The 10 Best Dog Foods For Bladder Stones In 2024

Check out our favorites at a glance

Image	Product	View on Amazon
1	The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated	View on Amazon
2	Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care	View on Amazon
3	Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care	View on Amazon
4	Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support	View on Amazon
5	Hill's Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Care	View on Amazon
6	Purina Canine UR Urinary Ox/St Dog Food	View on Amazon
7	Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U	View on Amazon
8	Grandma Lucy's PUREformance Pre-Mix Dog Food	View on Amazon
9	Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Urinary SO	View on Amazon
10	Royal Canin Canine Urinary SO Moderate Calorie Thin Slices	View on Amazon

Reviews

1. Dehydrated Dog Food from The Honest Kitchen

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• Dehydrated chicken, organic barley, dehydrated potatoes, organic flaxseed, organic oats are the main components.
• Minimum protein content: 24.5%
• Minimum fat content: 14.0%
• Calorie content: 4,270 kcal/kg, 485 kcal/cup

The Honest Kitchen  offers nutritious and convenient meal options for dogs with bladder stones. This dehydrated meal regulates mineral levels and provides sufficient hydration, which is essential for dogs with urinary tract issues.

Prepared to a high standard, this recipe features real food ingredients such as free-range chicken and organic grains. It is AAFCO-certified, ensuring complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs and puppies of all breeds and sizes, including pregnant and lactating females.

To prepare, simply add warm water to the granules to rehydrate them, resulting in a nutritious and delicious meal that rehydrates to four times its weight. Each 10 lb carton yields 40 lb of fresh food, providing dog owners with an economical and convenient option.

The Honest Kitchen is committed to using non-genetically modified, preservative-free, filler-free, and GMO-free ingredients. All ingredients are processed in a human-grade food facility in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards for dogs.

In summary, The Honest Kitchen provides a nutritious, convenient, and human-grade meal option for dogs with urinary tract issues.

Dog parents can rely on The Honest Kitchen to provide complete and balanced sustenance for their furry friends due to its use of real food ingredients and dedication to quality and safety.

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2. Wet Dog Food Blue Buffalo Basics

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• Turkey, turkey broth, potatoes, flaxseed, pea protein, fish oil, and pumpkin are the main components.
• Minimum protein content: 7.0%
• Minimum fat content: 7.0%
• Calorie content: 1,370 kcal/kg, 484 kcal/can

Blue Buffalo Basics is a highly recommended dog food for bladder stones because it is made with all-natural ingredients and contains a high level of nutrients, making it an excellent cost-effective option for dogs with food sensitivities.

This wheat-free formula is especially advantageous for dogs suffering from calcium oxalate stones, as it does not contain wheat.

Wet dog food can be used as a meal or as a supplement to dry food, and it has the added benefit of injecting water into your dog’s diet, which is crucial for preventing the formation of stones.

However, some dogs may experience gas after consuming wet food, so it is important to observe your furry companion for signs of digestive distress.

Blue Buffalo wet dog food is free of chicken or poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, artificial flavors, and preservatives, making it a healthy and nutritious option for dogs. This formula contains added vitamins and minerals to promote overall health and well-being.

This grain-free dog food is made with a single source of protein, real turkey, to support healthy muscle maintenance, and does not contain chicken or beef. It can be fed as a tasty treat, mixed into your dog’s preferred dry food, or as a standalone meal.

Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care, Grain Free Natural Adult Wet Dog Food, Turkey is a cost-effective option for maintaining your dog’s health, and it is available in a convenient 12-pack of 12.5-oz cans.

However, it’s always important to consult with your veterinarian to determine if this meal is appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.

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3. Dry Dog Food Hill’s Prescription Multicare Care

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• Whole grain maize, chicken meal, hog fat, corn gluten meal, and soybean mill run are the main components.
• Minimum protein content: 18.0%
• Minimum fat content: 13.0%, maximum fat content: 18.0%
• 375 calories per cup

Hill's Urine Care  is a veterinary diet specially formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians to promote the urinary health and general well-being of dogs. This dry dog food contains the ideal proportions of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus to provide essential nourishment without burdening your dog’s system.

