
The 10 Best Dog Food for Bladder Stones
- Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food Delivery. The Best Overall: When it comes to your dog’s nutrition, fresh food is one of the best options out there.
- The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe. Most Popular: If you’re looking for a dog food that will provide for your dog’s nutritional needs while also supporting his urinary ...
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Canned Food. Most Affordable: You’ve already learned that wet food is a good choice for dogs at risk for bladder stones because it ...
- Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Dry Food. Some dogs simply prefer kibble over canned food which is not a problem if you know how to handle it.
- FirstMate Australian Lamb Meal Formula. If your dog struggles with bladder stones, you need to provide him with a high-quality diet that is very digestible and unlikely to trigger ...
What should dogs with bladder stones not eat?
Foods That Cause Bladder Stones in Dogs
- Identification. Bladder stones in dogs can cause frequent urination. ...
- Effects. A veterinarian can diagnose bladder stones. ...
- Considerations. Yorkshire terriers may be prone to this condition. ...
- Types of Foods. Excess red meat consumption may increase bladder stones in dogs. ...
- Prevention. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps. ...
What foods can you feed dog with urinary problems?
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 can of tuna in water (5-ounces)
- 3 eggs
- 2 ounces beef liver
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 3 cups DRY white rice
- 1/2 cup broccoli
What is the best dog food for dogs with kidney problems?
Dog Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease. If you want a healthy pet treat to give to your dog with kidney disease, an occasional carrot can be good for them, Dr. Bailey says. "Green beans can be good sometimes, too," she adds. The main reasons behind those foods are that carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins.
What is raw diet good for dog with bladder stones?
- Natural ingredients. Every dog deserves a high-quality diet made from natural ingredients. ...
- High moisture content. Diluting the urine is one of the best ways to dissolve existing stones and prevent future stones from forming. ...
- Moderate protein levels. ...
- Complete and balanced. ...

What foods are OK for dogs with bladder stones?
To decrease the chances of your dog developing bladder stones, you should avoid feeding foods that contain high levels of oxalate such as spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat and brown rice. Instead, include foods with lower oxalate levels like apples (peeled), white rice and meats and fish in their diet.
How can I help my dog with bladder stones?
Stones may be treated by changing your dog's diet, administering antibiotics, or preforming surgery. Dissolving struvite bladder stones with a special diet or medication is common. However, dissolving oxalate bladder stones is not possible. Physically removing these stones is the only way.
Are eggs good for dogs with bladder stones?
The following treats are acceptable for oxalate stone forming dogs: plain cooked chicken. plain cooked turkey. eggs.
What can dogs with urinary problems eat?
A raw diet with high protein content can be an ideal solution for a dog with urinary tract issues. Raw food, especially a higher pH and higher-protein raw food, is typically the best all-around diet for dogs, and it can help treat and prevent urinary tract diseases.
Can you get rid of bladder stones in dogs without surgery?
In some cases, bladder stones can be dissolved by feeding your dog a special diet that is formulated to dissolve bladder stone(s). This diet will be tailored to the specific type of stone that is present. The advantage of this option is that it avoids surgery. It can be a very good choice for some dogs.
Is pumpkin good for dogs with bladder stones?
This is great for avoiding kidney or bladder stones in your dog. These fatty acids and antioxidants are great for supporting your dogs fur coat. The nutrients found in the flesh of pumpkin help moisturize your dogs skin and fur from the inside out keeping your dog looking it's best.
How do you treat bladder stones in dogs naturally?
Dietary treatment of bladder stonesDiluting the urine by increasing the amount of water the pet drinks (feeding canned food only and/or adding water to both dry and canned food)Reducing the amount of the compounds that make up the stones in the diet.
What foods cause stones in dogs?
Foods high in protein, particularly red meats and animal fats, increase risk of bladder stones in dogs. Foods high in oxalates, which contribute to stone formation, such as wheat germ, sweet potatoes, beans and soy products, should also be avoided.
