Will Cranberries Help My Dog’s UTI?
For humans, cranberry juice has been shown to have some benefits in helping to fight and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some studies suggest that they can have similar effects for dogs, but rather than giving your doggo cranberry juice, which can be loaded with additional sugars and toxic ingredients, Angelone suggests consulting your vet first.
“There are some over the counter supplements and a couple of vet-prescribed pills where cranberry extract is included,” she said. But more research is needed to really prove their effectiveness, however.
Health Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs
Cranberries are quite a healthy treat for dogs. In fact, they are often found in dog food recipes because they are considered a superfood.
Cranberries contain a chemical compound that can help prevent urinary tract infections, although your dog will probably not be eating enough of them to see this benefit.
They are also high in fiber and antioxidants that help prevent disease and boost the immune system. The tiny seeds inside of fresh cranberries are also safe, edible, and nutritious.
Here are some of the vitamins and minerals that make them a superfood treat:
Yes, dried cranberries are safe and healthy for dogs. They are easy on-the-go snacks, but there are a few things to watch out for.
If the cranberry juice is 100% juice with no sugar added, then a little bit is okay for your dog. Too much will likely upset their stomach.
Do not give your pup a cranberry juice mix or cranberry juice cocktail. Those will most certainly have lots of sugar, which isn’t good for your dog. They may also contain ingredients that are not safe for your pup.
Cranberry sauce isn’t toxic for dogs, but it isn’t the healthiest thing for them, either. Cranberry sauce contains quite a bit of sugar. This would be very bad for dogs with diabetes or other sugar-sensitive diseases.
Otherwise, if a healthy dog ate a little bit, they’ll probably be fine. But too much sugar could give your dog an upset stomach and potentially cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Yes. There are actually many dog supplements that contain cranberries to help support dog urinary health. Talk with your vet about which brand they recommend and if they think this is a good idea for your dog, as well as the proper dosage.
Check with Your Vet Before Feeding Your Dog Cranberries
Remember—it’s always a good idea to consult your vet before incorporating any new foods into your dog’s diet, especially if they have any underlying health conditions. Cranberries, for example, can cause complications for dogs who are prone to calcium oxalate stones, Devereaux says.
Your vet can also tell you how many cranberries to feed your dog based on their age, breed and caloric requirements, adds Dr. Ahn.
But if you get the thumbs up to feed your pup cranberries, we think they’ll love every bite!
Is cranberry toxic to dogs?
Every fall, cranberries reach their peak and are ready for harvesting. These Thanksgiving staples are a key ingredient in so many holiday meals and desserts, making their way into succulent pies, savory stuffing and seasonal sauces. They’re often considered a superfood for humans because they’re high in antioxidants, prebiotic fibers—which are dietary fibers that feed the healthy bacteria in your gut—and other vitamins. But can dogs eat cranberries?
They can! Not only are cranberries good for dogs, they’re also a yummy, year-round treat many pups love to gobble up.
We spoke a veterinarian and a pet nutritionist to get the full scoop on cranberries, including the many health benefits, how to safely feed cranberries to your dog, and what to avoid when introducing this new food into their regular diet.
Johnna Devereaux, a certified clinical pet nutritionist and director of Bow Wow Labs Inc., says cranberries are not only safe for dogs, but they’re also a great source of antioxidants and are high in quercetin, a plant pigment that can help boost the immune system, among other benefits.
“Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls—which may help in preventing urinary tract infections,” says Devereaux. Proanthocryanidins are naturally occurring chemical compounds that give fruit their red, blue or purple color. “Cranberries are also low in potassium and can be beneficial for dogs with kidney issues.”
If that wasn’t enough, cranberries are also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your pup fuller for longer. That’s a huge plus if you’re trying to help your dog manage their weight.