Communicating with dogs can be tough.
We can’t have conversations with them in the same way as we do with older children and other adults. They can’t explain to us why they scratch at our bed sheets or why they’re suddenly anxious about getting into a car. And we can’t explain why some foods can kill them.
As owners, we need to educate ourselves to ensure our pets don’t have access to foods that can harm them. You probably already know that avocados and grapes are toxic to dogs but what about another popular fruit? Can dogs eat strawberry leaves and strawberry tops?
Are Strawberries Safe for Dogs?
Yes, strawberries are fine for dogs.
They’re not toxic nor do they contain anything that should seriously concern owners. Strawberries contain vitamin C and fiber and, as an occasional snack, are a good treat for your dog. According to the American Kennel Club, they also contain an enzyme that helps whiten teeth.
But moderation is key. Strawberries may be healthy but they contain sugar and too much sugar isn’t good for our dogs. Excess sugar in a dog’s diet can cause dental problems and upset stomachs so be mindful of this when offering them to your pet.
Dogs with digestion problems or sensitive stomachs may find that fruit upsets their bellies.
Fresh or defrosted frozen strawberries are fine. Avoid strawberry flavoured snacks as these can contain unsafe ingredients. Sweeteners like Xylitol, for example, are toxic to dogs.
Avoid canned strawberries as these contain a lot of syrup and far too much sugar. Strawberries that have been dipped in other food items should be avoided, too. Snacks that are good for humans aren’t always great for dogs.
Are Strawberry Tops and Leaves OK for Dogs?
Some people use the terms strawberry leaves and strawberry tops interchangeably. We’ve taken the leaves to be the wide green foliage that grows with the strawberry in the garden, and strawberry tops to be the little green stem at the top of the fruit that we pull or slice off before eating.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Leaves?
It’s funny, it never occurred to us to eat strawberry leaves despite having grown strawberries in the garden for many years, but we aren’t surprised to hear that dogs aren’t fussy about eating the entire plant.
Dogs can eat strawberry leaves.
There’s nothing in them to cause any harm (other than an upset stomach to a sensitive dog), but make sure they’re washed clear of any chemicals or pesticides. The Pet Place website suggests that caution when feeding your dog large amounts of strawberry leaves or tops as they can be hard for some dogs to digest. If you’re growing strawberries in your garden, you should limit the dog’s access to the plants to not only ensure that they don’t eat themselves sick, but that you’ll have some left to eat for yourself!
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Tops?
Dogs can eat strawberry tops, too. They can eat the entire strawberry which is good news if you’ve dropped a couple off the kitchen counter during preparation.
But if you’re dog struggles with digestion issues, it’s worth slicing them off just to make it easier for them to eat.
Strawberries including the leaves and tops are fine for dogs to eat. We’d suggest making them an occasional treat rather than a regular staple.
And in case you were wondering, humans can eat strawberry leaves and tops, too 🙂
