Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?

Lingonberries taste sour and are not particularly popular with most dogs. However, because red berries contain anti-inflammatory agents and many important vitamins, they can have health benefits in the dog’s diet. We have summarized for you what needs to be considered for dogs with cranberries.

What are Cranberries?

The lingonberry bears the Latin name Vaccinium vitis-idaea and is often confused with the related cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon). In fact, the two berries are related because they both belong to the blueberry genus. Compared to cranberries, however, lingonberries are significantly smaller. They are also tart and bitter in taste.

Are Cranberries Poisonous to Dogs?

No, cranberries are not poisonous and can be eaten by dogs. But be careful: the small berries are not well tolerated raw. In addition, you should dose the fruit carefully and only feed it to your dog in small quantities, as cranberries in larger quantities can cause symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.

If you want to give your dog cranberries, test with a small dose whether your four-legged friend can tolerate the berries well.

How Healthy is the Lingonberry for the Dog?

Lingonberries have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties and, like cranberries, are therefore mainly used in dogs with bladder problems. The small, red berries have other health benefits for dogs:

• The contained minerals calcium and phosphorus are important for healthy bones and teeth.
• Potassium strengthens the cells and supports the dog’s kidney function.
• Magnesium is essential for muscles and the nervous system.
• Vitamin C strengthens the dog’s natural defenses.
• The bitter berries have a slight diuretic effect and help with bladder problems.

Raw or Dried: How Do You Give the Dog Cranberries?

Because of their bitter, sour taste, cranberries are almost inedible even for four-legged friends. For people, the berries are therefore often boiled down to jam with a lot of sugar. However, since sugar is unhealthy for dogs, you should never give your dog cranberry jam. Instead, you can mix unsweetened cranberry juice or unsweetened and unsulphured, dried fruit into the dog food. Only feed small amounts to avoid side effects such as diarrhea. It is even easier to resort to ready-made dietary supplements or dog foods that contain cranberries as an effective ingredient.