If you’ve been reading up on healthy snacks and treats for dogs, then you’ve probably already read about the benefits of cranberries.
It’s no secret that cranberries are great treats for dogs. They are inexpensive and easy to find, and many dogs find them to be a tasty and pleasing treat. So, if you have a picky eater pet, then these could be the natural treats you need.
With that said, you may be wondering if there’s any additional prep needed for fresh cranberries after getting them from the store.
Keep reading to learn how to feed your dog fresh cranberries and the different ways you can serve cranberries to your pooch.
Do I Have to Prep Cranberries for Dogs?
No, if you buy cranberries at the store, all they need is a quick wash, and they’ll be good for your pet. Feeding cranberries to your dog is safe, especially if the cranberries are all-natural. This is because cranberries are inherently healthy for dogs, which means you won’t have to do much prep before feeding them to them.
With that said, if you want to, there are ways you can prepare the cranberries for your pet. And we’ll be explaining them in this section.
Fresh Cranberries
This is the easiest and arguably the best way to serve cranberries to your dog. Generally, the fresher the cranberries, the better. This is because fresh cranberries are packed with nutrients, flavors, and other things that are great for your dog.
This is the beauty of cranberries as a dog treat: they are very convenient. You don’t have to worry about much when feeding your dog cranberries, but if you want your pack of cranberries to last longer, there are some ways to extend the shelf life.
Dried Cranberries
You can buy a pack of dried cranberries or craisins and feed them to your dog. While they may look similar, craisins are not raisins, which are highly toxic for dogs. If fed in moderation, dried cranberries are completely fine for your dog. However, you have to make sure there are no harmful additives and extra flavorings in the cranberry that could potentially harm your pet.
The advantage of dried cranberries is that they have a longer shelf life. That way, you can buy a large pack and rest assured that it will last you a long time coming. This could be more economical for those looking to save money while still giving their dog healthy and natural treats.
Natural Cranberry Juice
If your dog isn’t a fan of the texture of cranberries, you can opt for cranberry juice. In fact, for most dogs, cranberry juice is the better option since it’s easier to digest and can actually be very sweet and refreshing.
However, we have to stress how important it is that you get natural cranberry juice for your dog. As much as possible, there should be no added sugar and mixed juices with the cranberries. This is to ensure that your dog is only drinking cranberry juice, as other juices with added sugars can cause some real harm in the long run.
With that said, unsweetened cranberry juice can also be a bit tart for dogs. So, make sure to try out a small amount first to see if your dog likes it. If they don’t like it, you may have to try out the other methods we featured on this list.
Frozen Cranberries
If you have a bag of fresh cranberries that you want to last you a long time, you can freeze them. Frozen cranberries are a great snack for dogs since they are cold, sweet, and easy to eat. If you live in a hot area and constantly need to cool your dog down, this is a great option that won’t bust the bank.
You can freeze the cranberries yourself or opt for freeze-dried cranberries from the store. Either way, the biggest advantage of frozen cranberries is their long shelf life. Since fresh cranberries spoil after some time and you always want to have healthy and refreshing treats for your pooch, we highly recommend freezing the cranberries.
Canned Cranberry Sauce
You may use canned cranberry sauce to feed your dog. However, make sure that it has no added sugar and other ingredients. Since this is hard to find, it might be best for you to stick to the other options in this article.
Are There Downsides to Feeding Dogs Cranberries?
Like any food, there are some downsides to feeding your dog cranberries. For example, cranberries are very tart and have a lot of sugar. So, there may be a chance that your dog won’t enjoy it, especially if they’re picky eaters. Additionally, if your dog eats too many cranberries, that could result in a range of other health issues later on.
So, to stay safe, feed cranberries to your dog in moderation. To get an idea of the ideal serving size for your pet that will be safe and healthy for them, we recommend asking your vet for their opinion.
