Ah, the savory aroma of turkey and stuffing. It’s holiday cooking time, and your doggo has permanently parked themself at your feet, eyes following your every move. Nothing makes their heart and tummy happier than having their own special holiday meal with all the fixin’s, including cranberries… but wait! Is it safe to feed your dog cranberries?
It’s a legit question that’s probably crossed the mind of many a dog owner around the holidays. Well, dog lovers shouldn’t get too bogged down about this one. Pass the gravy and let’s have a good conversation about cranberries and your dog.
MY DOG ATE A CRANBERRY, SHOULD I BE WORRIED?
Cranberries are a popular side dish, known for their tart flavor and health benefits to humans. But what about the effects of cranberries on our canine companions? If your dog has eaten a cranberry, you may be concerned if it’s safe for them, and wonder if there will be any unwanted side effects or health risks.
So did your dog gobble up one that dropped on the floor during holiday food prep? As veterinary experts well versed on which foods are toxic and which are safe for pets, we at VEG can assure you: yes, most dogs can eat cranberries, in moderation.
Not only are cranberries okay for your dog to try, but they’ll provide him health benefits as well. Cranberries are high in antioxidants and vitamins to support your dog's immune system.
However, like any treat, offer cranberries in small amounts to prevent potential issues. Always monitor your dog's reaction after eating cranberries. Call your nearest VEG and consult with one of our emergency veterinarians if you notice any adverse effects.
NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF CRANBERRIES FOR DOGS
Wondering what health benefits cranberries provide for your dog? Fun fact: as cousins of the omnivorous wolf, dogs thrive with certain, less-sweet fruits added to their regular diet. Cranberries make the list!
Cranberries contain vitamins C, A, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Here’s how that helps your dog’s health:
Boosts their immune system
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Supports overall health
Reduces inflammation
Even with cranberries getting the thumbs-up as a dog snack, be aware: any new food that’s different from what your dog normally eats will require you to be extra mindful to watch for any adverse reactions.
Give cranberries in small portions, and under your watchful eye. Too many cranberries can cause stomach upset and other issues. And as much as your doggo may love them, they’re not meant to replace your dog's regular diet.
POTENTIAL RISKS OF CRANBERRIES AS A SNACK FOR DOGS
While cranberries are generally safe for dogs, as a responsible dog owner, you'll want to keep these risks in mind. Also, ensure that what you’re feeding is in fact a cranberry and not a raisin. Raisins (dried grapes) are toxic to dogs. They can cause kidney injury.
Cranberries may cause digestive upset in your dog.
Cranberries are a highly acidic food which may cause stomach upset in some dogs. If your pup has a tender tummy or a history of gastrointestinal issues, avoid giving him cranberries.
Dogs can choke on cranberries.
Choking poses another risk of feeding cranberries to your pup, especially with small breeds. Dogs in general are typically gobblers and snarfers. Your dog probably scarfed down a cranberry or two right before you Googled this!
You’ll be doing your pal a favor if you cut up the cranberry into smaller pieces so they’re less likely to choke.
Added sugar is a “No, sir!” for canine cranberry connoisseurs.
Added sugar is a big "No, sir!" for canine cranberry connoisseurs. And most prepared cranberry dishes contain added sugar, to balance out this very tart and bitter fruit. Thinking about your dog slurping curiously on that can-shaped gelatin mold of sugary-sweet cranberry sauce might make you giggle. But sugar isn’t the best for dogs, and it poses long-term health risks.
Here’s a safer option if you want to give your dog some cranberry goodness with his turkey meal. Portion out a small amount for him from the bag of whole, raw cranberries if you happen to be using these for your holiday recipes.
This way, he won’t be ingesting sugar needlessly. You’ll also avoid giving him other, unwanted ingredients that may be present in pre-made cranberry sauces.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG EATS CRANBERRIES
Concerned that your dog ate some cranberries? Here’s what to do:
If they only ate a small amount, there’s no reason to worry. But just in case, keep an eye out for signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog does react adversely, contact a VEG ER veterinarian for advice.
In cases where your dog has consumed a large amount of cranberries, give VEG a call for that too. We’ll provide guidance on the best course of action and ensure your dog's safety.
HOW TO SAFELY INTRODUCE CRANBERRIES INTO YOUR DOG'S DIET
So, your dog’s a fan of cranberries, and you’d like to make them part of his diet? With so many health benefits, it’s worth a try. But how to go about it? Gradual is always the safest approach when introducing a new food to your pet.
Follow the below steps to see how your dog does on cranberries:
Start with a small portion, and monitor your dog's reaction. If no adverse effects, slowly increase the amount
Choose the right form of cranberries. Fresh or dried cranberries without added sugar are best for dogs
Avoid giving your dog cranberry sauces or juices, as these often contain added sugars and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs
OUR VETERINARIAN’S 3 BEST IDEAS FOR SERVING CRANBERRIES TO YOUR DOG:
You have a few options for giving your dog cranberries:
Add a small amount of fresh or dried cranberries to their regular food
Use cranberries as a treat during training sessions
Make homemade dog treats using cranberries
When giving cranberries to your dog, always cut into small pieces to prevent choking hazards. Additionally, keep an eye on the quantity to avoid overfeeding.
WHEN TO CALL VEG’S 24-HOUR VETERINARY EMERGENCY ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Did your dog eat cranberries and now you have concerns about his health? Give our veterinary clinic a call! Our team of veterinary experts on animal emergencies will help to allay your fears, and advise on next steps.
VEG pet emergency center is available to answer any questions and provide guidance on your dog's urgent health situation. Our vet team is here 24/7 to help ensure your dog's well-being and provide the best care possible. And at VEG, you get to stay by your cranberry-gobbling canine all throughout treatment!
