As an occasional treat, strawberries are generally fine alongside a complete diet. Keep treats and toppers to about the 10% rule of daily calories.
Safe prep tips
- Wash thoroughly.
- Remove stems/leaves (tough to digest) and any bruised spots.
- Cut small—especially for puppies and small breeds.
- Fresh or plain frozen only. Skip syrups, jams, pie filling, or “strawberry-flavored” foods.
How much should I give?
Start with a few small pieces and see how your dog does with the extra fiber and natural sugars. Larger dogs can have a small handful of pieces; smaller dogs just a few bites.
Ask your vet first if your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, or is on a prescription diet.
Easy ways to serve strawberries
- Slice as training treats—tiny pieces keep sugar low.
- Frozen bites: Blend strawberry + water,broth or yogurt; freeze in a silicone mold.
- Lick-mat topper: A little mashed strawberry spread thin.
What to avoid
- Jams, pie filling, syrups, or candy—added sugar and other ingredients aren’t ideal.
- Strawberry yogurt with added sugar or artificial sweeteners—choose plain, unsweetened if you use yogurt at all.
- Large chunks that could be a choking risk.
If your dog ate a lot of strawberries
Expect a possible upset tummy (loose stool) from too much fruit. If your dog ate a product that might contain xylitol or shows concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately.
FAQs
Can puppies or seniors eat strawberries?
Yes—in very small, soft pieces; always supervise.
Are strawberry seeds okay?
Yes, the tiny surface seeds are generally fine when fruit is offered in small amounts.
Fresh vs. frozen?
Both are fine. Offer plain, unsweetened strawberries only; thaw frozen pieces slightly and cut small.
