Strawberries, fresh, sweet, and juicy, may be your favorite fruit, but how about your cow?
Can cows eat strawberries?
Cows often enjoy eating berries of all varieties, such as blackberries, raspberries, and of course, strawberries.
Rich in antioxidants and loaded with vitamins, this lively fruit may be your cow’s new favorite treat!
Cows are able to and may even enjoy eating strawberries when given in moderation. Strawberries have several health benefits your cow can take advantage of.
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Benefits of Strawberries for Cows
Generally, cows love strawberries. This is not to mention the numerous health benefits, nutrients, and antioxidants they contain. Some of these health benefits include the following:
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for cows as it provides immune health and regulation, aiding in tissue growth and maintenance.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are vital for the health and care of your cow. They may reduce the risk of heart disease and various other diseases. Much like vitamin C, antioxidants also help strengthen and maintain immune health.
Fiber:
Fiber is a great nutrient that aids in the digestive system, thereby ensuring that your cow is able to absorb all the necessary nutrients from its feed intake. In addition, fiber may aid in controlling and regulating blood sugar.
Potassium:
Potassium benefits cows by providing enhanced immune support, may prevent diseases, and aids in a healthy and well-functioning heart.
Manganese:
Manganese is an essential vitamin that allows proper and healthy cell growth in cows. In addition, it also aids in reproductive health and metabolic function.
Risks of Giving Your Cow Too Many Strawberries
Although loaded with beneficial nutrients, overfeeding this fruit may cause an excess of these nutrients. This includes sugars which may cause an upset stomach or even other greater health problems.
This berry should be given as a treat or in small amounts (such as a handful of berries cut up into small chunks) during mealtime every few days.
Fun Strawberry Treat Ideas
Strawberries, tasty and fresh on their own, may also be great mixed with other fruits, nuts, or vegetables! The following is a list of three DIY treat ideas that are a perfect snack idea and also beneficial to your cow.
P.S. These treats are also suitable for human consumption and can be modified based on preference. Enjoy!
A variety of these fruits mentioned are commonly found in your local grocery store as cut up, whole, or even dried. These may all be great options when preparing the following treats.
The Red Salad
- ¼ of a whole watermelon (cut into small bite-sized cubes).
- 3 whole strawberries (cut into bite-sized cubes and/or slices).
- 1 whole apple (type is dependent on preference, cut into bite-sized cubes).
- 1 tablespoon of honey (honey type is based on preference).
When all ingredients are prepared, combine all fruits in a large bowl, add your honey, and mix until coated evenly. When complete, put in the fridge for around 30-45 minutes or until chilled.
Feed in small amounts (about 1⁄2 increments) to your cow as a treat or snack. Put leftovers back in the fridge for optimal freshness.
Strawberry Oatmeal Balls
- 4 whole strawberries (cut into small bite-sized chunks and/or slices).
- 2 tablespoon honey (honey type is preference based).
- 1 cup oats (rolled, steel cut, etc. (Choice is based on preference).
- 1 tablespoon of water.
Preheat the oven to 350°F or 176°C.
When all ingredients are prepared, combine oats with water and honey in a large bowl. When fully combined, add the strawberries and mix until fully mixed (the mixture should be chunky).
Use an ice cream scooper, or your hands to roll the mixture into balls on a baking tray.
Put in the oven for around 10-15 minutes until slightly toasted. When complete, let it cool and provide your cow with one or two balls daily, making sure not to overfeed.
The Color Salad
- ½ banana (cut into small bite-sized chunks).
- ½ apple (any kind is fine, cut into small bite-sized chunks).
- 3 whole strawberries (cut into small bite-sized chunks).
- ½ orange (take orange slices and cut them in halves. You may take off the rind but not necessary).
- 1 tablespoon of honey (any kind is fine/based on preference).
Take all cut-up fruits and combine them in a large bowl. When complete, add the honey and stir until all fruit is coated.
Place the bowl in the refrigerator for around 30 to 45 minutes or until chilled. When complete, feed your cow in ½ cup increments to avoid overeating or high sugar consumption.
Other Fun Fruits for Your Cow
Although strawberries are a great snack/treat option for your cow there are various alternatives that they may enjoy as well!
The following fruits are great options for your cow and are accompanied by an abundance of health benefits! (Be sure to give these fruits in moderation.)
Oranges
Such health benefits include:
- It boosts the immune system.
- It contains high levels of vitamin C.
- It contains potassium.
- It contains fiber.
Furthermore, feeding orange peels to your cow may act as a chew toy, providing a plethora of vitamins.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a great snack option for cows as they may enjoy its fun color and sweet, hydrating taste. Furthermore, this fruit contains an abundance of health benefits including:
- It provides hydration.
- It contains high levels of potassium.
- It helps relieve tension in muscles.
- It may improve heart health.
In addition, cows are able to eat and may even enjoy chewing on the rind of the watermelon while being provided with nourishing vitamins.
Bananas
Bananas, filled with flavor and packaged in a fun and playful yellow color, may be your cow’s new favorite snack. However, this fruit may not only be a tasty snack for your cow but packed with health benefits as well. This includes:
- High moisture content will help aid your cow in maintaining hydration.
- It contains high levels of potassium.
- It contains high levels of fiber which may aid your cow in healthy digestion.
- It also contains manganese which is helpful for bone and tissue growth and repair.
Apples
Apples, enjoyed by people all around the world, may also be enjoyed by your cows! Loved for their crisp flavor and enticing color, these fruits are packed with nutrients and health benefits.
- Apples contain high levels of fiber, keeping your cow’s digestion regulated.
- It also contains vitamin K, which is helpful in the growth and upkeep of bones.
- Apple aids in supporting a strong immune system.
- It contains copper, helping protect cells and tissue growth.
Final Thoughts
Overall, cows are able to and may even enjoy eating strawberries as a snack or treat. This can be done in a variety of ways as well as combined with other fruits.
Nevertheless, it is important to feed these fruits in moderation to ensure your cow gets the vitamins it needs without receiving an influx of sugars.
Special Note
This information is not a suitable replacement for medical advice. If you believe your cow is displaying abnormal symptoms, it is important to call your veterinarian right away to ensure your cow is in optimal health!
Resources
- https://www.outdoorhappens.com/can-cows-eat-apples/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/strawberries
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/potassium/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/manganese/
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/antioxidants/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4093111/
- https://www.atshq.org/what-do-cows-eat/
- https://www.clovermeadowsbeef.com/what-do-cows-eat/
- https://familycow.proboards.com/thread/8143/treats-make-cow-love
- https://farmingbase.com/can-cows-eat-oranges/
- https://www.outdoorhappens.com/can-cows-eat-apples/
- https://indiancattle.com/banana-peels-cattle-feed/