Can Dogs Have Raspberries?

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Most healthy adult dogs can have a few raspberries as an occasional treat—in small portions and never as a meal replacement. Here’s everything you need to know about treating your dog to some raspberries.

Raspberries offer fiber and natural plant compounds called phytonutrients, but they also contain natural sugar and (in trace amounts) naturally occurring xylitol, so serving size matters. As with any treat, keep these principles front and center: Control portions, start small, and make sure your dog’s primary diet is a 100% complete and balanced diet formulated by board-certified nutritionists.

Always follow the 10% treat rule, which dictates that all treats combined comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Raspberries themselves should make up a much smaller proportion of your dog’s treats, for reasons we’ll explain below.

And always ask your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog.

Read on for more details.

Nutritional benefits of raspberries for dogs

Raspberries are naturally high in dietary fiber, which can support normal stool quality and feelings of fullness when fed judiciously alongside a complete and balanced diet. Introduce them slowly, because too much fiber at once can cause looser stools.

Raspberries provide vitamin C and phytonutrients, including antioxidants. They’re not a substitute for complete nutrition, but can add variety to a dog’s treat rotation.

Raspberries are also low in calories. Consider incorporating them into your training sessions. If you need multiple rewards for training, halve or quarter the berries. Your dog can enjoy fresh, frozen, or mashed raspberries. For toy breeds or dogs with difficulty swallowing, opt to mash or cut up the berries. Remember to serve completely plain, and let frozen berries thaw a bit first to avoid dental and choking hazards.

When it comes to portioning, ask your veterinarian how many raspberries are appropriate to feed your dog.

If you’re trying raspberries out as a dog treat, keep an eye out for softer stools, diarrhea, gas, vomiting, itchiness, facial swelling, lethargy, and wobbly legs. If you notice any concerning signs, call your veterinarian for advice.

Introduce raspberries to your dog slowly

If you’re going to feed your dog raspberries, start with one or two raspberries and wait a couple of days to see how they tolerate the new treat. If you don’t see any adverse effects, you can continue to feed raspberries as an occasional snack, keeping it to no more than three to five raspberries per day. Ask your veterinarian about what specific portion of raspberries is right for your dog.

Risks of raspberries for dogs

Raspberries contain trace amounts of the naturally occurring sugar alcohol xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Signs of xylitol poisoning may include vomiting, weakness, wobbly legs, tremors, seizures, and, in severe cases, liver injury. While the amount of xylitol in a few berries is far below toxic levels, you should keep servings small. Again, limit any dog to three to five raspberries per day. Immediately call your vet or pet poison control if you suspect xylitol poisoning, or if your dog ate a whole pint of raspberries—especially if they’re small (under 20 pounds).

Plus, even natural sugar is still sugar. Too many berries can also cause gas, soft stools, or diarrhea—especially in small dogs—due to fiber load.

Food allergies to raspberries are uncommon, but possible. Call your vet if you see itchiness, hives, facial swelling, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your dog is having difficulty breathing, seek emergency care.

And remember that raspberry jam and jelly contain loads of sugar—or toxic xylitol in the case of sugar-free options—and are never a good treat for your dog.

Dogs who should avoid raspberries

Dogs with diabetes, or those who need tight glycemic control, shouldn’t eat raspberries. Those on strict prescription diets should stick to their vet-approved treats. Chronic gastrointestinal sensitivity also precludes dogs from eating raspberries due to their high fiber content, which may exacerbate their condition. Your dog can prudently enjoy raspberries as part of their treat rotation. But their main source of nutrition should be a 100% complete and balanced diet, like ready-to-eat fresh formulas from The Farmer’s Dog.

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