Can dogs eat raspberries?

Updated 29/04/2024

Raspberries have to be one of nature's most delicious fast foods. Sometimes tart and sometimes sweet, the little rouge morsels are not only 10/10 on the taste front, but they're also jam-packed (pardon the pun) with vitamins, minerals and disease-preventing antioxidants. And as such a great topper to oatmeal, yogurt and desserts of all kinds, we aren't surprised that many pet parents have been wondering - can dogs eat raspberries? Well luckily for your curious canine pal, raspberries are safe for dogs as an occasional treat. In fact, many of the health benefits we humans can reap from the berry also apply to our furry friends, too - it's a win-win. For more on dogs and raspberries and feeding your pup the fruit safely, take a look below as we explore a few questions from pet parents.

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Are raspberries poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat raspberries willy-nilly, or is the berry sometimes toxic to dogs for some reason? Or are raspberries safe for dogs no matter how they're served up? Well luckily for your hungry hound, raspberries aren't toxic to dogs, unlike many other foods we humans regularly dish up. One thing to note though is that raspberries do contain xylitol, which in high doses, is toxic to dogs. Thankfully your dog would have to eat a very large number of raspberries to reach this toxic level of xylitol, but it's an important reminder to feed these tasty treats in small amounts.

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Are raspberries good for dogs?

So, dogs can eat raspberries, but are they actually any good for our canine pals? Certainly - many of the health benefits of raspberries (which we'll explore below) apply to dogs as well, so the berries are a pretty nutritious option when it comes to canine snacking.

As we mentioned though, raspberries contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs if enough is consumed. To avoid any side effects always limit the portion sizes to no more than a handful a day. 

And as you're probably aware, raspberries contain fiber, which in the right amounts is great for your pup's digestive system, but consume too much and they could experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. So, when it comes to the question - are raspberries good for dogs - it's a yes, but in moderation, just like with any fruit popular in the world of 'human foods'.

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Health benefits of eating raspberries for dogs

Before we get into the nutritional benefits of eating raspberries, it’s worth noting that your furry friend certainly doesn’t need to be consuming berries on the regular to reap these benefits. In fact, it’s quite the opposite - your pup can lead a perfectly healthy life, getting the full range of nutrients they need just by eating the dog food you’ve chosen for them. 

Therefore, don't feel pressured to buy expensive punnets for your dog's treats, an occasional berry or two when you are enjoying raspberries yourself is completely ok.

Firstly, raspberries are packed with antioxidants, which can do wonders for older dogs in particular. For dogs and humans, antioxidants play a key role in helping the body fight off diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Next, there’s fiber. If your pup is getting enough of the stuff, their digestive system will be in working order which is essential for overall health. And finally, the range of vitamins and minerals. Raspberries contain vitamins C, K and B complex, along with potassium, manganese, copper and iron, which have a variety of health benefits from protecting the immune system to helping with the maintenance of the body's nerve cells.

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Feeding your dog raspberries

So now we’ve settled your question - can dogs eat raspberries - you’re probably wondering how many is too many, and what’s a safe serving for your pup. Well it depends on your pup’s size, age and breed, but we’d recommend thinking about raspberries as an occasional treat, where you’re only sharing a couple of berries at a time. That way, you don’t have to worry about going overboard. Aside from that, make sure the raspberries you feed to your pup are thoroughly washed and served completely plain. And if you were wondering - can dogs have raspberry jam - the answer is no. As you'll know, jam is packed with sugar, which can lead to gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and diarrhea. 

Other berries

So we’re clear on the query - can dogs have raspberries - but what about other berries? Well we’d advise always treading with caution when it comes to giving your dog ‘people foods’, but as a quick summary, below are the berries safe for canine consumption in moderation. And as always, if you're unsure or your pup has a health condition or is on medications or supplements, speak to your vet before feeding. 

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Blackberries
• Bilberries

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Dogs and raspberries are a hit, so want to find out about other foods dogs can eat? Start off with our list below to get in the know on canine nutrition.

• Wheat
• Tofu
• Grapefruit (within reason)