Most dogs love raw fruit and vegetables – find out whether or not strawberries should be on the menu
From summer afternoon teas to Wimbledon, we tend to think of strawberries as a delicious seasonal treat.
They’re low in calories and packed with vitamins, making them a perfect snack – and that goes for dogs, too.
Yes, they can be. Strawberries contain vitamin C, vitamin B9, and potassium, but they’re also high in sugar.
So, it’s best not to feed your dog too many, especially if they have weight or health problems.
Always remove any leaves and stems from strawberries destined for canine consumption, and just feed the fruit itself.
While the strawberry leaves aren’t toxic, they are bitter and can cause tummy problems.
Fresh is always best. Never resort to feeding tinned strawberries, as they’re usually preserved with syrup and contain other additives which aren’t good for dogs.
As with all new foods, introduce strawberries a little at a time.
Wash the fruit carefully and remove any stems and leaves, then cut it into pieces to reduce any chance of choking.
Small dogs should stick to one strawberry a day, while larger breeds can have a couple.
You can also mush the fruit into a bowl or sprinkle it on meals. While some dogs love strawberries, others dislike the taste or texture so be prepared for your kind offer to be rejected!
Just don’t let your pet give you the old puppy eyes and charm you into giving them the whole punnet.
You could also try introducing other healthy raw fruit into your dog’s diet – check out our approved list here.
No, it’s best to give these a miss. While they’re not poisonous – like tomato leaves – they’re bitter and give your dog a stomach upset.
Yes, they can, in the same moderation as fresh berries. Hot dogs might well appreciate a cool treat on a summer day.
Most commercial brands of fruit yoghurt have additives like sugar, colouring or stabilisers, so steer clear.
Diet yoghurts can also contain sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.
Instead, try mixing a spoon of plain yoghurt with a chopped-up strawberry as a special treat.
Ice cream is high in sugars and fats which aren’t conducive to canine health, so avoid ice cream at all costs.