).

Cut Strawberries Before Sharing

Don’t let your dog eat whole strawberries, which are a choking risk. Cut strawberries into safely sized pieces before feeding them to your dog.

How Many Strawberries Can I Give My Dog?

How many strawberries your dog can eat per day depends on the size of your dog and the size of the strawberries, so start by asking your vet what they recommend.  As a general guideline, you can feed one daily strawberry for small dogs, 2-3 for medium dogs, and 4-5 for large dogs.

Are Strawberry Leaves & Seeds Safe for Dogs?

Strawberry tops aren’t poisonous to dogs, but they have a bitter taste and are harder to digest. There’s a small chance strawberry leaves and stems could upset your dog’s stomach, so just remove the top (your dog probably won’t like that part anyway). Strawberry seeds are perfectly fine for dogs to eat – which is a relief, because it would be a lot of work to try and remove them all!

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Strawberries?

It’s unlikely your dog is allergic to strawberries, but there’s always a chance they could have an allergic reaction to a specific food. If you’re feeding your dog strawberries for the first time, start with a very small amount and keep an eye out for signs of an upset stomach or skin irritation. 

Frozen & Freeze-Dried Strawberries

Just like fresh strawberries, frozen and freeze-dried strawberries are safe for dogs as long as there’s no added sugar and you don’t go overboard. 

Frozen strawberries can be a refreshing warm-weather treat for dogs, but they can also be a choking hazard. Always cut them into safely sized pieces for your dog, or thaw and crush them into a lickable treat or meal topper.

Freeze-dried strawberries don’t have any moisture so they can be harder for your dog to eat – they tend to work best crumbled or mixed into your dog’s food. Always provide fresh water for your dog during and between meals!

Dog Treat Recipes with Strawberries

Here are some more ways to give your dog a delicious strawberry treat:

• Easy, 3-ingredient frozen dog treats with strawberry (first recipe)
• Strawberry banana bone broth pupsicles (first recipe)
• Frozen strawberry yogurt dog treats (from Chef Kiki Kane)

Remember that no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats, so portion out these recipes accordingly! The average strawberry only has about 6 calories, but calories from other ingredients need to be counted too. Keep reading to learn about more human foods that are safe for dogs (including more fruits like blueberries, watermelon, and bananas), as well as human foods that are toxic or dangerous for dogs.