Strawberries are popular go-to snacks for many people.
You can find strawberries or the flavor in foods out there.
Smoothies, salads, cocktails, shakes, other drinks, and more!
Because of this enormous popularity, it is quite common to find dog owners who also feed their dogs strawberries.
And we know that it is not harmful to our pooch.
It is quite nutritious even. But that is just for the fruit.
How about the strawberry leaves?
Are they a viable feed for our dog as well?
Find out more below.
Can I Give My Dog Strawberry Leaves?
Yes. Contrary to what many people think, you can eat the leaves of strawberries.
Most people just throw the tops away and only eat the sweet and delicious strawberry flesh.
But according to studies, we can eat strawberry leaves.
And since we can eat them, so perhaps our dogs can as well.
What Benefits Can Strawberry Leaves Give to My Dog?
There are many pros that strawberry leaves can give to your dogs.
Here are some of them:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Strawberry leaves have anti-inflammatory properties due to their caffeic acid content.
It can help relieve inflammations, joint pains as well as arthritis pain.
2. Vitamin and mineral-rich
Strawberry leaves are also rich in vitamins like vitamin C and minerals like calcium and iron.
3. Rich in antioxidants
Strawberry leaves are rich in antioxidants, which can help boost the healthy functioning of the body.
Learn More:
What Dangers Should I Consider?
Although strawberry leaves are not dangerous to your dogs, you need to take note that these leaves have high tannin content.
Too many tannins can upset your dog’s stomach.
Tannins can also cause diarrhea, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, lethargy, and induce vomiting.
Be mindful of how much strawberry leaves you feed to your dogs.
If you are not sure that your dog can eat the leaves, then do not force it.
Check with a vet if you are not sure.
And once you receive the okay from your vet, then practice moderation.
Remember, these leaves are not necessary for your dog’s diet.
They can do without them. So, feed them sparingly.
Check for any allergic reaction as well.
How Should I Serve the Leaves?
If you let your dog eat some strawberry leaves now and then, you can chop them up and mix them into your dog’s meals.
You can also bake some cookies and add these leaves to the ingredients.
Do not directly feed the leaves to your dog as they can be hard to digest and may cause an upset stomach.
And the taste of raw fruit leaves is not always the best too.
Conclusion
It is all right to feed your dog some strawberry leaves granted that you only provide it to them in small amounts.
It is best if you can just mix a small part in your dog’s meals now and then to boost your pet’s health.
Just make sure to check for allergic reactions or any other side effects.
If you are not sure, ask your vet.