With the arrival of summer, berries are the most awaited fruits as they help quench our thirst. Similarly, they are great for Chihuahuas too. It can be tricky trying to figure out which fruits are good for dogs and which can invoke severe attacks, but in this case, strawberries are safe.
However, canned strawberries or those dipped in any kind of artificial syrup are not good for Chihuahuas, so you should only feed them fresh ones.
Why Strawberries Are Good for Your Chihuahua
Not only are strawberries sweet and refreshing for your Chihuahua, but they will also help keep your little pet healthy. Strawberries act as anti-aging fruits that strengthen the immune system and aid with weight management. By increasing the amount of fresh fruits and cutting down high-fat snacks from your Chihuahua’s diet, your dog will remain healthy much longer and its teeth will remain stronger.
The safe way to give your Chihuahua strawberries is by cutting them up into tiny bits in order to avoid choking and encourage problem-free digestion. You can also mash up the berries and make a simple puree so that your Chihuahua does not have trouble chewing them.
Garden Strawberries
It is safe to start off with a half or whole strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). Strawberries contain fiber, potassium, iodine, and magnesium. They help provide vitamins C, K, B1, and B6 to your little Chihuahua. They also help supplement its folic acid and omega-3 fat intake of any sort.
Wild Strawberries
Contrary to common knowledge, wild strawberries do not contain poison. In fact, it is quite safe for your Chihuahua to grab a couple of strawberries on its way. However, if it eats too many, they might upset its stomach. In case it starts vomiting, hydrate him, but withhold food for at least 12-24 hours.
The next thing you should feed it is 2-3 parts of boiled white rice and 1 part chicken breast, and keep up this bland diet until it gets better. If it does not get better, feel free to hit up the vet at your convenience.
Beware of Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
The one thing Chihuahuas and any other kind of dog should be kept away from is chocolate. Do not feed your Chihuahua strawberries dipped in cream or chocolate. They have a very high chance of upsetting your dog’s stomach. Cooked strawberries are an alternate option, but this cuts down their nutritional value.
Conclusion
Anything given in excess is harmful. Slowly incorporate strawberries into your Chihuahua’s diet instead of starting a full-fledged diet. It is best to take advice from your vet before you stir up some changes in your Chihuahua’s dietary plan just to stay on the safe side at all times.
However, you can feel free to include this sweet treat in your dog’s diet. Make sure to get rid of any leaves or stems that come with the strawberries as these may be a choking hazard to the Chihuahuas.