Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Strawberries?

If Beau has a sweet tooth, a half or whole strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) provides a healthy way to indulge his cravings. Strawberries supply fiber, potassium, iodine and magnesium. He'll get a bit of vitamins C, K, B1 and B6 from these juicy little nuggets. They also supplement his folic acid and omega-3 fat intake.

Don't worry if Beau wanders into a field of wild strawberries and decides they'll make a tasty snack. Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) are not toxic to him, the ASPCA notes. As with just about anything he eats, too much may upset his stomach. If his belly is churning or he's throwing up, provide him with plenty of water but withhold food for 12 to 24 hours. Follow his fast with a bland diet of 2 to 3 parts boiled white rice to 1 part chicken breast. If he's not feeling better in a few days, it's time to call the vet.

It's fine if Beau enjoys strawberries. It's not fine for him to enjoy them cloaked in chocolate or covered in cream. Cooked strawberries on their own won't hurt him, but they lose much of their nutritional value in the cooking process. Keep it simple: Give strawberries a good rinse to remove any chemical residue and let him enjoy them on their own.

Beau can enjoy more than strawberries; in fact, he can eat quite a few fruits and vegetables. Apples, pears, oranges, blueberries and bananas are sweet alternatives that provide a host of nutrients and benefits. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, squash, asparagus and carrots can add a little life to his supper. In addition to chocolate and cream, certain human foods aren’t right for Beau. Grapes, raisins, onions, coffee, garlic, coffee and avocado should be limited to the human members of the family.