Can boiled chicken cause bladder stones in dogs?
That's the start. In some cases, chicken can be fed, but if you start with chicken and the dog has urate crystals, the chicken has to go and then you can recheck urine, see where you stand and take it from there. Chicken might be ok later, but there's a weaning process to go through.
Are carrots good for dogs with urinary problems?
Foods that are known to aggravate UTIs include asparagus, spinach, raw carrots, tomatoes, and dairy products. Additionally, one of the largest determining factors in your dog's ability to fight off UTIs will be their hydration levels.
Is chicken broth good for dogs with bladder stones?
Adding water to canned food and making water more enticing by using ice cubes or small amounts of flavoring, like chicken broth, are strategies recommended by Dr. Jennifer Larsen, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine.
How long does it take to dissolve bladder stones in dogs?
Some dogs may experience dissolution of struvite stones within two weeks while others may take up to 12 weeks. Your dog will need to have antibiotics during this entire period of time.
Are bladder stones in dogs painful?
Your dog may cry in pain, especially if pressure is applied to the abdominal wall. When there is no obstruction occurring, hematuria, and dysuria are the most common signs seen in dogs with bladder stones. However, pain usually also occurs in the bladder.
How long does it take to dissolve bladder stones in dogs?
Some dogs may experience dissolution of struvite stones within two weeks while others may take up to 12 weeks. Your dog will need to have antibiotics during this entire period of time.
Can Apple cider vinegar dissolve bladder stones in dogs?
The most popular remedy for treating bladder stones in a dog at home is apple cider vinegar. This solution was shown to be good at healing and preventing a multitude of other conditions, too. A potent detoxifying agent, just a few drops of apple cider vinegar can help normalize your pup's pH levels.
Are bladder stones fatal in dogs?
Bladder stones in dogs can cause frequent urinary tract infections, pain, and blockages, which can be potentially fatal if untreated, so it's important to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog may have a bladder stone.
What is the best food for dogs with bladder stones?
That’s why The Honest Kitchen’s Whole Grain Dehydrated Dog Food is the perfect, flavor-filled choice for dogs so they can relieve themselves of bladder stones while eating a nutritious and tasty dog food!
How to help a dog with bladder stones?
Sufficient water intake is mandatory to prevent and cure bladder stones. Dogs, in general, are not very good at keeping themselves hydrated. You can encourage your fur-friend to drink more water by giving regular reminders. Keep its water bowl clean, full, and in an easily accessible place. You can also add flavor to the water by mixing in some chicken broth if your dog likes that. Ice cubes are another way to offer some hydration. Add salt to your dog’s meals so that it gets more thirsty than usual. Moreover, always praise and offer a treat when your dog drinks water so that it quickly develops a habit of doing so.
What causes a dog to have a struvite stone?
Struvite stones are usually formed in alkaline urine. Urate, calcium oxalate, and cystine stones form in acidic urine. Moreover, struvite stones are a result of excess magnesium and phosphate in the urine. Urate stones are caused by purine. This comes from D.N.A. or consumption of meat, poultry, and seafood. Cystine stones are also a result of excess protein. Calcium oxalate stones are the most complicated. If your dog eats too much calcium, the excess will turn to oxalate and form these stones. However, if there is a calcium deficiency, the body will produce excess oxalate on its own, and again, it will lead to the formation of these stones.
What causes a bladder stone?
Bladder stones are crystals made of mineral deposits. These stones can be a result of urine that is either too acidic or too alkaline. Struvite stones are caused by foods that are high in magnesium and phosphorus. Oxalate stones can be caused by either too much or too little calcium.
What are the different types of bladder stones?
Your veterinarian will need to diagnose your dog to figure out what type of bladder stones your dog has. There are four main types of bladder stones: 1 Struvite 2 Urate 3 Calcium oxalate 4 Cystine
What type of bladder stones do dogs have?
Your veterinarian will need to diagnose your dog to figure out what type of bladder stones your dog has. There are four main types of bladder stones: Struvite.
