Are mock strawberries bad for dogs? (Complete Answer)

No, mock strawberries aren’t considered toxic to dogs, so a dog that eats a few from the lawn will usually be fine. They don’t offer any real health benefits either, though, and eating a lot can upset your dog’s stomach. The bigger risks are lawn chemicals sprayed on wild plants and mistaking a different, harmful wild berry for a mock strawberry.

What is the difference between a mock strawberry and a normal strawberry?

Mock strawberry (Potentilla indica, also called Indian strawberry) is a creeping wild plant that is only distantly related to the garden strawberry. You can tell them apart by the flowers: mock strawberries have yellow flowers, while true strawberries have white ones. The berries are small, round and bright red, often point upward, and have bumpy seeds on the surface. While mock strawberries don’t have much of a taste, regular strawberries are sweet and delicious.

What mock strawberries can (and can’t) do for your dog

1Not toxic to dogs

The good news is that mock strawberries aren’t known to be poisonous to dogs. If your dog snacks on a few while sniffing around the yard, there’s usually no need to worry. That doesn’t make them a superfood, though: they contain some vitamins, minerals and fiber like most fruit, but nothing your dog doesn’t already get from a complete dog food.

2Not a treatment for anemia

You may read that mock strawberries help with anemia because they contain iron. The amount in a few small berries is tiny, and anemia in dogs is a sign of an underlying problem, such as blood loss, parasites or disease, that needs a vet diagnosis and treatment. Don’t rely on berries or any home remedy if your dog has pale gums, weakness or tires easily – see your vet.

Like many fruits, mock strawberries contain some antioxidants, but there’s no evidence that they boost a dog’s immune system. If your dog has kidney disease, we look at whether dogs with kidney disease can eat strawberries separately.

3Vitamin C isn’t a reason to feed them

Vitamin C is important for the immune system, but unlike people, healthy dogs make their own vitamin C in the liver and don’t need it from fruit. So while mock strawberries do contain some vitamin C, it isn’t a good reason to feed them, even to senior dogs.

4A little fiber

Like other berries, mock strawberries contain some fiber, which plays a role in a healthy digestive system. But a handful of berries won’t fix digestive problems, and too many can actually cause loose stools. If your dog has ongoing constipation or diarrhea, talk to your vet.

5No proven help for joint pain

Joint pain is a common problem in dogs, especially as they get older, but there’s no evidence that mock strawberries relieve it. If your dog is stiff or limping, a vet can recommend proven pain relief, joint supplements or weight management.

6Are low in calories

Mock strawberries are low in calories, so a few won’t affect your dog’s weight. If you’re looking for a healthy fruit treat to give on purpose, though, it’s easier and safer to buy fruit from the store than to pick wild berries. For other choices, see our list of fruits dogs can eat (and the ones to avoid). However, it’s important to keep in mind that all dogs are different and some may react to new foods. If you’re unsure whether or not your dog can eat mock strawberries, it’s always best to consult with a vet first.

Why mock strawberries can be bad for dogs

While mock strawberries are not toxic to dogs, they can cause some digestive issues if consumed in large quantities, and like any food they can occasionally trigger an allergic reaction. The other risks come from where they grow:

• Lawn and garden chemicals. Mock strawberry is a common lawn weed, so the plants may have been sprayed with weed killer or fertilizer that is harmful to dogs.
• Mistaken identity. Make sure the plant really is mock strawberry. Some other wild berries and plants are toxic to dogs.
• Dirt and parasites. Wild berries can carry soil, bird droppings or parasite eggs.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a lot of mock strawberries, watch for signs of an upset stomach, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline straight away if the plants may have been treated with chemicals, if you’re not sure what your dog ate, or if your dog has severe symptoms such as repeated vomiting, drooling, weakness, facial swelling or difficulty breathing.

Conclusion

Mock strawberries aren’t bad for dogs in small amounts – they’re not toxic, but they don’t have any real health benefits either. Don’t worry if your dog eats a few, but discourage them from grazing on lawn weeds that may have been sprayed, and make sure you know which plant they ate. If you have any concerns, please consult with a veterinarian.

Source: https://www.candogseatit.com