While we typically think of cranberries around Thanksgiving, they don’t need to just be a holiday food- for us or for dogs! They are now a popular superfood that have endless health benefits for dogs.
Cranberries also have impressive antioxidant properties. Anthocyanin is what gives them their red, festive color. This antioxidant supports the immune system, and also prevents a number of debilitating diseases. Another one, proanthocyanidin, helps to prevent UTIs. D-mannose works along with this to help stop E. coli bacteria from hanging onto the urinary tract cells. Finally, quercetin manages inflammation and controls allergies.
There are several other benefits of feeding your pup this fruit! They help prevent cancer and slow tumor growth, and also aid with the side effects of chemo. They also balance the gut, reduce the risk of heart disease, and promote good oral health.
Because of the fiber in cranberries, they help dogs to avoid diabetes. If your pup has diabetes, they can help lower blood glucose and have less sugar than most fruits.
When buying cranberries, try to buy ones that are a deep red color that are firm to the touch. When feeding them, puree them, cook them in water, or give them as a supplement! And as always, start small and work your way up from there.
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