Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
One of your biggest jobs as a pet owner is to housetrain your dog so you aren’t always cleaning up after it inside.
It’s normal for your dog to have the occasional accident, but if he starts to do it frequently or if you notice other changes in its urinary habits, it could be an indication of a problem.
Take your dog to the vet for a diagnosis and consider switching to a dog food for urinary health.
Made with wholesome natural ingredients for digestibility and maximum nutrition, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe is our top pick for the best dog food for urinary health.
Continue reading to learn more about your dog’s minimum needs for nutrition and to receive some simply simple tips for picking the best dog food to provide for those needs. You’ll also receive our top 5 picks for the best dog food for urinary health.
Understanding Urinary Health In Dogs
Some of the most common urinary problems in dogs include bladder stones, incontinence, bacterial infections, cancer, and even obstruction of the urethra. These things can be caused by a number of factors such as inflammation or infection of the bladder, drinking too much water, hormonal imbalance, trauma, stress, anatomical abnormalities, and high uric acid levels.
If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a urinary health problem, talk to your veterinarian right away. In addition to treating the condition, you should also switch to a dog food for urinary health.
Here are some things to look for in a dog food for urinary health:
- Natural Ingredients. The quality of your dog’s diet is always important, so choose a recipe made with wholesome natural ingredients, free from fillers and additives.
- Moderate Protein. Some veterinarians say that low-protein diets dissolve bladder stones more quickly, but your dog requires protein for lean muscle mass so choose a moderate-protein diet.
- Calcium and Phosphorus. These minerals are important for bone health, but high levels can increase the uric acid content of your dog’s urine, so look for a recipe with controlled levels.
- Moisture. Hydration is an important aspect of urinary health, so look for a dog food with higher levels of moisture or consider moistening your dog’s food with water or chicken broth.
Keeping all of these things in mind, you’re now ready to learn how to choose the best dog food for urinary health. Here’s what you need to know:
How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Urinary Health?
All dogs have the same basic requirements when it comes to the three macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Protein provides the building blocks for healthy muscles and helps your dog maintain a good body weight. This nutrient should come from animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish because these are complete proteins – they contain all 10 essential amino acids.
Fat is another nutrient that is best when it comes from animal sources. Things like salmon oil and chicken fat are easier for your dog’s body to metabolize than plant fats like flaxseed or sunflower seed oil. Plant fats can be used for supplemental energy and fiber, however.
Your dog has a limited ability to digest plant products, so keep the carbohydrate content of its food limited. The most digestible sources of carbohydrate for dogs are whole grains and vegetables.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can provide additional energy and healthy fiber while also being natural sources for key vitamins and minerals. You should also include beneficial supplements like chelated minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics in your dog’s food.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health
BEST FOR SENIORS  4. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors | ||||
Protein 24% Min | Protein 26% Min | Protein 36% Min | Protein 24% Min | Protein 25% Min |
Fat 14% Min | Fat 14% Min | Fat 18% Min | Fat 14.5% Min | Fat 12% Min |
Fiber 5% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 5% Max |
Calories 378 kcal/cup | Calories 326 kcal/cup | Calories 417 kcal/cup | Calories 3600 Kcal/kg or 468 Kcal/cup. | Calories 446 kcal/cup |
Now that you have a better understanding of your dog’s nutritional requirements and its urinary health, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, it should be made with wholesome natural ingredients including moderate levels of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates.
Here are our top 5 picks for the best dog food for urinary health that you should consider:
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken & Brown Rice
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 378 kcal/cup
- Moderate in protein from lean animal sources
- Digestible brown rice for carbohydrates
- Rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
- Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs may be sensitive
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Chicken & Veggies Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 326 kcal/cup
- Farm-raised chicken as the main ingredient
- Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- Controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus
- Contains some corn and soy ingredients
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 417 kcal/cup
- Wholesome natural ingredients including grain-free carbohydrates
- Controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus for urinary health
- Plenty of dietary fiber with probiotics for digestion
- May be too high in protein for some puppies
- Contains plant proteins (potato protein)
Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors
Product Info
- Protein: 24% Min
- Fat: 14.5% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 3600 Kcal/kg or 468 Kcal/cup.
- Moderate protein content from lean sources (chicken meal)
- Highly digestible recipe rich in fiber with probiotic supplements
- Superfoods for natural sources of key nutrients
- Not a grain-free recipe, some dogs may be sensitive
Wellness Simple Natural LID Salmon & Potato Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 446 kcal/cup
- Moderate in protein and rich in omega fatty acids
- Made with wholesome natural ingredients
- Limited number of ingredients to reduce risk for allergies
- Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)
How Much Should You Feed Your Dog?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how much to feed your dog because its needs will vary depending on its age, breed size, body weight, and activity level.
Start with a dog food that is made for your dog’s breed size (such as a small-breed or large-breed recipe) then check the feeding recommendations on the package according to your dog’s age and weight.
Take that amount and divide it by two or three to determine the right size for each of your dog’s meals.
Keep in mind that puppies and small breeds will need three meals a day while large dogs can get by with just two meals. You should also check the feeding recommendations every six months or so to see if you need to make any adjustments as your dog ages and grows.
What About Food Allergies And Sensitivities?
Food allergies and sensitivities are fairly common in dogs and they often present with skin-related symptoms. If your dog has recurrent ear infections or skin problems, it could be a sign of an allergy or sensitivity, so you should change its diet to eliminate the offending ingredient.
To determine what ingredient your dog is allergic to, start by switching to a limited ingredient diet made with a novel (new) source of protein and carbohydrate. After 10 to 12 weeks, if all signs of the allergy disappear, you can then introduce potential allergens one at a time until you find the problem. After that, simply choose a dog food that doesn’t contain that ingredient.
For more info, you can read our guide on the best dog food for skin allergies
Final Remarks
Now that you have a better understanding of your dog’s nutritional needs and its urinary health, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food. Remember, it should be made with wholesome natural ingredients including moderate levels of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates.
If you’re not sure where to start, try one of our top 5 picks reviewed above!
