Are Gooseberries Safe for Dogs? [ANSWERED]

The summer season calls for delicious, chilled desserts made from the juiciest berries. All those vibrant colors seem too good to be true. You just can’t resist popping one or two whenever you see them. We can vouch that your pet dog feels the same, and you must have shared strawberries with them. But can you do the same with gooseberries? Can dogs eat gooseberries without upsetting their tummies?

Berries make the most lovely desserts and smoothies. Some like the sweet flavored ones, while others prefer sour berries. Just like humans, dogs have preferences, too, when it comes to eating berries. That is why you need to be cautious before feeding gooseberries to your dog.

Can dogs eat gooseberries?

No, dogs must avoid eating gooseberries. Gooseberries are among the few things that are toxic to your dog. They can lead to an upset stomach and food poisoning in severe cases.

Generally, gooseberries are round and green with distinct stripes. Some of them might even have thorns on the skin. Gooseberries have an acidic taste that works well with sugary syrups in desserts like tarts. It is quite possible that your dog may reject them altogether because of their sour taste.

Controversial gooseberries: The history

Gooseberries are still relatively unfamiliar to some people. In Asian countries, they are known as Amla and are widely used as herbal medicine. There is a reason that gooseberries are lesser-known in America.

During the 1900s, FDA imposed a ban on the plantation of gooseberries. The plant produces some kind of toxins that carry a particular fungus. The said fungus proved to be harmful to the white pine trees. Although the government lifted the ban in the 1960s, gooseberry did not get enough recognition compared to the other berries.

Now imagine you’re feeding the same gooseberries to your dog. At a glance, you should have known that the thick skin of a gooseberry could be too hard for your dog to digest. But we don’t blame you if you have already fed some to your dog. However, you must know the harm they can do.

Hazards of gooseberries for dogs

Some people will try to convince you that gooseberries are safe for your dog. Or maybe they’ll try to introduce a new variety of gooseberry to you that is much sweeter than the green one. But you don’t have to pay them any heed; you should know your dog’s health better than anyone.

Gooseberries can be insanely unhealthy for your dog. Here’s why:

Gooseberries are toxic

Not just because of the fruit’s thick skin, but some chemicals found in gooseberries are simply indigestible for dogs. Even a small quantity of these can cause pain and other serious health concern for your dog.

A gooseberry overdose may act similar to what poison would do to a human. Once the toxins start doing their work, the dog may go into shock resulting in severe problems afterward.

Prolonged health issues

You will be able to see the aftermath of gooseberry consumption in your dog quite soon. Fortunately (or not), poisons work very fast in living bodies. You may have fed a couple of gooseberries to your dog as a snack, but once you start seeing the symptoms, that is your cue to rush to the hospital.

Although most of the problems caused by gooseberries are short-term, negligence and ignorance may prolong them. You simply cannot feed gooseberries to your dog. If you already have done so and you’re lucky that your dog hasn’t shown any awful symptoms, keep a close on your dog anyway. It would be best to get your dog checked by a vet to be safe.

May cause pain

Since dogs cannot digest gooseberries very well, indigestion can cause stomach aches. Within a couple of hours, your dog might seem in pain to you. They’ll show signs of fatigue and weariness. Your dog may also lose appetite and refuse to eat anything you offer.

Symptoms of gooseberry overdose

Following are some of the common symptoms that may follow the consumption of gooseberries:

• Stomach ache
• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Wheezing or having trouble breathing

If you see any of the signs a couple of hours after your dog has eaten gooseberries, immediately rush to the hospital and see a vet. Your dog may take a couple of days to get back to normal, but you must keep gooseberries as far from your pet friendly as possible.

My dog ate a gooseberry; What should I do?

If your dog ate a gooseberry and is showing symptoms, take it to the vet immediately. It’ll be best to also take samples of the berry your pup consumed so that the doctor can identify whether the issue was caused by the berry or something else entirely.

Healthy alternatives: What berries are good for dogs?

So far, we have established that gooseberries are not the best fruit for dogs. But dogs can eat a variety of other fruits and berries. Surprisingly, the ones that dogs prefer the most are also the ones that are healthy for them.

Following are some of the healthier alternatives that your dog can eat and enjoy:

• Raspberry: It is low in sugar and calories but contains loads of fiber, vitamin C, and manganese. It has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, which are really good for dogs.
• Strawberry: It is loaded with vitamin C and fiber, a favorite among most dogs. The sweet and juicy flavor is what makes it irresistible.
• Banana: It is an excellent source of essential minerals and vitamins. It is also easy to chew and digest.
• Cantaloupe: It is considered a super-food for dogs. Cantaloupes are packed with antioxidants and other extremely healthy elements. They are also sweet and make a wonderful treat in summer.

Like everything else, feeding too much of anything to your dog would eventually be bad. Most fruits are loaded with sugar which is not good for your dog’s health. Give the fruits to your dog friend in small quantities so that they can enjoy everything without getting sick.

Related FAQs to dogs and gooseberries!

Can dogs eat raw gooseberries?

Dogs should not eat gooseberries at all. Raw or ripened, you should keep them away from your dog.

What is the best berry for dogs?

Raspberries are good for dogs but when fed in moderation.

Are all berries toxic for a dog?

Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are the safest berries for your dog. Before feeding anything new, consult a professional vet or animal nutritionist.

What fruits are bad for dogs?

The following fruits are bad for dogs:

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Cherries
• Persimmon
• Citric fruits or the ones that are too sour

Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat gooseberries

As a dog owner, you should know your dog’s eating patterns. Just because you enjoy eating something does not mean that it is safe for your dog. Gooseberries are just one of those things. Before you dive into feeding something new to your dog, make sure that it is cleared by a professional as safe and healthy. It is always better to be safe than compromise on your precious dog’s health.