German Shepherds love strawberries irrespective of when or why you feed them. After all, who wouldn’t want to have a bite of a tasty strawberry? If you own a German Shepherd and wonder whether they can eat strawberries or not, this article is for you. It is interesting to note that there is a lot of misconception regarding feeding strawberries to dogs. Some say that it is safe, while others say it is not.
So, can German Shepherds eat strawberries? Yes, German Shepherds can eat strawberries, and it is completely safe for them to do so. Strawberries are considered to be a highly nutritious fruit because of the fiber and Vitamin content in them while being low in sugar and fat. This combination makes it an ideal supplement for your German Shepherds.
The benefits of feeding strawberries to your German Shepherds are not limited to these. For instance, an enzyme present in strawberry has been found to be effective against plaque in dogs’ teeth.
In this article, we will have a look at the benefits of feeding strawberries to German Shepherds, how much strawberries can they eat? Are there any side effects to it? And other interesting things.
Let us get going!
Before we proceed further, we must have an understanding of the dietary requirement of a German Shepherd.
The dietary requirement of a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are dogs that are known for their energy. If you own one, you might already know that they are always ready for a game or a walk. Owing to which, your German Shepherd must be kept on a high-calorie diet. On average, German Shepherds needs an average of 1740 and 2100 caloric intake.
Ideally, their protein requirement should be met through whole meat sources such as beef, fish and poultry, and other organ meats. Around 24% of their diet should be comprised of food that is rich in proteins.
That being said, it is important to note that their nutrient requirement is not limited to proteins. This is why it is important to keep your canine friend on a balanced diet. This is where fresh fruits and vegetables come into play.
Fruits such as strawberries are rich in fiber, Vitamin C and antioxidants that are vital for German Shepherds.
Is it safe for German Shepherds to eat strawberries?
Yes, it is safe for German Shepherds to eat strawberries, as long as it is fed in limited quantities. Apart from being a safe snack, strawberries are highly nutritious and hence beneficial for your German Shepherds.
In this section, we will have a look at the benefits of feeding Strawberries to German Shepherds.
They are rich in antioxidants
German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs, and it is quite common to see them succumbing to aging easily. The main reason for this is the mounting oxidative stress in them. Oxidative stress is caused by the by-products of the dog’s metabolic activities that keep accumulating in its body.
With the increase in oxidative stress, the chances of ailments such as arthritis, kidney, and heart failure increase in dogs. The only way to effectively tackle this is by controlling the diet and supplementing the dog with antioxidants.
Strawberries are rich in natural antioxidants and are effective against oxidative stress and the ailments that are often associated with it.
A better alternative to most other treats
According to experts and experienced pet owners, strawberries are an ideal alternative as treats for dogs. Strawberries are rich in vital vitamins and other nutrients, and also being low in sugar and fat content, they can be a healthy treat for your canine friend.
Better dental health
Strawberries contain an enzyme that can keep the teeth of dogs clean. Strawberries can also help whiten the teeth of your German Shepherds by removing plaque from its teeth.
They are rich in vital nutrients
As said in the earlier section, German Shepherds must be kept in a balanced diet. Strawberry is one such fruit that can cater to most of the nutrient requirements of your dog.
Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C that is vital for the proper functioning of the immune system. Vitamin A in strawberries can be an ideal deterrent against skin infections and hair fall. Vitamin A in their diet can help keep their skin soft, silky, and moisturized.
Helps in better digestion
Constipation is commonly seen in dogs, and it is mainly caused by the lack of dietary fibers. Strawberries being rich in dietary fibers can be the ideal solution to tackle constipation in German Shepherds.
How to safely feed strawberries to your German Shepherd?
Now that you know strawberries are highly beneficial for German shepherds, the next obvious question would be about how to feed them strawberries safely. Don’t worry; we have you covered here!
Before we proceed, it is important to keep in mind that strawberries should not be fed in excess to German Shepherds. Just because strawberries are healthy doesn’t mean you can feed them how much ever you want to. Feeding strawberries in excess can trigger severe indigestion and diarrhea in them.
Ideally, strawberries should only make up to 5% of the fresh fruit and vegetable diet of adult German Shepherds. For senior dogs, you can increase it by up to 10%. When it comes to senior dogs, it is always better to consult with a vet before determining the quantity that you can feed them.
Feeding strawberries
Make sure that you clean the strawberries thoroughly before you feed them to your German Shepherds. There are chances that these strawberries might have traces of pesticides on its surface.
These pesticides are too toxic for dogs to handle, and it can trigger serious gastrointestinal issues.
Cut the fruits into small pieces to prevent choking and to make it easier to digest. If you are feeding a pup, you can mash 2 or 3 strawberries and add them to the pup’s food.
During summers, you can also choose to feed them frozen strawberries!
Can I give strawberries to German Shepherd pups?
Ideally, you shouldn’t feed them fruits before they are three months old. By the end of three months, the pups’ digestive system will become capable of handling these fruits.
Start by introducing small pieces of strawberries in the beginning. Look for any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as itching, difficulty in breathing, and loose stool. If everything looks okay, you can start giving them strawberries once in a while as a treat.
For smaller pups, it is advised to mush two or three strawberries and mix it along with their food.
Can I feed canned strawberries to my dog?
No, you shouldn’t feed your dogs canned food items. In fact, you shouldn’t feed them anything that has been sugared or packed in syrup. The extra sugar and the preservatives in canned food can cause trouble to your canine friend.
The main culprit in these canned food items is the artificial sweetener in it named Xylitol. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs.
Consumption of even minute quantities can cause seizures, liver failure, or death in dogs. This is why it is advised not to feed them any canned food items!
What are the other fruits that I can feed my German Shepherd?
As said in the previous sections, for a healthy German Shepherd, a balanced diet is necessary. In this section, we will have a look at the other fruits that you can feed them.
- Apricots – They are rich in Vitamin A & C, Potassium, and beta carotenes.
- Blueberries – Ideal for senior dogs because of the presence of antioxidants.
- Mango – Rich in Vitamin A, B6, C & E.
- Bananas – An excellent low calory treat & rich in potassium.
Also check out:
Can German Shepherds Eat Blueberries?