Best Dog Food for Urinary Health

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What foods are good for dogs with urinary problems?

Are you looking for the best dog food for urinary health?

Urinary issues can be painful and unpleasant for your dog, so being able to identify the symptoms quickly might assist you to avoid causing them needless suffering.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, urinary stones, and bladder control loss are among the most prevalent urinary health issues in dogs.

At least 30% of canines will develop a UTI at some time in their life.

Your dog’s food has a significant impact on his or her overall health and well-being. A healthy lifestyle includes an adequate supply of nutrients.

As a veterinarian, I deal with urinary health issues daily and spend a lot of time researching the finest dog foods for urinary health to suggest to my customers.

VIDEO: Pet's Urine and Bladder Health Explained

Can certain dog food cause urinary problems?

Certain minerals in dog food can cause crystals to form in urine. The most common crystal type, struvite, contains magnesium and phosphate. It is not recommended to feed dogs too much of these minerals in their food. The pH of your dog’s urine is also influenced by the dog food he eats.

Table of Contents

10 Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health

Whether you go dry or wet food, one of the easiest ways for you to determine good dog food is by reading the label and looking out for the AAFCO Statement.

All of these dog food formulas meet AAFCO’s recommended daily nutrient profiles for dogs

What prescription dog food helps with crystals in urine?

Purina Urinary dog Food

  • First 5 Ingredients: Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Glute meal, Animal Fat
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 6.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
  • Type of Product: Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Veterinary Diet
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Best Food to Reduce Struvite and Calcium Oxalate Crystals Purina

Purina developed the Ox/St formula to reduce urinary stones by making an undesirable environment for crystals, stones, and cystitis.

It has Been developed to help dissolve existing sterile struvite stones while preventing both new stones and calcium oxalate crystals from forming.

The moderate protein levels assist dogs in building and maintaining healthy muscle mass, while not putting unnecessary strain on the kidneys.

It has been crafted in collaboration with nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians to feature high-quality ingredients and healthy antioxidants for a delicious therapeutic diet.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Crafted in collaboration with nutritionists, researchers and veterinarians.
  • Specially formulated to help reduce the risk of urinary stone formation in dogs.
  • Features high-quality ingredients and healthy antioxidants for a delicious therapeutic diet.
  • Developed to help dissolve existing sterile struvite stones while preventing both new stones and calcium oxalate crystals from forming in the future.

Veterinary Authorization

This item needs authorization from your veterinarian.

Simply provide your pet and vet clinic information at Checkout and we’ll follow up with your veterinarian to confirm.

If you have a copy of your authorization, you can expedite the process by uploading a scan or photo of it to the Prescriptions section in your account or your order confirmation.

You can also email it to vetdiet@chewy.com.

Diet Transitioning

Pets can be sensitive to sudden changes in their diets.

For this reason, it is extremely important to follow a gradual transition plan to best support your pet’s health and product effectiveness.

Ask your veterinarian about the best way to transition your pet to a new food.

What is the best wet food for dogs with urinary problems?

Hills Urinary Dog Food

  • First 5 Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Carrots, Rice
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 3.2% Crude Protein, 1.6% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber,
  • Type of Product: Therepeutic Diet
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For:  lifelong feeding of adult dogs

Bladder stones are collections of mineral crystals that combine together in the urinary tract.

They can cause discomfort and lead to more serious problems that require the care of a veterinarian.

Hill’s nutritionists & veterinarians developed Prescription Diet c/d Multicare clinical nutrition specially formulated to support your dog’s urinary health and reduce the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate stones. Dogs need the right balance of minerals to maintain good bladder health.

Excess minerals can encourage the formation of crystals in the urine, which can lead to the creation of bladder stones.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Clinically proven nutrition to lower the recurrence of most common urinary signs by 89%.
  • Designed to dissolve and reduce the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate stones
  • Controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus for optimal health benefits
  • Enriched with antioxidants, potassium citrate and Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Controlled fat levels and low sodium to keep your dog at an optimal weight
  • Recommended for lifelong feeding of adult dogs

Veterinary Authorization

This item needs authorization from your veterinarian.

Simply provide your pet and vet clinic information at Checkout and we’ll follow up with your veterinarian to confirm.

If you have a copy of your authorization, you can expedite the process by uploading a scan or photo of it to the Prescriptions section in your account or your order confirmation.

You can also email it to vetdiet@chewy.com.

Best Grain Free Dog Food for Urinary Health

The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Dog Food

  • First 5 Ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Flaxseed, dehtdrated potatoes, Dehydrated Sweet Potatoes, Dried apples
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6.5% Crude Fiber, 8.5% Moisture
  • Type of Product: Low-Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Human-Grade, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, Natural
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For:  All Breeds & Life Stages

 

With a limited quantity of minerals, this dog food product resists the composition of stones in your dog’s urinary tract.

