Can Dogs Eat Wild Strawberries?

When out and about for a picnic in the forest, you may find trees with wild strawberries.

The first glance is capable of arousing your taste buds for a bite.

Wild strawberries are sweet with a sour flavor, making them drool-worthy.

You can’t help but pick some to carry home to share with your entire family, including the fluffy friend.

However, you don’t know if it’s fit for him.

So, can dogs eat wild strawberries?

Yes, dogs can eat wild strawberries but in moderation.

They contain antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber folate, and minerals.

Too much of them can cause stomach upset because they have high fiber content.

This article will look into the nutritional value, the health benefits, other healthy fruits, and ways to serve wild strawberries to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Wild Strawberries

Nutrition value of wild strawberries to dogs

  • Wild strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that boosts the immune system.
  • Potassium is vital for muscle function and nerve function. It regulates blood pressure by controlling volume. Potassium deficiency can lead to weakness and muscle cramps. 
  • Wild strawberries are also rich in antioxidants, which protect dogs from diseases by neutralizing the free radicals that can cause damage to their cells. The antioxidants help reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders such as arthritis and diabetes.
  • Wild strawberries are also high in fiber, which can help keep your dog’s digestive system running smoothly. If he gets constipated or has trouble passing gas, adding wild strawberries to his diet may help him feel better.
  • Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that helps produce red blood cells, maintains cell growth, and supports the nervous system. It’s also necessary for proper fetal development in pregnant dogs.
  • Manganese is an essential mineral for dogs. It helps support normal bone formation,metabolism, growth, and the thyroid gland. It also aids in blood sugar regulation, wound healing, and antioxidant activity. 

Health benefits of wild strawberries to dogs

Eye health

Wild strawberries contain vitamin A (beta-cryptoxanthin), essential for maintaining good vision.

This nutrient helps prevent night blindness by increasing sensitivity to light so that images can be seen more clearly at night.

It also helps reduce inflammation by fighting off free radicals, which may help prevent cataracts from forming in dogs.

Immunity

Wild strawberries contain high levels of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system by helping produce white blood cells that fight off infections or foreign substances such as bacteria or fungi that enter your pet’s body through wounds or cuts on their paws. 

It also helps fight off colds and flu and boosts energy levels.

Strengthen bones and teeth

Wild strawberries contain vitamin C, which helps strengthen the bones and teeth of your furry friend.

Vitamin C also aids the absorption of iron, which helps prevent anemia.

Help indigestion

The wild strawberry contains many nutrients that are beneficial for digestion.

These include fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.

Fiber helps to keep your dog’s digestive tract healthy by providing bulk for waste material to pass through easily without causing any problems such as constipation or diarrhea.

Potassium helps with muscle contractions in the digestive tract and reduces muscle spasms that cause pain or discomfort. 

Building strong bones and teeth

Wild strawberries contain phosphorus, which helps build strong bones and teeth through its role in forming hydroxyapatite crystals in teeth enamel.

Phosphorus also works with calcium to strengthen bones by promoting their mineralization into mature bone tissue.

This prevents osteoporosis and brittle bones associated with aging or diseases like rickets or osteomalacia.

Can wild strawberries be dangerous for dogs to eat? 

Despite being safe for the dog to eat,  wild strawberries can be harmful to the dog if consumed in large quantities.

Wild strawberries have lots of fiber which could cause your pup’s tummy upset.

It also contains fragine, an alkaloid that is toxic for dogs.

The common symptoms after eating wild strawberries are vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, seizures, and coma.

If these symptoms persist, call your veterinarian or visit the nearest veterinary clinic.

How many wild strawberries can dogs have?

The number of wild strawberries your dog can have is determined by size, weight, and allergic reactions.

Otherwise, consider the treat rule where wild strawberries should not exceed 10% of a serving.

When introducing wild strawberries to your mutt for the first time, give a small portion, then observe any allergic reactions.

If the signs show, discontinue feeding him with wild strawberries and settle for other healthy fruits.

Ways to serve wild strawberries to your dog

Strawberries are a delicious, nutritious treat for dogs.

Here are some ways you can serve strawberries to your canine companion.

Juice-  Juicing is a great way to give your dog strawberries.

You can add them to a blender with some water and other fruit juices like carrots or apples.

The juice makes a healthy drink for dogs, but it’s also an easy way to add some vitamins and minerals into their diet.

Chips- You can make dog treats from strawberries by cutting them into small pieces and baking them in the oven until they become crispy, like chips.

Then, you can mix these “dog treats” with some peanut butter for an extra treat!

Strawberry Ice Cream- If you want to go all out with your dog’s strawberry treat, consider making homemade ice cream using real strawberries instead of artificial flavors found in store-bought brands.

Add some cream cheese and vanilla extract to frozen milk, then add sliced strawberries and serve!

Other healthy fruit options to feed dogs apart from wild strawberries

Bananas

Bananas are a great fruit to give your dog because they contain potassium, which can help with muscle function and blood pressure.

They also have vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. 

Apples

Apples are another great source of vitamin C, and they also have some fiber in them.

Apples contain pectin, which can help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy.

Plus, apples taste good!

Apricots

Apricots are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help promote healthy skin and coat for dogs.

Apricots also contain iron, which helps regulate blood cells and improves oxygen flow throughout the body. 

Mangoes

Mangoes are another great source of vitamin A and beta-carotene, but mangos also contain plenty of fiber!

Mangos have a lot of antioxidants in them, so they may help keep your dog’s immune system strong and promote healthy skin and coat! 

Conclusion 

We hope this article was helpful in your quest to know if wild strawberries are suitable for dogs.

You can feed him with this fruit but in moderation.

Always look out for allergic reactions when introducing wild strawberries.

In case of severe symptoms, call your veterinarian.

Megan Turner

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