Can you feed your dog cranberries? | Harmful Foods That Will Kill Your Adorable Dog!

Yes, but…

Similar to the blueberry, the cranberry is a small red berry found in the northern United States or in Quebec. Beneficial for your health, it can be a good option when considering feeding your dog fruits. However, you will have to be vigilant while respecting certain conditions in order to ensure a balanced diet for your pet.

Discovering the cranberry

Cranberry is a small red berry that is in the same family as blueberry. It is found on shrubs that grow on moist, acidic soils such as peatlands. It is cultivated on a large scale in the North of the United States and in Quebec where it is traditionally eaten as a sauce condiment to turkey at Thanksgiving.

Although their appearance is very similar, cranberry ( Vaccinium vitis-idaea ) should not be confused with bilberry ( Vaccinium marcrocarpon ).

Cranberries are widely used in herbal medicine because they have very interesting anti-bacterial properties to fight against recurrent cystitis and gastritis caused by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori.

can dogs eat cranberry

The Benefits of Cranberries

Cranberry is a fruit very rich in type A proanthocyanidins. These are substances which prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the wall of the bladder by attaching themselves to kinds of “small hairs” (pilis) of bacteria. These anti-adhesive capacities towards bacteria, therefore, make cranberry a great choice in the prevention of recurrent cystitis.

Cranberry also helps with:

  • Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the lining of the stomach, bacteria which are known to be involved in the occurrence of certain chronic gastritis.
  • dental plaque bacteria involved in the onset of periodontal disease.

It is therefore also possible to use the ability of cranberry to prevent the formation of biofilm by bacteria in the complementary treatment or prevention of Helicobacter gastritis and periodontal disease in dogs.

So, Can Dogs eat Cranberries?

Cranberries are also known as  Vaccinium macrocarpon. It is recommended for its antibacterial properties since it fights against recurrent cystitis. Some dogs are regularly affected by a urinary tract infection, so this little berry can be interesting thanks to its richness in proanthocyanidin. Bacteria cannot adhere to the bladder wall, which helps treat cystitis.

Cranberries are also recommended for stomach aches and oral hygiene. Dogs often have tartar on their teeth, it requires hospitalization to remove it. These small berries destroy dental plaque and thus limit periodontal disease.

Can Dogs Drink Cranberry Juice?

Like many fruits, cranberries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. But cranberry juice is loaded with sugar and other ingredients that aren’t compatible with dogs, so any potential benefits they can get from cranberries themselves can be negated by the less healthy ingredients in the juice. That’s why you’ll always want to choose unsweetened cranberry juice, and be sure to read the label carefully to identify preservatives or other harmful ingredients.

The reason some pet owners started offering cranberry juice to their dogs in the first place is because of its ability to help fight urinary tract infections (UTIs). These painful bladder infections can affect both dogs and humans and can cause sharp pain in your dog’s abdomen and lower back as well as a burning sensation when It urinates.

The infection can progress to the kidneys, which can lead to other serious health problems. If your dog has a urinary tract infection, you may notice symptoms such as straining or the appearance of pain or discomfort when he urinates.

can dog drink cranberries juice

Is cranberry juice safe for dogs?

Although the red, sour berry is low in calories while being full of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, cranberry juice is high in sugar and may contain other ingredients that may be harmful to your puppy. For the same reason, you should also avoid offering your dog cranberry sauce.

When consuming cranberries in juice (or jelly) form, humans and animals miss out on some of the key health benefits of the fruit, such as fiber, which can help with everything including preventing diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, as well as helping to prevent certain gastrointestinal diseases.

However, cranberries have long been considered a safe remedy for this problem. The natural diuretic nature of cranberry juice works by increasing the level of acidity in the urine, making it harder for bacteria to adhere to the lining of your dog’s bladder and allowing bacteria to be flushed out. their system. In fact, some studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice can even help prevent UTIs in the first place.

If your vet diagnoses your puppy with a UTI, he or she may prescribe medication or antibiotics to help fight the problem. Another way to keep your dog from developing a UTI is to make sure It drinks enough water, keep It well-groomed (especially around the genital area).

The dangers of cranberry juice for dogs

Even though cranberries aren’t toxic to dogs, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll want to allow your dog to drink cranberry juice. A health concern with fruits is that the high sugar and acid content can cause gastrointestinal issues for your dog, including vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog experiences these symptoms after drinking cranberry juice, It should calm down on Its own; if they don’t, pet owners should consult their veterinarian.

It’s also possible that your dog is allergic to cranberries, so if you are offering It certain fruits or juices you should always start with a very small amount and then watch your pet for symptoms. While some studies have shown that 200 mg of unsweetened cranberry juice may be effective in managing and preventing UTIs, pet owners should keep in mind that too much cranberry juice can increase blood pressure.

your pet has a chance of developing kidney stones. In some dogs, it can also lead to bladder irritation due to the acidic nature of cranberries.

If you want to give your dog the benefits of the juice without getting them to drink, a quick and easy way to administer cranberry is to use tablets – one 3,000 mg capsule is equivalent to about 24 ounces of cranberry juice. As a rule of thumb, small dogs can be given 1/8 of a 3000 mg capsule and medium-sized dogs 1/4 of a capsule.

Large and giant breeds can safely consume between a half to a full capsule. If your dog is battling the symptoms of a UTI, the dosage may be offered up to three times a day until the symptoms resolve.

Of course, offering your dog cranberries in juice or pill form should always be discussed with your vet, because every dog ​​(and their health) is unique.

Which fruits can we replace cranberries with?

Cranberry remains a major asset for the health of your dog thanks to its virtues, other foods also have interesting properties and are without proven risks. These are strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and watermelon. Watermelon provides your dog with good hydration, but should be served without seeds or skin. During certain times like summer, dogs suffer from heat, but still do not feel the urge to drink water. A piece of watermelon could be a solution that should not be overlooked.

With fruits having seeds, care should be taken to remove the seeds. Some have cyanide in them a substance harmful to the health of a dog. In addition, it is not recommended to give your pet grapes. Don’t hesitate to opt for bananas instead of treats that are very sweet. However, it would be a good idea to serve your dog small amounts of bananas, as they can be the cause of constipation.

Author

  • Amanda Wheatley

    Passionate about animals, Amanda draws her expertise from her training as an educator, pet behaviorist as well as her extensive experience with animal owners. A specialist in dog and cat behavior, Amanda continues to learn about our four-legged companions by studying veterinary reference books but also university research sites (UCD, Utrecht, Cambridge, Cornell, etc..) Why Trust ShelterAPet? At ShelterAPet, our collective is composed of writers, veterinarians, and seasoned animal trainers with a deep passion for pets. Our team of esteemed professionals delves into extensive research to deliver trustworthy insights on a broad spectrum of pet-related subjects. We anchor our evaluations on direct customer experiences, meticulous testing, and comprehensive scrutiny. Our commitment is to uphold transparency and integrity for our cherished community of pet aficionados and prospective pet parents.