It uses free-range chicken as its main protein source and has the wholesome benefits of natural ingredients like sweet potatoes, beans, and bananas.

It does not include any added preservatives that can cause discomfort to your dog and free GMO and animal by-products.

You can add a little water to it to satisfy your dog’s taste buds and increase his urine output.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • GRAIN FREE, FREE RANGE CHICKEN: The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Chicken dog food is made with real whole food ingredients like free range chicken, green beans & apples, which are gently dehydrated for maximum nutrient retention and easy digestion.
  • SUITABLE FOR ADULT DOGS: Complete & Balanced nutrition for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes including adult and senior dogs.
  • EASY HOMEMADE: Just add warm water for a wholesome & delicious meal. Serve alone as a complete meal for maximum nutrition, or use as a topper to their dry food.
  • HUMAN GRADE: Unlike most pet food, this recipe is 100% human grade – made with human grade ingredients & produced in a human food facility. That means higher quality ingredients & more safety standards, just like you’d expect from your own food.
  • WE SAY NO TO: This recipe contains no preservatives, by-products, fillers, GMO ingredients, corn, wheat or soy.
  • NATURAL & MADE IN THE USA: This natural dog food is made with ingredients you’d recognize from your own kitchen, and made in the USA with trusted sources from around the world.

Best Sensitive Stomach Dog Food for Urinary Health

Addiction Homestyle Venison & Cranberry Dinner Raw Dehydrated Dog Food

  • First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Oats, Potatoes, Carrots, Coconut Oil,
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 22% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
  • Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Raw,
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For:  All Breeds & Life Stages

 

All ingredients in Addiction are specifically chosen for the benefits they can offer to your dog’s health, including digestive health, skin and coat, weight maintenance, and more.

Enriched with taurine to support your dog’s cardiovascular health, Addiction Homestyle Venison & Cranberry Dinner Raw Alternative Dog Food aids in preventing Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) while promoting premium nutrition for your dogs.

This special dish is packed with premium, sustainably sourced New Zealand venison and is paw-fect for dogs who are allergic to chicken, beef, and lamb.

The recipe is rounded out with a hearty portion of nutrient-rich superfoods for a balanced diet that leads to a long and happy life. Lean protein, plenty of antioxidants, and complex carbs.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Packed with premium, free-range venison ideal for dogs who are sensitive to chicken, beef and lamb.
  • Includes coconut oil to promote skin and coat health. 
  • Made with nutrient-packed superfoods—including apples, basil, blueberries, carrots, cranberries, mangos, papayas, peppermint, potatoes, rosemary, spinach and thyme—to help fight against free radical damage and boost your pup’s immune system.
  • Wholesome grains and prebiotics from flaxseed help aid in healthy digestion. 
  • Cooked using a lower temperature and rapid-air drying technology to help keep your dog’s food safe from harmful bacteria while ensuring maximum nutritional benefits.

Best Low Phosphorus Dog Food for Urinary Health

Solid Gold Holistique Blendz Complete Health Whole Grain Diet With Oatmeal, Pearled Barley & Ocean Fish Meal

  • First 5 Ingredients: Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Peas, Ocean Fish Meal, Dried Eggs
  • Guaranteed Analysis: 18% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
  • Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For:  Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds

Solid Gold Holistique Blendz features a balance of ocean fish meal with healthy whole grains like brown rice and pearled barley. This all-protein diet is specially formulated to promote healthy digestion with no potatoes.

It has been specially formulated with minimal amounts of sodium, calcium, and phosphorus to help with supporting healthy kidney function and decrease the risk of calcium buildup.

In addition, Holistique Blendz features a number of superfoods that boost the immune system, as well as cranberries that are particularly good for the kidneys.

Holistique Blendz is perfect for senior dogs and less active adult dogs. It boasts an 18% crude protein minimum level, which is much lower than the ordinary dog food but still meets the minimum AAFCO level for non-prescription dog foods.

Plus, it is enriched with probiotics to promote healthy digestion.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • High in fiber to support healthy digestion.
  • Features probiotic support for your furry friend’s gut health.
  • Made with nutritious whole grains.
  • Includes a unique blend of functional superfoods for overall immune support.
  • Contains controlled levels of minerals like calcium, phosphorus and sodium. 

Urinary Dog Food Dry

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

  • Key Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
  • Guarenteed Analysis: 32% Protein, 14% Fat, 5% Fibre, 10% Moisture
  • Texture: Dry
  • Type: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable For: Urinary health, High Protein

This high-protein dry food features real salmon as the main ingredient with grain-free carbohydrates to avoid triggering unnecessary inflammation.

It is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients, including antioxidants and other urinary health-supporting nutrients.

