Tasty Tuesday: Strawberry Treats for a Fresh Start to February

As we step into the first week of February, it’s a great time to refresh routines and add a little variety to our dogs’ treat rotation. While apples, blueberries, and pumpkin are popular staples, strawberries offer a delicious and nutritious alternative that many dogs love.

When used thoughtfully, strawberries can be a simple way to support enrichment, add antioxidants, and bring a little seasonal joy to treat time.

🍓 Are Strawberries Safe for Dogs?

Yes — strawberries are safe for dogs when fed in moderation and prepared properly. They contain natural sugars, so portion size matters, but they can be a wonderful occasional treat.

Strawberries offer:

• Antioxidants that support overall wellness

• Vitamin C to help support immune health

• Fiber to aid digestion

• Natural enzymes that can help freshen breath

Because every dog is different, strawberries should be introduced slowly, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

🐾 How to Serve Strawberries Safely

Before offering strawberries to your dog:

• Wash thoroughly to remove pesticides

• Remove stems and leaves

• Cut into small, bite-sized pieces

• Start with a small amount to gauge tolerance

Avoid canned strawberries, syrups, or anything with added sugars or artificial ingredients.

🧊 Fun Ways to Use Strawberries

Strawberries are versatile and work beautifully in enrichment and calming activities:

Fresh or Mashed A few small pieces served fresh or lightly mashed can be added to meals or offered as a reward.

Frozen for Enrichment-Frozen strawberries can be used as a crunchy treat or blended and frozen into molds for longer-lasting enrichment.

Lick Mats & Toys-Mash strawberries and spread lightly on a lick mat or stuff into enrichment toys to encourage calm, focused activity.

Strawberry Yogurt Mix-Combine a small amount of mashed strawberry with plain, unsweetened yogurt for a special treat. Always avoid sweeteners like xylitol.

⚖️ Moderation Matters

While strawberries are healthy, they should always be fed in moderation. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake. Too much fruit can lead to digestive upset due to natural sugars and fiber content.

💜 Treats as Part of Wellness

At Paisley’s Posh Paws, we believe treats should serve a purpose — whether that’s enrichment, bonding, or supporting emotional regulation. Simple, whole foods like strawberries can be a thoughtful addition to your dog’s routine when used intentionally.

If you’re looking for more dog-safe recipes, enrichment ideas, and wellness tips, be sure to explore our blog on the website. We regularly share seasonal treats and practical ways to support your dog’s well-being from the inside out.