Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? 10 Benefits and 2 Side Effects

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? 10 Benefits and 2 Side Effects“.

Raspberries a summertime superfruit are full of nutrition and health benefits. How safe are raspberries for dogs to consume and can they also eat them? Do raspberries have any health benefits for dogs and are there any side effects? Take a closer look.

There are no problems with dogs eating raspberries and raspberries are not toxic to them. So if you have been wondering “can I give my dog raspberries?” the answer is YES. As with all new foods its important to introduce them slowly and feed them only a little at a time.

Raspberries like most berries are very nutritious for people as well as offer numerous health benefits. The same thing applies when feeding berries to dogs and raspberries are the best. However there are a few things you should know first.

What are raspberries?

Raspberries are rich red and sweet edible fruits. Raspberry species are divided into four main groups all belonging to the rose family: Boulder raspberry Australian native raspberry Mauritius raspberry and Korean raspberry. Many hybrid varieties are available.

It is extremely healthy and nutritious to consume raspberries. Raspberries contain a high level of antioxidants. According to a recently published study raspberries (together with blackberries and blueberries) possess one of the highest antioxidant levels of all commonly consumed fruits.

This is what raw raspberries look like:

Several health benefits can be attributed to the consumption of raspberries. Raspberry berries are also very sweet tasty and low in calories making them a perfect healthy treat.

Are dogs able to reap the same benefits as humans from eating raspberries? Despite the lack of research on the effects raspberries have on dogs drawing from other research on how food affects humans and dogs we can assume theres a good chance.

In this research we will discuss all the health benefits and nutrition raspberries for dogs may provide.

Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?

Do dogs have the same right to eat raspberries as humans? It is safe for dogs to consume raspberries as they are not toxic.

Donot forget to start feeding raspberries to your dog slowly with very small amounts and as an occasional treat.

There are a lot of nutrients in strawberries and here are the main ones:

• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Manganese
• Fiber

Raspberries can be beneficial to dogs because of their minerals and vitamins. Research has been conducted on raspberries (and other berries) for their health benefits so heres a brief overview.

• Raspberry consumption may reduce oxidative stress
• Raspberries reduce blood sugar and insulin response
• Raspberries fight inflammation in the body 
• Raspberries lower cholesterol levels 
• Raspberries are great for the skin
• Raspberries may protect from and fight cancer 
• Raspberries may keep arteries healthy 

There are a lot of reasons why you should eat raspberries yourself and there are probably plenty of good reasons why you should give raspberries to your dog. There is a lot more research suggesting raspberries are one of the best superfruits humans and animals can consume.

Benefits of berries for dogs

In addition to raspberries many foods with tons of nutrients can improve the health of both people and animals. The fact is that berries are a great addition to the diet of dogs in general and a lot of research shows the many health benefits that berries provide.

In addition to raspberries the following three berries are also popular with dogs:

• Blueberries
• Strawberries
• Blackberries

For many reasons all three berries above are useful and very healthy for dogs to eat.

Let us now examine how giving raspberries to dogs may actually benefit them as well based on each specific nutrient found in this superfood called raspberry.

10 Potential Benefits of Raspberries for Dogs

Because there has been so much research done on raspberries and berries in general there is a good reason why feeding raspberries to dogs is not only healthy but also very beneficial. You just need to monitor your pet while feeding small amounts.

In the meantime here are ten of the benefits raspberries offer dogs:

1. Raspberries improve digestive function and promote weight loss in dogs

Despite their high fiber content (15 g carbs 8 of which are fiber) raspberries are extremely low in sugar.

A raspberrys dietary fiber makes up approximately 20% of its weight providing an extra boost to dogs’ digestive systems. As fiber slows digestion it helps regulate bowel movements improves digestion and encourages weight loss in dogs.

2. Raspberries can fight cancer and liver disease

Human studies have shown that raspberries may be one of the best foods to prevent and fight canine cancer.

Antioxidants are abundant in raspberries making it one of the most antioxidant-rich fruits. They are particularly known for ellagic acid which has been shown to have anticancer properties.

Researchers have found that eating foods that contain ellagic acid may help prevent the spread of cancer cells and tumor growths throughout the body.

Additionally ellagic acid can help protect the liver and support healthy liver function.

3. Anthocyanins in raspberries may help prevent infections in dogs

In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties raspberries for dogs have many other benefits.

Additionally raspberry anthocyanins protect dogs from infections by neutralizing free radicals and promoting a reduction in bacteria growth within their bodies.

4. Raspberries contain Vitamin B which promotes healthy body function

Dogs benefit from vitamin B in many different ways. A dogs body produces hormones proteins and neurotransmitters primarily from Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) thereby potentially preventing anemia. 

