This is a question that many Chihuahua owners ask themselves. The short answer is ‘’Yes’’, you can feed strawberries to your Chihuahuas. But there are lots of rules and regulations that you should follow to make sure that your Chihuahua does not get sick from eating strawberries.
In today’s post, we will answer every question regarding feeding strawberries to your Chihuahua and will also give you some tips on how to feed them safely. So, let’s start with the first question:
Are strawberries safe for Chihuahuas?
Yes, strawberries are safe for Chihuahuas.
You should remove the stems and cut the strawberry into small pieces. It is best not to feed your Chihuahua too much strawberry at once as this can cause digestive problems. If you are feeding for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs, such as diarrhea or vomiting. These are rare, but some Chihuahuas can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to strawberries. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, discontinue feeding immediately.
Benefits of strawberries in Chihuahuas
1. Antioxidants: Strawberries are full of antioxidants, which help to fight off the free radicals that cause aging and disease.
2. Vitamins: Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C (which is also an antioxidant), vitamin K, folate, and more!
3. Minerals: Strawberries contain some important minerals for Chihuahuas, such as copper and potassium.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health in Chihuahuas; strawberries contain these essential fatty acids!
5. Fibers: Fiber aids in digestion, helps keep your Chihuahua regular (and less smelly), and can reduce cancer risk.
Do all Chihuahuas like strawberries?
Unfortunately, no, not all Chihuahuas like strawberries.
Your Chihuahuas may not like the taste of strawberries or they may be allergic to them. Some Chihuahuas can even have a strawberry allergy.
Chihuahuas have food preferences, just like people do, so it is important to find out what they like. Some Chihuahuas will love the taste of strawberries, while others may not. You should consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Chihuahua’s diet if you suspect an allergy or intolerance.
To introduce your Chihuahua to a new food, start by giving them small amounts in their food at first. If you notice any signs of a negative reaction (diarrhea, vomiting), stop giving them the new food immediately and consult with your vet before trying again later on.
Instead of forcing your Chihuahua to eat something new, try other Chihuahua friendly fruits such as bananas or apples instead.
Can my Chihuahuas have strawberries every day?
There’s no rule on how often Chihuahuas can eat strawberries. Yes, you can feed Chihuahuas the recommended amount of strawberry every day if they like it.
But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Chihuahuas can get bored. Also, different treats contain different amounts of calories and nutrients, so be careful when choosing the right treat for your Chihuahua.
Can Chihuahua puppies eat strawberries?
Yes, puppies can eat strawberries. However, they should have been on a specialized puppy diet for at least two months before introducing any new food to their diet.
The first couple of weeks with your puppy will be spent establishing a feeding schedule and getting to know each other. Once you’ve done that and given your puppy some time to adjust, you can start introducing new foods into his or her diet. To start, give your puppy just one small bite of strawberry once or twice per week. Be careful—puppies have a delicate digestive system! Consult with the vet before adding any new food to your puppy’s diet.
How much strawberry can Chihuahuas eat?
The amount of strawberries your Chihuahua can eat depends on the age, size and activity level of your Chihuahua. Consult with your vet first for best serving size.
General rule of thumb: For smaller pup breeds (<20 lbs) like Chihuahuas, one strawberry is fine. Large pups breed (>20 lbs) a few more strawberries, but always cut the strawberries into small pieces regardless of the size of your pup.
Portion control is important for your Chihuahua’s diet and treats. Start small and if there are no signs of stomach discomfort or diarrhea, you can offer more. Always follow the rule, your Chihuahuas need a completely balanced diet. All treats should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve strawberries to your Chihuahuas?
The first step to serve strawberries to your Chihuahua is to make sure you have approval from your vet. If you have a picky eater, you can try mixing the strawberries with another treat that they enjoy.
We recommend organic only, as pesticides have been shown to cause cancer in both humans and animals. To clean them properly, simply rinse them under cool running water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Remove the stems before serving them raw or cooking them for your pet. Frozen berries are great for Chihuahuas because they’re softer on their teeth than fresh ones; however, if you prefer using fresh strawberries, you can cut them into small pieces before feeding them to your Chihuahua. You could also mash or puree the berries and mix with other healthy treats like peanut butter or yogurt.
When are strawberries bad for Chihuahuas?
Strawberries are not bad for Chihuahuas, but they can cause some issues if your Chihuahua has underlying health issues (such as allergies or diabetes), or if you give them too many strawberries.
Strawberry stems contain tannin, which can cause digestive issues in Chihuahuas. This is especially true if your Chihuahua eats a lot of the stems.
Strawberry leaves also contain tannin and are not safe for Chihuahuas to eat.
Processed strawberries are not safe for Chihuahuas. They can cause intestinal distress and diarrhea in animals that consume them regularly.
What happens if your Chihuahua eats too many strawberries?
Vomiting: The Chihuahua is likely to vomit within 30 minutes of eating the strawberry.
Diarrhea: The Chihuahua’s poop will be runny and yellow, or dark brown.
Abdominal pain: You will notice that your Chihuahua is uncomfortable and may whimper, cry, or whine as they feel the pain of their stomach cramping.
Choking hazard: Eating too many strawberries can cause your Chihuahua to choke on them, which could be fatal.
Other human foods Chihuahuas can eat
What other human foods can Chihuahuas eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Chihuahuas can eat.
So, can Chihuahuas eat strawberries?
The short answer is yes, Chihuahuas can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber—all of which are great for your Chihuahua’s health. They’re also low in calories and high in water content, which means they’re a nice treat for your pup without causing an upset stomach.
Remember: while it’s safe to give your Chihuahua strawberries as a treat, it is not safe to feed him/her large amounts of them regularly. Stick with the 90/10 rule (90% regular food; 10% treats), and to avoid any digestive issues or allergies that could arise from too much fruit in his diet.