We all want what’s best for our furry family members, and that includes the food they eat. One type of food that you may be curious about is cranberries. Are cranberries good for dogs? Can dogs eat them safely? Is there a way to incorporate cranberries into dog food in a healthy way? The answer is yes! Cranberries can absolutely be part of your pup’s diet in moderation. They can be added into your dog's dogs diet in various forms; raw fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, cranberry sauce and cranberry supplements for a boost in antioxidants and other health benefits. Let’s explore why and how you can add cranberries to your dog’s meals.
Health Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins e, c and k, minerals, and dietary fibre – all of which can help support your pup’s overall health. They also contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), which play an important role in helping reduce bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, so if your pup has experienced UTIs before, adding cranberry extract or juice to their routine can help prevent future infections.
Can Cranberries Help With Urinary Tract Infections For Dogs?
Yes! The antibacterial properties of cranberries can help fight off UTIs in dogs. Additionally, their high vitamin C content helps boost their immune system so they can fend off infections before they start. However, it is important to note that UTIs should always be treated by a veterinarian before attempting any home remedies such as adding cranberries to their diet.
Antioxidants in Cranberries
As mentioned earlier, one of the main benefits of adding cranberries to your pup’s diet is the high amount of antioxidants they contain. Antioxidants are helpful because they reduce inflammation in the body which can lead to many health problems including heart disease. Additionally, antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals which can lead to premature aging in both humans and animals alike! You likely already know that cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals – molecules that cause damage to cells – while promoting healthy aging by reducing inflammation and cell damage. These health benefits will likewise positively affect your dog’s health as well. Antioxidants also help to build up immunity levels which can keep your pup feeling their best year-round!
Dog Recipes Using Cranberries
Cranberries are a tangy treat that make a great addition to any meal. If you’re looking for a healthy alternative to store-bought treats for your pup, cranberries may be just what you need! Cranberries have a tart flavour and can be added to dishes like this Frozen Cranberry Organic Oats & Berries Dog Treat recipe from Dog Child.
You could also mix fresh or dried cranberries into your pup’s kibble for extra nutrition and flavour. Just make sure there is no sugar in the dried cranberries For a special treat, try making a homemade Doggie Fruit Cobbler using applesauce and dried cranberries! You can even make special treats like “cranberry muffins” by mixing together pureed cranberry sauce with oat flour and applesauce. Another popular treat is “pupcakes” made with pureed cranberry sauce instead of sugar or honey! Be sure to always check the other ingredients you use in these recipes, use xylitol-free ingredients when making any recipes like these at home.
How To Feed Your Dog Cranberries
When introducing new foods into your dog's diet it's always wise to start slow and small. Begin offering just a few pieces at first until you know how well your dog tolerates them - some dogs may have allergies so always be mindful! Also remember that too much of anything isn't necessarily better - especially when it comes to feeding fruits like cranberries which are high in natural sugars - so stick with small amounts every now and then as treats or mix into kibble and other meals as desired. Additionally, look for organic options whenever possible as pesticides used on non-organic produce could be harmful if consumed too frequently by pets (or humans!). Be sure that the dried fruit you feed your dog doesn’t have artificial sweeteners. Dried cranberries found in human foods such as trail mix, could lead to an upset stomach.
If you want to add some extra nutrition into your pup’s diet without overloading them with sugar or artificial ingredients, feeding them homemade cranberry treats might just be the solution you need! There are several ways you can incorporate this delicious fruit into their meals; either pureeing fresh cranberries or frozen whole cranberries and pouring over your dog food or baking up some tasty homemade treats using dried cranberry powder or pureed cranberry sauce (just make sure there aren't any added sugars). Dog child's meal mixes even have dried cranberry pieces included so if convenience is key then these might be worth considering too! If you don’t want to feed your dog fresh cranberries, cranberry supplements for dogs are a great alternative. Supplements are just one of several cranberry products that make adding this superfood to your dog’s diet incredibly simple. Overall, adding some extra nutrition into your pup's diet through natural sources aka feeding cranberries has never been easier thanks to all the new products on the market specifically designed for canine consumption
Cranberries in Dog Child Products
Dog Childs Meal Mixes were developed to improve the quality of your dogs life through the food you feed them. Dog Child’s range of nutritionally optimal products contain all of the vitamins and nutrients your dog needs in order to support their overall wellness.
The Organic Oats and Berries Meal Mix was formulated by pet nutritionists and vets with antioxidant rich fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, apples, strawberries and bananas. When mixed with your protein of choice, dog child meal mixes create a complete and balanced meal for your dog... in under 15 minutes!
Cranberries in Dog Child Recipes
Dog Child’s recipe page is a fantastic resource for pet parents to find recipes for your pooch using raw cranberries.
