• Free shipping on all orders
  • Free two years warranty extension
  • Free and easy returns

Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Gooseberries? Vet Reviewed Health Concerns

Grant Piper

By Grant Piper

Hepper_Can Dogs Eat_Gooseberries

Vet approved

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Gooseberries are not very common, so many people don’t know much about them. If you live in an area with gooseberries, you may wonder if you can let your guard down for your dog. Is it safe for your furry friends to nibble on the occasional gooseberry?

Looking online, there appears to be some confusion about gooseberries being toxic. While gooseberries can cause diarrhea in dogs, the most common varieties are not toxic. Still, dogs should be kept away from gooseberries, and if they ingest gooseberries, they will need monitoring, and potentially even a trip to the veterinarian.

Here is everything you need to know about gooseberries and your dogs.

hepper-dog-paw-divider2

What Are Gooseberries?

Most commonly, “gooseberries” refer to the fruit of a variety of plants of the genus Ribes including Ribes grossularia var. Uva-crispa and Ribes hirtellum. These berries can be found on shrubs that grow in northern latitudes or specific types of vines. Ribes also include fruits like currants. The leaves and stems of this fruit’s plant do contain toxic hydrogen cyanide, but this is not present in the mature fruit.

However, there are about 40 species of plant that are commonly known as “gooseberries”, and some of them are toxic.

Fresh gooseberries on a branch in the garden
Image Credit: Mila_22 79, Shutterstock

Do Dogs Like Gooseberries?

Luckily, many dogs do not enjoy eating gooseberries. Gooseberries are tart and can have a strong, acidic taste. This puts off many dogs, which causes them to avoid the berries. But some dogs are not picky eaters and will gladly vacuum up gooseberries no matter how bitter they are.

What Happens If Your Dog Eats a Gooseberry?

Keep an eye out for stomach problems, discomfort, lethargy, or diarrhea. Gooseberries do not typically need a visit to the veterinarian unless your dog becomes unwell.

hepper-dog-paw-divider2

Conclusion

Gooseberries are not toxic to dogs but can possibly cause some gastrointestinal discomfort and should be avoided. Thankfully, dogs do not typically like to eat gooseberries because of the bitter taste, but that won’t dissuade all dogs from trying to take a bite. You should monitor your dog if they eat gooseberries at any point. A trip to the veterinarian might be required for treatment if your dog shows any signs of illness after ingesting gooseberries.

See Also: 


Featured Image Credit: P A, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Hepper for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Shopping cart0
There are no products in the cart!