Cranberry
Vaccinium macrocarpon
Mechanism
Cranberry fruits contain proanthocyanidins with A-type linkage (PAC), to which an inhibition of bacterial adhesion (including P-fimbriated E. coli) to the urothelium is attributed in vitro and in human research. From this the traditional application in the area of the urinary tract is derived. In the horse the evidence is thin: controlled equine studies on urinary-tract endpoints are lacking, and the transferability of the human anti-adhesion data is not proven. The relevant sugar/fruit content of the berry is to be noted.
Cautions
- · Mind the sugar/fructan content — avoid in EMS, PPID/Cushing or laminitis predisposition
- · No substitute for veterinary clarification in case of urinary-tract symptoms
- · Prefer a standardised extract; equine efficacy not proven
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Cranberry a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Cranberry as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Cranberry allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Cranberry is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Cranberry?
Stated in the profile: product-specific (standardised to PAC content); include the sugar content in the daily ration. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Cranberry?
The profile cites: PMID:16055161, PMID:28635280, and Futtermittel-VO 767/2009.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.