Yes, dogs can eat raspberries in moderation. Raspberries have a lot of nutritional content that is good for humans and dogs. They are low in fat and sugar. They have a good number of vitamins and fiber content in them. In addition to all these, they are low-calorie dog food.
Table of Contents
What are Raspberries?
Raspberries are sweet and edible fruits. They belong to the rose family, having four common types of species – Boulder Raspberry, Australian Native, Mauritius, and Korean Raspberries. Raspberries belong to the botanical family as roses and come in various colors: black, golden, purple, yellow, and red. The most common is the Rubus idaeus or the red raspberry. They are harvested in the summers. Most raspberries are grown in the U.S in California, Oregon, and Washington.
One cup of raspberries contains:
Sugar – 6 grams
Fiber – 8 grams
Energy – 46 KCal
Are Raspberries Safe for Dogs?
Raspberries are perfectly safe for your dogs. They have a lot of health benefits that make them safe to consume, not only for your dogs but for your puppies as well. They make a great alternative treat for your dogs while choosing an unhealthy option or may be low in nutritional values. In addition, they can alleviate joint pains in senior dogs due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Why Are Raspberries Good for Dogs?
Raspberry is a good source of minerals and vitamins that can make a healthy treat for your canines. Some of the health benefits of raspberries:
Boosts Immunity: Antioxidants enhance the immunity of your dogs. It assists some senior dogs in treating arthritis, hip dysplasia and improving cognitive functions.
Anti- Carcinogenic: Raspberries have ellagic acid properties that fight deadly diseases like cancer in canines. Not only do they prevent tumor cells that cause cancer but also, they help in liver health and functioning.
Anti- Inflammatory: Raspberries contain anthocyanins that stop infections due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Fiber: Raspberries are high in dietary fiber (20% of raspberries weight) that promotes digestive function, regulates bowel movements, and aids in weight loss.
Vitamin B: Raspberries also contain vitamin B that enhances healthy body functions. Vitamin B6 produces proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters in your dog’s body. It is vital in preventing anemia in dogs.
Vitamin C: Raspberries contain vitamin C, which is well known for antioxidants and nutrients because it develops a dog’s immune system and builds degenerative cells, promoting cartilage and synthesizing collagen in dogs.
Potassium: Raspberries are rich in potassium, which helps in regulating essential body functions. Potassium strengthens muscle development and enhances blood vessel functions, and substitutes the lost electrolytes in your dog’s body.
Iron: Raspberries are rich in iron, which creates hemoglobin, responsible for carrying oxygen to red blood cells.
Magnesium: Raspberries have a good source of magnesium which enhances protein production and promotes bone health. This mineral also helps in absorbing other vitamins and minerals.
Flavonoids: Raspberries contain flavonoids that reduce inflammation and heart diseases.
Manganese: Raspberries are rich in manganese, necessary for developing strong muscles and losing weight. It is another mineral vital in building solid ligaments, using carbohydrates, and proteins, producing energy, fatty acids, and aiding reproduction. It also assists in keeping the dog’s metabolic rate high that helps burn fat.
Water: Finally, the water content in raspberries can keep your dogs hydrated.
Why Are Raspberries Bad for Dogs?
Raspberries are suitable for dogs, but excess raspberries can cause some side effects. Some points are discussed below.
Seeds and Leaves: Dogs can eat raspberries, but some parts of Raspberries can cause potential hazards in dogs. Dog owners should be careful not to feed seeds and leaves that are poisonous. Some berries like raspberries, strawberries, blackberries may contain pits or seeds that can obstruct your dog’s digestive system, causing intestinal obstruction.
Xylitol Poisoning: Xylitol in raspberries can be toxic to dogs. It is an artificial sweetener that causes liver disease, hypoglycemia, loss of coordination, seizures, coma, and is life-threatening.
High Sugar: Raspberries contain high levels of sugar. Fructose is the sugar content that is found in raspberries. It is also known that some modern fruits have more sugar than the wild fruits grown some decades ago. Some selective breeding has created sugary and bigger raspberries. Since a dog’s digestive system is designed only to process proteins and fats, high sugar foods consumed daily may be harmful to dogs. However, they can be limited only to occasional treats.
Serving Methods: Some types or ways of serving raspberries can also be potential hazards to dogs. For example, raspberries as a topping on cereals, ice creams and dipped in chocolates or sugar syrups are not the right ways to feed your dogs. Chocolates contain toxic ingredients. Ice creams and sugar syrups may be high in sugar; some cereals may not contain advisable ingredients to feed your dogs.
How Many Raspberries to Feed Your Dog?
The number of raspberries approximately considering a medium-sized dog would be no more than a cup as an occasional treat. Four to six cups of raspberries would cause dog hypoglycemia, and more cups can be fatal for dogs. So, it is recommended not to give your pet more than one cup of raspberries occasionally, at any cost.
How to Serve Raspberries to Your Dog?
Some serving methods to follow while you feed your dogs raspberries are discussed below:
If you are feeding your dog raspberries, always wash them thoroughly and offer them in a small quantity.
Only serve fresh, deseeded Raspberries, cut into pieces, unsweetened, or occasionally some frozen.
Always avoid canned raspberries or raspberry jams since they may contain tons of sugar and can cause obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay and may also have some toxic ingredients like xylitol as an added sweetener.