This recipe contains an ideal balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. These omegas come from several sources like salmon oil and flaxseed, and they help keep your fellow adventurer’s skin and coat healthy, plus it is highly digestible with the addition of supplemental fiber and probiotics.

With wholesome fruits and veggies like carrots, dried kelp and blueberries, your dog is getting beneficial fiber, phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Grain-free dog food that’s also free of corn, wheat and soy to help food sensitive pets avoid fillers that might upset their stomach.
  • Nutritious fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots and dried kelp provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants for immune system support, and phytonutrients.
  • High-protein dog food with real, deboned salmon is not only delicious for your pup but full of amino acids that help maintain lean muscle mass.
  • Salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA, which helps support your dog’s skin and coat health and brain and eye development.

Urinary Dog Food Wet

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Turkey Recipe Wet Canned Dog Food

  • Key Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
  • Guarenteed Analysis: 12.5% Protein, 7.5% Fat, 2% Fibre, 76% Moisture
  • Texture: Dry
  • Type: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Chicken-Free
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Suitable For: Urinary health, Limited Ingredients Recipe

This recipe is packed with premium natural ingredients including cage-free turkey as a single source of animal protein. It also contains turkey liver, an ingredient known to contain several nutrients that support urinary health.

This formula is loaded with moisture and is complete and balanced with the help of added vitamins and chelated minerals. It is highly digestible, loaded with natural flavor, and proudly made in the USA.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Features a purposefully simple ingredient list for dogs with food sensitivities–just one animal protein and one vegetable.
  • Cage-free turkey is the first ingredient, an easily-digestible, flavorful protein that provides all the essential amino acids she needs.
  • Delicious loaf is formulated with vitamins and minerals to deliver complete and balanced nutrition.
  • Made free of chicken, beef, fish, dairy, eggs, grain, potato, corn, wheat or soy.

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Food for Urinary Health

First Mate Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Australian Lamb Meal Formula Dry Dog Food

  • Key Ingredients:Potato, Lamb Meal, Tomato Pomace, Chicken Fat* (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Potassium Chloride
  • Texture: Dry
  • Type: Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Pea-Free
  • Life Stage: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Suitable For: Urinary health

This FirstMate Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID kibble is one of our top picks for the best urinary dog food non-prescription because it contains a limited number of wholesome, natural ingredients with no grains or other inflammatory additives.

This formula contains blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries to provide antioxidants and urinary health-boosting nutrients, plus they work in combination with the added vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

It contains 78% animal ingredients with lamb meal as a single, novel source of premium animal protein. Its grain free, simplistic design makes it not only ideal for everyday feeding but additionally a great hypo-allergenic or elimination formula.

Overall, this formula is highly digestible and provides the optimal balance of protein and healthy fats.

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Single source novel protein, eliminating the risk of allergies derived from chicken. A great hypoallergenic or elimination formula
  • Grain-free and gluten-free recipe with free range, grass fed Australian lamb without any added hormones or antibiotics
  • 78% protein, 22% vegetables, and 0% grains in this recipe that’s great for all life stages
  • Mix of blueberries, raspberries and cranberries increase palatability, offer benefits of antioxidants such as a healthier immune system, urinary tract, better eyesight and memory function, help to prevent illness, and act as a nutritional source of dietary fiber
  • Made in Canada with the best ingredient quality available

Best Joint Care Dog Food for Urinary Health

Diamond Naturals Light Lamb and Rice Formula Adult Dog Food

  • Key Ingredients: Lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, oatmeal, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice.
  • Guarenteed Analysis: 18% Protein, 6%Fat, 8% Fibre, 10% Moisture
  • Texture: Dry
  • Type: Weight Control, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
  • Life Stage: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
  • Suitable For: Urinary health, Digestive Health

Diamond Lamb and Rice is enhanced with probiotics to promote good digestive health and glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. Also, it has a minimum protein level to reduce strain on the kidneys and is packed with superfoods like kale, spinach, flaxseed, and blueberries 

Nutritional Profile Includes:

  • Made for overweight or less active dogs with real lamb protein and other whole foods for lean nutrition and to help support strong muscles.
  • Natural recipe with added vitamins and powerful antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables support overall health, while omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support healthy skin and coat.
  • Nutrient-rich and highly digestible recipe made with proprietary probiotic blend to help support your canine companion’s digestive health.
  • Made with no corn, wheat, filler, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and contains guaranteed levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to support your pal’s joint health.

Best Weight Loss Dog Food for Urinary Health

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

  • Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Pea Protein
  • Guarenteed Analysis: 7.5% Protein, 2.5 %Fat, 5% Fibre, 78% Moisture
  • Texture: Dry
  • Type: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Veterinary Diet, Weight Control
  • Life Stage: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds, Extra Small & Toy Breeds, Giant Breeds
  • Suitable For: Urinary Care, Weight Management

Feed your furry best friend the finest natural ingredients featured in Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet WU Weight Management + Urinary Care Grain-Free Canned Dog Food.

