The health of your dog's urinary system is important for their well-being, but it's often overlooked until problems arise. Proper Urinary diet dog food can be crucial in the prevention and treatment of such conditions. As urinary issues affect nearly half of the dogs, including spayed females, selection of the best urinary care dog food can be a real game-changer.
Lower Urinary Tract Disease (LUTD) is the collective term for several urinary tract diseases with similar clinical signs affecting dogs. These symptoms can include increased frequency and pain of urination, blood in the urine, and straining to pass urine. Dietary support is an important part of LUTD management. This guide covers top food options designed to support your dog's urinary tract health, promote hydration, and reduce mineral buildup.
Did you know -Urinary incontinence affects 1–4% of male dogs and up to 24% of females. Also, spayed females in Spain showed lower rates (0–24%) compared to Italy (75–100%).
Conditions Requiring Urinary Diets
Bladder stones (uroliths) are one of the main urinary conditions that your veterinary surgeon would recommend a special diet for. There are several different types of stone that can form from different types of minerals.
For example, the most common type of stone, struvite, forms from magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. Calcium oxalate stones are the second most common type of stones. Cysteine and urate stones are fairly rare, although Dalmatians are much more prone to developing urate stones than any other breed. Genetics can play a big part, with some breeds more predisposed to forming stones than others.
Once your vet has initiated treatment, which may involve removal of the stones by special flushing techniques (urohydropropulsion) or surgical removal, they may recommend a special urinary dog diet.
Nutritional Structure
Lifelong dietary management for your dog reduces the risk of stone formation and recurrence of lower urinary tract disease (LUTD).
Urinary diets are designed to produce moderately acidic urine, control the content of minerals in the urine, and increase the amount of urine produced by the dog. The aim is to maintain the pH balance of the urine within the optimum range to dissolve struvite stones and prevent them from reoccurring.
It also maintains a lower level of calcium oxalate to prevent the formation or recurrence of calcium oxalate stones. There is also a lower fat content to minimise obesity, which can be a risk factor in the formation of struvite stones.
Best Urinary Diets Available:
Urinary diet dog foods are made especially for dogs that have been diagnosed with LUTD by a veterinarian. They should only ever be used under veterinary supervision. Some examples of urinary diets your vet may recommend are:
Royal Canin Veterinary Clinical Urinary S/O
Designed to help dissolve struvite stones and increase dilution of urine. Lower levels of magnesium reduce the likelihood of struvite re-forming.
Hills S/D Canine
Hills Prescription Diet s/d has been created by veterinarians to help resolve struvite crystals and stones in your dog. There is reduced magnesium, phosphorus, and protein to decrease struvite-forming components. Increased sodium increases the volume of urine produced to flush out these constituents. The target urine pH is 5.9-6.3 (acidic).
Hills C/D Canine
Prescription Diet c/d was formulated specifically to provide nutritional management of dogs with struvite-related urinary tract disease after the removal or dissolution of these uroliths. The target urine pH is 6.2-6.4 (acidic).
Hills U/D Canine
Prescription Diet u/d was formulated to help with the dissolution of urate and cystine uroliths, and the reduction of the formation of urate, oxalate, and cystine uroliths. It has reduced amounts of protein, calcium, and nucleic acids, with a target urine pH of 7.1-7.7 (alkaline).
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of urinary conditions require special diets for dogs?
Conditions like bladder stones (uroliths), particularly struvite and calcium oxalate stones, require special diets to manage and prevent recurrence.
How can a urinary diet help manage LUTD in dogs?
A urinary diet for dogs can help manage LUTD by maintaining an optimal urine pH, controlling mineral content in the urine, and increasing urine production to prevent the formation or recurrence of urinary stones.
What are the main goals of a urinary diet for dogs with LUTD?
The goals are to dissolve struvite stones, prevent the formation of new stones, reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, and maintain a healthy weight to avoid further complications.
What are some examples of urinary diets recommended by veterinarians?
Examples include Royal Canin Veterinary Clinical Urinary S/O, Hills S/D Canine, Hills C/D Canine, and Hills U/D Canine, each designed to target specific types of urinary stones and pH balance.
Can I use a urinary diet without a veterinarian's guidance?
No, urinary diets should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian to ensure they are appropriate for your dog's specific condition and needs.
What are the differences between the various urinary diets?
Different diets target specific types of stones. For example, Royal Canin Urinary S/O helps dissolve struvite stones, while Hills U/D Canine focuses on urate and cystine stones, with different protein, calcium, and pH targets for each condition.
What foods cause crystals in dog urine?
Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium found in foods have been known to contribute to the formation of crystals. Those mineral sources are common within some low-grade dog food or diets which contain a lot of by-products and fillers, where there is a risk of either struvite or calcium oxalate crystals. A balanced diet and a vet must be consulted if your dog suffers from urinary problems.
Is dry dog food good for urinary tract health?
Dry dog food is a good option for urinary tract health if it is specifically made for urinary health. Opt for the products that carry ‘urinary care’ on their labels, because such formulas have lower mineral intake and ingredients that enhance hydration and maintain urinary pH. Adding water to dry food also increases moisture intake, something the urinary system requires.
What is the best dog food for urinary crystals?
Specialised urinary care diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet c/d or Royal Canin Urinary SO are made to manage and prevent urinary crystals. These foods decrease the chance of crystal formation through control of mineral levels and maintenance of an appropriate urine pH. Always consult your vet before making dietary changes.
What is the best dog food for bladder stones?
Bladder stones can be controlled with diets recommended by the vet, like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet UR, that dissolve existing stones and prevent new ones. Low-protein, low-mineral foods decrease the formation of stones. The most effective diet is specifically formulated to match the type of stone—struvite or calcium oxalate, for example.
What is urinary care dog food?
Urinary care dog foods are designed to support bladder health by providing a low mineral diet, hydration, and ideal urinary pH balance. Royal Canin Urinary SO, Hill's Prescription Diet c/d, Purina UR, etc., are some of the popular diets. These diets are usually recommended to prevent and monitor cases of urinary crystals or stones in the bladder.
Conclusion
Managing a dog's urinary health is important for their well-being. Specialised urinary care dog foods, addressing issues including urinary crystals and bladder stones, are integral for prevention and treatment. By way of controlling mineral levels, maintaining urinary pH, and more, these diets can really help prevent complications. Consult your vet to determine the best dietary option for your dog based on his individual needs. A proactive approach, combined with regular hydration, can ensure your furry friend stays healthy and comfortable.
Recent post