Yes, dogs can eat raspberries in moderation. They’re low in sugar, high in fiber, and a great source of dietary fiber, manganese, and vitamin C.
Raspberries are a great fruit for dogs of all ages. They help reduce inflammation for senior dogs, which can help with any pain that comes from aging. However, these fruits do contain some xylitol so it’s important not to give too much to your pet in a single sitting.
19g of raspberries (10 raspberries) offer 9.88 calories, 2.26g carbohydrates, 0.228g protein, 0.124g fat, 1.24g fiber, 0.84g sugars, 28.7mg potassium, 4.75mg calcium, and 4.18mg magnesium.
Health benefits
- Raspberries are packed with potassium and other nutrients. They’re good for the heart and keep the blood pressure levels of dogs in check.
- The omega-3 fatty acid found in raspberries may help prevent heart disease and stroke in dogs.
- Raspberries are an excellent source of manganese which helps improve healthy bones and skin, regulate metabolism and help the body to produce red blood cells.
- The fiber in raspberries helps lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure. They also help treat diarrhea or constipation. Moreover, it’s also known that high-fiber foods are generally more filling so your dog will feel fuller for longer when eating them. This can be useful if you’re trying to manage your dog’s weight.
- Raspberries have antioxidants in them, which have been shown to protect dog cells from damage by free radicals.
- Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production. As dogs get older, their production of collagen naturally decreases, which can lead to wrinkles and saggy skin.
- Raspberries contain enough vitamin K to support bone health and blood clotting. Vitamin K is also a key component in keeping blood calcium levels stabilized.
Risks
- Raspberries contain a high concentration of xylitol, which is safe for humans but can be dangerous for animals. In large amounts, it can lead to liver damage and hypoglycemic coma, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Too much of any good thing is always not a good idea. This can be said for fiber-rich foods like raspberries. While they’ll safely provide some extra bulk to your dog’s diet, if you offer them too often the risks outweigh the benefits and can result in gas, bloating, stomach upset, or vomiting – so it’s best to feed in moderation.
- Even though raspberry has less sugar than many other fruits, it still has tiny amounts. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems and a high sugar intake can cause tummy troubles.
- Small dog breeds and puppies are more susceptible to sugar reactions- this is especially true if they eat a lot of raspberries. Be sure to only offer them moderate amounts, as too much will lead to stomach aches, gas & diarrhea.
- All fruits and vegetables, including raspberries, pose a choking hazard. The best way to reduce this risk is to break or mash them.
How to feed raspberries to dogs?
- Always contact your veterinarian before serving new food to your dog.
- Buy only organic raspberries.
- Wash thoroughly to rule out any chances of insecticides, pesticides, and other contaminations.
- Remove the stems and leaves.
- Cut or mash the berries into small pieces.
- Berries and other healthy fruits make tasty smoothies that can also be frozen, which is perfect for puppy cubes or pup-sundaes. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, and cantaloupe are all great additions to this recipe.
- Feeding your pet dog a handful of raspberries with their evening meal is an excellent way of incorporating those tasty nutrients into their diet.
- Your fur baby might enjoy fresh raspberries right off the bush, or frozen ones when it’s too hot.
- Do not feed any treat more than 10% of the daily regular diet of a dog.
Can dogs have canned raspberries?
Canned are completely unhealthy for your dog because they can upset their stomach and cause severe symptoms. These berries have added sugar and fat, which is bad for them. Furthermore, avoid feeding berries from a salad that contains any salad dressing to avoid making the situation worse.
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Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.