Cranberry for Dogs: Why Your Pet Needs It

Cranberry for Dogs: Why Your Pet Needs It

Cranberry for dogs has been used traditionally to ameliorate or help treat a variety health issues, from liver and stomach ailments to blood disorders and even cancer, similarly to other herbal medicines.

But can dogs actually eat cranberries? The answer is yes. Dogs can consume cranberries without fear of poisoning. Unlike raisins, which are a close substitute, they are safe to eat.

The use of cranberries in treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) is now well established in the minds of pet owners and many veterinarians. In fact, there is now a wealth of academic research on cranberries’ usefulness in preventing or treat urinary tract infections.

Cranberries are high in vitamin C, potassium and fiber levels, which is all great for dogs. They are minimal in calories and contain anti-inflammatory substances. Let’s take a closer look at their usefulness for dogs.

Table of Contents

Check out our Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs here.

Cranberry Health Benefits

Nearly 87 percent of a cranberry’s weight is water. As a result, it’d be reasonable to assume it is deficient in nutrients. You’d be mistaken, though. Vitamins and minerals are found in very high concentrations in cranberries.

  • Vitamin C benefits the immune system, skin, muscle, bone health, and wound healing.
  • Manganese, a critical mineral for development and metabolism, is also found in cranberries.
  • Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, aids in the functioning of the immune system.
  • Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone), essential for forming blood clots, is also one of the significant components of these fruits.

Additionally, cranberries have a lot of:

  • Fibers that aid in digestion and the immunological system.
  • Anthocyanins — anti-inflammatory and brain-healthy antioxidants — are included in the cranberry’s ingredient list.
  • Quercetin — aids with allergies, joint discomfort, and more.
  • Polyphenols, known as proanthocyanidins, help prevent cancer, heart disease, and urinary and intestinal disorders.
  • D-mannose can be found in cranberries as well. It’s a naturally occurring sugar found in the human body and various fruits and vegetables.

What are the benefits of all these nutrients? Let’s take a look.

Your Dog Needs Antioxidants

Antioxidants are frequently mentioned in the media. However, what does this entail in reality?

The body’s oxidation process is analogous to rust on an automobile. It’s a regular aspect of aging. Free radicals are formed as a result of the aging process. As a consequence of the body’s metabolism, free radicals are formed.

Medications, chemicals, and even some foods can be a source of toxicity. Over time, they build up in your dog’s system. When the body produces too many free radicals, they might harm your dog’s cells.

It also accelerates his aging process. Even DNA can be damaged by it. Many degenerative illnesses such as cancer and arthritis can be caused by free radicals.

Because they take electrons from other molecules, free radicals can quickly spread. Oxidation is the cause of this. Once the molecules have been oxidized, they produce new free radicals.

Thieving and oxidation processes continue to develop in scope and intensity. You can see why antioxidants are so important for your dog’s diet. Diet is the only method to keep oxidation under control.

Foods rich in antioxidants can help prevent the proliferation of free radicals. However, the meat you feed your dog does not contain antioxidants. Only plants can produce them.

Cranberries, as well as other berries, are high in antioxidants. What kind of antioxidants are found in cranberries, specifically?

Antioxidants in Cranberries

Anthocyanins

This pigment is what gives cranberries their festive red hue. As flavonoid polyphenols, they’re an essential plant antioxidant. Studies have shown anthocyanins to have a wide range of beneficial effects on health.

Cranberry juice’s anthocyanins contributed to increased organ antioxidant capacity in animals. Anthocyanins have also been shown to aid the immune system in research.

Cancer, diabetes, heart disease, cognitive difficulties, and vision loss are just a few of the conditions that may be prevented by these therapeutic herbs.

Proanthocyanidins

Condensed tannins are another name for them. Also, they’re called “defense and offensive molecules,” and they’re polyphenols, too. The reason for this is due to the antioxidant properties of certain foods.

All of these ingredients, as well as cranberries and pine needles, contain them. According to some studies, they’re 20 times more effective than vitamins C or E.

You may have heard that cranberries might be an effective preventative and treatment regarding urinary tract infections. In addition to supporting your dog’s gut microbiota, cranberry proanthocyanidins are also beneficial.

Their antibiotic characteristics can prevent E. coli colonization in the stomach. Cranberry proanthocyanidins have been found to have anti-cancer properties.

Quercetin

Another flavonoid antioxidant found in plants is quercetin. Quercetin is present in cranberries, as well as in many other plant foods.

In addition to these, apples (particularly the skin), berries, and peppers are all excellent sources of vitamin C. Quercetin is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to reduce oxidative stress.

Inflammation control necessitates its use. Inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer can all be prevented by taking this supplement. It’s also a potent antioxidant that aids with allergy management.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the health benefits of cranberries.

6 Ways Cranberries Can Help Your Dog

Anti-Cancer

Cancer takes the lives of half of all dogs over the age of 10. Obviously, you’d do anything to keep your dog from suffering the same fate. Your dog’s cancer risk may be reduced if you feed him cranberries.

