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Small, red and tart, cranberries are beloved by Americans, but did you know that their history goes back further than the founding of the United States? Native Americans were the first to consume cranberries and called the fruits “sasemineash” and “pakimintzen.” But when the first European settlers mingled with Native Americans, they called this fruit “crane berry” because the plant’s pink flowers reminded them of a crane’s head.1
These tart red berries are known to help reduce the risk of urinary tract disease in humans.2 But it turns out that some studies indicate that cranberries might also be beneficial for your pet. If you are considering giving cranberries to your pet, this guide is for you.
Did you know?
Cranberries are a holiday staple in the United States, so much so that 20% of the annual harvest – or 400 million pounds – is consumed during Thanksgiving week alone!3
Cranberry Fame: Anti-UTI Goodness
Before the advent of modern medicine, cranberries were used for therapeutic purposes such as stomach aches, vomiting, and loss of appetite. However, one remedy used for cranberries that has been around for decades is to help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs).4 Research confirms this finding in humans,5 but interestingly the same benefit can also apply to pets.
How exactly do cranberries help? According to a 2016 study by Taiwanese researchers evaluating the effects of cranberry extract on the development of urinary tract infections in dogs, the fruit extract exhibits a short-term antimicrobial effect that may be useful against the proliferation of infections. urine linked to E. coli. Additionally, the extract may fight multi-drug resistant bacteria in dogs with recurrent UTIs.6
Even though the study looks promising, don’t look for just any cranberry extract to give your pet. Ideally, choose an organic cranberry extract that contains D-mannose. This is a unique sugar found naturally in cranberries, as well as peaches, apples and other berries. The main advantage of D-mannose is that it is fully absorbed and moves quickly to the bladder.
Once there, it coats the E. coli bacteria so they don’t stick to the bladder walls, without raising blood sugar or causing hyperglycemia. D-mannose may improve bladder defenses and reduce the risk of bladder infections or recurrent urinary tract infections.
That said, while cranberries may help improve bladder health, if you suspect your pet has a UTI, consult your veterinarian immediately. Symptoms of urinary tract infections include visible blood in the urine or bedding, frequent urination, urinary accidents, excessive licking of the genitals, pain when urinating, and loss of bladder control.
Bioactive Compounds Found in Cranberries
Cranberries are more than just fruits that fight UTIs. They also contain various antioxidants, such as epicatechin, ursolic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin and kaempferol.7 These antioxidants can help support your pet’s health in different ways. Epicatechin is a flavonol that may help support cognition, for example. In one study, increasing epicatechin consumption in mice resulted in improved angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels8) and retention of spatial memory.9
Cranberries are being studied for their memory benefits in humans, including potentially reducing the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.ten Meanwhile, the potential anticancer properties of ursolic acid have been demonstrated through in vivo animal studies.11 As for caffeic acid, an animal study demonstrated its protective effects after ischemic stroke.12
Another notable antioxidant found in cranberries is quercetin. In fact, one study found that cranberries are one of the best sources of quercetin, ounce for ounce.13 Quercetin is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, as shown in published research, and may benefit conditions ranging from obesity-related inflammation to arthritis.14 Additionally, increased intake of quercetin may help protect the kidneys from diabetic nephropathy, as shown in studies using animal models.15
Cranberries are also rich in vitamins and manganese
Besides various antioxidants, cranberries also contain other nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese.16 A one-tablespoon serving of chopped cranberries contains 0.96 milligrams of vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, as well as its importance for tissue growth and immune regulation.17 As for vitamin K, this fat-soluble nutrient is essential for bone metabolism and normal blood clotting,18 while manganese is necessary for maintaining healthy ligaments.19
Main producers of cranberries
The two main cranberry producers in the United States are Wisconsin and Massachusetts. As of 2022, Wisconsin has led the nation in production for 28 consecutive years, producing 5 million barrels of cranberries per year. Massachusetts produced less than half, with 2 million barrels per year.20
Sustainability of growing cranberries
The cultivation of cranberries, whose growing season extends from April to November, is increasingly becoming an environmental problem, particularly due to the use of fresh water. Cranberry plants are tolerant of flooding, so growers flood fields with 1.5 feet of water during harvest to make picking the fruit easier. Additionally, growers typically use pesticides to control weeds, pests, and fungi common to the wetlands where cranberries are grown, as well as fertilizers that can harm the environment and the health of consumers.21
Ideally, look for fresh, dry-harvested cranberries, grown on land and not in synthetically flooded bogs. They are usually available at natural grocery stores and farmers’ markets. If it is not possible for you to choose organic cranberries harvested dry or without spraying due to financial or availability reasons, conventionally grown varieties can still be eaten, but be sure to wash them well first.
Fun fact about cranberries
Some Native American recipes using cranberries still exist today, such as pemmican, a cake made from cranberries, dried meat and melted suet baked in the sun. Pemmican can last for months, making it an important food on long journeys at the time.22
Choosing Cranberries for Your Pet
Frozen cranberries are available year-round, while fresh cranberries are in season from mid-September to December. If you are considering purchasing fresh cranberries, these cold months are the best time to do so. Look for ripe berries that are slightly opaque and brightly colored. They should also give slightly when pressed. Ripe cranberries make a hollow sound when you put them back in the container or on the counter.23 Fresh cranberries can be purchased in season and stored well in the freezer for year-round nourishment.
Cranberries are a good take-home treat, if your puppy wants to eat them. You can offer them to your dog in fresh, dried (no added sugar), unsweetened, freeze-dried and frozen forms. But because of their tart flavor, some pets may not like cranberries at all. You can cook them gently in a little water or, better yet, in bone broth, to make them more appetizing,24 or use them, pureed, as an ingredient in a homemade treat, mixed with other fresh, healthy foods that mask their acidity. You can also puree them with freshly ground meat and spread the mixture on a licking mat.
Although cranberries can be safely shared with pets, they should still be given in moderation. Keep in mind the 10% rule, which says treats should make up less than 10% of your pet’s daily food intake.
Beware of Cranberries in Pet Food
Due to the growing popularity of cranberries and their health benefits, pet food companies have begun marketing foods containing these fruits. The truth is that cranberries found in ultra-processed pet foods alone will not create a positive influence on your pet’s health because only negligible amounts of cranberries are added to the product. Their sole aim is to attract pet parents looking to improve their pet’s antioxidant profile or reduce their risk of urinary tract infections, which can be achieved by feeding real cranberries and not by offering trace amounts in them. dry animal food.