Can puppies eat strawberries?
Yes
In small amounts, as an occasional treat. Wash them, remove the stems and leaves, and cut them small.
Short answer
Yes, puppies can eat strawberries in small amounts, according to the American Kennel Club. Wash them, remove the stems and leaves, and cut them small. Treats of every kind should stay under 10 percent of daily calories. Avoid canned, syrup-packed or strawberry-flavored products, which may contain xylitol or added sugar. Ask your veterinarian before adding any new food.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your puppy is unwell, seems in pain, or you are unsure, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital. Read our medical disclaimer.
Key takeaways
- The AKC says dogs can eat strawberries “in moderation”.
- Keep all treats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories.
- Wash, remove stems and leaves, and cut into small pieces.
- Skip canned, syrup-packed and strawberry-flavored products: they can contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, or too much sugar.
- No source gives a puppy-specific amount, so start tiny and ask your veterinarian.
Is it safe for a puppy to eat strawberries?
Yes, in moderation. The American Kennel Club (AKC) answers “Yes, in moderation” and describes strawberries as a low-calorie, healthy sweet treat with antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. A puppy gets its nutrition from a complete and balanced puppy food, so strawberries are a treat and never a meal.
The sources we read are about dogs in general, and none gives a puppy-specific amount by weight. For a young puppy, start with a very small piece, watch how your puppy reacts, and ask your veterinarian before adding any new food.
How many strawberries can a puppy eat?
The AKC gives two limits. First, treats of all kinds “should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.” Second, for strawberries it says “one to three strawberries per day is a reasonable starting point depending on their size,” and that smaller dogs should have less. Those numbers are for dogs in general, so for a puppy treat the lower end as a ceiling.
The 10 percent rule is easier to use with your puppy’s daily calories. The table applies it to the veterinary energy formula used in our puppy feeding calculator.
| Weight now | Under 4 months old | 4 months old or older |
|---|---|---|
| 10 lb | 65 | 44 |
| 20 lb | 110 | 73 |
| 30 lb | 149 | 99 |
| 40 lb | 185 | 123 |
Treats include chews, training rewards and anything you drop in the bowl. If strawberries are one of several, they share that allowance.
How do I prepare strawberries for a puppy?
- Wash them thoroughly.
- Remove the stems and leaves, as the AKC advises.
- Cut them into small pieces. The AKC says this reduces the risk of choking and aids digestion.
- For a small puppy, mash or puree the berries and stir a little into the food. The AKC describes this for small dogs.
- Frozen, cut-up strawberries are suggested by the AKC as a summer treat.
Which strawberry products should puppies avoid?
The AKC warns about three things:
- Strawberry-flavored products. They may contain artificial sweeteners “that are toxic to dogs (like xylitol)”. Check the ingredient list on any strawberry-flavored treat or spread.
- Canned and syrup-packed strawberries. The AKC says they have too much sugar, and they may also contain xylitol.
- Whole berries. They are a choking risk, especially for small breeds, which is why we cut them up.
Xylitol also turns up in baked goods and some nut butters, as the AKC notes on its bread page. See can puppies eat bread.
What are the warning signs, and when should I call the vet?
Strawberries are described as low risk, but the AKC lists what to watch for:
- Loose stools or diarrhea, which can follow too many strawberries at once.
- Changes in behavior or digestive upset.
- Itching, swelling or digestive changes, which may signal a rare allergic reaction.
If you see any of these, stop feeding strawberries and check with your veterinarian. If your puppy ate a large amount, or shows any of these signs, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (opens in a new tab). This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and our medical disclaimer explains the limits.
Should I ask my vet before giving strawberries?
Yes if your puppy is overweight, has diabetes or a sensitive stomach. The AKC notes that the natural sugar in strawberries is a concern for dogs with diabetes or those prone to weight gain, and advises checking with a veterinarian before introducing any new food. Watch your puppy the first time and offer a very small amount.
What other fruit can puppies eat?
Each fruit has its own answer. The AKC says dogs can eat bananas as an occasional treat (peel removed) and pineapple flesh in small amounts. It calls grapes and raisins highly toxic. Browse all answers on the can puppies eat hub.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat frozen strawberries?
The AKC suggests frozen, cut-up strawberries as a summer treat. Cut them small so they are not a choking risk.
Can puppies eat strawberry yogurt or jam?
It is safer to skip them. The AKC warns that strawberry-flavored products may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, or too much sugar.
How many strawberries can a puppy have?
The AKC gives one to three a day as a starting point for dogs depending on size, and says smaller dogs should have less. It gives no puppy-specific amount, so ask your veterinarian and start with a small piece.
Can strawberries cause diarrhea?
Yes, if a dog eats too many at once, according to the AKC. If it happens, stop and check with your veterinarian.
Are strawberry leaves and stems safe?
The AKC advises removing the stems and leaves before feeding.
Sources
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