Dog parents like us are increasingly looking for natural support for our pups as alternatives to chemically-laden treatments.
One natural remedy making a healthy impact in dog wellness is cranberries. Long celebrated for their health benefits in humans, cranberries are now recognized for their potential to make a big difference in helping dogs live their healthiest lives too.
What we've learned from how cranberries benefit humans
The human medical and wellness community has known for a while that cranberries are more than just a Thanksgiving side dish. (Pro tip for cranberry sauce lovers: try plain cranberry sauce sweetened only by oranges or orange juice for optimum health benefits).
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, cranberries offer a range of health benefits for humans. Rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and Vitamin E, cranberries support cardiovascular health, aid digestion, and even play a role in cancer prevention.
They're loaded with antioxidant properties, helping neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. That means improved immune function and a lower risk of chronic diseases.
Cranberries are possibly best known for being warriors in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and promoting kidney and bladder health with their natural antibacterial properties. No doubt that's because UTIs are so common -- for humans and for dogs (and cats).
Cranberries are great for you AND your dog
With that robust nutritional profile, it’s no wonder cranberries have caught the attention of canine nutritionists and veterinarians -- as well as dog parents looking for ways to boost their dogs' health naturally.
The benefits of cranberries for dogs
1) Promoting urinary tract health
One of the most compelling reasons to give your dog cranberries is their ability to support urinary health. Just as in humans, cranberries can help prevent and manage UTIs in dogs. They do this by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, reducing the likelihood of infection. This can be particularly beneficial for female dogs or those prone to recurrent UTIs.
2) Boosting your dog's immune system
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which are key to maintaining a healthy immune system. By neutralizing harmful free radicals, antioxidants help protect your dog's cells from damage. When dogs eat cranberries, the built-in antioxidants lead to a stronger immune response, better overall health, and increased resilience against illnesses.
3) Fortifying your dog with anti-inflammatory properties
Inflammation is a common issue that can lead to various health problems in dogs, including joint pain and skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in cranberries can help reduce inflammation, providing relief for dogs suffering from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
How to incorporate cranberries into your dog's diet
How can you feed cranberries to your dog? There are a number of ways to make cranberries and the benefits they bring part of your pup's regular diet.
Fresh cranberries
Can you give your dog fresh cranberries? Yes, fresh cranberries can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your dog's diet. They can be mixed into meals or served as a treat. Due to their tartness, cranberries by themselves as a treat may not be for every dog. If that's the case with your pup, mix them in your dog's bowl with other foods your dog loves or combine a cranberry with a bite of something like salmon or banana as a quick, fresh treat.
Then there's the question dog parents often ask: can dogs eat cranberry sauce? The answer is a qualified yes -- but make sure it's plain cranberry sauce with no additives like sugar. Easy to make by boiling fresh cranberries in filtered water and mixing in some pieces of orange if you'd like to sweeten it a bit.
A couple pro tips when giving your dog cranberries...
Pro tip 1: All things -- including cranberries -- in moderation. As with any fruits, you don't want to give your dog too many cranberries and risk tummy upset. About 1-2 cranberries per 10 lbs of body weight per day is the usual rule of thumb. If you're just starting to introduce cranberries to your dog, it's a good idea to do it gradually, working up to the proper amount, while keeping an eye on your dog for any tolerance issues or the rare allergic reaction.
Pro tip 2: For your dog's health (and your own), you'll want to choose organic cranberries since regular cranberries are usually grown with harmful pesticides and fertilizers.
Dried cranberries
Can dogs eat dried cranberries? Dried cranberries are another convenient option, but it's important to choose unsweetened varieties -- with no sugar and no artificial sweeteners that can be highly toxic and even deadly for dogs. Many commercially available dried cranberries contain added sugars of various types, which can be harmful to dogs. Look for organic dried cranberries that are free from artificial additives and preservatives.
The same goes for unsweetened cranberry juice. It's great to add to your dog's bowl but make sure it has no sugars or artificial sweeteners and is free from chemicals, additives, and preservatives.
Natural cranberry supplements
If you're worried about how much cranberry is the right amount or how to prepare and serve cranberries for your dog properly, cranberry supplements are a simple way to give your dog a more controlled and digestible dosage.
That's why we created our Mighty Cran-Bladder Chews, formulated with veterinarians to make it easy to give your dog the right support for urinary tract health and a stronger immune system overall. We designed them as bite-sized chews so your dog can enjoy them as a treat (quantity based on weight) and you won't have to worry about added mealtime prep.
Each chew is rich in antioxidants, using the natural power of cranberries along with echinacea and vitamin C to support your pup's optimal urinary tract health and deliver all the immune benefits of antioxidants.
Integrating cranberries into your dog's diet is a great opportunity to enhance your pup's health naturally with ingredients you recognize. With their ability to support urinary health, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation, cranberries are a valuable addition to your dog's nutrition you can feel good about!
To your dog's health, naturally!
At Mighty Paw, we're dog people, and we believe in helping all dogs live their healthiest, happiest, and fullest lives by our sides. That's why we're dedicated to finding ways to help you bring more joy and true wellness to your dog to enjoy adventures large and small together.
We're committed to providing high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your pup happy and enjoying life with you.
