Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits among humans. They’re available easily, nutrient rich and at low cost.
That’s why many Cocker Spaniel owners try to feed their Cocker Spaniels with strawberries. But can you feed strawberries for your Cocker Spaniels?
The short answer is ‘’Yes’’, you can feed strawberries to your Cocker Spaniels. But there are lots of things you need to know before feeding your Cocker Spaniels with this food item. Will answer every question regarding the safety of feeding Cocker Spaniels with strawberries in this article and also share some tips on how to use strawberries as a treat and/or meal replacement for your Cocker Spaniel. Let’s start with the following question:
Are strawberries safe for Cocker Spaniels?
Yes, strawberries are safe for Cocker Spaniels.
If you’re looking to give your Cocker Spaniel a treat, strawberries are a great option. You should remove the stems and cut them into small pieces. You don’t want to feed your Cocker Spaniel too much at once, so it’s best to introduce strawberries slowly. If you’re feeding your Cocker Spaniel strawberries for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs such as diarrhea or vomiting. In rare cases, some Cocker Spaniels can show signs of an allergic reaction or food intolerance to strawberries—but if you observe any abnormal symptoms after feeding your Cocker Spaniel strawberries, contact your vet immediately.
Benefits of strawberries in Cocker Spaniels
Antioxidants: Protect your Cocker Spaniel from cancer and other diseases, boost their immune system, and also help them lose weight.
Vitamins: Help with eye health, improve skin and coat health, boost their energy levels, and aid in digestion.
Minerals: Strengthen bones, improve heart health (by lowering blood pressure), and build strong teeth.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Improve brain function and cognitive ability, aid in the development of a healthy coat and skin, plus other benefits.
Fibers: Boosts digestion, improves stool quality (less constipation), aids in weight loss efforts (by reducing cholesterol), plus other benefits.
Do all Cocker Spaniels like strawberries?
Unfortunately, no, not all Cocker Spaniels like strawberries. Your Cocker Spaniel may not like them because they have food preferences. They may be allergic to strawberries or just not prefer it over other fruits.
If you still want to try introducing strawberries to your Cocker Spaniel, consult with your vet first to see if they are safe for your Cocker Spaniel and what the best way to introduce them would be.
Can my Cocker Spaniels have strawberries every day?
There’s no rule on how often Cocker Spaniels can eat strawberries. As long as your Cocker Spaniel likes it, you can feed them the recommended amount of strawberry every day.
But we recommend you vary treats because your Cocker Spaniel might get bored with eating the same thing every day. Also, different treats contain different ingredients, so it’s important to give your Cocker Spaniel a balanced diet.
Can Cocker Spaniel puppies eat strawberries?
Yes, puppies can eat strawberries. However, wait until they are two months old before introducing them to any new foods because puppies have a more delicate digestive system than adult Cocker Spaniels and need to be on a specialized puppy diet during this time. Once they turn two months old and are fully weaned, start with just a small bite of strawberry once or twice a week and consult with your veterinarian before introducing any other new food into their diet.
How much strawberry can Cocker Spaniels eat?
Strawberries are a delicious treat for your Cocker Spaniel. They’re low in calories and full of vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy snack for your pup. But how much should you give them?
It really depends on the age, size and activity level of your Cocker Spaniel. You should always consult with your vet before offering strawberries to your Cocker Spaniel. A general rule of thumb is: Smaller pup breeds (<20 lbs) one strawberry, large pup breeds (>20 lbs) a few more strawberries. Always cut the strawberries into small pieces to prevent choking hazards.
Portion control is important for your Cocker Spaniel’s diet and treats. Start small and if there are no adverse reactions or excessive drooling or diarrhea, you can offer more. Always follow the rule: your Cocker Spaniels need a completely balanced diet. All treats should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve strawberries to your Cocker Spaniels?
First, get approval from your vet. Because strawberries can be allergic to some Cocker Spaniels, it’s important to make sure that your Cocker Spaniel is healthy enough for them before you feed them strawberries.
Feed organic only, Clean it properly. In order to ensure that the strawberries you feed your Cocker Spaniel are safe and healthy, you should only give them organic strawberries that haven’t been treated with pesticides or chemicals.
Remove stems. The stem of a strawberry can contain harmful chemicals that could make your Cocker Spaniel sick if consumed in large quantities.
Frozen or fresh, cut it into small pieces before serving. If your Cocker Spaniel prefers frozen treats, you can freeze the strawberries first by placing them in a freezer bag and leaving them in the freezer until they are rock-hard (about 2 hours). Then cut them into small pieces when they’re ready to serve!
You can also mash them or puree them. If you’re feeding your Cocker Spaniel fresh strawberries, mashing them will make chewing easier on their teeth and gums. You can also puree them with some water to create a liquid treat for easier digestion in case your Cocker Spaniel has trouble swallowing solid food because of dental problems.
When are strawberries bad for Cocker Spaniels?
Strawberries are bad for Cocker Spaniels if they have underlying health issues such as allergies or diabetes.
If your Cocker Spaniel is indulging in strawberries, then it could cause diarrhea or even vomiting.
The stems of strawberries can also cause digestive issues for Cocker Spaniels, so you should avoid giving them any strawberry leaves.
The leaves are also high in tannin, which can cause digestive issues for Cocker Spaniels.
You should always try to avoid giving your Cocker Spaniel processed strawberries because they contain additives that may be harmful to your pet’s health.
What happens if your Cocker Spaniel eats too many strawberries?
Vomiting: If your Cocker Spaniel eats too many strawberries at once, the fruit could trigger a bout of vomiting.
Diarrhea: If you feed your Cocker Spaniel too many strawberries, they may experience diarrhea. This is because too many strawberries can cause gastrointestinal upset in Cocker Spaniels.
Abdominal pain: If you feed your Cocker Spaniel too many strawberries, they may experience abdominal pain.
Choking hazard: Strawberries can be a choking hazard for Cocker Spaniels until you cut them into small pieces.
Other human foods Cocker Spaniels can eat
What other human foods can cocker spaniels eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Cocker Spaniels can eat.
So, can Cocker Spaniels eat strawberries?
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat strawberries. In fact, strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber—making it an excellent treat for Cocker Spaniels. However, you should always remove stems from the fruit before feeding it to your Cocker Spaniel.
Keep in mind that this is a treat so you don’t want to overfeed your Cocker Spaniel on them or let them eat too many at once. If you feed your Cocker Spaniel too much fruit, they could get diarrhea or an upset stomach, so the 90/10 rule applies here: feed them 90% regular food and 10% fruit as a treat.