Cranberries are a tasty and healthy food that many humans enjoy, but is this something your canine friend might like to nibble on too? Can dogs eat cranberries, or are they toxic to them?
Can dogs eat cranberries?
Yes, your dog can eat cranberries. But as with many human foods, certain precautions need to be taken. And the tart flavor of cranberries may mean that many dogs are reluctant to eat them at all!
But if your dog does enjoy the taste of cranberries, let’s find out how to feed this treat to them safely.
What are the health benefits of cranberries?
For both humans and dogs, cranberries are a bit of an acquired taste. However, if your dog does like the taste of cranberries, these tiny red berries are rich in nutritional benefits.
Cranberries are packed full of antioxidants, which are thought to protect against digestive problems such as gastric ulcers and stomach cancer.
They are also high in vitamin C, and the low levels of sugar make them a healthy snack.
When it comes to cranberries, dogs can enjoy these fruits in moderation, either fresh or dried. There are healthier fruits for dogs you could choose, but adding in a few cranberries now and again should not be harmful.
What should I be aware of when offering cranberries to my dog?
The main problem with feeding cranberries to dogs is their tart, acidic flavor, which can lead to an upset stomach or diarrhea. Feed just one or two cranberries to your dog initially, and only increase the quantity next time if no digestive problems are observed.
Many people believe that cranberries can help dogs with urinary tract infections… However, this is not the case. They cannot be fed to dogs in large enough quantities to be effective in this situation.
In fact, feeding cranberries to dogs may actually cause urinary tract issues, as they can lead to the development of calcium oxalate stones in the bladder.
Dried cranberries can be fed to dogs in small amounts… But care must be taken that they are not mixed with raisins, which are highly poisonous to dogs. Cranberry sauce and cranberry juice may both contain ingredients that are toxic or unhealthy for dogs to consume.
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