Foods that can cause bladder stones in dogs are often high in certain minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium) or specific compounds like oxalates, purines, and silica, found in ingredients like organ meats, fish, spinach, nuts, dairy, processed foods, and certain grains/fillers, which can increase urine concentration or alter pH, leading to crystal formation, though specific triggers vary by stone type (calcium oxalate, struvite, cystine, silica).

What ingredient in dog food causes bladder stones?

The lab started to see CTT bladder stones coming into the lab. They had not been seen before. A little research showed the culprit was choline biurate, the choline source in the new fresh, frozen and ``human grade'' diets. High quality diets use choline chloride.

What causes a dog to get a bladder stone?

In dogs, struvite stones are typically caused by UTIs and urease-producing bacteria. Struvite crystals form when the pH of urine becomes more alkaline and concentrated. When these changes occur, certain substances become supersaturated and promote the growth of struvite crystals.

What foods cause bladder issues in dogs?

If your dog is on a high carb or starchy food, the urine pH will be higher, predisposing them to struvite crystals, stones, and even bacterial infections. But if your dog's pH is too low, calcium oxalate crystals and stones can form.

What foods are bad for bladder stones?

To help prevent bladder stones, it's a good idea to avoid:

• Processed foods.
• Fast food.
• Canned soups and vegetables.
• Lunch meats.
• Soda pop.

Bladder Stones in Dogs and Cats: Top 3 Effective Remedies

What triggers bladder stones?

What causes bladder stones?

• Diet problems, such as a lack of water (dehydration).
• Urinary tract infection.
• Pelvic organ prolapse in women.
• Injury to the spinal cord that affects how you urinate.
• Bladder surgery.
• Foreign object in the bladder, such as stitches from a medical procedure or a catheter.

What not to feed dogs with bladder stones?

Avoid high salt intake. High sodium intake increases calcium in the urine, which increases the chances of developing stones. Limit foods with high oxalate content. Spinach, many berries, wheat bran, nuts, beets, and rhubarb cannot be fed.

Is chicken bad for dogs with bladder stones?

Feeding a predominantly meat based diet is essential for those suffering from Struvite Stones as meat naturally encourages a more acidic environment in the bladder. Some ingredients to consider including in your dog's diet, to promote an acidic environment include: Chicken.

Is pumpkin good for dogs with bladder stones?

Perhaps most interestingly, pumpkin is great for the bladder. Its vast combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants support urinary health and help to prevent urinary tract infections, as well as painful kidney and bladder stones.

What dissolves bladder stones in dogs naturally?

Dandelion and juniper berry act as diuretics and help the body eliminate stones and bacteria that may be present in the urinary tract by increasing urine production to flush out irritants. Goldenseal is an antimicrobial herb that can help prevent urinary tract infections that contribute to urinary tract stones.

What is the best dog food for stone prevention?

The dietary parameters used to dissolve cystine stones—low protein (especially those that contain a lot of cystine and methionine), low sodium, and promoting alkaline urine—can also be used for prevention. These are both good options: Hill's Prescription Diet u/d. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary UC.

What dog breeds get bladder stones?

Breeds that are most affected in dogs include Miniature and Standard Schnauzer, Miniature Poodle, Bichon Frise, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier, and Shih Tzu. Burmese, Persian, and Himalayan cats are the feline breeds most commonly affected.

What fresh dog food has bladder stones?

Stone analysis has found a link to an emerging unusual bladder stone in dogs. “The data showed a clear link between choline bitartrate found in some of the most popular fresh dog food brands––including The Farmers Dog, Justfoodfordogs, and Nom Nom––and the newly discovered CTT uroliths.”

How to prevent dogs from getting bladder stones?

The amount of water your dog receives on a daily basis plays an important role on bladder stone prevention. Give your dog ready access to water at all times to help dilute the urine and keep minerals in suspension. If your dog normally eats dry food, a change to water-rich wet food may also help.

What human food causes bladder stones in dogs?

What foods cause bladder stones in dogs? Diets high in protein as well as minerals such as magnesium and calcium can be more likely to cause bladder stones in dogs.

What is the best urinary diet for dogs?

The best urinary dog food depends on your dog's specific needs (stones, crystals, prevention) but top veterinarian-recommended brands include Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR, often requiring a prescription and focusing on low minerals, balanced pH, and high moisture. Over-the-counter options like Blue Buffalo Urinary Care offer preventative support. Key features to look for are controlled minerals (magnesium, phosphorus), ideal pH balance, high hydration (wet food or added water), and quality proteins.
 

What foods are high in oxalates for dogs?

Dogs diagnosed with calcium oxalate stones should avoid calcium supplements unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. They should not be fed high oxalate foods such as nuts, rhubarb, beets, green beans, and spinach. Additionally, vitamin C supplements should be avoided.

Is sweet potato ok for dogs with bladder stones?

Dogs with a history of urinary tract issues, kidney disease, or those predisposed to bladder stones should consume sweet potatoes cautiously. While the oxalate levels in sweet potatoes are not typically harmful in moderate amounts, overfeeding or a diet heavily reliant on oxalate-rich foods can pose risks.

Are carrots good for dogs with bladder stones?

Bladder stones – Carrots also contain a decent amount of oxalate, which can cause predisposed dogs to form bladder stones. Dogs prone to bladder stones and other urinary issues may benefit more from a different treat.

Is rice okay for dogs with bladder stones?

Avoid foods with high levels of oxalate, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, organ meat and brown rice. Instead, include foods low in oxalate, such as peeled apples, white rice, meats, and fish (except sardines) in your dog's diet.

What foods heal the bladder?

The best foods for overactive bladder include:

• Fruits: Bananas, apples, grapes, coconut, watermelon, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
• Vegetables: Asparagus, artichoke, broccoli, cucumbers, kale, carrots, celery, lettuce, and peppers.
• Other Fiber-Rich Foods: Lentils, beans, barley, bran, oats, and almonds.

What are three bladder irritants?

Foods that have been known to amplify overactive bladder symptoms include: Alcohol. Caffeinated beverages. Carbonated beverages.

What's the worst thing to eat when you have a UTI?

To prevent worsening UTI symptoms, avoid bladder irritants like sugary foods, caffeine, alcohol, acidic items (citrus, tomatoes), and spicy foods, as these can increase urgency and discomfort, while also limiting processed foods, artificial sweeteners, and excessive red meat. Instead, focus on drinking plenty of water, eating fresh, low-acid fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins to support healing.

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