The Dog Child Lamb and Berries Breakfast Parfait recipe is a fun way to incorporate cranberries into your dogs diet without the choking hazard that whole cranberries present, especially for small dogs. Dog Child’s Holiday Cranberry Turkey Meatballs is another fantastic recipe that includes cranberries. Your pup will love the turkey mixed peas, oats and cooked cranberries!
If you are interested in making a your dog a cranberry dog treat, but prefer to avoid handling red meat we have got you covered! A Dog Child Holiday favourite is this simple
Frozen cranberry treat
- Add half a cup of fresh raspberries, and a cup of fresh cranberries to a blender.
- Pour in ¾ cup of bone broth.
- Blend! (this will make a raspberry - cranberry sauce)
- Pour the mixture into your paw shaped moldsmoulds (or any moldsmoulds) and freeze!
Voila! Your dog will love these treats, as a dessert or on top of their dog food for a special holiday treat!
Dog Turkey & Cranberry Meatballs
This doggie turkey meatball recipe is a great way to use left over turkey during the holidays. You are welcome to use shredded or ground turkey purchased from your local grocery store. This recipe has natural ingredients, the meatballs can be served as a whole meal or as a meal topper. Real turkey is a great source of lean protein, while the oats are packed with fiber and are good for pups with digestive issues. They also include green beans, cranberries and oats. We love to make these meatballs in smaller batches and use them as training treats. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days or the freezer for up to 3 months!
Turkey Thigh Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe for Dogs
Join us in making your dog their very own thanksgiving feast. Featuring fresh ingredients like green beans, squash, and turkey topped with our Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix! Show them some love this holiday with a home cooked meal!
Risks Involved in Feeding your Dog Cranberries
Though widely viewed as non-toxic and they don’t pose an inherent risk to your dog, like anything, there can be risks associated with feeding cranberries to your dog. Earlier we touched on the possible risk of your dog having an allergy to cranberries. Other risks come from pet parents overfeeding their dog cranberries. If your dog eats large quantities of cranberries, they could experience stomach pain or unhealthy weight gain. Frozen cranberries can damage your dog’s teeth and present a choking hazard, especially to small dogs. Feeding your dog cranberry juice comes with more serious risks. It is important to read the label when sharing human foods with your dog. Cranberry juice typically contains a mixture of grape juice, which is toxic to dogs. If grape juice is ingested by your furry friend it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Followed by a general lack of energy, weakness, dehydration and gastrointestinal upset. If you do opt to add cranberry juice to their diet, make sure it doesn't contain grape juice or added sugar as that could cause a spike in blood sugar levels or an upset stomach if consumed too frequently.If you are worried about adding this tart treat to your dog’s diet we recommend consulting your vet.
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? Yes!
All-in-all, cranberries offer some great benefits when fed in moderation as part of a balanced diet for dogs! Not only are they packed with antioxidants but they can also help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. From sweet potato & cranberry treats to homemade fruit cobbler recipes with applesauce and dried cranberries – there are plenty of ways you can incorporate this delicious fruit into your dogs daily routine safely! While it's always important to research what foods are safe for consumption before giving anything new to your pet it definitely looks like adding some tasty tartness via fresh or dried (or even frozen!) cranberry pieces could offer up quite a few nutritional benefits for our furry friends! So why not try out some new recipes today? Your pups will thank you tomorrow!
So give it a try today; you'll both love the results!
FAQ
Are cranberries toxic to dogs?
No, cranberries are not toxic to dogs. However, they should be fed in moderation and without added sugars or other harmful ingredients.
Are fresh or dried cranberries better for dogs?
Fresh cranberries are preferable over dried ones. Dried cranberries often contain added sugars, which can be harmful to dogs in excess.
Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?
It's best to avoid giving dogs cranberry sauce, as it often contains high amounts of sugar, which can be detrimental to their health.
Why are cranberries good for dogs?
Cranberries contain antioxidants and may have urinary tract benefits for dogs by preventing the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary tract walls.
How should cranberries be prepared for dogs?
Fresh or unsweetened, plain cranberries are the best options for dogs. Avoid canned cranberry sauce or cranberry products with added sugars.
Can dogs with urinary issues benefit from cranberries?
Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections in dogs, but it's essential to consult with a vet for proper advice.
How many cranberries can I give my dog?
The quantity depends on your dog's size. In moderation, a few cranberries can be a healthy addition to their diet. Too many, however, can lead to digestive upset.
Can dogs eat cranberry products like juice or dried cranberries from the store?
It's best to avoid cranberry products that contain added sugars, as excess sugar can be harmful to dogs. Stick to fresh or unsweetened options.
What are the potential risks of feeding cranberries to dogs?
While cranberries are safe, some dogs may be sensitive to new foods. Introduce cranberries gradually and monitor for any signs of digestive upset. Also, be cautious of added sugars in commercial cranberry products.
