Can Dogs Eat Dried Strawberries?

Dogs are intelligently sneaky pets, and chances are you’ve caught them scavenging for your snacks when you’re not looking.

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Sometimes it’s also hard to resist sharing some bits of foods we’re snacking on as a reward for good company or behavior.

While some fruits are toxic to canines, others are perfectly safe and nutritious to them.

So, can dogs eat dried strawberries?

Yes, strawberries are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber beneficial for your dog’s nutritional intake.

Although healthy, the dried variant is high in sugars, which might harm hounds in large quantities.

If your dog likes the taste, you can safely add them to meals or as occasional snacks.

Always consult your vet before adding new food to your dog’s diet and maintain the 10% treat rule.

Are you still wondering if dried fruits are good for dogs?

We highlight the health benefits of dried strawberries and list a few other dried fruits safe for canines.

Are dried strawberries good for dogs? Health benefits

Strawberries taste good and boast a high fiber, vitamins, and minerals content essential for your canine.

It’s also an excellent low-calorie treat for overweight pups.

Some of the nutrients include;

Rich in vitamins

Strawberries, dried or fresh, are packed with dense vitamins to boost your dog’s immune system.

Vitamins C and K aid in maintaining strong joints, and blood clotting, while promoting bone growth and development.

B1 and B6 vitamins in strawberries are a great energy source, help nerve and muscle development, and support tissue repair.

High-quality proteins

Dried strawberries are protein-rich and necessary for defending the body against pathogens and cell development, thus, aiding in wound healing.

High-quality protein gives your dog strong bones, great muscles, increased body mass, and improved nerve functioning.

It also promotes a shinier coat and skin.

Rich antioxidants

Dried or fresh strawberries contain high antioxidants, which boost your dog’s immunity by averting the oxidative damage to body cells caused by free radicals.

This, in return, helps prevent the prevalence of certain chronic diseases like cancers and heart disease.

The antioxidant properties also reduce inflammation in pups.

Rich minerals

Strawberries have potassium and magnesium, supporting heart health and preventing canine cellular damage.

Calcium aids in building and maintaining healthy bones and muscles.

The presence of potassium improves your dog’s cognitive functioning.

While cooper in strawberries boosts nerve function, zinc boosts the immune system.

Dietary fiber

Dried strawberries are fiber-rich, which helps improve bowel movement relieving constipation and flatulence.

Fiber also creates a sense of fullness, thus, regulating food portions and leading to weight management.

Similarly, dietary fiber nourishes gut-friendly bacteria, reducing your dog’s risk of digestive issues.

What makes dried strawberries bad for dogs? Health risks

Strawberries contain natural sugars, which are more concentrated in their dried form.

Although wholesome, they can be a health danger to dogs in large quantities.

High sugars

Dried strawberries have a higher sugar content than their fresh variants; this makes them riskier for canines in large quantities.

Increased sugars are dangerous for puppies prone to weight gain, diabetes, and pancreatitis.

High fiber

Strawberries are loaded with fiber which has numerous health benefits.

However, fiber has a laxative effect if fed in large amounts.

Allergic reactions

Some dogs may develop allergic reactions when introduced to something new like dried strawberries.

Mild reactions manifest as vomiting, bloating, excessive itching and paw licking, hot spots, and skin problems.

Some canines may experience extreme sensitivity to dried strawberries and develop severe reactions after ingesting them, although it’s not common.

Watch for signs like hives, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and face and neck swellings.

Stop feeding dried strawberries to your pet once you see these reactions.

Contact your vet immediately to avoid further complications.

What dried fruits are good for dogs?

Dried fruits are a quick source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins for your dog—sounds bizarre, right?

If you want a sweet yet healthy dog treat, here are a few dried fruits to try;

Dried mango: Mangoes are nontoxic, contain all-natural sugars, and are packed with essential nutrients that are great for your canine’s health. Feed your dog fleshy, soft, dried mango bits, avoiding the peel and pit. Check the label to ensure no added sweeteners that might be dangerous to canines.
Dried pineapple: 100% natural pineapples are excellent for dogs as treats. However, the dried variant is high in sugars; thus, feed your pup in moderation. Be wary that some dogs might react negatively to dried pineapples; therefore, keep a close watch if introducing it for the first time.
Dried jackfruit: This snack is made up of water, fiber, and natural sugars, thus dog-safe. However, store-bought dried jackfruit contains additives and sweeteners harmful to canines—be keen and check labels.

What happens when my dog overeats dried strawberries?

Although dried strawberries are dog-safe, they’re quite potent even in small amounts; thus, ingesting too much might be a problem.
However, that depends on several variables like dog size, weight, and underlying condition.
For instance, small breeds may be adversely affected by one medium piece, while large dogs will have to ingest quite a lot to have an impact.

Let’s wrap it up

Dried strawberries are a delightful treat for most people; regrettably, it isn’t the same for your furry friend, especially those with allergies or diabetes.

Strawberries are rich in minerals and antioxidants, good for your dog’s immune functioning, offer protection from oxidative damage, and improve digestive health.

However, the dried version poses a threat in the long run.

Although it’s tempting to share some dried strawberries with your canine pal, they’ll enjoy it better if you offer them in moderation.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.