Can my dog eat strawberries?
By Nicole Olewinski BVSc MRCVS
Yes, dogs can eat strawberries, but there are a few things to consider first. These summer garden party stars are packed with nutrients, but like any treat, they’re best served in moderation. Some dogs love strawberries, others turn up their nose – either way, it’s important to understand how strawberries fit into your pup’s diet.
#Are strawberries good for dogs?
Strawberries are full of beneficial nutrients that can support your dog’s health when fed occasionally:
- Vitamin C – Supports immune function and tissue repair
- Folate (Vitamin B9) – Aids healthy cell growth and development
- Fibre – Helps digestion and supports steady blood sugar levels
- Manganese – Supports bone health and metabolism
- Potassium – Regulates heart function and muscle contractions
- Antioxidants – Help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage
- Other vitamins and minerals – Including small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamins B6, K, and E for overall wellbeing
But you can still have too much of a good thing! Strawberries contain natural sugars and fibre, which can upset your dog’s tummy. Diarrhoea or a gurgling belly might mean you’ve overdone it a bit. Always offer a very small amount of any new food as a trial before you build it into your pup’s diet.
#Can dogs eat strawberry leaves?
Strawberry leaves aren’t considered toxic and don’t contain any harmful natural compounds in significant amounts. That said, they’re tough, fibrous, and not particularly digestible. If your dog eats a few by accident while munching on a berry, it’s unlikely to cause harm – but a large number could lead to an upset stomach or even vomiting.
It’s also worth noting that strawberries appeared at the top of the EWG’s 2024 Dirty Dozen list, meaning they’re more likely to carry pesticide residues. As a precaution, always wash strawberries thoroughly and remove the leaves before offering them to your dog.
#Are strawberries poisonous to dogs?
No, strawberries themselves are not poisonous. In fact, they’re one of the safer fruits you can share with your dog. But not all things strawberry-flavoured are safe. Processed foods with strawberry flavouring often contain sugar, artificial additives, or worse, xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Another thing to watch out for is the choking hazard. Frozen strawberries could pose a risk to almost any-sized dog, but especially smaller breeds. Stick to fresh strawberries or chopped frozen slices to make things easier (and safer) for your pup to enjoy.
#Can dogs eat strawberry jam?
No jam, please! Traditional jam is far too sugary to be healthy, and many “sugar-free” or “low-sugar” versions contain xylitol, a sweetener that’s toxic to dogs. In the high levels found in human foods, xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar – and in some cases, even liver failure.
Even if the jam doesn’t contain xylitol, the high sugar content isn’t doing your pup’s dental health – or waistline – any favours. If they sneak a lick, it probably won’t hurt, but check the label and be cautious if your dog is diabetic.
#Can dogs eat strawberry yoghurt?
This one’s a bit trickier. Many owners safely feed small amounts of plain live yoghurt to their dogs, especially if their pup tolerates dairy. But store-bought strawberry yoghurt is another matter entirely.
Most flavoured yoghurts are full of added sugars or sweeteners like xylitol – bad news for dogs. If you want to offer a special treat, try blending a spoonful of plain yoghurt with 1–2 fresh strawberries. But introduce both ingredients separately first, so you know your dog handles them well.
And keep in mind, not all dogs do well with dairy. If your pup ends up gassy, bloated, or with runny poos, yoghurt may not be for them.
#Conclusion – Can dogs eat strawberries?
Yes! When served in moderation, strawberries can be a tasty, vitamin-rich treat. Just keep it simple:
- Wash and hull strawberries before feeding
- Feed fresh or chopped frozen berries – never whole frozen ones
- Avoid jam and flavoured yoghurt – too much sugar or toxic xylitol
- Stick to small portions appropriate to your dog’s size
- Always watch for tummy trouble when introducing any new treat
Like most fruits, strawberries aren’t essential, but they can be a fun, healthy extra for dogs who enjoy them. Just serve them with a bit of care and common sense.
