Best Cranberry Supplement for Your Favorite Dogs
Zesty Paws Cranberry Supplement
Best Overall
These Zesty Paws Cranberry Supplements are perfect for bladder and kidney support in dogs of all ages and breeds. It contains a pure cranberry concentrate, Cran-Max, that is formulated with patented Bio-Shield technology. This formulation helps to promote urinary tract health. The organic marshmallow root and astragalus detoxify the body and promote a healthy pup.
The anti-inflammatory properties also help in promoting urinary wellness and gut health. They come in the form of bite-sized chewables that are easy to eat, even for picky dogs. You’ll find fewer accidents when your dog’s digestive system is working at its best.
NaturVet Cranberry Supplement
Runner Up
Naturvet Cranberry Supplements offer excellent support to every body function of your furry friend. It’s safe for consumption in dogs over the age of 12 weeks and has been tested and approved by veterinarians. It also has echinacea that strengthens the immune system and improves your pup’s overall health.
These tasty treats come packed in a resealable cup so you can lock in the freshness until the next use. A unique combination of high-quality ingredients offers urinary tract support and improves overall bladder functionality. These delicious chews will have your dog looking forward to their next meal time.
Active Chews Dog Cranberry Supplement
Natural Active Ingredients
With an irresistible turkey flavor, these cranberry supplements will make sure that your pup lives a happy and healthy life. The formula is prepared with a no-cook, no-heat process to make sure that your dog gets all of the nutrients from the ingredients. It’s much more than just a vitamin supplement, the unique ingredients offer bladder support, urinary tract health, and kidney care.
You can safely give these supplements to your dog without worrying about any side effects. The powerful cranberry extract and organic mushroom root blend defends against harmful bacteria and supports gut health.
Amazing Nutritionals Cranberry Supplement
Honorable Mention
With apple cider vinegar and cranberry as their active ingredients, these supplements from Amazing Nutritionals taste great and show incredible results. They are a perfect size and flavor for all dogs, so you can be sure your pet will enjoy them. They won’t cause bad breath as powder supplements do. All ingredients are safe and approved by veterinarians.
This is a great supplement for allergy-prone dogs because there is no wheat, artificial fillers, or flavors. The holistic nutritional vitamin boost supports senior dogs and puppies to improve growth and life quality. The cranberry stops bacteria and flushes out all the toxins from your pup’s urinary tract.
Coco and Luna Cranberry Supplement
Also Consider
The Coco and Luna Cranberry Supplements feature all-natural ingredients to cure and help prevent urinary tract infections. It supports the bladder and urinary tract with the help of Vitamin C, which has incredible antioxidant properties. It also helps in maintaining a normal urine pH, and reduces the chances of crystal formation.
The cranberry extract also helps promote kidney and urinary tract health in older dogs, so you’ll have less vet visits. There are no preservatives, synthetic colors, or gluten additions. This is a holistic nutritional boost for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Buyer’s Guide To Finding the Right Cranberry Supplements for Dogs
Urinary tract infections and kidney issues are common in dogs, especially our older canine friends. Cranberry supplements are a great way to promote gut health and strengthen the immune systems of elderly dogs. Here’s a comprehensive guide that will walk you through the abundance of brands and choices so you can choose the right supplement for your furry friend.
Why Are Dog Cranberry Supplements Used?
You can use cranberry supplements for your dog in the following situations:
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections occur due to harmful bacteria in your dog’s bladder lining. It is normal for good bacteria to invade your dog’s urinary tract as it gets flushed out via urine. Sometimes, problem-causing bacteria can cling to the urinary tract, in places such as the ureters, the urethra, or the kidneys.
This bad bacteria can disturb the functionality of the urinary tract system and you may see your dog showing symptoms like:
- Frequent urination
- Bloody discharge
- Burning sensation and discomfort when urinating
- Frequently licking the genital area
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that prevent this harmful bacteria from clinging to the bladder lining. Supplements can help to flush out these bacteria and other toxins from the bladder.
