Yes, dogs can eat homemade dried cranberries in moderation. This is a delicious treat that is also good for your dog’s health. However, it is essential to check your veterinarian before giving the fruit to your dog for the first time.
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What Are Dried Cranberries?
Cranberries are a Vaccinium subgenus of perennial shrubs. In the United Kingdom, cranberry refers to the natural species Vaccinium oxycoccos, but in North America, it refers to Vaccinium macrocarpon. Central and northern Europe grow Vaccinium oxycoccos, while North America, Canada, and Chile grow Vaccinium macrocarpon. Oxycoccus is a different genus from other bacteria. They live in acidic bogs in the Northern Hemisphere’s coldest regions.
These cranberries are manufactured by gradually dewatering fresh cranberries, much as raisins are formed from grapes. They’re ubiquitous in trail mix, salads, bread, cereals, and as a standalone snack. Although the term “craisin” is a trademark of Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. and cannot be formally used to dried cranberries from other producers, dried cranberries are commonly referred to as craisins owing to the name’s similarity to raisins.
Commercially made dried cranberries contain added sugar, xylitol, preservatives, and color to make them more tasty and attractive.
Are Dried Cranberries Safe for Dogs?
Yes, dried cranberries are safe for dogs to eat in moderation as an occasional treat. However, commercial dried cranberries must be avoided as they contain harmful components like xylitol, corn syrup, preservatives, and added sugar.
Why Are Dried Cranberries Good for Dogs?
Homemade dried cranberries have a number of nutritions that can benefit your dog! Dried cranberries are good alternatives to raisins. Cranberries are a wonderful source of antioxidants and many health resources. Antioxidants are a good source of free radicals that helps prevent inflammation, allergies, and the growth of cancer cells. Some highly definite antioxidants that can be found in dried cranberries are:
Quercetin
Quercetin reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, skin diseases, and allergies. It can save your dog from various inflammatory conditions like:
Heart Diseases
Kidney Diseases
Joint Issues
Cancer
Diabetic problems
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants to serve as a curing element for diabetes and cancer and are anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial. Hence it saves your dog from:
Vision Loss
Cardiovascular diseases
Neurological problems
Obesity
Diabetes
Cancer
Proanthocyanidin
Proanthocyanidin is anti-cancer and protects healthy cells from any kind of damage. It saves dogs from toxins and is rich in vitamin C and E. It helps your dogs health from
Urinary Tract Infections
Allergies
Cancer
Cardiovascular problems
Dried Cranberries are also an excellent source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And could be considered as a healthy snack but in moderation. Some are:
Vitamin B
Vitamin B complex is a co-enzyme that promotes metabolic activities that convert carbs to glucose, giving energy and stamina. In addition, it is required to digest protein and fat in a dog’s diet.
Vitamin B5
Pantothenic acid, often known as vitamin B5, assists in the conversion of food and drink into energy that our cells can use. As a result, fat-digesting vitamin B5 is essential.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is essential. Glucose production, red blood cell, and central nervous function, hormone control, immunological response, niacin synthesis, and gene activation are all aided by this vitamin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant. It can help prevent inflammation and cognitive aging by scavenging potentially damaging free radicals in the body. Although dogs’ livers can generate vitamin C on their own, supplementation may provide health advantages in some situations.
Vitamin E
One of your dog’s defenses against oxidative damage is vitamin E. Cell function and fat metabolism are also dependent on this fat-soluble vitamin. As a result, deficiencies can cause vision and muscle deterioration and reproductive issues.
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone)
Vitamin K-1 is a supplement that assists in blood coagulation and reduces bleeding in cats and dogs. Because it contains liver powder, it is pleasant to eat and simple to swallow.
Dietary Fibers
Fiber is an excellent source of nutrients for a dog’s digestive system. The healthy bacteria usually found in your dog’s colon digest fiber into fatty acids. This fatty acid then aids in the recovery of the colon by preventing the expansion of any harmful bacteria.
Manganese
Manganese is required to produce energy, metabolize protein and carbs, and form fatty acids in dogs. In addition, manganese is a component of many enzymes and aids in the health and preservation of bone and cartilage in joints.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte essential for your dog’s health. Potassium helps electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles work correctly. If your dog lacks this vital mineral, you may notice that they are constantly fatigued, which is not normal, or that they have no desire to eat.
Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
Dried cranberries have antifungal and antibacterial characteristics, making them effective against a wide range of germs and fungi. They are as follows:
Helicobacter pylori (causes ulcer and stomach cancer)
Streptococcus mutans (causes tooth decay)
Porphyromonas gingivalis (causes gum disease)
Staphylococcus aureus (causes staph infection)
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (causes lung infection and pneumonia)
ExPEC (causes a wide range of bacterial infections)
Dental Health
Dried cranberries help in reducing plaque buildup in the teeth.
Why Are Dried Cranberries Bad for Dogs?
Although homemade dried cranberries are safe and healthy for dogs in moderation, there are downsides of commercial dried cranberries that includes:
High sugar
High-level sugar is heinous for dogs, as their physiology doesn’t naturally need sugar. This can cause:
Diabetic Problems
Obesity
Unhealthy blood sugar levels
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Nausea
Xylitol and Corn syrup
Dried cranberries contain xylitol and corn syrup which are toxic and poisonous for dogs. The consequences of consuming xylitol and corn syrup are:
Vomiting
Lethargy
Weakness
Depression
Staggering
Uncoordinated movement
Seizures
Tremors
Hypoglycemia
Pancreatitis
Death
How Many Dried Cranberries to Feed Your Dog?
Dried cranberries should not be your dog’s routine diet. You should follow the 10% when it comes to dog treats. Always consult with the vet before introducing dried cranberries to your dog.
How to Serve Dried Cranberries to My Dogs?
Always feed dried cranberries as a rare treat. Make sure the dried cranberries are not sweetened and mixed with other raisins and nuts like sultanas, mixed berries, currants, macadamia nuts.
Ensure that you have bought a natural unsweetened dried cranberry pack. Then feel free to serve your dog occasionally in small amounts to maintain a balanced diet. The best is to dehydrate cranberries at home.
Here is a way you can prepare dried cranberries for your dog:
Ingredients
Take ½ cup of unsweetened coconut
¾ cup of coconut oil
I cup flour
1tsp of baking soda
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 egg
⅓ cup of dried cranberries (Make sure they are unsweetened and not mixed with other nuts or berries)
Preparation
Preheat the oven for 10 minutes. Wrap the pan with baking paper
Put the coconut oil and toast it until its golden in texture
Now add the baking powder and continue to mix it in low flame
Add the egg and vanilla extract to it. Stir it well to form a nice dough.
When the dough is formed, mix the dry cranberries and toasted coconut onto it.
Roll out the dough. It should be ¼ inch thick. It will be dainty to work with until it’s baked and cooled.
Cut it in small shapes as you like.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until it’s brown at the edges.
The dried cranberry bread would be soft until it cooled. So take your time to cool it down and serve a delicious meal to your dog.
What If My Dog Ate Dried Cranberries?
If your dog has had too many dried cranberries, look for the following signs:
Drooling
Disorientation
Drooped ears
Panting
Dilated pupils
GI Issues
Incontinence
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Head bobbing
Take your canine to the veterinarian if he has consumed excessive dried cranberries for further diagnosis and treatment. Keep away dried cranberries out of your dog’s reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dried cranberries harm my dog’s health?
No. Dried cranberries themselves are toxic and cause no harm unless and until they are high in sugar and mixed with nuts and berries.
Are dried cranberries safe alternatives for dogs?
Yes. They are safe snacks for your dog if used in moderation and occasionally. Dried cranberries are full of vitamins and nutrients.
Can dogs eat cranberry sauce?
No, dogs cannot eat cranberry sauce as it contains preservatives, sugar, xylitol, corn syrups. These components are harmful to your dogs.
Can dogs drink cranberry juice?
No, dogs cannot drink cranberry juice as it contains xylitol, added flavor, xylitol, corn syrups. These elements are toxic for dogs.
Final Thoughts
Now we know that dried cranberries are not harmful and offer a variety of health advantages, making them an excellent treat for your furry friend on occasion. However, always consult your veterinarian before introducing new food to your dog’s diet.