What is Blue Buffalo's natural veterinary food?
Blue Buffalo’s Natural Veterinary W+U Dog Food focuses on providing high-quality nutritional support along with treating bladder stones and helping your dog maintain an ideal weight. The recipe is made without grains and contains filling fibers so that your dog feels satisfied after every meal.
How to keep bladder stones in check?
Keeping an animal well-hydrated is a strategy vets often recommend for keeping bladder stones in check. “Diluting the urine (and thus the concentration of minerals) by increasing water intake is typically the most critical component of dietary management, and the part that seems to be done the least,” says Dr. Cailin Heinze, a veterinarian at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts.
What to do if your dog doesn't drink water?
If your pet doesn’t readily drink water from his bowl, Stockman has advice to offer. “This may be done by feeding a high moisture diet [canned food], adding flavor to the water, increasing the number of water bowls, and some cats and dogs may like water fountains that provide running water,” he says.
What is the best way to reduce the development of stones?
Commercial therapeutic diets are the best option for reducing the development of most types of stones, says Heinze, who is board-certified in veterinary nutrition.
How do stones form in animals?
Stones form in an animal’s urinary tract when minerals are concentrated in the urine, then crystallize. The diet you feed your companion plays a pivotal role in the treatment and prevention of stones.
Can you give your dog too much water?
If you’re concerned about over-hydrating your pet, keep in mind that “it’s hard to give your pet too much water as long as they are voluntarily drinking,” Ishak says. “But don’t force water into a pet.”
Is bladder stone management a one size fits all model?
Bladder stone management isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. It requires the expertise of someone who understands how food impacts stone development. Your vet is your pet’s first line of defense.
Does cranberry juice help with stones?
However, cranberry juice doesn’t acidify urine, he says, so it’s not considered helpful for dissolving stones. Running supplements past your vet is a golden rule, even more so if your pet has a bladder condition.
The 6 Best Dog Foods for Bladder Stones
When your dog suffers from bladder stones, the Purina Veterinary food is ideal for supporting and offering balanced nutrition. It is formulated with reduced sodium, phosphorous, and protein to lessen the workload on the kidneys.
The 3 Types of Bladder Stones Found in Dogs
Before figuring out what dog food is best for your dog with bladder stones, you should know what type of stone is afflicting your dog. Each stone is caused by different factors, and you don’t want to give your dog the wrong type of food that could potentially make the problem worse.
Considerations
When looking for a dog food, check out the mineral content to see how much is included in the formula. The moisture level is of high importance if you want to dilute your dog’s urine. Be aware of the protein content and what protein source is used, since some stones are formed by meat or organ proteins.
Conclusion
Knowing the link between diet and stone formation will provide you with the knowledge of what type of food is appropriate for your dog. Our reviews list offers six different foods that are best for bladder stones.
What is the best treatment for bladder stones in dogs?
A urine alkalinizing agent (such as the potassium citrate) may also be needed. Regardless of the ultimate treatment of canine bladder stones - surgical removal or dissolution - nutrition will play a critical role in preventing recurrence.
What is the benefit of surgery on a dog's bladder?
Surgery provides the following benefits: prevents blockage of urine outflow, which is a true emergency. relieves the dog of the discomfort of stones in the bladder. allows bladder healing to begin. allows for definitive analysis of the stone (s), which provides the best opportunity to prevent recurrence.
What is the nutritional focus for a dog?
The nutritional focus for a particular dog will depend on the specific diagnosis that dog receives, and your veterinarian is a key partner in creating an overall plan that best fits your dog's bladder stone composition. There are, however, some general statements that can be made about the nutritional management of bladder stones that occur in dogs:
What nutrient profile is used after urinary tract surgery?
Any existing urinary tract infection must be resolved. This is also the nutrient profile that would be used following surgery. Potassium citrate (brand names NutriVed, Urocit-K®) can be used to alkalinize the urine. Tiopronin (brand name Thiola®) may be used to bind to the excess cystine and remove it from the body.