Made with ideal levels of fat and calories to help your pal lose weight. The veterinary diet contains fiber to support satiety to help your dog feel fuller, longer.

This grain-free meal is formulated with controlled mineral levels to help support your pal’s urinary health. Plus, this wholesome, natural diet has both beneficial nutrition and a taste your pal will love.

Key Benefits

  • Weight management and urinary care canned dog food formulated with the ideal levels of fat and calories to help your furry friend with weight loss.
  • Veterinary diet formula contains an increased level of fiber to support satiety and help your pal feel fuller, longer.
  • Formulated with controlled levels of minerals, such as magnesium and sodium to help support your fur baby’s urinary health.
  • Prescription-only food made without the grains many pet parents choose to avoid, making it great for sensitive tummies. 

Does my dog have a urinary problem or bladder stones?

Urinary issues are highly unpleasant for dogs.

If you detect any of the following symptoms, you must contact your veterinarian immediately for a thorough examination.

  • Straining when urinating
  • Blood in urine
  • Licking the genital area
  • Incontinence or an inability to control urination
  • Decreased urine flow
  • Frequent attempts to urinate
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lack of energy or interest in normal activities

 

Dog sitting on a toilet reading a newspaper

Types of bladder problem

There are a variety of different types of urine and bladder problems that can afflict dogs, some of the most typical being as follows:

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Dogs with urinary tract problems, such as cystitis or pyelonephritis, have blood in their urine and pee more frequently. They also leak small amounts of strong-smelling urine.

Bladder stones

Dogs with bladder stones have blood in their urine, get recurrent urinary tract infections, and occasionally struggle to urinate. Stones may be passed in the urine or cause blockages if they are big.

Always contact your vet immediately if your dog is unable to pee.

unwell dog under a blanket

Incontinence

Urine incontinence (urine leaking) can be caused by many different conditions, ranging from minor issues such as USMI to more serious problems such as prostate problems and congenital abnormalities.

Bladder tumours

Bladder tumors often result in increased urination and straining. They can also cause blood in the urine, as well as obstructing the bladder exit, making peeing difficult.

Kidney problems

dog wee on floor as dog looks up to owner
If your dog is unable to urinate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Increased thirst, urinary tract infections, and more frequent urination are some of the symptoms of kidney issues in dogs.

Prostate problems

Prostate issues only affect males (because women don’t have a prostate gland) and are most prevalent in older dogs.

Blood in the urine, straining and discomfort while peeing are common symptoms of prostate disease.

Because the prostate gland is close to the bowel, it can also cause difficulties when going.

dog laying on floor unwell

Burst bladder

It’s uncommon for a dog to burst their bladder, but it can happen as a result of an accident such as being hit by a vehicle.

If your dog has ruptured their urinary bladder, they will have an excruciating stomachache and either stop urinating or leak urine.

A burst bladder is a serious illness that must be treated immediately if left untreated, your dog can die within a few hours.

Treatment: The importance of nutrition

Your dog’s food has a significant impact on his or her general health and well-being.

A healthy, active lifestyle necessitates the proper balance of nutrients. It is even more critical to feed your dog with the best food if he or she has urinary bladder stones.

High-phosphorus, high-protein, and high-calcium foods have been linked to the formation of stones.

Some kinds of stones that have formed in the urinary tract may be dissolvable if your dog eats a diet with restricted amounts of these minerals.

For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your dog’s urinary tract health.

Remember, any dog that has been treated for urinary tract disease is at risk of a recurrent condition. As a result, it’s critical to continue treating the illness and monitoring for reappearing symptoms.

Best Probiotic for Dogs

Did you know that a dog’s gut health has a significant influence on its overall health?

A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract!

Discover why this supplement is vital for your dog’s immune system and overall health – read our blog on The Best Probiotics for Dogs.

Best dog food for urinary health - The bottom line!

I hope you enjoyed our list of what we think are the most appropriate dog foods for Urinary health. When it comes to your dog’s urinary health, you can trust any of these dog food brands to help with specific needs.

My personal favorites are Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet since it focused specifically on balancing the pH of a dog’s urine while preventing kidney stones, and Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food

I have experience using these diets in my patients with good results. 

Don’t forget to always consult your dog’s vet when you change your pup’s diet to accommodate their UTI issues!

Reference:

  • https://www.petmd.com/dog/centers/nutrition/dog-food-label-lessons-what-is-an-aafco-statement
  • https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/complete-and-balanced-pet-food
  • Dr Karen Becker
  • pdsa.co.uk

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