Foods for Dogs with Bladder Stones

The presence of bladder stones is an unfortunate problem in many dogs. Stones have several causes, including an abnormality in the pH of a dog’s urine and metabolic diseases, says the Go Pets America website. Dogs with bladder stones often experience a variety of symptoms, such as blood in their urine, pain upon urination and frequent urination. Surgical removal of the stones is typically the only way to eliminate them. You can prevent them from reoccurring, however, by feeding your dog a special diet.

  1. Royal Canin Urinary SO

    • Veterinarians will often prescribe Royal Canin Urinary SO food to dogs with a history of bladder stones. Stones form when crystals in the dog’s urine clump together. This prescription food is able to dissolve the crystals in the urine and increase the dog’s urine volume. This, in turn, decreases the urine saturation, preventing the formation of crystals and, eventually, stones.

    Hill's C/D

    • Hill’s C/D food is another option for dogs with bladder stone problems. This food reduces the levels of phosphorus, protein and magnesium, which form crystals, in the dog's urine. In addition, C/D has low salt levels, contributing to a normal blood-pressure level, and has added antioxidants to boost and maintain a healthy immune system.

    Homemade Diet

    • Homemade diets are also effective in preventing bladder stone formation. The Go Pets America website states that homemade diets are beneficial for dogs with bladder stone issues, because they are unprocessed and free of artificial ingredients. Consult your veterinarian before you feed your dog a homemade diet to ensure it meets your dog’s particular dietary needs. In addition, ask the veterinarian how much to feed your dog, as the amount depends on its size and weight.

      To make food for your dog, combine 2/3 cup of low-fat cottage cheese with one large, chopped, hard-boiled egg. Add 2 cups of cooked long-grain brown rice and 2 teaspoons of chicken fat or canola oil. Add 1/2 ounce of brewer’s yeast and 1/4 teaspoon of potassium chloride--a salt substitute that is available at most grocery stores--to the mix, and combine well. Refrigerate any leftovers.