Can dogs eat strawberries? Preparing treats for a sitter
How to prepare strawberries for your dog and agree treats with a sitter. Practical handover ideas to keep everyone following the same plan.
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Yes, dogs can have a little strawberry occasionally. Wash it, remove the stalk and leaves, then chop or mash it. Avoid offering a whole berry that your dog could swallow.
Choose plain fruit
Syrup-packed berries and sweetened products are different: they may contain excess sugar or harmful sweeteners. Start small, and stop and speak to your vet if your dog develops symptoms.
American Kennel Club: strawberries for dogs
Fitting treats into the day
Fruit is optional, rather than something dogs need in their diet. Offer small amounts and account for other treats too. If your dog has diabetes, is overweight or has a sensitive stomach, ask your vet first.
PDSA: fruit as an occasional treat
The Petbnb handover: set aside the agreed treats
If you would like your dog to have a familiar snack during a stay, agree it with the sitter first. Set aside the agreed amount and explain when it is intended for. A labelled container is clearer than saying there are strawberries in the fridge.
For a household with several dogs, leave separate instructions for each one. A treat agreed for one dog is not automatically part of another dog’s plan. Ask the sitter to tell you which extras they have given before you collect your dog.
Three useful details to leave with the sitter
Write down your dog’s usual treats, what they have already eaten today and who to call with any questions. Show the sitter where the regular food is kept too. They should be following your routine, rather than having to invent a menu.
Can the sitter try something new?
Agree this in advance. Our suggestion is to keep treats familiar for the first few stays. If your dog has never tried strawberries, leave that for another day at home, when you can decide what suits them yourself.