Feeding the delicious cranberries to your canine companion seems tempting. But are they safe for dogs? The simple answer is they are good if fed in an appropriate amount. In case of improper use, they may lead to several risks. If served in moderation, they have several health benefits and perks that’ll maintain your dog’s health.

Why Are Cranberries Good For Dogs?

Cranberries are suitable for dogs because they are rich in nutrients. Though water account for 87% of their composition, yet these minerals serve best for the overall dog’s health.

  • The vitamin C present in cranberries helps in healing wounds, skincare, and proper immune system functioning.
  • Phylloquinone, also known as vitamin K1, is best in terms of blood clotting.
  • For proper metabolism, manganese performs its duty.
  • Vitamin E is also there that acts as an antioxidant.
  • The cranberries also contain polyphenols in the form of proanthocyanidins that help in urinary system health.
  • The presence of fiber also ensures digestive system health.
  • Anthocyanins serve best for a healthy brain.
  • Quercetin aids in helping with joint issues and allergies.

Benefits Of Cranberries For Dogs

The presence of nutrients and minerals allows your dog’s health to flourish. Here are some perks of cranberries.

1. Anti-Cancer Properties

The cranberries are proven to work against cancer cells. Research indicates that the growth rate of the tumor is slowed down, and apoptosis is enhanced. The cranberries have multiple health benefits helping out in dog’s cancer and overall health.

2. Immune System Health

The cranberries serve the proper health of the gut. 90% of the immune systems of dogs are related to the gut. Therefore, cranberries serve to maintain the immune system of dogs. They aid in removing the harmful bacteria, fungi, and viruses without impacting essential bacteria in the gut.

Following are some fungi and viruses that can be controlled through cranberry use:

  • Streptococcus mutans that may lead to dental issues can be controlled.
  • They can also deal with Pseudomonas aeruginosa that lead to lung issues.
  • The fungus Candida albicans can also be controlled, which may lead to yeast infections.
  • The cranberries also deal with Porphyromonas gingivalis that cause gum issues.

Also, several other disease-causing viruses and fungi can be prevented and controlled.

3.  Diabetes Prevention

You might think to cut on fruits to prevent diabetes. But cranberries help in lowering down the glucose level. The fiber in it also lowers the risk of diabetes, ensuring the good health of your dog.

4. Reduce The Risk Of Heart Diseases

The cranberries can help maintain the cardiovascular health of your dogs. It’s because of the following perks:

  • Prevention of blocking of arteries
  • Reducing the risk of stroke
  • Reduction in blood clots
  • Reduction in blood pressure

The cranberries can also help to prevent congestive heart failure, stroke, and dilated cardiomyopathy.

4. Promoting Oral Health

The cranberries can also aid in dealing with and preventing gum issues. They don’t allow bacteria to stick with the walls of teeth and space within them. Their importance increases if you haven’t added a rawhide or bone to your dog’s diet. So, cranberries will take the chance of aiding the dental health of your dog.

Antioxidants In Cranberries

Antioxidants are known to aid in the joints and bone health of your dogs. The cranberries also contain them in a significant amount, hence helping your dog to stay healthy. Here are some of them:

1. Proanthocyanidins

These condensed tannins are polyphenols that have strong anti-oxidative properties. It’s 20 times more potent as compared to vitamin E.

2. Quercetin

It is a flavonoid antioxidant derived from plants. They help in dealing with joint inflammation and pain, thus helping out in conditions like arthritis. It also helps in dealing with dog allergies.

3. Anthocyanins

These are called flavonoid polyphenol that helps the immune system to carry out proper functioning. Also, it helps in preventing cognitive issues, nervous system issues, and vision loss.

Hence, antioxidants serve best in boosting the dog’s health.

Can Dogs Eat Cranberries For UTIs?

Yes, cranberries are a great option in preventing UTIs. These infections are common in female dogs and are painful. So, to prevent this hassle, cranberries will serve the best. Research suggests that the antibacterial properties of cranberries prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to urinary tract walls.

D-Mannose Effect

D-mannose is a component present in the cranberries that helps in dealing with UTIs. It is sugar that prevents the E. coli bacteria from hanging in cells of the urinary tract. They have equal importance as antibiotics that deal with UTIs.

Even D-mannose and cranberry extract are present in supplements that help dogs to deal with UTIs. The use of cranberries and supplements is better than antibiotics because they don’t cause any side effects.

The antibiotics can cause lead to gut issues and developing resistance in bacteria. They also affect good bacteria that aid digestion.

Dog Food With Cranberries

If you’re looking for any commercial dog food that contains cranberries, try Cherish Pet Food. You can get the essence of all the benefits of cranberries through our range. Also, our range has a variety of options depending on the age and breed of your dog.

They include Amazing Adult, Super 7 Years +, and playful puppy. They also contain other superfoods like chia seeds, salmon, blueberries, and turmeric for an efficient boost in your dog’s health.

Cranberries Associated Risks

If you don’t serve the cranberries in the right amount and way, they may lead to other hassles. Some of the risks are:

  1. Don’t use cranberries in the form of juice. It may lead to diarrhoea.
  2. Don’t feed the excess amount of cranberries. It may harm more than the benefits.
  3. The overuse may lead to stomach issues. So, serve in moderation.

Summing Up

That was all about feeding cranberries to dogs. They have numerous benefits as antioxidants for joint health. Also, the nutrients and antibacterial properties help in dealing with UTIs. So, use them in moderation, and you’ll be good to go.

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27548236/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5884402/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cranberries/#:~:text=Both%20cranberries%20and%20dried%20cranberries,to%20dogs%20in%20small%20quantities.&text=Dried%20cranberries%20sometimes%20come%20mixed,problems%20for%20small%20dog%20breeds.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12058989/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23396043/