What to Feed a Dog for Urinary Health

As a dog owner, ensuring that your pet is healthy and comfortable is your top priority. One of the most crucial aspects of canine health is maintaining a healthy urinary tract, which may include choosing the best dog food to support urinary health in your dog.

Diet directly influences your dog’s urinary tract by affecting the pH of their urine, the concentration of minerals, and the overall volume of urine produced. A variety of commercial urinary care dog foods are designed to support urinary tract health. The best choice for your dog will depend upon his specific needs and any diagnosed urinary conditions.

The Best Urinary-Care Dog Food

Prescription urinary diets are best for dogs with diagnosed urinary issues and are formulated to address specific medical conditions. These diets can help dissolve existing struvite crystals and prevent their formation, prevent calcium oxalate stone formation, and support kidney function for dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). As indicated by the name, you cannot purchase these foods without a veterinary prescription.

For dogs that do not have a specific medical condition but you believe are at risk of urinary tract problems, many over-the-counter foods are designed to support urinary tract health. These foods often feature high moisture content, balanced minerals, and low-to-moderate protein levels. A kidney-friendly diet can help manage urinary issues, typically have a moderate amount of high-quality protein, and are lower in phosphorus, calcium, and sodium to help reduce the workload on the kidneys. Always look for the AAFCO label on the food to ensure that it meets the required nutritional standards for optimal health.

If your dog is showing signs of a urinary tract problem, you need to take the dog to a veterinarian. Although some dogs will hide any signs, in general, symptoms of urinary infections or other urine problems in a dog include:

• Increased urgency to urinate and/or frequency
• Voiding small amounts of urine
• Drinking excessive amounts of water
• Blood in urine (hematuria)

Supporting Dog’s Urinary Health

The urinary tract is responsible for filtering waste products from your dog’s bloodstream and excreting them from the body as urine. It is essential for maintaining overall bodily function and, when something goes wrong with the urinary system, it can lead to a variety of issues. Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, kidney disease, and other urinary issues can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for dogs, and, in many cases, nutrition plays a significant role in preventing or managing these conditions.

Urine pH impacts the ability of crystals and stones to form. Certain minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus, can crystallize in the bladder if the urine is too concentrated, too alkaline, or too acidic. Dogs prone to forming bladder stones may benefit from prescription diets designed to prevent the buildup of certain minerals. Diets that acidify the urine help prevent the formation of struvite crystals, whereas those prone to calcium oxalate crystals may benefit from feeding a probiotic rich in lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species that can help metabolize oxalates in the intestine and prevent their deposition in the urine.

Managing Your Dog’s Urinary Health

In addition to the right food, there are other ways to support your dog’s urinary tract health including hydration, frequent bathroom breaks, maintaining a healthy weight, and dietary supplements. Promoting healthy hydration can prevent overly concentrated urine and provides enough water for the kidneys to properly flush out waste products. Feeding a wet or fresh diet, or adding water to your dog’s food, can help ensure proper hydration. In conjunction with good hydration, frequent bathroom breaks are also important to prevent the urine from sitting in the bladder for extended periods. Supplements, such as probiotics or omega-3 fatty acids, may also help further support urinary health.

Taking these factors into consideration when selecting a diet for your dog can help ensure proper urinary tract health and a happy, healthy companion. As always, do research for your individual dog and consult your veterinarian with any concerns and to ensure the best dietary approach for your dog’s specific needs.