Fruit
Can dogs eat cranberries?
Plain fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries are safe in small amounts. Cranberry sauce, juice and trail mixes often add sugar, alcohol or raisins.
Why Added sugar; raisins or alcohol in some mixes and sauces
By Maya HartIf your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If the mix contained raisins, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Upset stomach after eating a lot
How much, how often
A few berries for a small dog; a small handful for a large dog.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain, unsweetened cranberries only
- Check dried cranberry mixes for raisins
- Skip cranberry sauce — it’s mostly sugar
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, plain fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries are safe in small amounts. Cranberry sauce, juice and trail mixes often add sugar, alcohol or raisins.
How much: A few berries for a small dog; a small handful for a large dog.
Cats In moderation
A cranberry or two is safe for cats, though most won’t eat them.
How much: One or two, rarely.
Can cats eat cranberries?The details
Cranberries are often suggested for urinary health in pets. Research in people is mixed, and evidence in dogs and cats is limited. Cranberry won’t treat a urinary infection or bladder stones, so a pet straining to pee, or peeing blood, needs a vet rather than cranberry supplements.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blackberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat cranberries?
Yes, plain fresh or unsweetened dried cranberries are safe in small amounts. Cranberry sauce, juice and trail mixes often add sugar, alcohol or raisins.
How much cranberries can a dog have?
A few berries for a small dog; a small handful for a large dog.
What makes cranberries risky for dogs?
Added sugar; raisins or alcohol in some mixes and sauces.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
upset stomach after eating a lot.
What should I do if my dog ate cranberries?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If the mix contained raisins, call your vet.
Is cranberries safe for cats too?
A cranberry or two is safe for cats, though most won’t eat them.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Avocado
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Strawberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Mango
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Pineapple
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation