Can Dogs Eat Raspberries? What Happens If They Eat Too Many?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Raspberries are one of summer’s great pleasures. But should we be sharing these juicy gems with our pets? The short answer is yes! Dogs can eat raspberries in small amounts. As a “sometimes” snack, raspberries offer dogs a nutritional boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

“In moderation, raspberries can be a great snack for dogs for their antioxidant properties and fiber content,” says Michael Thompson, DVM, founder and leading veterinarian of Pets Food Safety. “However, too many can lead to gastrointestinal upset due to high fiber content and naturally occurring xylitol,” he adds.

Here’s how dog parents can safely serve their pup raspberries and some tasty recipes too.

Stick to Fresh & Unsweetened Raspberries

Not all raspberries are equal. Dr. Thompson says fresh and unsweetened raspberries are the best option for dogs. “Their sugar content is lower compared to other methods like freeze-drying,” he explains. Fresh raspberries—along with fresh blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries—offer natural sweetness without loads of sugar.

As long as they’re unsweetened, frozen raspberries are another suitable option for dogs, says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian at The Animal Hospital of West Monroe and co-founder of How To Pets. “They retain most of their nutritional value and can be a refreshing treat, especially during hot summer days,” she tells Rover.

While the freeze-drying process does tend to concentrate sugar content, freeze-dried berries can be a convenient substitute if they don’t contain added sugars or any artificial flavors. These should be offered sparingly, though.

Avoid the Core, Stems and Leaves

Fresh raspberries from the supermarket will usually contain two parts: the drupelets and the core. Drupelets are the individual juicy segments around the fruit’s exterior, and they are perfectly safe (and delicious) for dogs to enjoy. Sometimes you’ll come across a core, which is the central white part of the berry where the druplets attach.

“I tend to recommend avoiding the cores of all fruits to be safe,” says Dr. Deborah Linder, DVM, DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. A raspberry’s core is usually harder and less palatable to dogs than the outside of the fruit. Like the leaves and stems of a strawberry, it can also present a choking or digestive hazard if too many are consumed.

As for jams, purees, and juices that contain raspberries, these do not make suitable treats for dogs because they contain too much sugar. Excessive sugar can cause a host of problems for dogs, including obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay.

Health Risk of Too Many Raspberries

If you’d like to treat your pup to some raspberries, the main thing to watch for is sugar and sweeteners. “I would use caution on commercial products that may have added sweeteners such as xylitol, which can be toxic to pets,” says Dr. Linder. Too much sugar, even the natural sugar found in raspberries, can lead to:

• Obesity
• Dental problems
• Diabetes
• Digestive upset: diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gas
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• A weakened immune system
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability

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Caution: Too Many Raspberries Can Be Toxic

Xylitol is toxic to dogs and is often found in foods such as sugar-free candy, peanut butter, and some fruits and veggies. Thankfully, the amount naturally present in raspberries is pretty harmless, but pet parents should keep in mind that raspberries have a higher amount of xylitol than most fruits.

“The amount of natural xylitol in raspberries is quite low,” Dr. Linder reassures. To put this in perspective, your dog would need to eat 20 cups of raspberries before liver failure began. A study that looked at xylitol levels in different berries reported that one cup of fresh raspberries contains 0.05 grams of xylitol. A dog would have to ingest a dose higher than 0.1 grams of xylitol per kilogram of body weight to be at risk of hypoglycemia. Lastly, they would need to consume more than 0.5 grams per kilogram to develop liver failure.

How Many Raspberries Can My Dog Eat?

Even though raspberries are low in calories and considered non-toxic to dogs, Dr. Ochoa says servings should be on the smaller side. “The quantity of raspberries should still be monitored to prevent overconsumption or potential digestive issues,” she explains.

Just a few cups of raspberries (or any dog-friendly fruits or vegetables) can lead to an upset stomach, causing diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation. Even the largest dogs should be limited to 1/2 cup of raspberries at most—and only on occasion. Smaller dogs and puppies should stick to just a few berries at a time.

If your dog is a raspberry gobbler and you have raspberries growing in your yard, it’s best to keep an eye on them while the bush is fruiting and regularly remove ripe berries to avoid temptation.