According to studies, cranberries have been demonstrated to reduce tumor development in several malignancies. Apoptosis (cancer cell death) may also be boosted by cranberries.

Some research suggests that cranberries’ phytochemicals work synergistically to improve health. On the other hand, cranberries may alleviate the harmful effects of traditional cancer treatment.

Researchers have found that cranberry extract for dogs helped protect their hearts against the detrimental effects of the chemotherapy medication doxorubicin.

The anti-cancer mechanisms of cranberries are still being studied in their early phases. Many projects, however, are now underway and showing tremendous potential.

Control Urinary Tract Infections in Dogs

One of the cranberries’ most well-known therapeutic actions is preventing and curing UTIs. Females may be more susceptible to them (both human and canine).

If your dog is prone to recurring illnesses, cranberries can help prevent them. Many UTIs are brought on by E. coli bacteria. Antibacterial properties are found in cranberries. Because they prevent E. coli germs from adhering to cells in the urinary system, they are beneficial.

Finally, we come to D-mannose. Glucose is a sugar, and it can prevent E. coli germs from clinging to cells in the urethra. Cranberry d-mannose for dogs has been shown to provide a variety of health benefits, including:

  • Prevent urinary tract infections just as effectively as certain drugs.
  • Treat and prevent recurrence of UTIs better than certain antibiotics.
  • Relieve the symptoms of a UTI.

Even though cranberries contain some D-mannose, you can give a D-mannose supplement to combat UTIs. It’s not uncommon to find a combination of D-mannose and cranberry extract in dietary cranberry supplements for dogs.

Antibiotics should be avoided whenever possible. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are on the rise due to the harm they bring to your dog’s digestive system. As a result, infections are more difficult to cure.

You should only use antibiotics if you are suffering from a severe disease.

Manage Gut and Immune Health

Your dog’s health depends on well-balanced gut microbiota. Not just for digestive healthiness but also for the immune system. About 90 percent of your dog’s immune system is derived from the gastrointestinal tract.

Keeping your dog’s digestive tract in good shape isn’t the only way to maintain his gut healthy. When his digestive system is in harmony, his entire body functions better and can fight sickness better.

Cranberries are beneficial in the management of intestinal health. Without damaging the healthy bacteria, they destroy the harmful microorganisms, including fungus and viruses.

Reduce Heart Disease Risk

When it comes to heart disease, we don’t think of dogs in the same way we think of humans. However, it does happen, albeit infrequently. Congestive heart failure (CHF), heart murmurs, stroke, and dilated cardiomyopathy can all affect dogs (DCM).

Dogs who eat cranberries may have a lower risk of heart disease. Blood clotting, blood pressure, arterial obstruction, stroke risk, and C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation) are all reduced. Your dog’s general heart health can be improved by giving him some cranberries.

Prevent Diabetes

Everyone is harmed by consuming an excessive amount of sugar. In addition, diabetics should avoid fruit whenever possible. Even if it is natural, the sugar in fruits can raise blood sugar levels.

Berry consumption, in general, is beneficial to diabetes. And cranberries are particularly beneficial. Because berries have a lower risk of diabetes compared to other fruits, they’re a healthier choice.

  • Cranberries, in particular, have a low sugar content compared to most fruits.
  • Cranberries have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels.
  • Diabetes risk can be reduced by increasing fiber intake.

In this way, cranberries can help your dog prevent diabetes. Additionally, cranberries are an excellent addition to the diet of dogs that suffer from diabetes. Dogs with diabetes are more susceptible to UTIs. So cranberries are a two-for-one deal.

Promote Oral Health

The idea of cranberries as a way to keep your dog’s mouth clean might not occur to you. Dental health is crucial, as you are well aware. As a result, the mouth’s inflammation can promote systemic inflammation throughout the entire body. Chronic disease arises as a result of this.

Also, your dog’s general health depends on maintaining a healthy mouth. In addition to this, cranberries may assist in avoiding gum disease.

The urinary and gastrointestinal tract lining can be protected from germs by consuming cranberries. Tooth and gum disease can be prevented by using these devices.

This is an excellent option if you don’t feed your dog uncooked or raw bones. Teeth cleaning is accessible by raw food’s enzymes and chewing on bones.

Because of this, it’s best to avoid feeding your dog kibble or canned food. Let your dog eat some cranberries to see if it means he won’t need to be brushed as often.

Buying Cranberries

For the most excellent quality cranberries for your dog, follow these suggestions.

Buy Organic

To begin, wherever possible, try to get organic cranberries. They are grown in bogs, which have a lot of pests. Cranberry producers have to apply many pesticides as a result of this.

Nematodes or manual weeding may be used as natural pest control methods by some. The problem is that traditional cranberries are almost definitely produced with pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides, which are all harmful to human health.