Can add ons prevent bladder stones?
The add-ons may undermine what the prescribed nutrient profile is able to do to prevent bladder stones from recurring. One of the more common uroliths in the dog is composed of calcium... Constipation is infrequent or difficult passage of stool or feces and is... Pet food, supplements & more.
Can you retrieve a bladder stone?
Also, it may be possible to retrieve a small bladder stone for analysis via a urethral catheter.
Can a struvite stone dissolve?
Struvite stones. Dissolution may by possible by resolving an existing urinary tract infection and utilizing an appropriate nutrient profile. The appropriate nutrient profile for dissolution is relatively high in fat, potentially providing worry about pancreatitis, which means close monitoring is necessary.
How to keep a dog from getting kidney stones?
If you want to keep your doggie away from a kidney stone and if your pet has stones history, then you need to follow some of the precautions to keep your dogs safe from this painful illness. Avoid foods that contain calcium oxalate. Avoid foods that contain a high amount of proteins. Avoid foods that are too salty or have a plentiful amount ...
How do you know if your dog has kidney stones?
If your puppy is facing any of these contacts your vet to avoid further complications. Fever. Blood in the urine. Kidney pain.
Can dogs eat calcium?
Calcium is a healthy ingredient and having tons of health benefits, but overeating can lead to kidney and bladder stones. If your dog has stones history, then feed them less-acidic and more dilute urine diet. For Example – Wheat germ, sweet potatoes, beans, and soy products spinach, Rhubarb, Grits, Beets, Almonds and cashews, Okra, etc.
Is vitamin C good for dogs?
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant and very helpful for humans and pets. It is a harmful free ingredient, which helps to reduce inflammation and cognitive aging. Dogs synthesize vitamin c in their own, and when there is vitamin c deficiency in the body, then supplementation may offer. Besides these benefits, ...
Is salt bad for dogs?
Salt is toxic to dogs and has many side effects for dog’s health. Eating food that contains an enormous amount of sodium raises the calcium amount in urine and could lead to sodium ion poisoning. Overeating salt is the cause of dehydration in puppies. The mentioned problems can influence the dogs to painful health issues like kidney ...
Can a pet have a large stone?
The sizes of stones may vary. Some are small in size and smoothly pass through the urine without making any severe complications; however, some are large and cause dire trouble for your loving pet.
Can vitamin C cause kidney stones?
Besides these benefits, vitamin c is also the cause of kidney stones gradually. According to Dr. Richard Pitcairn informs giving 100 – 500 mg of vitamin c is recommended for dogs. This dose may vary from puppy to dogs. Over Feeding of vitamin c can also cause looseness of the bowels and that singular resistance levels change.
How to help a dog with bladder stones?
Take any opportunity to encourage your dog to drink water or otherwise consume fluids (through homemade food or canned dog food) and urinate. Adding a little salt will encourage your pet to urinate more, and several studies found that sodium intake actually helps to deal with bladder stones. Do not confuse different types of stones.
How to make dog food for a strevite bladder stone?
Mix flax seeds, ginger, broth, soy sauce, and vinegar in bowl. Add oil to wok and heat over medium heat. Add vegetables and stir fry for 5 minutes. Add lid and steam an extra 2 minutes. Add sauce mixture to wok and stir for 1 minute. Cool and serve. READ NEXT: Homemade Dog Food for Struvite Bladder Stones Recipe.
Can dogs have kidney stones?
Kidney and bladder stones in dogs is a very serious problem that will be painful and may even be fatal. It must be treated under veterinary supervision, and adjustment to your pet's diet will be required. If you prefer to cook for your pooch, then these homemade dog food for bladder stones recipes will come in handy.
Can dogs with bladder stones eat protein?
Diets should not be restricted in protein, phosphorus or calcium. A 2002 AVMA study found that feeding dogs a low-carb and high-protein diet reduces the risk of bladder stones.
Can dogs eat struvite?
