Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dog Eat Strawberries? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com There’s nothing like strawberry season. The fresh, juicy berries make a healthy snack for you, but can your dog have strawberries, too? It’s a good question to ask, since you and your dog have different systems and nutritional needs. Read on to learn if strawberries are a safe treat for your dog. Are strawberries good for dogs to eat? Strawberries are good for dogs. But feed strawberries to your dog like you would any other snack. Keep the portion size small. “Treats you feed your dog should make up no more than 10% of his total calories for the day. We love to eat strawberries because they are sweet. But sweet means sugar. And a lot of sugar, even in fruit, isn’t beneficial to dogs. That’s another reason to feed strawberries in moderation. Are strawberries good for dogs? Strawberries have some characteristics and nutrients that may be good for your dog. Strawberries have: • High water content • Fiber • Vitamin C • A teeth-whitening enzyme Strawberries (and some other berries) are known to contain natural compounds that act as antioxidants in the body. Research shows they are good for humans and some other animals, but whether or not there are benefits for your dog hasn’t been tested yet. What is the best way to prepare strawberries for dogs? Wash and clean strawberries for your dog just like you would for your family. Washing helps rinse away dirt and residual chemicals. Keep in mind that any food can be a choking hazard, even strawberries. So, after washing, trim off the stem. Is your dog a small breed dog or a puppy? Make strawberries even easier to eat. Cut them into small bits or puree them–mashing works well, too. For larger dogs, cut them in half or serve the berry whole. How should I introduce my dog to strawberries? Some dogs might not know what to do with the new texture of strawberries. So, you can try feeding them as frozen treats at first . Whatever way you serve them, start out slowl to see his reaction. If he likes them, you can try putting them on his food, but make sure he likes them first. Feeding the berries slowly means you’ll notice right away if they are causing a problem. Call your veterinarian if you notice stomach upset, digestive issues, intense scratching or an increase in thirst. Any of these can indicate strawberries aren’t right for your dog. Since strawberries are safe for dogs, are other berries safe, too? “Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cranberries are safe options for dogs, too. Although cranberries can be bitter and in general dogs do not like bitter taste.