Also, do not serve raspberries along with proteins as they may take some time to digest.
Above all, it is best to feed your dog raspberries after consulting your pet’s vet.
Some cooking methods that include raspberries fed safely to your dogs:
Dog Safe Raspberry Recipes
Chicken-Raspberry Dog Summer Treats
Ingredients
Chicken Stock – 1 cup
Frozen – defrosted raspberries – 1 cup
Method
In a bowl, blend raspberries and chicken stock until mixed up well.
Pour the mixture into dog bone molds up to the brim.
Freeze for at least 5 hours or overnight.
This can be used for up to 3 months if stored in the freezer.
Preheat the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place a baking sheet, parchment paper, or silicone baking mat.
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients well into a nice mixture.
After it forms a nice fluffy dough, roll it into balls. Now place these balls with regular gaps between each and press them with a fork to flatten them.
Bake these balls for about ten to fifteen minutes and allow them to cool.
Store it in an air-tight container in your refrigerator and serve it to your pups.
Add whole wheat flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and whisk them in a bowl.
In another bowl, add eggs, and butter, mix them. Next, add non-fat yogurt, apple sauce, honey, vanilla extract, agave, and raspberry puree. Mix them well.
Gradually add the dry ingredient from the bowl used formerly, gently fold and combine the ingredients and add the freshly chopped raspberries.
Pour the mixture into the mini cupcake molds.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Let the cupcake cool and decorate it with frosting.
Serve it to your pups, for they deserve a treat too.
What If Your Dog Ate Raspberries?
With numerous health benefits of raspberries come some side effects.
Firstly, it is always better to contact your pet’s vet if your dog happens to eat raspberries accidentally. Always try to check the amount that he must have eaten and how many hours it has been after he has eaten.
Eating an excess of raspberries can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. So, it is better to monitor your dog while he consumes the fruit.
They may have an increased risk of getting a yeast infection.
They may suffer from heart disease.
Raspberries in large numbers can cause diabetes.
The sugar content in raspberries can cause obesity.
Too many berries can cause stomach upset.
Raspberries contain a high amount of Xylitol, a sweetener that can be toxic to dogs and contribute to liver disease and hypoglycemia, which would be life-threatening if left untreated.
Too many raspberries can cause tooth decay and affect a dog’s dental health Raspberries may contain sugar that will stick to your dog’s teeth, and if left unnoticed for a longer time, it may cause tooth decay.
Sometimes accidentally eating a whole raspberry can cause choking hazards in smaller dogs.
If you find any of the conditions mentioned above, take him to the vet. Give him enough water to soothe his digestive system as a home remedy.
Alternatives to Raspberries
Blueberries
Cranberries
Strawberries
Pineapple
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Red Raspberries?
Yes, dogs can eat red raspberries because they are not harmful to dogs. Still, it is always better to consult your vet before feeding any new food. They may be healthy, but too many raspberries may increase dogs’ sugar levels, which is dangerous for dogs’ health.
Can Dogs Eat Berries?
No, certain types of berries like blackberries or other berries may contain pits that can obstruct your dog’s stomach. However, some berries like blueberries, cranberries, and red raspberries are safe for dogs.
Can French Bulldogs Eat Raspberries?
Yes, Frenchies can safely eat raspberries. They are filled with antioxidants and essential vitamins. But it would be best if you do not feed in excess, for it may cause diarrhea in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Raspberries?
Yes, frozen raspberries can be a great treat to dogs. But it would help if you took care that they are limited to summer treats and fed moderately. In addition, provide frozen raspberries in a size that doesn’t cause a choking hazard to your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Raspberries?
No, it would help if you did not feed dogs canned raspberries or in the form of jams or spreads. This is because they usually contain high amounts of sugar and other preservatives harmful to dogs.
Yes, dogs can eat blueberries, they are safe fruit for dogs, and they can be eaten both fresh and dried. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that will keep your dog’s skin healthy and shiny. But make sure you don’t feed them in excess as they may cause harm to your dogs since they are high in sugar and can lead to diabetes, obesity, and diarrhea.
Can Puppies Eat Raspberries?
Yes, but in a minimal amount since puppies bear a more sensitive digestive system than adult dogs. Please wait for a few hours to see their reaction, such as indigestion or diarrhea. If they are okay, you can feed them some more on some other occasion.
Can Raspberries Kill Dogs?
No, raspberries provide many health benefits to dogs. However, large quantities of raspberries may upset your dog’s stomach, and excess intake may cause hypoglycemia.
What Berries Are Bad for Dogs?
Some berries like cherries, holly berries, juniper berries, baneberries, pokeberries, and mistletoe berries are toxic for dogs. These berries may contain pits or chemicals that can be hazardous to your health.
Final Thoughts
The very word raspberry gives anyone a picture of juicy and sugary fruit. So, how can one ever resist refraining from giving to dogs? It is a general tendency for dog lovers to share whatever they eat with their pets, to see their pets happy and in joy. However, you can give raspberries to dogs, but not in a surplus amount. Dog owners should never forget that not all human foods are suitable for a dog’s body system. So, it is better to serve any human food moderately and after prior consultation with your pet’s vet. On this note, you can safely give raspberries to dogs while you grab some for your fruit salads or morning breakfasts.
