Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?
Cranberries are a super healthy berry, full of antioxidants, and great for our dogs! They are tasty and refreshing, and dogs seem to love them. You’ll often see dried cranberries and cranberry extracts in some types of kibbles and for a good reason!
Most berries are what we consider an anti-inflammatory superfood. They are healthy and rich in essential vitamins that we need; therefore, they are an important part of our diet. Dogs’ needs for vitamins are different than ours. For example, dogs don’t need vitamin C from external sources as they can make their own in the liver.
So they don’t need to eat cranberries or any other berry fruit all the time! I’m telling you this because there’s a common misconception that you should feed your dog fruit all the time for the health benefits.
Here’s the thing — you shouldn’t give your dog a lot of fruit. But when you want to give them a treat, you’ll be happy to learn that all cranberries, whether fresh, dried, or canned, are okay for dogs unless they aren’t! Let’s explore!
Are cranberries good for dogs?
Cranberries are definitely good for dogs, as they have a lot of antioxidants and vitamins (C and E), and they are a good sweet treat but not so high in sugar.
But this doesn’t mean that you should give your dog cranberries if they have this problem. This means that cranberries have a substance that’s good for UTIs, which means that the medicine will be cranberry extract!
A study on cranberry extract for preventing UTIs in dogs
I found a study about whether cranberry extract can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in dogs. It involved 12 dogs who had a history of recurring UTIs. Half of the dogs were given an antibiotic, and the other half were given cranberry extract for six months. The goal was to see if cranberry extract could stop UTIs from happening.
For the second part of the study, another 6 dogs were given cranberry extract for 60 days to see if it would affect how bacteria stuck to kidney cells. Urine samples were collected before the cranberry extract and then again after 30 and 60 days. These urine samples were tested to see if they could stop bacteria from growing and sticking to the kidney cells.
The results were pretty interesting! None of the 12 dogs developed a UTI, which means cranberry extract may help prevent them. The urine tests showed that the bacteria, especially E. coli (which commonly causes UTIs), were less able to stick to kidney cells after the dogs had been on cranberry extract for 30 and 60 days.
In short, the study suggests that giving dogs cranberry extract could help stop UTIs and keep bacteria from sticking to the cells in their urinary tract. This could be a natural way to help prevent UTIs in dogs.
How can dogs enjoy cranberries?
Dogs can enjoy cranberries in almost any form! Fresh cranberries might not be your dog’s favorite because they’re sharp and really strong, but if you have some and want to share, go for it. Personally, I never eat them (instant acid reflux!), so I don’t think it’s a good idea to share them with your dog!
We usually eat cooked cranberries, like when we mix them in oat bowls or chia seed pudding, and it’s totally okay to share those with dogs, too!
Cooked cranberries also pair great with meat. And if you use frozen cranberries for smoothies, you can share those as well—just make sure your dog is used to frozen treats.
Can dogs eat dried cranberries?
Yes, dogs can eat dried cranberries, but it’s best to stick with the unsweetened kind. While nothing bad will happen if they eat dried cranberries with added sugar, it’s a good idea to limit these treats.
Along with dried cranberries, dogs can also eat dates (in moderation) and dried figs, though figs don’t offer the same nutritional benefits. Lastly, dogs can eat prunes, but only in moderation, since too much sugar and fiber can upset their stomach (think explosive poops!).
And what about canned cranberries?
Most dogs can eat canned cranberries, but you need to check the ingredient list for added sugar, syrups, high fructose corn syrup, or any additives that might be harmful.
Most canned cranberries are loaded with extra sugar, and most store-bought cranberry sauces have even more!
It’s Thanksgiving time! Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?
Ah, surviving Thanksgiving with dogs and resisting the urge to share table scraps—now that’s a real challenge! But dogs really shouldn’t eat cranberry sauce because it’s packed with sugar.
If you’re serving store-bought cranberry sauce, check the label to make sure you’re getting the best quality (the fewer ingredients, the better). Even homemade cranberry sauce is mostly just cranberries and sugar. Since sugar is absolutely unnecessary in your dog’s diet, it’s best to skip sharing it with them.
Simple canned cranberries in juice or water with no added sugar are completely safe for dogs.
Love, life, and fur forever!
FAQs
Can dogs drink cranberry juice?
No, and definitely not for urinary tract health! Cranberry juice is full of added sugar and not something your dog should ever have. Keep that to yourself.
Can dogs eat dehydrated cranberries?
Yep, dogs can eat dehydrated cranberries! But here’s the thing: dehydrated fruit is a bit different from regular dried fruit. Dehydrated cranberries are made using a slow drying process that keeps more of the nutrients and flavor intact. On the other hand, dried cranberries often have added sugar and oils, which you’ll want to avoid. So, as long as they’re plain and unsweetened, dehydrated cranberries are totally fine to share with your dog—just in moderation!
Can dogs eat sweetened dried cranberries?
While dogs can eat sweetened dried cranberries, it’s best to avoid them. Extra sugar isn’t great for dogs and can lead to weight gain or upset stomachs. Stick to the unsweetened version when sharing dried cranberries with your dog.
Are cranberry supplements toxic to dogs?
No, cranberry supplements aren’t toxic to dogs, but you should always consult your vet before adding any supplements to your dog’s diet. Cranberry supplements can support urinary health, but they aren’t necessary for all dogs. Follow the dosage guidelines and make sure they’re dog-safe.
Can dogs with kidney disease eat dried cranberries?
Dogs with kidney disease can eat dried cranberries but in moderation. Cranberries can be helpful for urinary tract health, but it’s important to check with your vet before giving any to a dog with kidney issues, especially dried cranberries that might have added sugar.