DietFruitsCan Dogs Eat Gooseberries

Can Dogs Eat Gooseberries [The Pros and Cons]

Dogs should not eat gooseberries since they contain Glyoxylic Acid, which can lead to kidney stones. It is unlikely that a few gooseberries will harm a dog, but they should not be intentionally fed to dogs. Many dogs are allergic to gooseberries as well, resulting in dry and itchy skin.

Dogs are always happy to have a fresh taste on the menu, but are gooseberries one of those fruits that they can safely eat? We know how tempting it is to feed your dog a small amount of food from your plate, but many of these seemingly “healthy” foods are toxic for dogs.

When it comes to gooseberries, the answer (unfortunately) isn’t as simple as a yes or no. In this article, we will discuss why gooseberries can be harmful to your dog and when it’s appropriate to feed your dog gooseberries.

Gooseberries: The Grapes Cousin

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what a gooseberry even is!

Despite its odd name, the gooseberry is a distant cousin to the grape we all know and love. It is a native grape-like fruit from Europe that soon found its way into the United States as an emerging crop.

However, in the late 1900s, gooseberries were quickly outlawed from farm production in America because of a fungal disease that started spreading throughout farm crops.

While there are some states that have since reintroduced the gooseberry, there are still some states that ban this fruit from growing.

The gooseberry is a sweet/sour fruit that grows from a bush. Commonly compared to the grape, this berry has translucent skin and a juicy center. Some even compare this small fruit to watermelons, as it shares a similar striped pattern.

This strange berry ranges in color and size, much like the grape. With the lighter colors such as green/yellow being much more sour. Darker berries, such as red/purple are much sweeter.

A Nutrient Breakdown

A variety of healthy nutrients can be found in gooseberries. From magnesium, copper, and vitamins c, b5, and b6.

This little berry packs a punch of antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. Not only are they low in calories, but contain a plethora of vitamins for people and animals alike…but they aren’t always safe for animals.

Your Dog May Not Be Interested in Gooseberries

We will get into detail on whether gooseberries are safe for dogs in a moment, but the truth is your dog may not even be interested in them for two reasons. The texture and the acidity.

1) The Texture

When it comes to giving your dog human food, there is a limit to what they can consume. Believe it or not, the texture of the food plays a big role in whether a dog will eat it. Dogs often have a distaste for fuzzy fruits, hence why most dogs refuse to eat kiwis and peaches.

Gooseberries are among the fruits with fuzzy skin, so most dogs won’t be interested in this fruit, anyway.

2) The Acidity

Dogs have trouble digesting acidic food. Those that get it down often suffer from diarrhea or vomiting because of the acidity.

Gooseberries are considered an acidic food, which may prevent some dogs from showing an interest.

Are Gooseberries Ok For Dogs to Eat?

Up to this point, it probably sounded like gooseberries were the perfect treat for your pup, right? Unfortunately, gooseberries can be poisonous to dogs. If your dog only ate a few, you probably have nothing to worry about. But you don’t want to make a daily habit out of feeding your dog gooseberries.

Here are a few of the major problems with gooseberries.

1) Gooseberries Contain Glyoxylic Acid

Dogs should avoid foods with glyoxylic acid because it can lead to kidney stones. However, dogs would have to eat a large amount of gooseberries to run this risk of kidney stones, but it’s still better to completely avoid the possibility.

2) Can Cause an Upset Stomach

Gooseberries have a thick skin that is difficult for most dogs to digest. Eating just a handful of gooseberries can cause an upset stomach.

3) Common Allergy

Although not all dogs are allergic to gooseberries, many dogs are. If your dog is allergic to gooseberries, the primary symptom you’ll notice is dry, itchy skin.

What to Do if My Dog Ate Gooseberries

First, don’t panic. Although we don’t recommend feeding your dog gooseberries, the likelihood of something horrible happening is extremely low. Gooseberries are not great for your dog’s health, but rarely are they deadly.

If your dog ate gooseberries, keep an eye on the following symptoms for the next 72 hours:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of energy
  • Trouble breathing
  • Excess drool

If you notice any of those symptoms, give the vet a call. If you don’t notice any of the symptoms, your dog will be fine. Just try your best to prevent future consumption.

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