Enriched with antioxidants, potassium citrate, and omega-3 fatty acids, this dog food promotes healthy urinary function and prevents the formation of stones.

It is designed to keep your dog’s urine low in minerals and metabolites that contribute to the formation of urinary stones, protecting against struvite stones and providing adequate calcium to prevent oxalate stones.

Additionally, Hill’s Urine Care is low in sodium, which supports your dog’s immune system. It is suitable for small breeds and puppies because the kibble size is smaller than that of other brands.

Formulated with natural ingredients that dissolve struvite and calcium oxalate stones and reduce their building blocks, this dog food is recommended for lifelong feeding of adult dogs.

The formulation of Hill’s Urine Care includes high-quality protein derived from chicken meal, soy meal, and egg product. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, such as niacin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, and calcium pantothenate.

Overall, Hill’s Urine Care is an excellent option for promoting the urinary health and general well-being of dogs. It is specially formulated to prevent the formation of urinary stones and promote healthy urinary function, making it an excellent option for dogs with a history of urinary problems.

Consult with a veterinarian to determine if this product meets the specific needs of your companion.

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4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support

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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support  is a specialized and carefully formulated treatment for dogs with renal issues. Our dog food is designed to promote optimal kidney health and function.

It starts with protein-rich chicken as the main ingredient, providing essential amino acids while reducing stress on the kidneys. Its commitment to using high-quality, natural ingredients ensures that your dog receives the best nutrition.

This natural dog food is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that support kidney health. It carefully regulate levels of phosphorus and sodium, essential elements for maintaining kidney function.

With no chicken (or poultry) by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, you can trust that your pet is getting only the highest quality ingredients.

Please note that Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support is a prescription dog food and requires approval from a veterinarian. It prioritize professional guidance when it comes to your furry companion’s dietary needs, as we value their health.

Each 6-pound container of our kidney support dog food is nutritionally complete. Blue Buffalo has been dedicated to the health and happiness of dogs for many years.

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5. Original Flavor Hill’s Prescription Urinary Care Dry Dog Food

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• Brewers rice, corn starch, hog fat, and egg product are the main components.
• Protein content should be between 8.0% and 12.0%.
• Minimum fat content: 17.5%
• 398 kilocalories per cup

Hill's Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Care Dry Dog Food  is specially formulated to support your dog’s urinary health and promote a healthy immune system.

Developed by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians, this diet contains controlled amounts of high-quality, easily digestible protein and low calcium levels to help reduce the risk of bladder stone formation.

This diet also features high levels of taurine and L-carnitine to help maintain optimal heart muscle function, keeping your dog happy and active.

The kibble size is small, making it appropriate for all breeds and sizes of dogs. The original flavor has a corn-like smell and is less flavorful than other options.

This diet is specifically formulated to reduce the risk of urate and cystine stones and is fortified with taurine and L-carnitine to support cardiac health. Vitamin E and beta-carotene promote a healthy immune system.

It is essential to consult with your veterinarian before feeding Hill’s Prescription Diet u/d to determine if it is appropriate for your dog. Hill’s Prescription Diet is the most recommended therapeutic pet food in the United States.

With its specially formulated ingredients and emphasis on urinary health, Hill’s Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Care Dry Dog Food is an excellent option for dog owners who wish to promote their pet’s overall health and well-being.

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6. Veterinary Purina Dry Dog Food

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• Whole grain corn, Brewers rice, poultry by-product meal, and corn gluten meal are the main components.
• Minimum protein content: 21.0%
• Minimum fat content: 9.0%
• Calorie content: 3,542 kcal/kg, 408 kcal/cup

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7. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U

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BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care  dry dog food from Blue Buffalo is specially formulated to help your pet achieve and maintain a healthy weight while supporting urinary health.

This wholesome weight management dog food starts with protein-rich chicken, a high-quality source of essential nutrients. With carefully balanced levels of fat, calories, and fiber, this formula helps dogs feel satisfied and full.

