If you are considering owning a dog, you need to think seriously. Owning a dog is not just a privilege, it is also a big responsibility. Among many other things, you have to take care of your dog’s diet. You need to provide your dog a balanced diet that will keep him healthy and active.
In this article we will talk about cranberries and their impact on a dog’s health. Are cranberries safe for dogs? Are they beneficial for both humans and dogs? Can cranberries have any side effects? As we all know, cranberries are a popular solution for humans, so why not for dogs. Is it truth that what’s effective for us doesn’t necessarily mean that it works also for dogs? Let’s check it, but first we will tell you something more about this fruit. Or, you can also check our article for dogs on pasta.
More about Cranberries
Cranberries are evergreen shrubs or vines that grow up to 2 meters long. Their fruits are also called cranberries. They are popular as a healthy food worldwide. Cranberries are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They can boost our immune system and reduce the risk of many types of cancer. Cranberries can also help people who are suffering from diabetes or liver disease.
Also, it is known that cranberries may treat some stomach problems. There’s no doubt that cranberries are very beneficial for us humans, but what about dogs? Can we feed them cranberries or it is not a good idea? Have you heard that cranberry juice may help your dog with urinary tract and bladder infections? Just continue reading this article and you will find out more about the safety of cranberries for dogs.
Are Cranberries Safe for Dogs?
Well, cranberries are generally safe for dogs but it is important how you use them. Cranberries may also be very beneficial for your dog if you use them correctly. The most common form of giving your dog cranberries is a cranberry juice. You should avoid feeding your dog raw cranberries because they may cause many digestive problems. Also, raw cranberries are bitter in taste and your dog will have troubles to get used to them.
The only option is to give your dog some cranberry juice to treat urinary tract infections. This juice will regulate the amount of bacteria in their urinary tract system. Actually, this juice prevents bacteria from sticking to each other, so it creates a bad chain reaction in your dog’s urinary tract.
It is important to use a high-quality cranberry juice, in order to avoid large amounts of industrial grade sugar which can be very bad for your dog. A quality cranberry juice may cost a little more, but it is not something that you will give to your dog every day. You should use a cranberry juice only if your dog has a bladder infection or some other urinary tract problem.
Not only are cranberries good for treating urinary tract infections in your dog, but they will also boost an immune system of your dog. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants which fight against cancer cells in your dog. Also, cranberries are a great source of fiber, which will regulate your dog’s digestion. It is proved that cranberries may also improve your dog’s vision and fight plaque on your dog’s teeth.
One more benefit of consuming cranberries is that they will improve your dog’s cardiovascular system and they will make your dog’s blood vessels to operate in maximum efficiency. Some studies have shown that cranberries may also regulate your dog’s blood pressure.
Most important is not to consume cranberries on a daily basis. It refers not only to dogs but also to people. Cranberries are not one of the more common berries, such as blueberries or strawberries. Although people like to eat dried cranberries, it is not recommended for dogs. It is known that dried fruits contain a lot of added preservatives and sugar, which is not good for dogs. Most of the water is taken out from dried cranberries, so it is best to avoid them.
Another way to give cranberries to your dog is in the form of powder. You can simply sprinkle cranberry powder on your dog’s meal. There are also cranberry tablets that you can give to your dog, but it is best to consult your veterinarian first.
How Many Cranberries Can Dogs Eat?
You should feed your dog cranberries only once in a while. Remember that cranberries and other fruits should not be a staple in your dog’s diet. If your dog eats a large amount of cranberries all at once it will lead to many gastrointestinal and other health problems in your dog. Your dog may experience stomach upset, diarrhea or even vomiting. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should stop feeding your dog cranberries.
As we have already said, you should use a cranberry juice only if your dog has a bladder or urinary tract infection.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, cranberries are not the fruit that you should give to your dog on a regular basis. You can use cranberry juice in the case if your dog has a urinary tract or bladder infection. This juice will help your dog the same way it helps to humans.
But, it would be best to consult your veterinarian to check if this type of infection can be treated with cranberries.
