Can dogs eat strawberries?
Can dogs eat strawberries?
The dog’s diet should be based on the intake of proteins of animal origin and, to a lesser extent, on the consumption of fruits, vegetables and certain cereals to complement its diet and provide the vitamins, minerals, fibers, etc., that it needs.
Thus, a healthy dog receives nutritional supplements from different food groups, which is not only good for his body, but also allows him to discover new flavors and textures.
Can dogs eat fruit?
The dog’s diet should be based on proteins and good fats, but this is not the only thing that should be consumed. In case of feeding the dog with feed, it is recommended that it be of quality, made with natural products and suitable for human consumption in order to avoid health problems and offer the best nutrition to the animal. Likewise, it is good to supplement the diet with natural foods that your dog will love.
Fruits are one of the food groups that dogs can eat. They provide vitamins, minerals, new flavors and are an excellent substitute for prizes or commercial sweets, since they are completely natural foods. Despite this, you should bear in mind that many of them have too high a quantity of sugar for dogs, so you should not abuse their consumption. It is recommended that the intake of fruits and vegetables does not exceed 10-15% of the daily diet, whether it is fed based on feed or if it follows a completely homemade diet.
Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes, dogs can eat strawberry , so there is no risk in allowing your dog to try this fruit. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) [1] , strawberries are not toxic to dogs and they can be eaten safely if they like them.
However, you should not forget that strawberries, like all fruits, are rich in sugar, so you should offer them in moderation . This means that, as we have mentioned, it is not advisable to exceed 15% of the total diet. Likewise, due to the fact that there are many fruits that dogs can eat , experts in canine nutrition recommend offering a variety of foods every day, so try not to give your dog strawberries every day, in order to provide him with different fruits.
Benefits of strawberries for dogs
It is known that fruits are healthy and more recommended than any other snack or treat, but what nutrients does each one provide? In the case of strawberries, in the United States Department of Agriculture database [2] we see how it is a low-calorie fruit , since 100 grams have 32 kcal. Likewise, it is not one of the fruits with the highest amount of sugars, which is why it represents one of the most suitable for dogs. To be more exact, 100 grams of strawberries provide 7.5 grams of sugars.
On the other hand, since 90% of its composition is water, strawberries are perfect for hydrating dogs , especially during the hottest days. Of course, for this we can also use other types of fruit, such as watermelon or melon, which will allow us to offer that variety of foods that is so important for the dog.
Continuing with the properties and benefits of strawberries for dogs , below we show one of the most important, in addition to those already mentioned:
- They provide vitamin C , which contains antioxidant properties
- They contain vitamin K , which helps strengthen bones.
- They provide vitamin B1 , which is responsible for converting carbohydrates into energy.
- They provide vitamin B6 , a vital element in the formation of red blood cells.
- They help delay aging , as they promote cell regeneration.
- They are rich in fiber .
- They improve the immune system .
They provide minerals such as magnesium and copper.
How to give strawberries to a dog?
Now that you know that your dog can eat strawberries and benefit from all its properties, it is time to discuss how to give strawberries to a dog.
Get fresh strawberries and wash them very well, discarding any bruised or dark parts. Then, remove the leaves that are on top, they are bitter and your dog will not like them. Then, cut the strawberries into pieces and that’s it! As you can see, it is a very easy procedure.
Regarding the amount of strawberries that a dog can eat, we have already said that the percentage of fruit is between 10 and 15% of the total daily diet. Thus, depending on the animal’s diet, its size, age and activity level, you can give more or less strawberries. Of course, it is important to introduce any new food gradually and observe the dog’s reaction to ensure that it is not allergic or intolerant.
Once again, remember that fruit is a natural snack that should be given in moderation and, always, varying the strawberry with another fruit recommended for dogs, such as mango or banana.
What to avoid when giving strawberries to a dog?
In addition to not abusing the consumption of strawberries, you should not offer it in the form of juice, either homemade or packaged, since the sugar concentrations are higher and would be harmful to your dog.
Similarly, never give your dog chocolate-covered or stuffed strawberries , as they contain theobromine, an alkaloid that dogs metabolize slowly and can cause health problems.
References
- ASPCA. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants. Disponible en: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/wild-strawberry
- USDA. Strawberries . Available at: https://bit.ly/2PAvyMe
