Can dogs or cats eat strawberries?

June 20, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat strawberries?

Yes, it's safe for dogs to eat strawberries, and they're a healthy and delicious treat option. Strawberries are packed with vitamins and minerals beneficial to both humans and our canine friends. These sweet treats contain high levels of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, iron, antioxidants, and more. These nutrients help boost your dog's immune system.

A dog's digestive system can handle small amounts of fruit without any adverse effects on their health. However, as with all treats, excessive consumption of strawberries may lead to indigestion or diarrhea. Also, it's essential to remove the stem and leaves before feeding your dog strawberries, as these can be choking hazards or lead to gastrointestinal blockages.

The bottom line: Some occasional slices of ripe strawberry are not only a tasty treat for your pup, but can enhance their overall health and well-being. Just remember to practice moderation and to keep stems and leaves out of paw's reach.

And remember, you should always discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pup's diet, especially if you have any questions or concerns. If your dog ever requires veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat strawberries?

The good news: Strawberries are not toxic to cats and can be a perfectly safe to eat in moderation.

However, unlike for dogs and humans, strawberries don't provide any major health benefits to cats. As obligate carnivores, cats can only derive so many from eating plant-based foods. Unlike dogs and humans, cats don't possess the types of enzymes (or taste receptors) that would allow them to obtain the same benefits and pleasure from eating strawberries. Digestive benefits are the most important positive health effect that cats can expect to receive from eating strawberries; the fruit contains beneficial fibers.

Ultimately, it's important to note that while strawberries are safe for cats to eat, they should only be given as an occasional treat or supplement to their regular meals.

As with any new food introduced into a cat's diet, it's always recommended to start with small amounts first, and monitor your cat for any adverse reactions such as vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, the stems and leaves of the strawberry plant should be avoided, as they can cause digestive issues in felines.

And remember, you should always discuss any dietary changes with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your cat's diet, especially if you have any questions or concerns. If your cat ever requires veterinary care as a result of eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet