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The holidays are right around the corner, and with the holidays comes all the delicious food: Turkey, ham, pumpkin-flavored treats, the spiced-just-right stuffing, deviled eggs, and of course the cranberry sauce. Even worldwide chains like Denny’s offers cranberry sauce for the holiday meals; it’s an essential part of our Thanksgiving traditions!
Whether you purchase canned sauce or grow fresh cranberries yourself, it’s good to know in advance if cranberries are safe for dogs to eat. After all, you wouldn’t want to accidentally leave anything out on the counter that might make Fido sick. Here’s the scoop on dogs and cranberries.
Can Dogs Safely Eat Cranberries?
According to The American Kennel Club, the answer is not quite that simple. Dogs can eat fresh or boiled cranberries in small quantities only and infrequently. Veterinarian Dr. Marie Haynes suggests that if dogs are fed large amounts of cranberries (or accidentally get into your cranberry stash), they can develop calcium oxalate stones in their bladders.
You should also be watchful of dried cranberry treats. They may be mixed with grapes or raisins, which are toxic to dogs.
What About Cranberry Sauce?
A very small amount of cranberry sauce probably won’t harm your dog, so no need to fret if someone sneaks a spoonful to Fido at Thanksgiving dinner. But there can be problems mixing cranberry sauce with dogs. Cranberry sauce, both homemade and canned, can sometimes have other fruits mixed in. Some recipes may include grapes, raisins, or currants, all of which are toxic to dogs.
Cranberry sauce is also high in sugar, and too much sugar can give your dog indigestion. If your dog has diabetes or is sensitive to sugar, this can end up causing a bad reaction. PetMD doesn’t recommend cranberry sauce at all, but it does say Fido can probably get away with a small taste. At least he won’t have to feel left out of all the holiday fare!
Are There Health Benefits To Feeding Dogs Cranberries?
Cranberries are loaded with vitamins and minerals and are considered a superfood. If fed properly in small amounts or as occasional treats, they are considered a healthy snack for dogs. Cranberries are often included in dog treats and recipes because of their health benefits to dogs.
Some of the healthy vitamins and minerals in cranberries include:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin C
- Copper
- Manganese
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
But with all treats and snacks, moderation is the key. A little of something can be healthy, but there can be too much of a good thing. Just be sure to check packages and ingredients carefully before sharing your holiday treats with your furry family members.
How Should I Prepare Cranberries?
As with any fruit, there are different ways to prepare cranberries before offering them as treats.
Fresh Cranberries
Cranberries can be enjoyed fresh from the garden or produce aisle. There’s no need to do anything special to them. Just wash them off like you would for yourself. Cut them into smaller pieces to alleviate any potential choking, especially for smaller dog breeds. And make sure no sugar has been added to the cranberries. Then serve plain and in small doses. You can also use a juicer and make fresh cranberry juice.
Cranberries as Dog Treats
If you want to add cranberries as a special treat, you can place a few pieces on top of Fido’s regular food in his bowl. Or you can add some fresh, cut pieces into whatever homemade dog treat recipe you’re baking. You can also mix them with other dog-safe fruits, like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries, and make a smoothie or frozen popsicle treat. There are numerous ways to offer cranberries in small portions for a special cranberry treat.
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Will My Dog Enjoy Eating Cranberries?
Dogs can be fed cranberries in small portions, and cranberries can even be healthy for them. But will your dog enjoy the taste of cranberries? Just like people, dogs can be individualistic and have varying food preferences. Before you go to too much work preparing special cranberry treats and getting your furry friend ready to enjoy all the holiday fare in style, here are some tips:
Try a Taste Test
If you have cranberries lying around, or are purchasing some for yourself, wash off a small, cut piece and offer it to Fido. If he turns his nose up at it, or spits it out, that is a clear indicator that your dog may not like them. Do this before you make a batch of baked cranberry dog treats!
Try Other Foods That Include Cranberries
Give your pup a small bite of dog-friendly cranberry sauce (always check the ingredients first), or offer a little taste of 100% cranberry juice. Check to make sure no sugar is added. If your dog doesn’t seem to like it, then don’t worry about ensuring he gets some cranberry sauce on his Thanksgiving plate.
On the other hand, if he really enjoys it, you might need to safeguard the bowls and plates of cranberries, cranberry sauce, and other treats lying around! You don’t want any vet emergencies to spoil the holidays.
Before feeding any cranberries or cranberry-related goodies to your dog, just remember to always check the ingredients first.
If there is nothing listed that is harmful to your furry family, go ahead and plan out your delicious cranberry foods and menus. Then prepare to sit back and watch your dog enjoy his cranberry treats!
