Can Dogs Drink Cranberry Juice? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Cranberries are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and other much-needed nutrients. They are super tasty, and they are considered to be a superfood for us humans. There are many reasons why we drink cranberry juice, but what about Fido?

Dogs can eat cranberries, but they shouldn't be drinking cranberry juice. This short but sweet guide will take you through everything you need to know about why he shouldn’t drink cranberry juice and the consequences of drinking it, as well as the alternatives that could benefit him and what to do if he drinks too much of it.

So, whether it’s Thanksgiving time or a urinary tract infection that’s got you wondering whether dogs can drink cranberry juice, we’ll answer all your questions and more.

Why Cranberry Juice Can Be Bad for Dogs

It’s worth noting here that cranberries (in moderation) can be safe and healthy for dogs, but it’s the juice part that isn’t.

Cranberries themselves are made of around 88% water, and the rest is carbohydrates and fiber. They also contain vitamins C, E, and K1, as well as manganese and copper, which are all essential for a healthy diet.

Cranberry juice seems like an easy way to get all that goodness into Fido’s system, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, cranberry juice is bad for dogs for several reasons.

Firstly, ready-made cranberry juice often includes the juice of other fruits and berries, some of which may be toxic to dogs. Grapes, for example, are sometimes used in cranberry juice because they are sweet and cheap. Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney damage depending on the amount they ingest.

Secondly, cranberry juice is packed full of sugar. Not only natural sugar from the fruits but also added sugar to make the bitter cranberries taste sweeter. Again, high doses of sugar can be harmful to dogs and can lead to other health concerns such as obesity over time. It may also contain xylitol, which is a low-calorie sweetener that can cause liver failure in our four-legged besties.

So, as you can see, cranberry juice is out of the question for Fido.

Why Would Owners Feed Cranberry Juice to Their Dog?

Cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in us humans. As many as 10-14% of dogs are affected by UTIs in their lifetime, and many dog owners find themselves wondering if it could benefit their dogs too.

Cranberry juice was believed to lower the acidity of urine in the bladder, which reduces discomfort. But this is a myth. Cranberry juice actually contains substances that prevent Escherichia coli from attaching itself to the urinary bladder wall, which may help with the discomfort.

Unfortunately, not all UTIs are caused by this bacteria, so cranberries could be useless in fighting your dog’s UTI. This is why it is always important to discuss your dog’s individual needs and find a suitable remedy for them, with your vet’s advice, because leaving a UTI untreated can lead to health complications.

Cranberry Juice Alternatives

If your vet has recommended cranberries as occasional treats, or you just fancy trying it, here are the alternatives to cranberry juice.

Whole Cranberries

Many high-quality kibbles often list cranberries in their recipes, so you can be sure that cranberries are safe for dogs to eat. A few cranberries as a treat every now and then is a safe treat for dogs, depending on their size. But don’t be mistaken, the health benefits for your pooch will be deemed minimal.

Cranberry Tablets

Cranberry tablets are used in people to help treat UTIs because they contain all the goodness and none of the harmful ingredients that juice does.

But, just because they are readily available on the internet to buy doesn’t mean that they are safe or appropriate for your dog. Always discuss supplements with your vet to make sure that they will benefit your pooch.

Signs of Poisoning

If your dog has accidentally come across your glass full of pre-packaged cranberry juice and had several sips, they may develop a stomach upset over the next 24 to 48 hours. If they have had more than just a mouthful, or you know that the juice contains grape or xylitol ingredients, you need to contact your vet straight away.

Here are some of the possible signs of poisoning in dogs, which may vary greatly based on the toxic compound in question:

The Wrap Up

What you should take from this is that your dog should never drink cranberry juice. Do everything that you can to keep these items out of their reach.

A few fresh cranberries as a treat is perfectly fine in most cases, if fed in moderation.

If you are looking at cranberry juice as a remedy for a UTI, discuss this with your vet beforehand. Not only might it not help Fido at all, but you could do further damage.

• See Also: Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? Are Cranberries Safe for Dogs?

Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons