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Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Cranberries?

Posted by Tiffany Brenner

Dogs can enjoy plain cooked or dried cranberries as a healthy treat, but be careful to avoid other ingredients that might harm your beloved pet.

Thanksgiving's around the corner, and like most pet parents, we know you're thankful for your four-legged friend. Naturally, you probably want to share some of the festivities with your dog, but you might wonder if traditional Thanksgiving food will agree with your pet's digestive system. 

One dish you can share with your pup? Cranberries! But there are some important facts you’ll need to know before you pass the cranberry sauce:


Are cranberries safe for dogs?

Some food that people consider tasty and healthy does not agree with their pets, and it might even pose a danger (like dog-toxic seasonings such as garlic and onion). 

Luckily, the American Kennel Club says that most dogs can enjoy plain, cooked, or dried cranberries in modest amounts. In general, dogs can safely consume uncooked cranberries, but they might pose a choking hazard. 

Also, take note of these cautions: 

  • Dogs should never have raisins, which often come mixed with dried cranberries. Also, do not serve your pet any prepared cranberry desserts that might contain grapes, grape juice, or an artificial sweetener called xylitol. Consider grapes, raisins, and xylitol off-limits for your dog. 
  • A taste of cranberry sauce with added sugar should not hurt your dog. Do check for other ingredients, like cooking liquor, that your pet should never consume. Also, too much sugar can cause upset stomachs. Over an extended period, excess sugar can lead to diabetes and other health problems in dogs and people. 
  • Some dogs develop sensitivities to various foods. Pet owners should start with a small portion and watch for common signs of allergies, like itching or loose stools. 

Are cranberries healthy for dogs?

On the plus side, plain cranberries can benefit pets and people because they contain Vitamin C, Vitamin E, manganese, and antioxidants. In particular, antioxidants help boost immune systems to improve resistance to seasonal allergies. They also help clear out free radicals, which can damage cells and speed up the aging process. 

Should you feed cranberries to your dog?

Cranberries can provide an excellent nutritional supplement for dogs, but honestly, many dogs will turn up their wet noses at the taste of plain ones. After all, people mix cranberries with other ingredients to take the edge off of their tartness most of the time. Dogs might enjoy sugary cranberry sauce, but that's not a healthy treat. So, yes, dogs can eat cranberries. Of course, asking if dogs will eat cranberries is an entirely different question! 

Prudent pet owners can find a better solution than feeding plain cranberries to their pets. Here at Moe's Healthy Pets, we've combined cranberries, kale, blueberries, and other power packed ingredients into a nutritious blend that dogs naturally love. Each bite provides your dog with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other critical nutrients. Your dog will think they're delicious, and you will know that you're supporting your beloved pet's good health. 

The perfect holiday treat for dogs 

For a festive spin on dog treats, let your pet sample Frosted Sugar Cookie Flavored Bites. Your pet will think you're sharing dessert -- the best part of the feast! Only you will need to know that you're offering a healthy supplement.

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