Homemade Dog Food for Oxalate Bladder Stones

Calcium oxalate bladder stones in dogs cannot be treated with a special diet to dissolve the stones. The stones are removed surgically or by flushing them from the bladder with saline. Shock waves may also be used to break up the stones and allow their passage. A special homemade diet after treatment for bladder stones may ensure that your pet does not have a recurrence.

  1. Water Intake

    • The amount of water that your dog consumes is the most important element in a prevention diet. For dogs who have already had calcium oxalate bladder stones, access to a plentiful supply of water is essential to their continued good health. Adding salt to the dog's food can increase thirst and water intake.

      Moist food is preferable to dried commercial dog food. Add water to the food to increase the amount of water taken in during eating. Pay attention to the amount of water that your dog drinks. Some dogs are not big water drinkers, and adding the water to their food can add some more moisture to their diet.

    Protein

    • Monitor protein intake in your dog. High-protein diets increase the amount of calcium and uric acid in the urine. Avoid red meats in the homemade diet for your dog to lower the risk of developing stones again.

    Carbohydrates

    • Dogs have no difficulty digesting carbohydrates, and these foods are appropriate for the homemade diet. Some foods are oxalate-producing foods and should be avoided. These include beets, sweet potatoes, eggplants, leeks, okra, green beans, pepper, collards, parsley, spinach, chives, swiss chard, kale, endive, summer squash, tomatoes, soy, all nuts, wheat germ, sesame seeds, tahini, currants, berries, grapes, figs, tangerines, rhubarb, plums, lemons and limes.

    Supplements

    • Add supplements to your dog's diet to ensure proper nutrition from the homemade food. Commercial dog foods are nutritionally balanced; however, these foods also may have ingredients that cause calcium oxalate stones. Canine multivitamins have the nutritional balance your dog needs.

      Create a diet for your dog that is well-balanced and contains enough water to decrease the risk of developing calcium oxalate stones.