Can Diet Cause Bladder Stones In Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Recent studies have shown

diets that cause high urine acidity (urine pH less than 6.5) may predispose dogs to develop this type of bladder stone

.

Can dog food cause crystals in urine?


High levels of certain minerals in dog food can increase the chance of crystal formation in urine

. Magnesium and phosphate are mineral components of the most common crystal type struvite. Don't feed a dog food with excessive amounts of these minerals. The dog food your dog eats also influences urine acidity (pH).

What causes dogs to get bladder stones?

In dogs, struvite bladder stones usually form as a complication of

a bladder infection caused by bacteria that produce an enzyme known as urease

.

What diet dissolves bladder stones in dogs?

Diets that may help include Royal Canin® Urinary SO, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet UR OxTM/StTM, Hill's Prescription Diet® w/d® Multi-Benefit, or Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSSTM. Table food may be a problem for these dogs. Calcium phosphate stones. Dissolution has not proven to be effective.

How often do bladder stones come back in dogs?

There are several different types of stones, which form for different reasons and require various forms of treatment and strategies for prevention. For example, “despite preventative measures,

approximately 50 percent of dogs will have recurrence of calcium oxalate stones within two years

,” says Dr.

How can I prevent my dog from getting stones?

Most dogs should be fed a canned or wet diet to encourage water consumption.

Dilute urine with a low urine specific gravity (urine specific gravity or USpG less than 1.020)

is an important part of the prevention of calcium oxalate bladder stones.

What foods cause calcium oxalate stones in dogs?

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

.

Can a dog live with bladder stones?

They may look like rocks or crystals, and can come as large as a piece of gravel. Fortunately, bladder stones in dogs are highly treatable, but they can be extremely painful for your dog, and

when left untreated, they might create a blockage in your dog's urethra. This could be life-threatening

.

What food causes kidney stones in dogs?

Limit

beef, pork, eggs, cheese, and fish

, because they may raise your chances of most types of . Vitamin C. Too much can make your body produce oxalate. So don't take more than 500 mg a day.

What is the best dog food for urinary problems?

  1. Hills Diet Urinary Tract Dog Food – Best Overall. …
  2. Blue Buffalo Urinary Care Dog Food – Best Value. …
  3. Royal Canin Urinary Dog Food – Premium Choice. …
  4. Health Extension Chicken Dog Food – Best For Puppies. …
  5. Nulo Grain Free Dry Dog Food. …
  6. Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health Dog Food.

What to feed dogs with urinary problems?


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.

Is pumpkin good for dogs with bladder stones?

Pumpkin seeds are full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy urinary tract. 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.

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

.

Can hard water cause bladder stones in dogs?

Hard water is water with a high mineral content usually calcium and magnesium.

Very hard water has been linked to urinary illness such as Crystalluria (crystal in urine) which may predispose your dog to stone formation and bladder and urinary tract infections

.

Does Royal Canin SO dissolve stones?

This formula promotes a urinary environment unfavorable to the formation of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. And this specialized nutrition, with a reduced level of magnesium,

helps dissolve pure struvite stones

and prevent struvite stones from forming.

How much does it cost to have bladder stones removed from a dog?

Cost of the procedure


$1,000 – $1,200

. Occasionally stones can also be present in the urethra in male dog's and longer surgery, with some increase in costs, may be required. Further costs can include sending the stones (calculi) away for analysis to determine their make-up.

How do you treat bladder stones in dogs naturally?

Many dogs with struvite stones respond well to regular

apple cider vinegar (ACV)

. Again, it helps acidify your dog's urine to discourage struvite stones from forming. Buy raw, organic unfiltered ACV. Mix it with your dog's food (or water, if she likes it), in these amounts according to weight.

Can you get rid of bladder stones in dogs without surgery?

If the bladder stones are very small

it may be possible to pass a special catheter into the bladder and then flush the stones out, using a non-surgical technique called urohydropropulsion

. In some cases, this procedure may be performed with the dog under heavy sedation, although general anesthesia is often necessary.

Are bananas good for dogs with bladder stones?

The more vegetables in the diet, the more alkaline the urine. For dogs with bladder stones resulting from calcium oxalate crystals,

give them alkaline vegetables

such as: Apples. Bananas.

Can carrots cause bladder stones in dogs?


Do not feed carrots to pets with a history of kidney or bladder stones

, or to those prone to developing crystals in their urine. Carrots are high in oxalates and can cause the formation of stones.

What is considered a low oxalate diet?

Low oxalate diets involve

eating less food that's high in oxalates

. Foods high in oxalates include certain types of fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes. Although recommendations can vary, most healthcare providers advise limiting oxalate intake to less than 40–50 mg per day.

Do bladder stones in dogs cause pain?


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.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.