Use Caution
Key warning: sweetened cranberry products, cranberry sauce containing raisins or alcohol, juice blends containing grape juice, anything listing xylitol, and large amounts
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? Caution — A Few Plain Berries Only
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
Plain cranberries are not toxic to dogs and can be given in small amounts, but they are very tart and too many can upset the stomach. Avoid sweetened cranberry products, and cranberry sauces or mixes that contain raisins or alcohol.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Large amounts: vomiting, diarrhea or stomach upset. Sauces or mixes containing raisins, sultanas or Zante currants: risk of kidney injury.
If Your Dog Ate This
Plain cranberries are not known to be toxic: watch for vomiting, diarrhea or stomach upset, and call your vet if signs are severe or don't settle. If your dog ate cranberry sauce or a mix containing alcohol, raisins, sultanas or Zante currants, or a product listing xylitol (sometimes called birch sugar), call your vet or an animal poison control center right away, even if your dog seems fine.
Safe to Feed
plain fresh, frozen or cooked cranberries in small amounts
What to Avoid
sweetened cranberry products, cranberry sauce containing raisins or alcohol, juice blends containing grape juice, anything listing xylitol, and large amounts
Preparation & Serving
Offer plain cranberries without added sugar, and only a few at a time. Some dogs dislike the tart taste. Watch for stomach upset after trying them for the first time.
Potential Health Benefits
Cranberries contain vitamin C and fiber. There is not enough evidence that they prevent urinary tract infections in dogs.
Safer Alternatives
- Fresh or frozen plain blueberries
- Fresh plain strawberries in small amounts
Did you know?
USDA reference values put fresh cranberries at about 46 calories and about 4 g of sugar per 100 g.
Portions & nutrition
- Calories (per 100g)
- 46
- Safe frequency
- Occasionally — tiny amounts
Source
What You Need to Know
Plain fresh, frozen or cooked cranberries are not toxic to dogs. They are very tart, and some dogs dislike the taste. Too many can cause stomach upset, so offer only a few as an occasional treat. Cranberry sauce and dried cranberries are usually high in sugar, and some sauces and dried-fruit mixes contain raisins, sultanas, Zante currants or alcohol, which are dangerous for dogs. There is not enough evidence that cranberries prevent or treat urinary tract infections in dogs, so talk to your vet before using any cranberry product for urinary health.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety assessmentHelpful Resources
Related guides & hubs
Related Foods
Frequently asked questions
- Are Cranberries safe for dogs?
- Cranberries require caution for dogs. Plain cranberries are not toxic to dogs and can be given in small amounts, but they are very tart and too many can upset the stomach. Avoid sweetened cranberry products, and cranberry sauces or mixes that contain raisins or alcohol.
- What happens if a dog eats Cranberries?
- If a dog eats Cranberries, they may experience: Large amounts: vomiting, diarrhea or stomach upset. Sauces or mixes containing raisins, sultanas or Zante currants: risk of kidney injury.
- How many Cranberries can a dog eat?
- Plain fresh, frozen or cooked cranberries are not toxic to dogs. They are very tart, and some dogs dislike the taste. Too many can cause stomach upset, so offer only a few as an occasional treat. Cranberry sauce and dried cranberries are usually high in sugar, and some sauces and dried-fruit mixes contain raisins, sultanas, Zante currants or alcohol, which are dangerous for dogs. There is not enough evidence that cranberries prevent or treat urinary tract infections in dogs, so talk to your vet before using any cranberry product for urinary health.
Stay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.