Can dogs eat strawberries? This question is among the long list of queries inside the pet owner’s head over the range of food they can safely feed to their pets. As constant companions of pets, owners must be conscious of the diet composition of their dogs. In this article, the benefits of eating strawberries for dogs will be tackled.
Strawberry Nutritional Benefits
Strawberry is considered a superfood because of the loads of nutritional and medicinal values they contain. Primarily, heaps of antioxidants and phytochemicals that are proven to alleviate heart diseases and inflammation-related illnesses are found in this fruit. Aside from that, strawberry is low in sugar, which is an essential element for dogs not to reach palpitation. This load of nutrients has been proven to improve the overall health of the consumer by reducing the risk of chronic diseases and cancer, as well as regulating blood sugar in the body.
Furthermore, this type of berry is also known to have high fiber and vitamin C, which are beneficial and compatible with any diet. Other compounds in the list include vitamins B, K, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and organic acids like ellagic acid and folic acid.
To learn more about these, entailed below are the specific benefits of different components to the health of dogs:
- Vitamin B – vital in reinforcing the metabolism of the body and the efficiency of the conversion of sugars consumed to energy; improves mental alertness and body agility
- Vitamin K – improves blood circulation and the body’s recovery from blood clotting or hemorrhaging in case
- Magnesium – assists in the ease of contraction and relaxation of the muscles upon movement; induces a calming effect to dogs; enhances the absorption of other minerals such as potassium, calcium, and zinc
- Calcium – contributes to strong bones and teeth of dogs that will minimize risks of bone and joint problems, fractures, or muscle shocks
- Potassium – supports in the overall functioning of the body, including the nervous system, muscles, and the heart
- Folic acid – deficiency leads to problems in small intestines and digestion; it also helps in the reinforcement of brain activity and other cells’ functionalities
- Ellagic acid – associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties; it improves liver function, regulates glucose levels, and has special properties that can fight cancer
- Omega-3 and fatty acids – proven to improve heart health and blood pressure as well as alleviate arthritis and joint pains
Other Fruit Delights
Strawberries are not the only ones in the fruit group that can potentially improve the overall health of dogs. The following are proven to be beneficial for dog consumption:
- Blueberry, raspberry, blackberry – Yes! All kinds of these kinds of edible berries. Berries are known for their choke-full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins
- Banana – This fruit is known to be rich in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B and can provide high energy
- Oranges – rich in vitamin C and minerals that can enhance the immune system
- Apples – high in dietary fibers and vitamins A and C; it can help strengthen the teeth of dogs and good sources of antioxidants
- Pineapples – abundant in fibers that can enhance digestion and contains loads of vitamins and minerals
- Apricot – contains beta carotene and potassium associated with properties that inhibit cancer growth
- Watermelon – rich in water content (at least 90%) that can refresh and hydrate dogs upon consumption; also rich in vitamin A, B, and C that can improve nerve functions
Precautions
Although fruits are generally associated with various inherent vitamins and minerals, not all of these can be safely consumed by dogs. Grapes, for example, are high in sugar that can trigger uncharacteristic behavior for dogs (sugar surge) and cause toxic reactions internally, leading to body complications. Particularly, this perilous component is found in the flesh of the fruit.
On the other hand, although the listed fruits above were regarded as safe to be consumed by owners in many accounts, it is still important to control the amounts of intake to be given to pets. Remember, this just complements the overall diet and has to be balanced with other components like protein and carbohydrates. A balanced diet is, nonetheless, integral in the sustenance of pets.
On the other spectrum, recorded side effects of overfeeding of fruits include gastrointestinal issues such as stomach and intestinal upset as well as thyroid malfunction, affecting energy levels and heavy fluctuation in weight loss or gain in the body.
Furthermore, it is also essential to be wary of the changes in the behaviors of pets upon consumption. Body language, as the most apparent one, can be read through cues like sudden weakness, stress, heavy panting, sweaty paws and face, dilated pupils, and other uncharacteristic facial figures. Skin allergies, heavy breathing, choking, uneasy pacing, unconsciousness, red gums, loss of appetite, or sudden vomiting are also elements that should be noted when checking for poisoning cases.
Among these mentioned cases, the owner should be ready anytime to heed the advice of the professional care/veterinarian, so as not to aggravate the situation. As a mindful owner, one must take note of the details of the incident such as the nature of food, amount of consumption, the date of eating, allergies of the pet, history, and other vital aspects. Treatments and diagnosis may be available for pets readily, but it is still best to be cautious about maintaining their health.
So, to answer the question “Can dogs eat strawberries?”, they can actually do. In fact, strawberries have a lot of benefits that your pet dogs can enjoy when they gobble on these healthy snacks. However, it is also crucial to avoid overfeeding strawberries to your pet dogs and to check their reactions or behavior after the consumption.