The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Raspberries: Safe or Not?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat raspberries in moderation, and these berries can offer some nutritional benefits. However, before adding raspberries to your dog’s diet, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. While fresh raspberries are low in sugar and calories, they naturally contain a small amount of xylitol—a substance that can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. What about raspberry leaves or stems? Are frozen or dried raspberries a safe alternative? Can too many raspberries lead to digestive upset? This guide will explore the health benefits, potential risks, and the safest ways to feed raspberries to your dog.

Are Raspberries Good For Dogs?

Raspberries can be a healthy and nutritious dog treat when given in moderation.

Always serve raspberries fresh or frozen, and in small amounts. Avoid raspberry-flavored products or preserves, which often contain added sugar or xylitol, an ingredient toxic to dogs in large quantities.

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of raspberries contains the following nutrients:

Raspberry Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Are Raspberries Toxic to Dogs?

Raspberries contain one of the highest levels of natural xylitol among fruits. While xylitol is safe for humans, it is highly toxic to dogs and can cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) and liver disease, both of which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The amount of xylitol in raspberries is quite low compared to concentrated sources like sugar-free gum, but it is still present. For a toxic reaction, a dog would need to eat a very large quantity (e.g., a 22-pound dog would need to consume about 32 cups of raspberries for a life-threatening dose), but even smaller amounts can cause digestive upset, especially in small dogs and puppies.

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Raspberries to Dogs

While raspberries can be a safe and nutritious treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding them to your canine companion:

Are Dogs Allergic to Raspberries?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to raspberries.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Raspberries

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide: Quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining raspberries or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Raspberries to Dogs

When feeding raspberries to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Raspberries to Dogs

As with any new food, starting slowly and feeding gradually is recommended to give the digestive system time to adjust. 

Best Raspberry Dog Food

If you want to incorporate raspberries into your dog’s diet and take advantage of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, consider Nulo Freeze-Dried Raw Lamb Recipe with Raspberries. This complete and balanced raw formula features high-quality lamb as the first ingredient, combined with wholesome fruits like raspberries, naturally rich in fiber, vitamin C, and beneficial plant compounds. Nulo’s recipe supports lean muscle development, healthy digestion, and immune health, making it a clean, nutrient-dense option for dogs who thrive on a minimally processed, biologically appropriate diet.

Best Raspberry Dog Treat

For those who want to share the benefits of raspberries in a fun, bakery-style form, Wufers White and Raspberry Endless Bones offer a delicious, hand-decorated dog treat made with locally sourced ingredients. These iced bone biscuits are crafted with real raspberries, delivering natural antioxidants and gentle fiber in every bite. Designed for small and large dogs, they make an eye-catching, wholesome reward that supports taste satisfaction without compromising quality.

How Much Raspberries Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like raspberries. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning raspberries based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Feed Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1–2 whole raspberries	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2–3 raspberries	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshunds
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	4–5 raspberries	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	6–7 raspberries	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	8–10 raspberries	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Raspberries?

Yes, puppies can eat raspberries—but only in moderation and very small amounts. Since puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with just a tiny portion, such as a single raspberry or a teaspoon of mashed raspberries, to see how they react. Feeding too many raspberries at once can lead to digestive upset, as puppies’ stomachs are still developing and may struggle with the fruit’s natural fiber and trace amounts of xylitol. Fresh raspberries without any added sugars, syrups, or sweeteners are the safest option—avoid processed raspberry products, jams, or anything with artificial ingredients, as these can harm puppies. When introducing raspberries or any new food, don’t offer multiple new ingredients on the same day; this helps you monitor for any sensitivities or allergies. If your puppy experiences any digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time makes it easier to identify the cause. Try offering a single fresh raspberry or a teaspoon of mashed, unseasoned raspberries, then wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s system reacts before offering more.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to raspberries that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, dogs can safely eat raspberries as an occasional treat. Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients, raspberries offer real health benefits when served in small, fresh portions. However, their naturally occurring xylitol content means they should never be overfed. Processed forms like jam or sweetened products should be avoided entirely. When introduced gradually and fed in moderation, raspberries can be a nutritious, refreshing addition to your dog’s treat rotation. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure, but raspberries are a safe and tasty choice for most dogs.

Whether you’re introducing raspberries or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.