Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health
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As a pet owner, housetraining your dog is crucial to prevent accidents and urinary issues. If your dog is frequently having accidents or exhibits changes in its habits, it may be a sign of a problem.
Consult a vet for a diagnosis and consider switching to a dog food for urinary health.
Learn about your dog’s nutritional needs and pick the best dog food to meet those needs, as well as receive our top 5 picks for the best dog food for urinary health.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health
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BEST FOR SENIORS
4. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food for Puppies, Adults & Seniors |
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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 |
Our criteria
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about dog foods containing peas, legumes, lentils, and root vegetables. Many dogs eating grain-free foods have been found to have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart problem, and low levels of taurine.
The FDA is working with veterinary cardiologists and dog owners to research this issue. Owners are advised to avoid foods containing these ingredients in large amounts. Other criteria for selecting dog food for labs include research backing claims, qualified veterinary nutritionists, rigorous quality control, and avoiding exotic ingredients to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
5 Best Dog Food for Urinary Health Reviewed
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.
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.
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 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 Do You Choose the Best Dog Food for Urinary Health?
Dogs require three macronutrients: protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Protein is essential for healthy muscles and maintaining body weight, and should come from animal sources like meat, poultry, and fish.
Fat is best metabolized from animal sources like salmon oil and chicken fat, which are easier for dogs to digest.
Plant fats can be used for energy and fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide energy, healthy fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Supplements like chelated minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics can also be beneficial.
To ensure your dog’s nutritional needs and urinary health, start shopping for dog food made with wholesome natural ingredients, including moderate levels of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates.
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 source of protein and carbohydrates. 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.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your dog’s nutritional needs and urinary health is crucial for selecting wholesome natural dog food. It should contain moderate protein, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates.
