Can Dogs Eat Gooseberries?
The human body can digest a large variety of foods, which is why we are able to enjoy so many different cuisines and ingredients!
However, your dog’s body is surprisingly sensitive and cannot process a number of the foods that we can.
That is why it is important that you do your research before deviating from your dog’s daily diet or before you share any of your “human food” with Fido.
Gooseberries are one such food that you should stay away from. They can be harmful to dogs, so it is best that the gooseberries stay on your plate rather than in your dog’s bowl.
Can dogs eat gooseberries?
Unfortunately, gooseberries are not a safe treat for dogs and it is safer for you to avoid them if you are looking to give your pet a special treat. This is because gooseberries can actually be toxic to dogs and can cause many side effects and adverse effects on your pet.
What Are Gooseberries?
First of all, what are gooseberries? They are not as commonly referred to or known as berries as raspberries or blueberries, though they are native to North America. Gooseberries are a name for different species of Ribes, and for this reason, gooseberries can vary in color– they can come in orange, red, purple, green, yellow, or more. They hail from the same family as currants, which are another lesser-known berry.
Gooseberries have a tart flavor and are often used for baked goods like pies, cobblers, and compotes. They can be eaten on their own, but due to their tart nature, they are best when cooked with sugar to even out the flavor. Depending on their species and color, their flavor also varies. For instance, purple or red gooseberries are much sweeter than the green varieties. The gooseberry flavor is often compared to that of rhubarb, which is another ingredient that is great for pies or tarts, but is typically too sour to be enjoyed on its own.
Can Dogs Eat Gooseberries?
Now that you know what gooseberries are, the question comes of whether or not they are suitable for your pet. Unfortunately, gooseberries are not a safe treat for dogs and it is safer for you to avoid them if you are looking to give your pet a special treat. This is because gooseberries can actually be toxic to dogs and can cause many side effects and adverse effects on your pet.
Digestive Issues
One of the short-term health issues that your dog might experience is vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. This is because your dog is not able to process gooseberries, so your dog will then try to expunge the object from its system, whether through vomiting it back up or by trying to pass the gooseberries. The sugars in gooseberries, if your dog is fed a significant amount, can also lead to vomiting and stomach issues because canines are unable to process sugar in the way that our human bodies can. Luckily, if your dog does eat one or two gooseberries off the table, the amount of sugar will likely be too low to make a significant difference.
Diabetes
The amount of sugar in fruits can lead to issues such as diabetes in dogs, especially if these fruits are being fed to your dog in large amounts or in too frequent of intervals. Since gooseberries are smaller fruits than oranges, for example, it will likely take longer for diabetes to occur in your pet– but it is still a valid concern! Diabetes is also linked to weight gain, which can come with its own set of health complications for your pet.
Toxicity
Of course, as mentioned previously, gooseberries are actually toxic to dogs– not just mildly harmful. This can lead to poisoning and toxicity, which could end up making your dog very sick, even leading to death if not treated quickly enough. Symptoms of toxicity to look out for are vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, and unusual behavior such as agitation.
Your dog may also lose consciousness or experience shakes and tremors. Depending on the size of your pet, these symptoms can set in more quickly, too.
What If My Dog Eats Gooseberries?
The first thing you should do if your dog eats gooseberries– or anything else that could be harmful to its health– is to contact your vet. Try to determine how many gooseberries your dog has eaten and track any symptoms your pet is exhibiting so that your vet has the full picture.
They might decide that you need to bring your pet in to perform an emergency procedure, or if the amount was small, your dog may be able to safely pass the gooseberries on its own. It is important that you do not try to self-diagnose your pet or force them to throw up, for instance, to remove the gooseberries from their system. You should always consult with a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gooseberries poisonous?
There are two types of gooseberry– the American gooseberry and the European gooseberry. Neither of these is poisonous to humans. However, they can be toxic to dogs, so you should not share them or any other gooseberry products with your pet.
What berries are toxic to dogs?
Many berries can be toxic or otherwise harmful to your dog. For example, berries with pits may not all be toxic to dogs, but the pits still pose a choking hazard. Cherries, holly berries, pokeberries, mistletoe berries, and juniper berries should all be avoided and not be fed to your four-legged friends.
Are there any fruits that are toxic to dogs?
Grapes are one fruit that can be toxic to dogs.
Certain fruits with pits (plums) can also be toxic to dogs because the pits contain cyanide, which can be harmful and even fatal to your dog. Some of these fruits include peaches, plums, and cherries.
What fruits can I feed my dog?
There are lots of fruits that should be avoided when feeding your dog, but there are also many fruits that you can still feed your dog!
These fruits include jackfruit, pears, pomelo, apples, and oranges. It is important that you do so in moderation, however, as too much fruit can cause digestive issues, especially because of the amounts of naturally occurring sugars in the fruit.