The Health Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs

The Health Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs
Brown and White Dog Looking At A Bowl Full Of Cranberries

Let's start from the top: cranberries are dominantly found in the United States and Canada, and also in a few other locations across the world. These vine-grown, water-and-sun-harvested fruits hold benefits for you and Fido!


Can Dogs Have Cranberries?

The quick answer is: YES. Dogs can have cranberries. 

So the next question is should I add this as part of my dogs diet?

Why add cranberries to your dog's healthy diet?

Cranberries contain anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial qualities which can prevent the growth of E. coli, H. pylori, and many other GI related pathogens. The cranberry holds benefits your dog’s pearly whites, proteins found in cranberries inhibit acid production and allow teeth to defend against oral bacteria, which means those doggy kisses we all love will come with fresh breath (well, most of the time).

Cranberries also contain a high level of the antioxidant, polyphenols. Recent findings show that cranberries interact with cellular signaling cascades, regulating the activity of transcription factors and consequently affecting the expression of genes. They have been shown to affect the expression of microRNAs (miRNA). miRNAs are small, noncoding RNAs implicated in the regulation of gene expression that control both physiological and pathological processes such as development and cancer. We never really know if or how we can truly prevent, but making quality choices on behalf of our faithful friends is a great way to do our part in trying.

Additional Benefits

Just like humans, dogs can contract urinary tract infections. And, just like humans, including cranberries in their diet helps cure or prevent a UTI. Cranberry is a natural cleanser for dogs with urinary problems, but should be consumed in the form of a healthy dog treat, food or supplement containing cranberry, or in the form of cranberry juice meant for human consumption.


Meet The Author 

Grant Withers

Canine Specialist & Writer

Grant is an award-winning writer for SitStay with a passion for pets and especially dogs! Grant loves writing about furry little goofballs and aims to educate pet parents about anything and everything regarding their dogs.

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5 thoughts on “The Health Benefits of Cranberries for Dogs

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Connie Loudermilk

If yr dog weighs 15 lbs / give 15 mg so whatever yr dogs wt. 100lbs/100 mg. Learned this from a vet

June 5, 2018 at 14:55pm
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steve

watch out giving cranberry JUICE to dogs as when you look at the label on a major brand that implies it is pure cranberry juice is totally misleading. if you get to the nitty gritty in the actual blend it contains a significant portion ofGRAPE juice which will be toxic to your dog. stick with cranberry extracts or the dried fruit.

June 4, 2018 at 11:48am
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Alli with SitStay

Hi Shell,

If your pup is urinating frequently in small amounts, I would take him to the vet to check for a urinary track infection. He could also be trying to mark his territory with small amounts of urine, so observe his behavior. Cranberries can help with a urinary tract infection, but are not always the cure. I would contact your veterinarian to get an exact dosage of cranberries for your pup :)

Thank you!

May 7, 2018 at 10:41am
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Alli with SitStay

Hi Sue,

Dosages can range from 100-400 milligrams. I would contact your licensed veterinarian to make sure you give the correct dosage to your pup. You never want to guess!

Thank you!

April 26, 2018 at 09:30am
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Sue

If I went to the health food store to pick up cranberry capsules how much would I goce my female shepherd. She weighs 140 lbs.

April 26, 2018 at 09:28am

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