Oh cranberries! The humanity’s beloved UTI cure! We love to munch on them, but what about our pups? Can dogs eat cranberries? The short answer is yes, canines can safely consume these fruit. Though, as with any other human food, too many cranberries may not be the best for them.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs can eat cranberries✔️
- Cranberries can help your dog with UTIs✔️
- It’s best to feed them one berry at a time✔️
- Sweetened cranberries are not safe❌
Can Dog Eat Cranberries?
The cranberry is a fruit with many health benefits. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and it can also be dried into a powdery substance or cooked into a mouth-watering sauce. Moreover, cranberry extracts are often given to dogs when ill. Dog owners know that cranberries are high in vitamin C and can help prevent UTIs (urinary tract infections, which can lead to kidney failure), increase immunity against sicknesses such as colds and flu, as well as help fight off cancerous cells. They can also be used to treat diarrhea in dogs! Ask your veterinarian about cranberry supplements in your dog’s diet.
How Cranberries Are Good for Dogs – Health Benefits
Cranberries are more than just a tasty berry. The cranberry fruit contains different vitamins, such as vitamin A, C, and B12. Humans can also benefit from the same vitamins present in cranberries because they help strengthen our immune system and can even fight off possible infections.
Should they also be given the same vitamins and benefits of cranberries that humans can enjoy? The answer is yes! Cranberries are good for your dog’s health too. These berries can help improve a dog’s immune system, provide them with essential nutrients and protect their heart from disease. They can possibly reduce inflammation or swelling in joints caused by arthritis, decrease heartburn and gas, as well as prevent bladder infections.
Can Dogs Eat Cranberry Sauce and Is It Safe for Dogs?
You can give your dog the same amount of raw cranberries or cranberry sauce that you would feed them any other type of fruit. The only thing to keep in mind is that cranberry gravy can contain sugar, so if your dog is overweight or diabetic, you might want to avoid giving them this kind of cranberry product. Never choose cranberries as a pup’s staple dog food.
Are Dried Cranberries Safe?
Can dogs eat cranberries that are dried? Yes, these can be a healthy snack for canines, but it’s important that you purchase the right kind. Make sure to get dried cranberries without any added sugars, xylitol, raisins or artificial sweeteners. They can cause serious side effects like vomiting, diarrhea or even death! Feed your dog cranberries that are unprocessed and unsweetened. Even though these red berries are packed with antioxidants, too many berries are toxic to dogs.
Cranberry Juice for a Thirsty Dog?
Cranberry juice can be very unhealthy for canines due to its high sugar content and should not be given to them under any circumstances! If your dog has an upset stomach, then you can give them a small amount of watered down cranberry juice, but only if you’ve consulted with your vet first. Never offer your furry companion grape juice. It contains too much added sugar!
Watch out with Wild Cranberries and Cranberry Plant Parts
Can dogs eat cranberry plant leaves and stems? Not really, because they contain toxins that are unfavorable to dogs. Wild cranberries are a great treat, but if you’re out in the wild and your dog is eating cranberries, keep an eye on him. We wouldn’t want the acid to lead to stomach issues if eaten in large amounts.
Did You Know?
Did you know that cranberries are the botanical cousin of blueberries? Did you also know that they can be harmful to dogs if ingested in large quantities?
If you want to learn more, read our article on „Can dogs eat blueberries?”
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat cranberries? The verdict is in! Yes, they can!In fact, these berries make a great healthy snack. Just be sure to avoid giving them cranberry juice (it’s too acidic for their stomachs) and watch out for wild cranberries and parts of the plant that are toxic to pets. Canned cranberries are also safe, just remember to read the label to make sure there aren’t any unwanted ingredients like sugar. So stock up on dried or fresh cranberries and give your pup a nutritious treat this weekend! Thanks for reading and remember to keep your furry friend safe.
Lucas Taylor is a veterinary assistant, freelance journalist and single dad who lives in the suburbs with his three pups: Ruby, Nala, and Woody. He has one cat named Pepper. When he’s not writing articles or working at the vet clinic, Lucas loves cooking French cuisine for himself and friends at home. One of Lucas’ favorite things to do is paddleboard with his son Noah and their canine companions. Pepper is the homebody of the bunch – she loves chilling on the couch.