A diet for dogs with struvite crystals (or struvite bladder stones, containing magnesium ammonium phosphate) will be very different to a diet for dogs with calcium oxalate (CaOx) bladder and kidney stones. While these are technically homemade dog food for bladder stones recipes, remember that every dog and every case is different.
What is the best food for dogs with bladder stones?
Diets that may help include Royal Canin® Urinary SO, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Die t UR Ox™/St™, Hill's Prescription Diet® w/d® Multi-Benefit, or Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS™.
What can I feed a dog with struvite stones?
Examples of these diets include Hills Prescription Diet® s/d® or c/d®, Royal Canin Urinary® SO™, Purina® Pro Plan® Veterinary UR Urinary™, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS™ . These formulation help dissolve struvite stones that are already present in the urine and prevents formation of further stones.
Is apple cider vinegar good for dogs with bladder stones?
Some pet parents reach for apple cider vinegar in hopes of acidifying their companion's urine. But this is not necessarily a good idea. “I wouldn't add anything to increase the acidity of a diet without the supervision of a veterinarian,” says Jeffrey, whose professional interests include preventative care.
What drinks are good for your bladder?
Look for a flavored water or try coconut water. You can drink decaf tea and coffee in small amounts. Even a non-citrus juice, like apple juice, can be enjoyed in moderation. If your overactive bladder causes you to leak, kegel exercises can help you control your urgency better.
Can bladder stones come back in dogs?
Even with medical management, calcium oxalate stones may recur and recurrence within one year is seen in up to 40% of dogs. Additionally, studies have shown a 20% failure rate in removing all stones at the time of surgery and also that 9.4% of recurrent stones are suture-induced.
Are eggs bad for UTI?
Also rich in protein, eggs are on several lists as one of the "least bothersome" foods for bladder conditions.
Can dogs with bladder stones eat eggs?
The following treats are acceptable for oxalate stone forming dogs: plain cooked chicken. plain cooked turkey. eggs.

Causes
Types
Diagnosis
- Diagnosing the precise type of stone afflicting your companionand tailoring a diet to treat itshould be left to your veterinarian. The following vet-recommended tips can help you better understand your pets special nutritional needsand put you in a better position to provide optimal care. Overall, this is not a condition that a pet owner can reliably fix by changing dog foods, says Ishak, who i…
Miscellaneous
- Other factors add to the complexity. Sometimes the urine may need to become more acidic but other times it may need to become more basic, he says. In addition, different stones require different mineral or protein reductions. Mineral concentration and pH can potentially be manipulated with diet, says Dr. Jonathan Stockman, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist at th…
Prevention
- Keeping an animal well-hydrated is a strategy vets often recommend for keeping bladder stones in check. Diluting the urine (and thus the concentration of minerals) by increasing water intake is typically the most critical component of dietary management, and the part that seems to be done the least, says Dr. Cailin Heinze, a veterinarian at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tu…
Diet
- The type of diet your vet prescribes will depend on the stone. For example, for dogs with urate and cysteine bladder stones, your vet will recommend specific lower protein therapeutic diets that promote alkaline pH and reduce intake of stone precursors, says Larsen, who is board-certified in veterinary nutrition. To prevent calcium oxalate stones, ...
Facts
- A cat or dog on a therapeutic diet shouldnt be allowed to eat other foods without the permission of your vet. Dr. Susan Jeffrey, a veterinarian with Truesdell Animal Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, had a client who had been mixing a therapeutic diet with an over-the-counter diet. The cat's stones returned and he needed another surgical procedure to remove them, she recalls.
Prognosis
- And continued, close monitoring for symptoms of stone recurrence is vital. Dietary manipulation does not work in all cases. Recurrence of stones, especially calcium oxalates, can occur in some patients even if they are strictly fed the appropriate therapeutic diets, Su says.
Trivia
- Some pet parents reach for apple cider vinegar in hopes of acidifying their companions urine. But this is not necessarily a good idea.