Bladder stones
If your pet has developed struvite stones or crystals (bladder stones) because of ongoing urinary tract infections, it’s time to flush them out. You might see symptoms similar to those of a UTI. Some symptoms include:
- Straining during urination
- The urge to urinate, but little to no urine
- Urine accidents or “leaks”
Cranberry is an effective treatment for these stones, and for preventing new ones. Regular use dissolves bladder stones effectively and helps your dog to simply pass them out, eliminating the need for painful surgery.
Plaque
Another popular use of cranberry supplements in dogs is to reduce plaque accumulation. Plaque is the accumulation of a bio-film made by bacteria on the teeth that can lead to tooth decay, infections, and loss of appetite.
These supplements are filled with ingredients that can help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent bad breath. They are filled with polyphenols and flavonoids that reduce dental plaque.
Immune and gut health
Your dog’s immune and digestive health depends on a well-balanced gut microbiome. Good gastrointestinal tract health creates harmony amongst all the body functions, and helps your dog fight illness better. Cranberry supplements are great for intestinal health as they work to get rid of harmful microorganisms without damaging healthy bacteria.
Choosing the Right Cranberry Supplements for Your Dog
Here are a few things to look for when shopping for cranberry supplements:
Cranberry concentration
The cranberry concentration, or content present in each supplement, needs to be considered because it varies with each brand. The cranberry content should be enough to flush out all the toxins from the dog’s urinary system and offer relief. You do need to be careful, as an excess of cranberry can cause more harm than good.
To determine the right amount for your dog, you need to do some calculations based on your pup’s diet, body weight, and health issues. As a standard rule, it is recommended to administer 10 milligrams of cranberry extract for each pound of your dog’s body weight.
Sugar content
Supplements usually contain a high sugar content to make them attractive to dogs. Make sure that the cranberry supplements you get do not contain too much artificial sugar. Consuming extra sugar may lead to obesity, diabetes, and other issues.
Quality
Make sure you always read through the label to see where and how the product was made. Check for certifications to ensure good quality and safety. Always buy from reputed and veterinarian-recommended brands that don’t include preservatives, sugar, or additives.
Other ingredients
Cranberry supplements for dogs come with other vitamins and ingredients too. A common addition is Vitamin C. Just like sugar, Vitamin C can be harmful if given in large doses to a dog. It can lead to the development of kidney stones.
The concentration of other ingredients should be examined before giving any supplement to your dog. Look for supplements that have organic and natural ingredients. Synthetic additions can upset the stomach and may make your pup’s health problems worse.
Tips for Buying Good Quality Cranberry Supplements for Dogs
Make sure you consult a vet before introducing your dog to cranberry supplements. Any medication your dog may be taking can interact with certain ingredients in these supplements.
Cranberry extracts contain vitamin C and oxalates that are helpful to combat urinary tract problems but can cause stones and crystals if the dose isn’t right. Here are some general guidelines to follow when you’re choosing cranberry supplements for your dog:
- Carefully read the label to make sure the safety and quality standards match.
- Always go for brands that have commissioned clinical studies backing their product’s formulation.
- Do not fall for claims that sound too good to be true. These are simple supplements and can, in no way possible, change or heal your dog fully.
- To ensure good quality control, look for a lot number on the product.
Are There Any Side Effects of Cranberry Supplements for Dogs?
Cranberry supplements are mostly safe for dogs. But here are a few possible side effects of consuming cranberry supplements in dogs:
- If you’re using a supplement with a higher percentage of cranberry extract than your dog’s body weight can handle, it may lead to an upset stomach. You will likely be dealing with vomiting, diarrhea, and even some mood changes.
- Cranberry supplements can also lead to a build-up of calcium oxalate stones in the urinary tract. This, again, happens when you feed your dog a higher dose than they need. Oxalate stones can turn into serious infections.
- You’ll end up with a sick dog if the supplements contain other ingredients that your dog might be allergic to.
- Cranberries can impact the effectiveness of alkaline medications. If your dog is on painkillers or antidepressants, consult a vet to find the best formula for them.