Are Raspberries Safe for Dogs?
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As a dog mom, I worry a lot about my dogs’ health and safety! Of course I know my dogs’ kibble is safe for them (I feed Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach for Ginsburg and Purina Pro Plan Sport for Annabeth) but it can be hard to know which human foods are safe for them too!
I like sharing human food with my dogs though. My philosophy is that the more foods they are exposed to, the stronger their stomachs when they inevitably get into something they shouldn’t, like the kitchen garbage! Stronger stomachs = less chance of diarrhea that I have to clean up. Have I mentioned I have naughty dogs?!
Now that it’s summertime, my raspberry bushes are bursting with fresh fruit and my dogs want to eat all the berries they can. But I worried: are raspberries even safe for dogs?
Short answer: YES.
The Nutritional Benefits of Raspberries for Dogs
Raspberries are a delicious and nutritious fruit for humans, and they are for dogs too!
Raspberries are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Antioxidants are especially beneficial for senior dogs because they have anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease joint pain and other age-related inflammation.
Raspberries are low in calories and sugar, which makes them a great treat for dogs who are on a weight loss diet. A yummy treat that won’t make a dog pack on the pounds? Perfect!
Raspberries are also a great source of fiber, which is great for your dog’s digestive system (and also helpful for canine weight loss!). Other nutrients in raspberries include vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese
Are Raspberries Safe for Dogs?
Yes, raspberries are generally safe for dogs to eat in moderation. But as with any treat, it's important to offer raspberries in moderation. This is what’s particularly challenging for my dogs. Since we have raspberry bushes growing in the yard, my dogs get to eat a lot more raspberries than I would normally give them.
There are some things to remember though:
Moderation is Key: Raspberries really should only be given as a treat. That means occasionally, not as a main source of vitamins and nutrients. Because they have a high fiber content, dogs can wind up with digestive upset if they have too many raspberries.
Watch for Allergies: Just like humans, some dogs can be allergic to certain foods. I am lucky that my dogs aren’t allergic to raspberries, but your dog may be! When you first try feeding your dog raspberries, start with a very small amount and watch out for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as itching, swelling, or gastrointestinal issues.
Avoid Added Sugars: If you're offering your dog raspberries, make sure they are fresh! Fresh raspberries are free from added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Products like raspberry-flavored yogurt or jam often contain ingredients that could be harmful to dogs.
How to Serve Raspberries to Your Dog
There’s a lot of different ways to serve raspberries to your dog! Here are a few of my favorites:
My Golden Retriever, Ginsburg, absolutely loves snacking on the raspberry bushes in our yard!
Fresh and Washed: If you are feeding fresh raspberries to your dog, make sure to wash them thoroughly! Washing raspberries will remove any pesticides or other chemicals that may still be on them. Serve them fresh and whole, or cut them into smaller pieces for smaller dogs. I like to give these as treats and ask my dogs to do tricks to earn them.
Frozen Treats: Freeze raspberries for a cool, refreshing treat on hot days. You can also mix them with plain, unsweetened yogurt and freeze them in ice cube trays for a delicious, dog-friendly popsicle. I also like putting raspberries and other fruits into a West Paw Toppl and add layers of yogurt and peanut butter to make a fun enrichment toy for my dogs! I always freeze these treat-filled Toppls to make the enrichment last longer.
Mixed with Meals: If I’m feeling really nice, I add a few raspberries on top of my dogs’ bowls of kibble. It gives a little variety and a boost of nutrition to an otherwise normal meal!
Fruits That Aren’t Safe for Dogs
While raspberries are safe, not every fruit is. Here’s a few fruits you should not feed your dog:
Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts. Keep grapes and raisins far away from your pup. According to my vet (that I had to see when Ginsburg ate a cinnamon raisin bagel!), there is ongoing research to learn more about grape and raisin toxicity in dogs, but right now, research is inconclusive as to the types and amounts of grapes that are toxic. The best bet is to stay away from them, and if your dog does get into them, get them to an emergency vet quickly.
Cherries: The fleshy part of a cherry is safe for dogs, but the pits, stems, and leaves all contain cyanide. Cyanide is toxic for many animals, dogs included. It disrupts the flow of oxygen to your dog’s blood cells and can result in cyanide poisoning. If your dog eats whole cherries or cherry pits, they should go to the emergency vet ASAP.
Avocado: No, your dog should not try a bite of your avocado toast! While the flesh of an avocado isn’t too toxic, it is high in fat, which can lead to many health issues. The pit, skin, leaves, and even the flesh of avocados contain various levels of persin, which can be toxic to dogs. The flesh is also high in fat, which can lead to digestive upset (aka vomit and diarrhea for you to clean! Yuck!).
Final Thoughts
So in conclusion, raspberries are a safe, healthy, and tasty treat for your dog, but give them in moderation! They are packed with nutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s health. If your dogs are anything like mine, they will love a few fresh raspberries here and there!
However, like many foods, raspberries can cause tummy upset if you give your dog too many of them. Try introducing them slowly and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions. And remember, raspberries may be safe for dogs, but not all fruits are!
I love hearing from fellow dog owners! Have you tried giving your dog raspberries? How did they like it? Share your experiences and any other questions you might have in the comments!
