Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? 3 Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs

Yes, cranberries are perfectly safe for most dogs. Cranberries are a superfood full of antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits. Stick to feeding your dog fresh cranberries or dried cranberries, so long as they’re not processed with added sugars or artificial sweeteners (such as xylitol). Use caution when introducing new foods to your dog’s diet. Though cranberries are good for dogs, large quantities can cause an upset stomach.

There are several notable benefits of feeding cranberries to your dog.

1. 1. Cranberries are full of antioxidants. These antioxidants offer numerous health benefits to your dog. Proanthocyanidins protect your dog’s teeth by preventing plaque and tartar buildup. Quercetin contributes to preventing inflammation, hypertension, and food allergies. Cranberries are also high in potassium and manganese, which help promote growth and strong bones.
2. 2. Cranberries improve bladder health. In addition to protecting your dog’s teeth, proanthocyanidins can help prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (such as E. coli) from sticking to the bladder wall. Dogs that suffer from chronic UTI’s can benefit from the addition of cranberry extract or cranberry supplements in their dog food.
3. 3. Cranberries support a healthy immune system. Cranberries contain vitamin E, C, and K. Vitamin E can help reduce your dog’s risk of heart disease. Vitamin C captures free radicals, reduces inflammation, and helps with cognitive aging. Vitamin K supports heart health by reducing the risk of blood clotting.

There’s a limit to the health benefits of cranberries. The key is to only feed cranberries to your dog in moderation. Feeding your dog large quantities of cranberries (or sugary cranberry products) can have adverse effects on your dog’s health.

1. 1. Stomach upset: Though raw cranberries can help soothe an upset stomach, sugary cranberry juices and sauces can have the opposite effect. Unsweetened cranberry sauce and juice are generally fine, but only feed it to your dog in moderation. Avoid feeding your dog trail mixes that contain cranberries, as they typically feature other dried fruits that can harm your dog, such as currants and raisins.
2. 2. Kidney stones: Cranberries provide protection against UTIs, but there’s a limit to their usefulness. Cranberries are highly acidic fruits. Too many acids in your dog’s bladder can lead to build-up of calcium oxalate stones, aka kidney stones. Feed your dog precise doses of cranberry extract or cranberry supplements to ensure they get only as much as they need.
3. 3. Choking hazard: Frozen cranberries can damage your dog’s teeth and present a choking hazard—especially to small dogs. Thaw the cranberries before feeding them to your dog.
4. 4. Excessive weight gain: Just like too many dog treats, too many human foods can cause harmful weight gain—especially if you feed your dog foods high in added sugars.

Cranberries are non-toxic to dogs and don’t pose an inherent risk to your dog’s health. However, if your dog eats a large number of cranberries, they could experience severe stomach pain. Cranberry juice (even unsweetened cranberry juice) typically contains a mixture of grape juice, which is toxic to dogs. If ingested, side effects could include diarrhea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal upset.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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