Giving human food to your pet may seem harmless, but when dogs eat raspberries, there are a few concerns that dog owners should know about. Before giving any food to your canine companion, it is important to understand what possible health benefits and risks it may represent.
Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?
The good news is that dogs can eat raspberries, but only in moderation. These popular berries are packed with antioxidants and other healthy compounds, which can help both humans and dogs. More specifically, raspberries are an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, manganese and vitamin K, as well as a number of antioxidants. However, it is important to understand that a dog’s normal diet should provide all the nutrients it needs for overall health, so raspberries should be seen as an occasional treat, not a regular addition to the diet. [1]
This is especially true because raspberries do possess a compound called xylitol, which can affect liver health if consumed by dogs in large quantities, even though this natural sweetener has no real effect on humans. Furthermore, eating too many raspberries can also give dogs gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and general stomach discomfort. [2]
Can dogs eat raspberries? Photo Credit: Shutterstock
How Many Raspberries Can I Feed My Dog?
If you always have raspberries around the house and want your dog to also enjoy this tart treat, then you can give your pooch 2-3 at a time. This is enough to provide them with a few health benefits, without putting them at risk of liver damage. Again, this shouldn’t be a daily practice; if you are going to give your dog human food, variety is key.
Health Benefits of Raspberries for Dogs
Although you need to feed your dog these berries in moderation, there are some clear health benefits too, such as improving digestion, preventing chronic disease, soothing inflammation and boosting vision, among others.
Aid in Digestion
There is a good amount of dietary fiber in raspberries, so these sweet snacks can help drive proper digestion and regulate your dog’s bowel movements. Although most canine diets already have enough fiber, as dog ages or if they are struggling with gastrointestinal issues, a few extra raspberries once or twice a week could help. [3]
Reduce the risk of chronic diseases
These berries are packed with powerful phenolic compounds and antioxidants that can seek out free radicals in the body, reduce oxidative stress and lower your dog’s risk of chronic diseases, particularly in older dogs. [4]
Reduces Inflammation
Perhaps most famed for their anti-inflammatory abilities, raspberries can ease aching or inflamed joints in your pup, as well as settle their stomach and generally reduce pain throughout their body.
Improves Vision
Some of the antioxidants found in raspberries are directly linked to improving vision, as they can eliminate oxidative stress in the retina. When dogs eat raspberries, they can slow the decline of their vision, which is a common issue in aging pups. [5]