Quality

Cranberries that are deep red, juicy, and firm to the touch are what you should seek in fresh berries. Avoid the pale, wrinkled, and mushy ones. Anthocyanins are prevalent in deeper reds.

Better quality and freshness are signified by the fruit’s firmness and juiciness. You may refrigerate them for up to 20 days or freeze them for five years. It’s OK if they’re already frozen at the supermarket.

Feeding Cranberries to Your Dog

Many options are available, so what’s the best method to feed your dog cranberries?

Cranberries are an excellent snack to give to your pet. They can be fed in various forms, including fresh, frozen, dried, freeze-dried, or freeze-dried. People can even buy cranberry chews for dogs.

However, there are a few things that you should be aware of. In the case of an infection, you’ll want to choose a supplement that tells you just how much to give your dog.

Look out for Sugar

First and foremost, accept this directive. Many cranberry products are sweetened because cranberries are very sour. Cranberry juice and sauce, on the other hand, are loaded with sugar and should be avoided.

Unless you can persuade your dog to drink it, unsweetened juice is the only option! It’s OK to offer your dog 200 to 800 milligrams of cranberry juice a day if they like it.

Whole Cranberries

Raw cranberries may not be to your dog’s taste. Feeding them whole will make them less digestible. Because of this, you may want to purée them or simmer them in some water.

Unsweetened Dried Cranberries

It may be possible to use dried cranberries. On the other hand, dried cranberries aren’t beneficial for your dog because they’re often laced with sugar.

There are, however, some sugar-free options available. Check the label to see whether it contains sugar. Make sure it doesn’t include a sweetener like xylitol, as it might be dangerous. Dogs can get poisoned by that substance.

Freeze-Dried Cranberries

Alternatively, you may try these. If you can find freeze-dried cranberries that are unsweetened, be sure that they are safe for your dog. But keep an eye out for silicon dioxide in the ingredients list.

A drying agent is occasionally applied to keep the powder from clumping. As a natural chemical, silicon dioxide may be found in many packaged goods and synthetic products. Side effects are infrequent, but it’s not a normal part of the human body, and you may develop allergies.

If you give your puppy cranberries, be careful with the estimated cranberry dosage for dogs. Because they’re “simply food,” they’re not worth anything… However, even if your dog is a big fan of them, limit their intake.

Cranberry tablets for dogs may be a better choice if your puppy is not a fan of these fruits.

Cranberry Supplement Dosage for Dogs

If you’re giving your dog a supplement designed for people, multiply the suggested dosage by your dog’s weight to get the correct dosage. You should use one-third the human dosage for dogs that weigh 50 lbs. Alternatively, you can follow the directions on the label of a canine cranberry supplement you purchase.

In any other case, use the following requirements for the intake of cranberry pills for dogs:

  • Small dogs: 100 mg, 3 times a day.
  • Medium dogs: 200 mg, 3 times a day.
  • Large dogs: 300 mg, 3 times a day.
  • Giant breeds: 400 mg, 3 times a day.

The Takeaway

Why not turn cranberries into a tasty treat for your dog instead of a regular meal? You may feed your dog raw or cooked cranberries instead of raisins because they’re a healthier choice.

Alternatively, you may use dried cranberries, but stay away from those with added sugar — your best companion doesn’t need it. If you have any extra cranberry sauce or juice, don’t give it to your dog since it may contain harmful components.

Adding some of your dog’s food on top of your dog’s treats might be a fun way to jazz things up. A cranberry shortbread treat for your dog is also possible, and there are several treats already infused with the berry flavor. These can be given regularly without running the risk of overdosing. Try cranberries out and see how much happier your dog will be.

Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs

Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs

Check out our Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs here.

Nutrition Strength Cranberry for Dogs and Cats, Support for UTI in Dogs, Urinary Tract Plus Immune Health Supplement, Support for Bladder Infection in Dogs, D-Mannose for Dogs, 150 Chewable Tablets are tasty chewable tablets, specifically designed to help pets to improve urinary tract wellness.

Our nutritional and delicious pet urinary tract care cranberry extract for dogs supplement is made with the highest quality ingredients available, which can help:

  • Support and maintain urinary tract function in pet dogs and cats.
  • Promote a strong and healthy inner lining of the bladder wall.
  • Stimulate the good bacteria to flourish within your pet’s digestive tract.
  • Benefit dogs and cats suffering from irregularity.

Here are some tips on getting the most out of our cranberry urinary tract care supplement.

Used daily, our Cranberry D-Mannose Antioxidant, Urinary Tract Support for Dogs and Cats tasty chewable tablets can gradually help to build your pet’s immune system and to restore and maintain your pet’s natural balance. For best results, store our supplement in a cool, dry area and out of direct sunlight.

Keep the lid tightly sealed to preserve freshness. We know how much you value your pet’s health and wellness, which is why our cranberry for dogs product is manufactured in a facility in the USA.

Image source: Wikimedia / Ruth Hartnup.