Ripe strawberries have lots of Vitamin C, antioxidants and good fiber that are good for our health, but can dogs eat strawberries? Unlike other fruits, such as grapes and raisins that are toxic for dogs, strawberries are one of the best human foods you can share with your dog.

Strawberries for dogs: Are strawberries good for dogs?

If you’re wondering can dogs eat strawberries for breakfast as people do, the short answer is, no, although pups can enjoy these juicy fruits as an occasional treat. Like most human foods, strawberries contain high quantities of natural sugar that a dog’s gastrointestinal system cannot tolerate, resulting in an upset stomach.

However, that does not mean you can’t share this delicious treat together. A ripe, raw strawberry, cut into slices for your dog has fiber to aid digestion, and is a good source of Vitamin C for joint health, Vitamin Bs for energy and muscle health, protein to support skin and coat, and Magnesium for a strong heart and bones.

There is not enough research for exactly how are strawberries good for dogs in terms of nutritional quality, so always consult a veterinarian for the best advice before sharing fruit with your pup.

Nutrition Facts

One medium-sized strawberry  contains:

• 4 Calories
• 91% Water
• 9 g Carbohydrates
• 6 g Sugar
• 4 kcal Energy
• 2 mg Calcium, Ca
• 40 G.I (glycemic index) score

Source: Purina; AZVets, USDA

Which strawberries are bad for dogs?

While a fresh, clean, raw strawberry is good for dogs, there are also strawberries bad for dogs. If you’re feeding your pup strawberries for the first time, start with one slice and watch for any allergic reaction before sharing the rest of it.

Never serve your dog processed strawberries or any fruit in artificial sweeteners, sugar or syrup; avoid these types of foods that contain strawberries:

1. Chocolate covered strawberries
2. Strawberry or fruit cakes
3. Canned strawberries
4. Canned strawberry juices or powders
5. Strawberry energy drink
6. Strawberry jams, jelly, spreads, preserves
7. Baked goods
8. Some vegetable drinks
9. Salad dressings
10. Fruit snacks and bars
11. Cereals

3 Quick strawberry recipes dogs can eat

Strawberry Smoothie

• 1/2 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
• 1/2 banana
• ¹/₄ Cup water

1. Blend all ingredients together.
2. Serve one portion as a special treat occasionally.
3. Makes 3 portions

Strawberry Popsicle

• 3 Unsweetened strawberries, tops cut-off
• 1 Spoonful peanut butter (NO xylitol and NO artificial sweetener as these are toxic to your dog)
• ¹/₄ Cup water
• Carrot sticks
• Popsicle mold

1. Wash strawberries thoroughly to clean off any pesticides or other chemicals.
2. Blend peanut butter, water, and strawberries together.
3. Pour into a popsicle mold.
4. Add carrots as sticks to popsicle mold.
5. Freeze for a couple hours.
6. Serve one popsicle occasionally as a special treat.
7. Makes 3 portions.

Dehydrated Strawberry Slices

• 4 Raw unsweetened strawberries
• Dehydrator

1. Wash strawberries thoroughly to clean off any pesticides or other chemicals.
2. Cut off the tops of strawberries.
3. Slice into quarter inch thick pieces.
4. Evenly space out on the dehydrator tray.
5. Dehydrate for 8 – 10 hours at 135 F.
6. Remove from dehydrator and check that strawberries slices are dry.
7. Cool for 25 – 40 minutes, or until completely cooled down.
8. Store in a jar, in a cool dry place.
9. Service occasionally as a special treat.

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