Homemade Foods for Dogs With Urinary Tract Problems

Untreated urinary tract infections in dogs may result in kidney damage or even kidney failure. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria disrupt the urinary tract. Unsanitary food storage, inadequate water consumption or infrequent urination leave a dog susceptible to urinary tract infections. Dogs suffering from recurrent infections due to overly alkaline urine may develop struvite crystals, which are dissolved by making the urine more acid.

  1. Cooked Food

    • Feeding the dog a diet consisting of 1 cup of cooked brown rice or mashed potatoes along with 1 lb. cooked lean beef and 1 to 2 tsp. of canola oil helps to lower urinary pH. Feed the dog 1/2 to 1 cup of this mixture daily, adjusting the amount for smaller or larger dogs. Adding water to the mixture encourages additional water consumption, helping to flush bacteria from the urine. Use small amounts of cottage cheese or boiled eggs as snacks. Eliminate vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower, as they produce alkaline urine.

    Garlic and Onion

    • Garlic is known for its antibiotic effect and some dog owners give their dogs small amounts of fresh garlic and onion to stave off urinary tract infections. However, large amounts of garlic or onion cause hemolytic anemia. According to Dr. Michael Richards, DVM, dogs are able to tolerate small amounts of onion, such as meat that has been cooked with onions. R.B. Cope, Ph.D., says onion toxicity is noted when animals ingest more than 0.5 percent of their body weight in fresh onions. According to Dog Health Guide, if the dog consumes 1 tsp. of garlic per 10 pounds of body weight, damage to red blood cells may occur.

    Salt and Potassium Chloride

    • Dogs that drink more water maintain more dilute urine, thereby discouraging recurrent infections and kidney stone formation. Add salt or potassium chloride to the dog's food to encourage him to drink more water; however, be careful not to add too much salt as it is taxing on the kidneys. Taste the beef mixture you prepare to determine its saltiness before feeding to the dog.

    Cranberry and Apple Cider Vinegar

    • As with humans, cranberries and cranberry juice are helpful in preventing urinary tract infections by interfering with bacterial adherence to the urinary tract wall. Add just enough cranberry juice to the dog's water daily to lightly color it. Feeding the dog dried cranberries or adding it to dog treats is another way to add cranberry to the dog's diet. Adding 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to the dog's water bowl helps resolve the infection by lowering the pH of the dog's urine.