Trauma to the urinary tract, bladder, or kidneys can also cause issues, such as obstructions. Congenital abnormalities can cause issues in puppies as they age. Spayed female dogs may develop a specific type of incontinence called “spay incontinence.” It is caused by low estrogen levels, which eventually leads to muscle tone loss in the urethra.

This formula is designed to support the urinary tract and bladder in smaller dogs. It dilutes certain minerals to reduce the chance of stone and crystal formation. The kibble size is adapted for smaller dogs. Hill’s is a trusted, long-standing brand that hires nutritionists and veterinarians to formulate their diets Unless your dog is allergic to gluten, there isn’t a particular reason to avoid it in pet food. Whole grains can be quite nutritional. Can you give homemade food for your dog with Urinary Health issues? Source: @kdececchi / IG It is intended for all life stages and can even dissolve current sterile struvite stones. Many dogs find that it is great-tasting, as well. When it comes to prescription diets for specific health concerns, Hill’s has one of the most diverse and respected lines of targeted products. Hill’s U/D Non-struvite Urinary Care formula is one of the most trusted foods for dogs with bladder stones and UTIs. It is specifically formulated by veterinarians to ensure balanced nutrition without increasing the risk of non-struvite stones. There is a special focus on mineral balance, as a higher amount of certain minerals can lead to crystal and stone formation.Prevention is usually the best treatment in this case, though. Dog foods that are high in protein, magnesium, and phosphorus may contribute to bladder stones. Natural Ingredients. It is ideal for you to ensure that your dog’s food only contains natural preservatives and flavouring. This isn’t just for their general health, but also to make sure that you are avoiding artificial ingredients that could further irritate their urinary conditions. Yes, commercial dog food is specifically designed to offer pets the nutrients they need for a happy and healthy life. Our experts choose high-quality ingredients to create recipes that provide optimal nourishment for dogs, while meeting industry standards. You can find out more about our nutritional philosophy for dog food here. Ensure you’re providing your dog with the best chance to thrive by choosing dog food that’s suited to their needs, whether that is puppy food, dog food for senior pets or formulas designed for particular conditions and diets. Should dog food be soaked in water?

However, even if a urinary tract infection can often be determined by a urinalysis, a culture and sensitivity test is sometimes necessary. This food is wet, so it includes higher levels of moisture than other diets. It also has decreased levels of certain minerals, which can help with stone prevention. Moderate quantities of high-quality proteins, methionine, and cysteine can help avoid cystine stones Added benefits. Though the main function of these diets is to dissolve and prevent specific urinary stones, we called out the ones that offer other benefits like added antioxidants or formulations for weight management.

Ingredients

There aren’t any specific ingredients that should be avoided or included in urinary health dog food. Instead, the overall mineral and protein content is the most important thing to consider. Digestible Fiber. This ingredient should be high-quality where possible as it helps to improve digestion but also the absorption of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Many of these will be essential to good urinary tract health, and it keeps their bodies happy after eating. Diet can play a significant role in managing urinary tract problems. Proper hydration is important to avoid things like UTIs and bladder stones. Wet food can improve a dog’s hydration if they aren’t drinking enough otherwise.

Most struvite uroliths in dogs are caused by urinary tract infections. In the case of non-sterile struvite uroliths, it is important to treat with the appropriate antibiotic in addition to dietary management. Age. Even with urinary health, you need to ensure that the food you are providing is correct for their age. This is because of the difference in minerals and nutrients, which changes with the dog food just as your dog’s needs alter as they get older. Recurrent urinary tract infections in dogs are quite common and are caused by the presence of infectious agents in the system. Proper treatment with the right medications prescribed by a vet can help you get rid of the issue. Can commercial dog food cause urinary health issues?The nutritional profiles of urinary tract dog food diets vary; each is designed to target a specific stone. For example, diets targeting struvite stones (the most common in dogs) promote increased hydration to decrease crystal concentration while limiting protein and mineral levels. Urate stone diets are low in purine, a chemical compound that produces uric acid, which can lead to stones when levels are high. Firstly, you should choose your food from a reliable brand. The ingredients should be high-quality and sourced from a suitable location. This food is a suitable choice for many puppies as it contains quality ingredients your growing pup needs. Additionally, your dog may have other health issues that can complicate diet choices. “For example, higher dietary fat [for] a Miniature Schnauzer who has had pancreatitis would not be a good idea,” explains Dr. Bartges. Consider your dog’s age Even though you’re looking for urinary health food, the ingredients should still be high-quality. Some brands may cut corners on the ingredients because it’s a “specialty food.”