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Raspberries are a fantastic fruit. They’re obviously healthy, but for a pet dog? Does sharing make sense?
Good news!
A few raspberries won’t harm your animal. In fact, dogs can benefit as well!
That said, feeding this delectable berry does have a few downsides.
Basically, raspberry is a good light snack for your dog if you don’t overdo it.
Dogs Can Have Raspberries In Moderation
They offer excellent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
You can share and dogs generally love to get fruity treats.
Unlike cherries, the raspberry does not require much prepping. Simply rinse them. But, again, be sure to limit portions for one key reason:
Raspberries have a bit of Xylitol which isn’t recommended for your dog (more on this later).
Fun Fact: Raspberries are 86% water which certainly makes them a light snack!
Raspberries Are Nutritious
Besides the powerful antioxidant factor, what stands out about raspberries is the amount of vitamin-c.
While that’s great, most dogs don’t actually need extra because (unlike people) their bodies synthesize their own.
That’s okay because raspberry also offers lots of manganese and fabulous fiber. That they happen to be low in sugar and calories is reassuring for pet parents.
Anti-inflammatory Aspect
The best thing about raspberries is the anti-inflammatory effect.
It is relevant to a common canine condition. This is a valuable attribute, particularly for arthritic dogs.
Raspberry, as well as the juicy pulp, may reduce inflammation and associated joint stiffness.
It’s worth a shot and, at the very least, your dog will enjoy this terrific treat.
Ration Rover’s Raspberries
So, a bit of raspberry is safe for dogs.
They may even benefit, but this red berry is expensive. Consider that a handful won’t satisfy most larger breeds.
Well, it’s just a special treat. That’s all.
Known botanically as Rubus idaeus, you shouldn’t feed your dog lots of raspberries because there is a downside…
Xylitol is Fido’s X-Factor
We need to talk more about the subject of Xylitol.
It occurs naturally in this berry. It is definitely dangerous for dogs. Toxic actually!
Thankfully, the amount in raspberries is not a concern – that is if you limit portions.
Again, raspberries should never be a mainstay of your pet dog’s diet.
The Raspberry Realistically
Raspberries are wonderful as a small treat.
Give them only occasionally, not on a regular basis. Limit portions to about a handful.
The thing is even healthy foods can create bad feeding habits.
You do not want your dog to begin expecting to eat raspberry.
Meat must be the basis of meals and fruits should complement only.
Play it safe. After all, it is possible that raspberry won’t fully agree with your pet’s stomach.
The Bottom Line
You can give your dog some rinsed raspberry.
A light and nutritious treat, these berries are A-OK!
They may benefit from the antioxidants and other outstanding attributes. For sure, it’s a health food. Nevertheless, moderation is a must for your dog.
Remember that raspberries contain Xylitol which can be harmful if too much is eaten.
How about mulberries?
I have several rows of raspberries. My Cockapoo eats them routinely with no problems. He has mastered the art of using his small front teeth to pull them off the stalk. Sometimes he stands on his back legs to reach them.
I have an 11-1/2 pound, just turned 7, Shih Tzu recently diagnosed with profound heart murmur and heart disease. There’s no evidence of heart failure. It’s under control with 5 medications, 4 pills and some need slitting.
However, all my previous tricks for getting her to take the meds she’s now onto. What works is hiding the smaller pill chips in blueberries and the larger ones in raspberries with a built-in “hole” to pop them in works best.
Would 2 raspberries 12 hours apart per day be a problem? She loves them, and the meds are in her, not clinging to her face or in the carpeting. I can’t find out how much is too much.
My dog ate a raspberry before and nothing happened after that.
My dog saw me picking raspberries from bushes and eating them. A few days later I saw her taking some from the lower branches. I really don’t know how to stop her, other than not letting her in the yard. Any advice?
I suggest setting up some type of barrier to keep her from getting to the plants. Either something around the plants, far enough away so she can’t reach any, or create an enclosed area for her. Perhaps put up a fence, or another barrier, to make a smaller area. Block her off from the plants.
I live in an apartment; no fences allowed. I tried putting her on the end of a rope that doesn’t reach the bushes. The raspberries are long gone now, so it’s moot!
Your only problem with large amounts of raspberries is Xylitol.