As pet owners, it’s very important to keep your dog healthy. And one of the best ways to do this is to have full control over their diet and make sure they only eat safe and healthy food.
That’s why many pet parents have been looking at fruits and other natural foods for their pets. In this light, you may be asking if you can feed your pet cranberries.
After all, cranberries are easy to find, can last a long time in the fridge, and are known as a “superfood” for many humans.
So, do these benefits carry over to animals as well?
If you’re wondering if cranberries are safe treats for your pets, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’re looking at the safety of cranberries for animals and even some of the benefits of feeding them to your furry friend.
Can My Pets Eat Cranberries?
This largely depends on your pet. However, since cranberries are a naturally occurring fruit, they are part of many animals’ regular diets. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and even sugar to make them taste good. Because of this, not only are cranberries safe for most pets, they offer a bunch of different health benefits.
So, if you’re looking for a natural and healthy treat for your dog, cat, or even birds, then cranberries are a great option.
What Pets Shouldn’t Eat Cranberries?
Most animals can handle cranberries. Many birds and other species eat cranberries wherever they grow naturally. Because of this, their bodies have developed in a way so that they can easily handle foods such as cranberries, blueberries, and other fruits.
With that said, you need to make sure to only feed your pets cranberries in moderation. While they have a lot of antioxidants, they also have a lot of sugar. Remember, animals have different bodily systems than humans, so too much sugar can be a very bad thing.
In fact, too much of any food is never a good thing for your pets. So, if you plan on giving your pets cranberries as treats, make sure not to overdo it. And if you’re looking for more information on how many cranberries to feed your pet, click here for a full guide on Spot & Tango.
Additionally, it’s best to stick to natural options when feeding your pets cranberries. So, natural fruit juice and raw cranberries should be fine. However, it’s best to keep them away from cranberry sauce and other processed food products for their health and safety.
Benefits for Feeding Your Pets Cranberries
If you’re considering adding cranberries to your pet’s diet, you’ll be happy to learn that there are a bunch of benefits that come with feeding your pets cranberries. With that said, keep in mind that different animals have different reactions to certain foods.
So, start small when feeding cranberries to your pets to see how they react. If they like it, you can add it to their diet, if they don’t then it’s best to find other options. Additionally, always inform your vet before adding anything to your animal’s diet.
With that out of the way, it’s time to get into some of the benefits of feeding cranberries to your pet.
They Are Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
For starters, cranberries are a superfood. And this doesn’t just apply to humans. There are many vitamins and antioxidants in cranberries that can benefit your pets. Dogs, in particular, can benefit from eating cranberries as it manages their immune system, can lower the risk of heart disease, and there’s even evidence that suggests it protects against cancer.
Easy to Find
Another reason cranberries are a good option for pets is accessibility. In most grocery stores, you can find cranberries for sale in the fruit section. On top of that, cranberries aren’t an expensive or premium fruit, which is why many people look to them when finding pet treats.
Easy to Feed
Since cranberries are small, you don’t have to prep them before feeding them to your pet. While you may want to wash the cranberries, after that, you can feed a couple to your dog, cat, or even bird throughout the day. You can even use them as training treats if you want to get your dog to learn certain commands.
Most Pets Love Them
Lastly, cranberries taste good. While they have a fairly tart flavor that some humans don’t like, the sugar is very attractive to animals. So, you won’t have a hard time introducing the fruit to your pet’s diet.
Conclusion
Cranberries are a safe treat option for most pets. In fact, they are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, which is why they are actually recommended for some pet owners.
On top of that, finding cranberries and feeding them to your pet is easy, which is why we highly recommend it for people on the hunt for fresh and healthy pet treats.
However, it’s always important to consult your vet before adding anything to your pet’s diet. That way, you stay on the safer side of things.
