As a good pet owner, you want to make sure your dog is healthy and safe. This means keeping a close eye on what your pet eats. Not only should you make sure your dog is eating high-quality dog food, but you will also need to make sure they are not eating anything that could be toxic or harmful. Most vets agree that it’s okay to give your dog a treat once in a while other than regular dog food, but you should definitely check every food out first because there are plenty of foods that are toxic to dogs. So, what about pineberries? Can your dog eat pineberries?
Yes, dogs can eat pineberries and, in fact, this flavorful berry can be a healthy treat. Let’s learn more.
What Are Pineberries?
Pineberries are actually a type of hybrid strawberry. Two different types of strawberries are cross-bred to create this interesting little berry. Pineberries look very similar to strawberries, except they are often white or lightly blushed colored rather than the vibrant red we are acquainted with in a regular strawberry.
You might be wondering why these berries are called pineberries. Well, that is because of their flavor. Pineberries taste a little bit more like pineapple than strawberries, thus the name pineberry.
Pineberries are a low-calorie snack with a lot of good vitamins and minerals.
Let’s look at some guidelines concerning pineberries, strawberries, and other berries for your dog.
Should A Dog Eat Pineberries/Strawberries?
Veterinarians agree that strawberries/pineberries are safe for dogs to eat. These sweet fruits are full of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin C, and other important nutrients. Some pet owners also believe that strawberries help to whiten a dog’s teeth as well. Not only are they safe, but they are also healthy.
Benefits of strawberries/pineberries: If you discover that your dog really likes eating strawberries or pineberries, you can relax. There are many health benefits to your dog eating this snack.
- Antioxidants
- Water content
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Good for dental health
You should keep in mind though, that too much of a good thing is still too much. Strawberries and pineberries should be fed to your dog in moderation. Your dog will not need to eat large amounts of strawberries as this could produce a digestive upset. There are a few other guidelines you should keep in mind as well.
Your dog does not need to eat canned strawberries or strawberries in any type of syrup. These products are very sweet and have other ingredients added in.
Chocolate is bad for dogs, so never feed your dog a chocolate-covered strawberry. Note: chocolate is highly toxic to dogs.
Your dog can eat fresh strawberries and pineberries with no problem, but this does not apply to strawberry-flavored desserts (like ice cream) or other items that simply include strawberries.
Can My Dog Eat Other Berries?
Since dogs can eat strawberries and pineberries with no problem, you might be wondering about other berries as well. Let’s look at a few other types of berries.
Raspberries and blackberries
Raspberries and blackberries are both considered safe for dogs in moderation. These berries are high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. You should be aware, though, that raspberries and blackberries have naturally occurring xylitol. This chemical, even naturally occurring, can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. You simply need to make sure your dog does not ingest too much at once.
Blueberries
Blueberries are safe for dogs and are even recommended. Blueberries have tons of vitamin C and antioxidants. Blueberries are also small and soft enough to pose no choking hazard to your pet. You should follow some guidelines, though.
Always wash fruit before giving to your dog. There could be harmful contaminants on the fruit.
As mentioned above, fresh is best. You should not feed your dog blueberry-flavored items or canned blueberries. There will be too much sugar and other added ingredients.
Too many blueberries might cause digestive issues. Consider berries a treat for your dog, not a regular food source.
Cranberries
Cranberries are not toxic to dogs, but most dogs will not naturally eat cranberries. Natural cranberries are very tart and are usually only eaten with added sugar.
Are There Berries To Avoid?
There are some berries that your dog should avoid. To get a full list of foods to avoid, please speak with your vet. Here is a short list of berries to avoid.
- Gooseberries
- Marionberries
- Salmonberries
- Serviceberries
These are often considered to be regional berries, as in they are not often sold in stores but rather grow locally. Be careful as these can be toxic.
Dogs and Toxic Food
Your dog is your best friend and it can be tempting to think that they can eat the same foods we can eat. This is definitely not the case, though. There is an entire list of foods that are perfectly fine for humans that are fatally toxic to dogs, such as chocolate and grapes.
If you are a dog owner, it is crucial that you speak with your vet concerning all foods that are dangerous for your dog.
You will need to make a special effort to keep these types of foods out of your dog’s reach as well. Dogs will seek out foods that could harm them. Foods can be ingested from the trash, from snatching from tables or counters, or even from unknowing people.
Get an in depth list of toxic foods from your vet. Post this somewhere highly visible in your home so that everyone knows what your pet can and cannot have.
Conclusion
Although there are many foods that dogs can’t have, strawberries and pineberries are definitely a safe and healthy treat you can incorporate into your dog’s diet in moderation.
