Feeding Strawberries to German Shepherds: A Delicious and Safe Treat?
It’s fun to feed our dogs some fruit but can German Shepherds eat strawberries? Read our guide for feeding this yummy summer fruit to your German Shepherd.
Can my German Shepherd eat strawberries?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat strawberries because strawberries are a safe fruit for dogs to eat. Strawberries contain Vitamin C which helps in boosting immunity. It also contains B vitamins and minerals.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Strawberries for Dogs
- Strawberries include antioxidants, which aid German Shepherds in combating reactive oxygen species (ROS). These free radicals harm many organs, notably the skin. The phenomena of aging decelerate with the aid of these antioxidants.
- The fibers in the strawberries help in proper digestion. It assists the body to prevent constipation, diarrhea, and intestinal malignancy
- Vitamin C is a rich resource of strawberries. By boosting immunity vitamin C is useful in oncology and bacterial and viral disorders.
- Strawberries are a source of vitamin B-12 and are actively engaged in the production of red blood cells (RBCs), necessary for the availability of nutrients and oxygen to the whole body. It enables them to cope with vascular problems such as stiffness. This also reduces the possibility of malignancies. It includes B1 and B6 vitamins that are helping the brain and other organs to work properly.
- Strawberries include vitamin K to help blood clotting, bone and tooth reinforcement, and problems such as arthritis, cancer, and heart disease.
- Strawberries are a resource of a wide range of nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and iodine, useful to the development of bones and muscles, a healthy heart and liver, and a robust immune system.
- Strawberries provide various essential enzymes that are helpful for teeth and gastrointestinal health.
Are strawberries unsafe for the German Shepherd?
German Shepherds may be harmed by strawberries as well. The following are possible issues:
Allergy
Some German Shepherds can have an allergic reaction to strawberries. If this is an allergic reaction you might see these signs and symptoms:
- Swelling of the face region, below the tongue, and on ears.
- Trouble breathing leads to coughing excessively.
- Sneezing
Contact your nearest veterinarian to be able to diagnose appropriately and handle it effectively.
Excessive Intake
As we know, excess of everything is bad. Excessive intake of strawberries will lead to indigestion and disorders of the stomach and intestines. You may observe the following clinical signs:
- Diarrhea
- Anorexia
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Inability to walk due to excessive diarrhea
- Gas accumulation
In any such cases, stop feeding strawberries and for the ailment, consider visiting the nearest vet for further treatment. Diarrhea may even lead to fatal conditions.
High sugar content
If your German Shepherd has diabetes or is at risk for diabetes make sure to limit giving them high-sugar fruits like strawberries.
Which type of strawberries do German Shepherds need to avoid?
The following types are considered bad and should be avoided.
1. Canned Strawberries (Pie Filling)
It is not good for German Shepherds as it contains a high amount of sugar in processed form.
2. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Some strawberries are covered in chocolate. Chocolate causes toxicity in all dogs and it is the reason these types of strawberries are not recommended.
3. Strawberry Ice Cream
The strawberries in the form of strawberry-flavored ice cream are not easily digestible and may cause stomach disorders.
A German Shepherd may experience diarrhea, anxiety, anorexia, depression, nausea, and lethargy after eating ice cream.
4. Extra Large Whole Strawberries
A very large strawberry may cause choking since so many dogs swallow their food without chewing.
How to feed strawberries to German Shepherds
- Strawberries should be rigorously washed to clear away all germs and dirt.
- Remove the stems.
- To mitigate choking, slice them into small chunks.
How often can you feed strawberries to a German Shepherd?
It is vital to recognize how many strawberries are served to a German Shepherd. Make sure only 10 percent or less of their diet has strawberries. Feed only three to four times a week to alleviate complications with indigestion.
Offer strawberries according to their age. Feed 1 medium strawberry cut into quarters for puppies. You can feed an adult German Shepherd 3 strawberries at a time.
