Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?

Oh, the joys of eating raspberries! This brightly colored fruit makes any food instagrammable from pancakes, oatmeal, salads including desserts!

What’s more, it tastes like a wonderland with its sweetness! Not to mention, it is a healthy fruit too!

But can dogs eat it, too? Sometimes, it is often to dismiss something nutritious as a yes. But always take the side of caution especially when feeding dogs food fit for humans.

So, can dogs eat raspberries? Let’s find out.

Can Dogs Safely Eat Raspberries?

Yes, raspberries are safe for dogs to eat when fed in moderation. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants great for older dogs suffering from arthritis as they can alleviate its pain.

While there is a green light for raspberries, caution is advised. Raspberries must be shared in moderation as it has some toxic properties that can harm your dog when they eat too much.

Raspberry 101

First, let’s get to know this bright, colorful and juicy fruit.

Raspberries are a member of the genus Rubus and rose family or Rosaceae it’s no wonder it looks pretty. Members of the plant family called “brambles” including blackberries, these fruits are composed of many connecting drupelets where individual sections of the fruit have their own seed surrounding a central core. One little raspberry can have 100 to 120 seeds!

Raspberries have over 200 varieties so apart from the common red and black color, there’s also golden, purple and yellow. Other varieties of raspberry include Asian raspberry, American red raspberry, snow raspberry and flowering raspberry all with distinctive flavors and taste.

Raspberries have been around since prehistoric times but first cultivated in France and England in the 1600s. Traditionally, it is used to clean teeth and treat sore eyes. While there’s no scientific study to back up the effectiveness of those uses, some still live by these traditional methods.

Did you know that, unlike other fruits, raspberries when picked don’t continue to ripen? So if you are to pick one, make sure it is the ripe one already.

Black raspberry is often mistaken as a blackberry. The difference between the two is that raspberries have a hollow core in the middle while blackberries do not.

Ninety percent (90%) of raspberries in the United States came from Oregon, California and Washington.

Are Raspberries Good For Dogs? What Are Its Benefits?

Raspberries are known for their high antioxidant levels that can reduce the possibility of cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and arthritis. Furthermore, antioxidants show improvement in cognitive performance, especially in aging dogs.

Another great thing about raspberries is the presence of flavonoids in them. These flavonoids reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Apart from those really commendable health benefits, raspberries are also rich in the following vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin K
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Folic Acid
• Iron
• Manganese

Are there Risks Eating Raspberries for Dogs?

Something as healthy as raspberries still poses risk to your dogs. For most fruits, moderation is advised because too much fiber can result in diarrhea. But more than the fear of GI upset due to fiber content in fruits, moderation is advised because raspberries contain trace amounts of xylitol. While most fruits contain trace amounts of it, raspberries contain higher levels of xylitol compared to others.

Yes, and if you are a dog lover, you know that this sugar substitute is bad for your dog’s health. It is often advised to stay away from xylitol especially in products found in groceries. Why so? Because xylitol can lead to liver disease and hypoglycemia which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Now you might say, then why say “yes” to feeding raspberries to dogs?

As mentioned, raspberries should be fed in moderation because they have trace amounts of xylitol. If you feed your dog too many raspberries, you are putting its life in danger. But in moderation, you are allowing your dog to benefit from it without harm.

American Kennel Club (AKC) says yes to feeding raspberries to dogs in small amounts. To give you peace of mind, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) did not also list raspberries as something toxic.

Most dogs who were poisoned from xylitol consumed it from human products with an added xylitol such as chewing gum. But never from eating fruit; unless of course there was due negligence by feeding the dog way too much of it.

There’s nothing to be alarmed of. It is only harmful to dogs in large quantities. For example, a 22-pound dog would have to eat at least 32 cups of raspberries for it to cause fatality. Although do not let your guard down, 4-6 cups of raspberries can still lead to hypoglycemia.

If you are uncomfortable feeding your dog with raspberries due to its xylitol content, it’s your call. Furthermore, talking to your vet is always the best recourse.

Can Dogs Safely Eat Frozen Raspberries?

So you picked some fresh raspberries and decided to freeze them for your smoothie. Then suddenly, your dog is beside you with those whiny eyes, asking for bits of frozen raspberries.

Yes, you can share some frozen raspberries with your dog and it is a great treat especially in hot, humid months. Just make sure it is not a lump of frozen raspberries that your dog may choke on!

You are also welcome to make some “pupsicles” out of it or just fruit ice cubes!

That sure is fun! But do not forget moderation!

Can Dogs Safely Eat Canned Raspberries?

No, always opt for the fresh ones or the frozen real fruit. The problem with canned raspberries, and other canned fruits for that matter, is that they contain higher amounts of sugar in them already.

If you will notice, most raspberries in cans are submerged in heavy syrup. Plus, to make these canned fruits’ shelf life longer, preservatives are already added to them making it dangerous for your dog.

Avoid raspberries in a jam or spread versions.

Can Dogs Safely Eat Red Raspberries?

Go for red raspberries! This is the most common one found also. Enjoy it with your furry best friend.

Can Dogs Safely Eat Black Raspberries?

Yes, AKC did not single out any bad raspberries so go ahead and eat the black ones. Now, if you are asking about blackberries, yes, go ahead!

Can Dogs Safely Drink Raspberry Juice?

It depends. Is the raspberry juice fresh, without added sugar or any additives? Then go ahead and let them have some.

But if it is the versions found in the market, preserved or processed for longer consumption, then steer clear. While sugar is a culprit, preservatives and additives are the bigger enemies.

Always go for fresh. Besides, if it is your dog’s health on the line, wouldn’t you want only the best?

How Can I Feed My Dog Raspberries?

For first-time eaters of raspberries, make sure to feed them in small amounts only. Let them taste it first. More importantly, observe them afterward for any untoward signs after eating some raspberries like diarrhea and vomiting.

If they seem to be all good, then go ahead and share recommended amounts.

Again, when feeding your dog raspberries, always go for the fresh ones. Not in the can, not preserved, not processed and definitely not in syrup or dusted in confectioners’ sugar.

Always wash your raspberries clean when sharing them with your dog. You can toss it as is to your snacking dog or you can even brighten things up by:

• Sprinkle it in your dog’s regular meal
• Share a frozen raspberry with your furry best friend
• Add it in a dog-friendly munchies or cookies

How Many Raspberries Can Dogs Eat?

Now, this is an important part as it has been stressed that raspberries should be shared in the right amounts or too much can cause harm.

So how many is the right amount?

Serve raspberries to your dogs in less than a cup to a maximum of one cup and only occasionally. You can also limit it to one or two pieces of raspberries.

Do not worry, most of the nutrients your dog needs should be found on high-quality dog food composed of 90% of its diet. The other 10% should be supplementary only like fruits and veggies, as treats.

Conclusion: Should I Give My Dog Raspberries?

Yes, it is safe to give your dog some raspberries but do not overdo it. Raspberries are rich in antioxidants and your dog will greatly benefit from them.

Now, next time you snap an instagrammable pancake topped with raspberries or salad with these bright reds, include your dog in the frame! That’s because you can share some fresh raspberries with them. Enjoy!