5. Raspberries contain Vitamin C for a stronger immune system

It strengthens the immune system fights inflammation and promotes the production of cartilage and collagen in dogs. Dogs are known to benefit from vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) as an antioxidant and nutrient. 

6. Potassium in raspberries helps regulate vital body functions

Raspberries have a good amount of potassium which dogs need. Potassium aids in dog muscle development maintains healthy blood vessel functions and replaces lost electrolytes in the body. 

7. Iron in raspberries is necessary for healthy enzymes and blood functions

For the bodys enzymes to function correctly and efficiently the dogs iron levels need to be maintained. In addition to containing iron raspberries are a good source of hemoglobin which carries oxygen to red blood cells in dogs.

8. The magnesium in raspberries assists with a dogs body development

There are many reasons to make sure your dog gets enough magnesium not the least of which is the fact that magnesium promotes protein synthesis and bone growth in dogs. Vitamins and minerals are also better absorbed when your dog gets enough magnesium. 

9. Manganese for stronger muscle development and weight loss

Another mineral that is essential to the health of dogs is manganese. It is necessary for healthy ligament development effective digestion of carbohydrates and proteins by the dogs body creation of fatty acids and production of energy and reproduction.

In addition magnesium keeps the bodys metabolism at a high level increasing fat-burning.

10. Raspberries have anti-inflammatory properties for joint health

It has already been mentioned that one of the main benefits of eating berries (not just raspberries) is their anti-inflammatory effects which also apply to dogs.

Because raspberries contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia may benefit greatly from including raspberries in their diets. Taking these antioxidants may help ease your dogs pain and discomfort and make her more energetic.

“So can I give my dog raspberries?”

You can feed your dog raspberries and there are many reasons for doing so. Raspberries are very healthy food for dogs and may provide them with lots of benefits.

If you do give your pet raspberries be sure to start with very small amounts and monitor their health closely.

Its best to give raspberries to dogs in moderation and as an occasional treat rather than making it their regular diet since berries still contain natural sugar which dogs do not need.

The Bottom Line:. As long as raspberries are not a regular food in your dogs diet raspberries can provide many potential health benefits for your pet.

2 Potential Side Effects of Raspberries for Dogs

As a rule raspberries for dogs have no negative side effects unless very large quantities are consumed. Moderate amounts can be consumed safely.

Be sure to wash raspberries thoroughly to ensure that they are free of pesticides and bacteria.

In spite of the fact that raspberries for dogs are very healthy and make a great occasional treat there are two things you should remember before giving raspberries to your dog.

1. Gastrointestinal upset

When raspberries are given in excess (and sometimes even a little) they can cause vomiting constipation or diarrhea. Raspberries are most commonly given in excess to dogs or introduced too quickly into their diet.

You can avoid this by starting with very small amounts and not making it a regular treat. 

2. Xylitol in raspberries

The majority of people are unaware that raspberries are one of the few fruits that contain the highest level of natural xylitol (20). Per gram of raspberries there are approximately 400 micrograms of xylitol.

In addition to being toxic to dogs xylitol can also contribute to the development of liver disease and hypoglycemia both of which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

But is natural xylitol found in raspberries also toxic to dogs?

Dogs are still toxic to natural xylitol yes. To poison and potentially kill your dog your dog would have to eat a lot of raspberries.

Now lets do the math:

Raspberries contain approximately 0.05 grams of xylitol per cup. Ingesting about 2-4 grams of xylitol would cause low blood sugar in a 20 lb dog while about 16 grams would prove fatal.

It would take your 20-pound dog eating 4-6 cups of raspberries for the xylitol in raspberries to cause hypoglycemia in dogs. For a 20 lb dog to die from raspberries he would need to eat about 30 to 32 cups.

So if you do not overfeed your dog on raspberries there will not be a problem with xylitol in raspberries as even people do not consume that many raspberries.

Can Dogs Eat Raspberries?

The conclusion is that dogs can eat raspberries and that raspberries are not toxic to them. Raspberries can be beneficial to dogs in many ways.

Raspberries are recommended as part of homemade dog food as an occasional treat and in moderation. These are a great alternative to processed treats that are fatty sugary and unhealthy.

A dogs vital body functions can be strengthened through raspberry consumption; its immune system can be improved; its digestive system bolstered; it can aid in fighting cancers and infections and it can promote healthy weight loss.

Large quantities of raspberries may upset your dogs stomach and eating excessive amounts of raspberries can cause hypoglycemia or even death.

If you want to read more about dog food tips read here: Dog Food Tips and Tricks.

Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? 10 Benefits and 2 Side Effects (Watch Video)