Cranberries are loved by everyone and your four-legged member will love munching this fruit. It is a delicious fruit filled with important vitamins and minerals.
Are cranberries safe for dogs
Cranberries are safe to feed to your dogs in small quantities. When fed in moderation, cranberries are generally safe and may even have some health benefits for dogs. However, a large number of cranberries can lead to an upset stomach in dogs.
- Prepared cranberry juices that contain grape juice as well are potentially dangerous.
- Cranberry desserts and juices with large amounts of sugar, alcohol, or other ingredients are not safe for dogs.
- Dried cranberries sometimes come mixed with raisins. You should be careful as raisins are very toxic to dogs.
- Cranberry sauce is high in sugar and many recipes include grapes, raisins, or alcohol. Such recipes are problematic for dogs but plain cranberry sauce fed in small quantities is safe for your dog.
Benefits of cranberries in a dog’s diet
Cranberries are nearly 87% water. They contain some important vitamins and minerals that are great for your furry friends.
Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of cranberries for dogs:
- Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls thus preventing urinary tract infections.
- Cranberries contain Vitamin C that supports immune health, skin, muscle and bone, and wound healing in dogs.
- Cranberries are rich sources of antioxidants that can help stop free radicals from multiplying and supports immune health.
- Cranberries could help your dog keep cancer at bay.
- Cranberries have pre and probiotic effects on gut bacteria. They play an important role in managing inflammatory and infectious diseases.
- Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) in cranberries is essential for blood clotting.
- Cranberries can help reduce the risk of heart disease in your dog by lowering blood pressure, reducing arterial blockage, and lowering stroke risk.
- Cranberries are low in potassium and are beneficial for dogs with kidney issues.
- Cranberries are a great source of fiber and help keep your pup fuller for longer. They serve as good food when trying to help your dog manage their weight.
Risks of feeding cranberries to dogs
While cranberries are a great food for dogs, there are a few things you should keep in mind when feeding cranberries to your dog.
- A huge amount of cranberries can give dietary upsets to dogs. It can cause issues like vomiting, nausea, hyperactivity or diarrhea, and intestinal upset.
- Avoid feeding cranberry products that contain additives and sugar. They can actually make your dog sick.
- Remember to control the amount of cranberries in your dog’s diet. Feeding too many cranberries can cause bone and muscle weakness, due to excessive vitamin A.
Doggy Chef Tip: Stop feeding your pooch cranberries immediately if you notice any allergic reaction or signs of stomach upsets. If you notice any allergy symptoms like itching, swelling, or hives, contact a vet for diagnosis.
If you want to introduce cranberries to your dog’s diet, it’s a good idea to start slowly to see how your dog’s stomach reacts. You can add cranberries with other ingredients to your dog’s regular diet.
Always feed your dog a diet that meets their nutritional needs. Is your pup a cranberry lover?
Woof!
