For many pet owners, cranberry juice as a treatment of UTI in dogs is fairly common knowledge. But did you know whole cranberries can make a safe and healthy snack for your pet as well? 
As a pet parent, you are responsible for your pet’s health and well-being. That means feeding them the right food and giving them regular exercise. So, dog owners need to pay close attention to what their dog eats, particularly when it comes to treats. 
While dogs love commercial treats, many of them aren’t healthy for your pet. That’s why natural alternatives like cranberries are a very welcome change for a lot of dogs. So, are cranberries safe for dogs? 
If you’re considering feeding whole cranberries to your dog, you’ve come to the right place. 
In this guide, we look at whether or not cranberries are safe for dogs, and some of the advantages to feeding your dog’s cranberries.

Are Cranberries Safe for Dogs? 

Yes, cranberries are safe for dogs. However, like all things, the answer is a bit more complicated than that. 
While dogs can generally eat cranberries and not experience adverse effects, moderation is key. Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and different vitamins. This makes them very healthy for dogs and can support their immune system and lower the risk of heart disease. 
On top of that, many dogs simply love eating cranberries.
But why is that? 
The reason for this is that cranberries have a lot of sugar. This gives the fruit that signature sweetness, which is why it tastes great on both human and dog palettes. 
And while sugar tastes good, you shouldn’t have too much of it and the same goes for your dog. If your dog has too much sugar, it can develop obesity, diabetes, and a range of different complications. So, make sure not to feed your dog too many cranberries. 
But if you want to give your furry friend a couple of cranberries here and there for being a good dog, feel free to do it. 

How To Feed Dogs Cranberries 

It’s best to feed your dog raw and natural cranberries. While cranberry juice has some benefits, there are many options on the market that have a lot of added sugar which can be very damaging to your dog’s health. 
In this same light, you may also want to avoid feeding your dog cranberry sauce. They may love the taste, but all the added ingredients can be bad for your pet. That’s why most experts only recommend feeding your dog natural and raw cranberries. 
When you buy them from the store, it may be good to give them a good rinse. But after that, you don’t need to do anything, all you have to do is store them in the fridge and give your dog a couple whenever you want. 
With that said, you need to make sure not to feed them too many cranberries. Additionally, some dogs may have an adverse reaction to the cranberries as each dog has a different body with different needs. 
So, before adding cranberries to your dog’s diet, it’s best to consult your vet. That way, you can get a detailed answer on whether or not it will be safe for your dog. Additionally, your vet can give you advice on how many cranberries would be safe for your dog. 
This goes the same before adding anything to your dog’s diet. Remember, your vet will know what’s best for your dog’s health and well-being. So, whether it’s adding cranberries or completely switching your dog’s food, ask your vet about it beforehand. 

What Benefits Do Cranberries Have for Dogs? 

Cranberries offer a lot of benefits for dogs. That’s why there are many dog owners who recommend feeding them to your pet as a treat. And since cranberries are readily available in most grocery stores and markets, they are an ideal option for the modern pet parent. 
To start, cranberries are loaded with antioxidants. You may have heard of cranberries being a “superfood” for humans. While dogs can’t reap all the benefits, a lot of the benefits humans get from cranberries are passed on to dogs as well. 
These vitamins and antioxidants can support your dog’s immune health and even lower the risk of them developing heart disease. So, if you’re looking for a new natural treat to feed your dog, you might want to consider cranberries. 

Conclusion 

Cranberries aren’t just safe for dogs, but they offer a lot of different health benefits. That’s why there are many pet owners nowadays adding cranberries to their dog’s bowl of treats. And since they grow in a lot of places, it won’t be hard to feed them to your pet. 
With that in mind, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. And before adding anything to your pet’s diet, it’s important to consult your vet.  
That way, you get to consider all the potential risks and even get advice on how many cranberries a day or week will be safe for your dog.