Bearberry

About Bearberry

Bearberry is a botanical ingredient sometimes included in pet products as a flavoring or herbal additive rather than a primary nutrient; its leaves and berries contain tannins and phenolic compounds (notably arbutin) that have antioxidant and astringent properties. While these compounds could offer mild antioxidant or urinary astringent effects, bearberry has limited nutritional value for dogs and cats and can pose risks—arbutin may be metabolized to hydroquinone and high doses can cause gastrointestinal upset or toxicity—so its use is uncommon and should be avoided or reviewed by a veterinarian, especially in pregnant animals.