Avoid foods formulated in China, for instance. The life stage should also be appropriate for your canine. Urinary food for dogs is typically available in both dry and canned formulas. Your decision will, of course, depend on which formula your dog prefers to eat, as well as their typical water intake. “Increased moisture in the diet does also help with stones, so canned food is a good idea but may be cost prohibitive in larger dogs,” says Dr. Barnes. Another option is to add water to the dry food or offer your dog more drinking water. Think about your dog’s special health needs A raw diet is often preferred for dogs with urinary health issues because of higher pH value. Look for food with a good balance of proteins and fiber and a lower percentage of minerals that cause buildup and crystals. Is canned dog food better for canine urinary health?

However, even if a urinary tract infection can often be determined by a urinalysis, a culture and sensitivity test is sometimes necessary. Switching any dog to a new diet can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help your dog adjust. Start slowlySometimes, all a dog with urinary problems needs is high-quality dog food. That’s exactly what this food by The Honest Kitchen is. The following feeding program is recommended as a guideline only, with discretionary clinical adjustments for proper weight maintenance. FEEDING GUIDE 1 Balanced nutrition is essential, though lower protein is acceptable to avoid bladder stones. The protein included should be high-quality, though. Our review of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR (OX/ST) Urinary Dry Dog Food begins with a detailed look at the food’s ingredients. 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.”

We started by asking veterinarians for their recommendations, as well as criteria that determines the best dog food for urinary health. “The urinary diets most prescribed by veterinarians are formulated by Royal Canin, Hill’s and Purina,” says Dr. Klein. These are the brands we focused on in our list. First things first – you need to understand exactly why your dog is experiencing urinary issues. Urinary dog diets usually target specific bladder stones. “For example, a dog with struvite stones would benefit from a different diet than a dog with urate stones,” says Dr. Loftus, who is board-certified in veterinary internal medicine (small animal internal medicine and nutrition). “I think it all depends on exactly why a urinary diet is needed, so it really depends on the dog.” This is something that can only be determined by a veterinarian. Opt for therapeutic urinary dog food

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Puppies are sometimes prone to urinary tract infections. Sometimes, this is due to their breed being more vulnerable to urinary tract problems.

What’s better than improving both your dog’s urinary and digestive health at one time? Solid Gold Holistique Dog Food aims to fulfill that purpose with their special recipe that provides controlled amounts of minerals and lots of fibers and probiotic support to give your dog the best of both worlds. The symptoms of most urinary tract problems are very similar. Therefore, it is difficult to tell them apart based on symptoms alone. A urinalysis typically diagnoses urinary tract infections. This is a breakdown of the contents of your pet’s urine ph. You will need to collect a urine sample. Usually, bladder stones can not be diagnosed based on clinical signs alone. Sometimes, bladder stones can be palpated with the fingers.It’s also important to note that these diets can’t prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). “Altering pH helps to manage stones, either to dissolve them or to prevent them from recurring. It does not help prevent urinary tract infections, which is a common misconception,” says Dr. Bartges, who is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. This dry dog food is designed to support your dog’s urinary health and help them maintain a healthy weight. It is made with dietary fiber to help your canine stay fuller for longer, and it is completely grain-free. Puppies, adults, and seniors have specific health needs. For example, puppies often need more protein because they are growing. Look for food with higher moisture content. Canned food is usually a better option because it has more moisture. Plus, the meat is closer to its unprocessed form, and the pH level more appropriate as compared to kibble. If you can’t afford wet food all the time, switch it with one meal a day or just sprinkle some of it on the kibble as a topper. Dry can be suitable as well as long as your canine is drinking enough. To grain or not to grain: Do dogs need grain-free food for Urinary Health issues?