If cranberry is a staple at your Thanksgiving feast or one of your favorite holiday sweet treats, you’re not alone! These tart berries are a favorite for many at this time of year. And you may be wondering—can dogs eat cranberries? In this post, we’ll discuss cranberries and whether or not they are safe to share with the four-legged members of your family.
Can Your Dog Eat A Cranberry This Holiday Season?
Cranberries grow in watery bogs that are most prolific throughout the midwest and while they are available fresh in some health food stores, the majority of cranberries are frozen, canned, or dried and available to purchase that way.
Cranberries are the perfect combination of tart meets sweet and a tasty addition to any holiday dish or wintery dessert. If you love indulging in some cranberry jam, some cranberry scones, or a little cranberry sauce this holiday season and you want to share with your pet, is it safe to do so?
The answer is not quite yes...or no. It depends on how the cranberries are served!
Plain cranberries are safe for dogs. It doesn’t matter if they are fresh, frozen, dried, or otherwise baked. If they are plain, then they are perfectly fine to feed to your dog! Toss him a few of the tart treats as a snack or mix some dried cranberries into his dog bowl and let Fido enjoy cranberries right alongside you this holiday season.
But when it comes to cranberries that have added sugar or that are baked into your favorite dishes, you should avoid sharing those with pets. Your dog’s digestive system is not designed to deal with lots of added sugar and there are many ingredients used in cranberry--rich dishes that are not suitable for your pet to consume. For that reason, you should not be sneaking him a bite of your cranberry sauce or dessert. Instead, save your pet some of the little berries before you add them into your dishes and top them off with additional ingredients!
The Benefits Of Cranberries For Dogs
It’s actually a good idea to consider making plain cranberries a staple in your dog’s diet all year round, not just during the holidays. The sweet treats are packed iwth nutrient power and offer several health benefits for your pet. Plus, they taste amazing and will no doubt satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth without feeding him something that’s full of added sugar. Here are just some of the reasons to consider feeding Fido cranberries:
Cranberries Help Support A Healthy Immune System
Antioxidants help your pet’s body fight free radicals and prevent oxidative stress, two things that are key to healthy immune system function. Antioxidants promote skin health, support cognitive function, and are beneficial to just about every area of your pet’s health. And, the good news for your dog, is that cranberries are absolutely chock-full of antioxidants. Adding cranberries to your dog’s diet is a great way to promote healthy immune system function—especially if your dog needs a little extra support and is experiencing seasonal allergies or other stress to his immune system.
Cranberries Can Help With Urinary Issues
You’ve probably heard that cranberries can be beneficial to humans when it comes to supporting urinary wellness and the same is true regarding cranberries and our dogs. They can help Fido if he is experiencing a urinary issue and may even help prevent a urinary issue from developing in the first place.
But, do you know why cranberries can help with urinary issues?
It’s because cranberries contain Proanthocyanidins or PACs. They’re powerful antioxidants that help protect your dog from bacteria that can lead to a urinary issue. Many dog-friendly supplements are formulated with cranberry to support urinary wellness for this very reason!
Cranberries Are Heart-Healthy For Dogs
Eating cranberries can help out your dog’s heart. In addition to being full of antioxidants like PACs, cranberries also contain polyphenols. These compounds support healthy arteries and help your pet and his heart stay healthy. Adding polyphenol-rich foods to Fido’s diet is a great way to support his cardiovascular function and to help prevent any heart-related health issues from developing as your dog gets older.
Craisins Are Full Of Fiber
Fiber and fiber-rich foods are key to healthy digestion for your dog. Adding fiber to Fido’s diet is one of the best things you can do for his gut and cranberries contain a whole lot of fiber. They help support healthy digestion and promote regular bowel movements, something your dog needs to feel his best! Plus, fiber helps feed the healthy bacteria living in your dog’s stomach and intestines, which helps keep his digestive tract strong and supportive for your dog.
PetHonesty Products Formulated With Cranberries
Ready to add cranberries to your dog’s diet? You don’t need to go pick up a bag of craisins or a jar of cranberry juice for your dog to reap the benefits of this little fruit. You can pick up a jar of PetHonesty CranBladder UTI Strength Chews. help support a normal and healthy kidney, bladder, and urinary tract function. They're the perfect supplement for your dog’s kidney and bladder health and for helping support a healthy immune system—and the perfect way to add cranberries to your dog’s diet!
Sources:
https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/can-dogs-eat-cranberries/
https://www.dailypaws.com/dogs-puppies/nutrition/what-can-dogs-eat/can-dogs-eat-cranberries
