Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? Is It a Safe and Healthy Snack? 

Raspberries are delicious, affordable berries that are jammed-packed with nutrients and minerals. While figuring out what human foods your dog can and can’t eat, this one is a no-brainer! Your dog can eat raspberries in moderation, and they actually could serve as a healthy addition to their diet. Here’s what you should know about this powerhouse fruit and its impact on your dog’s health.

Are Raspberries Safe for Dogs?

Yes! The key to sharing human food with dogs is moderation. A dog’s diet must be a majority of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients. Even if you choose a raw food diet for your pet, fruits like raspberries should be an occasional treat.³ Most commercial dog foods on the market today provide sufficient nutrition, but providing your pet variety is just as important.

Pet owners will be happy to know that raspberries are not extremely high in sugar. Their texture is soft which makes them easy for dogs to chew. You don’t have to worry about your dog choking or getting an upset stomach from consuming raspberries unless they have specific dietary issues. As with any food, be sure to contact your veterinarian before introducing high-fiber fruits like raspberries into their diet.

Health Benefits of Raspberries

One of the reasons raspberries are a great snack option for pets is that they have many nutritional properties. A few of the benefits of raspberries include:^4,5

●      High amounts of vitamin C, K, and B complex to support your dog’s immune function and healthy skin

●      Essential minerals that support bodily functions such as potassium, manganese, copper, folic acid, iron, and magnesium⁶

●      Antioxidants that combat heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis

●      Dietary fiber to aids digestion and lowers your pet’s risk of obesity

How To Feed Raspberries to Your Dog

It is up to you how you’d like to feed your dog raspberries. You know your dog best, but there are a few common questions dog owners ask when it comes to feeding them raspberries.  

How many raspberries can my dog eat?

A good rule of thumb is to keep treats, including raspberries, less than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.⁷ Consider what your pup eats regularly, including other treats, dry food, and wet food. Your veterinarian may have tools available to help you track your dog's meals and better determine just how much to feed your dog.

Can my dog eat raspberries daily?

You can feed your dog raspberries daily. It’s important that you wash the raspberries properly to ensure that all pesticides, waxes, or debris aren’t consumed by your dog. You can offer the fruit to them in the palm of your hand or toss it for them to catch. Placing some raspberries in a food puzzle may be another great option to engage your pal in some healthy play time.

Can my dog have raspberry yogurt?

Yogurt isn’t harmful to dogs, but it does contain lactose which some dogs find difficult to digest. Additionally, some yogurts contain xylitol — which is toxic for dogs if they consume large amounts.⁸ Like all raw vegetables and fruits, raw raspberries also have xylitol, but its low levels don’t make it a concern. However, some frozen raspberries and yogurts contain added sweeteners which could negatively impact your pooch’s health. Be sure to read the labels on the back of the container to be sure it’s safe before you share it with your companion.

When is it not okay to give my dog raspberries?

Before adding raspberries into your dog’s diet, there are a few things to consider. First, be sure that you’re monitoring their sugar consumption closely. It’s easy to lose track of what treats are being given to your dog, especially if they’re the object of your kids’ affection. Overfeeding can lead to an overweight dog, which can ultimately lead to other health problems.

Consider skipping fruits as a snack altogether if your dog is diabetic. Older dogs or adopted dogs often come with preexisting conditions. That’s okay! Chat with your vet about best practices for managing your dog’s condition.

Raspberries Are an Excellent Treat!

Of all the things you have to worry about, giving raspberries to a healthy dog probably isn’t one of them. Monitor their diet closely with your vet to manage or prevent health issues, and always remember to give additional treats in moderation. Consider insuring your dog’s health care with MetLife¹ so you can rest assured that you’re giving your pet a shot at a long and healthy life. MetLife offers dog insurance options for solutions to cover the cost of your pet’s care, from emergency visits to routine exams.² Peace of mind is just as sweet.

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