Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

Yes, dogs can eat strawberries. Fresh or frozen strawberries are a safe, low-calorie treat for most dogs in small amounts, as long as you remove the green tops and cut them into small pieces.^1,2 They're sweet, so keep portions small, especially for dogs that are overweight or diabetic. Avoid strawberry yogurt, ice cream, jam and anything sweetened, which can contain sugar or xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs.^2,3

Strawberry Nutrition for Dogs

Strawberries are mostly water, with some fiber, vitamin C and manganese. Dogs make their own vitamin C, so it isn't an essential nutrient for them, but strawberries are a low-calorie alternative to processed treats.^4,1

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw strawberries.⁴

How Many Strawberries Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^5,6 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁷ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Strawberries are low in calories, so the real limit is stomach upset and sugar, not calories. The American Kennel Club suggests one to three strawberries a day as a starting point, with less for small dogs.¹ PetMD's portions, using slices about a quarter inch thick, are below.²

Slice and handful calories are our estimates, based on a medium berry cut into about 4 slices and a handful of about 1/4 cup sliced.

How to Serve Strawberries to Your Dog

• Wash them well and remove the green tops and stems, which can upset the stomach.^1,2
• Slice, chop or mash them. Whole strawberries can be a choking risk, especially for small dogs.¹
• Try frozen slices as a cool summer treat, letting them soften slightly first.²
• Mash a few into your dog's food or blend them with plain, unsweetened, xylitol-free yogurt.²
• Start with one or two pieces and watch for loose stool before giving more.

Risks and When to Skip Strawberries

• Too many: can cause vomiting, diarrhea or a sore stomach.²
• Sugar: dogs with diabetes or a weight problem may be better off with lower-sugar treats like cucumber or green beans. Ask your vet.²
• Choking: always cut berries for small dogs and dogs that gulp.¹
• Allergies: rare, but stop if you notice itching, swelling or stomach upset.^1,2
• Sweetened products: strawberry yogurt, ice cream, syrups and sugar-free desserts may contain xylitol. See xylitol poisoning.³
• Chocolate-covered strawberries: the chocolate is the problem. See dog ate chocolate.

Can Puppies Eat Strawberries?

Yes, in moderation. Puppies can have a small piece or two of washed, cut-up strawberry once they're eating solid food and getting treats, which is usually from about 8 weeks old.^2,6 Introduce one new food at a time and stop if your puppy gets an upset stomach.

Are Strawberries Good for Dogs?

Strawberries give dogs fiber, water and antioxidants with very few calories, which makes them a good swap for fatty or processed treats.^1,4 Claims that they whiten teeth or slow aging haven't been tested in dogs. No published studies have looked at strawberries in dogs, so the benefits are based on what's in the fruit rather than on dog research.

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.² If your dog ate a strawberry product that contained xylitol or chocolate, call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even if he seems fine. See dog poisoning.

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