Made with the finest natural ingredients, this healthy weight formula is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. It also promotes urinary health by regulating critical mineral levels.

The BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas do not contain chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. They believe in providing only the highest quality ingredients for the health of your companion.

Please note that this therapeutic diet requires approval from your veterinarian to ensure proper care for your dog.

Each 6-pound bag of BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Dog Food provides your dog with essential nutrients to maintain a healthy weight and support urinary health.

Blue Buffalo has been dedicated to providing high-quality products for nearly three decades as a trusted leader in pet behavior, containment, and lifestyle innovations. Their customer service representatives are available six days a week to answer any questions you may have.

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8. Grandma Lucy’s Premium Dog Food

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• USDA chickpeas, flax, carrots, celery, apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, papaya, spinach are the main components.
• Minimum protein content: 21.0%
• Minimum fat content: 9.0%
• Calorie content: 3,215 kcal/kg, 415 kcal/cup

Grandma Lucy's pre-mix dog food is a freeze-dried formula with added vitamins that promotes urinary health in dogs. This natural diet is rich in fruits and vegetables, making it an excellent choice for dogs prone to urate/purine bladder stones.

In addition to promoting urinary health, this pre-mix is a rich source of omega fatty acids, which support healthy skin, coat, and joint function. It is simple to prepare and saves you time, and it contains no by-products, additives, or genetically modified organisms.

However, because it is grain-free, it is important to consult your veterinarian to ensure that it is a suitable alternative. Some dogs may not like the texture, which can be too mushy due to the legumes.

Grandma Lucy’s pre-mix dog food is made from premium ingredients, including USDA legumes, flax, carrots, celery, apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, papaya, spinach, garlic, rosemary, and essential vitamins and minerals.

It contains no additives, by-products, GMOs, or preservatives, making it a wholesome and nutritious option for your dog.

To use this product, simply add your dog’s preferred cooked or raw protein source and tepid water to the pre-mix and let it stand for a few minutes.

Overall, Grandma Lucy’s pre-mix dog food is a great choice for pet owners seeking a convenient and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional dog food. It is appropriate for all stages of a dog’s life and is suitable for small, medium, and large breeds.

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9. Urinary Dry Dog Food by Royal Canin

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• Brewers rice, corn, chicken fat, chicken by-product meal, brewers rice flour, corn gluten meal are the main constituents.
• Minimum protein content: 17.0%
• Minimum fat content: 15.0%
• Calorie content: 3,741 kcal/kg, 333 kcal/cup

Royal Canin is a highly recommended dry dog food  is highly recommended by veterinarians as a dry dog food for canines with urinary stones.

This premium dog food promotes urinary health by increasing urine production, which helps dilute minerals that can contribute to crystal and stone formation.

With a lower magnesium content, this diet is particularly effective in preventing calcium oxalate stones and dissolving struvite stones, as well as preventing their recurrence.

The Relative Super Saturation (RSS) method reduces the concentration of ions in the urine, minimizing the risk of crystal formation in the bladder.

Suitable for all dog breeds and sizes, Royal Canin’s delicious chicken flavor is sure to please your furry friend, despite its higher price point.

Its ingredients include rice, ground corn, chicken fat, chicken meal, natural flavors, corn gluten meal, dried egg product, salt, powdered cellulose, potassium chloride, anchovy oil (source of EPA/DHA), monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, taurine, choline chloride, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.

This liver-flavored dog food provides essential nutrition for adult dogs and supports their immune system. Overall, Royal Canin is a dependable option for pet owners seeking optimal nutrition to support urinary health and prevent bladder stone formation.

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10. Adult Urinary SO Loaf Canned Dog Food by Royal Canin

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• Water adequate for processing, chicken liver, chicken by-products, hog by-products are the main components.
• Minimum protein content: 5.6%
• Minimum fat content: 5.9%
• Calorie content: 1,259 kcal/kg, 485 kcal/can

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Wet Dog Food is a premium, limited-ingredient diet formulated to support bladder and urinary tract health in dogs.

This moist dog food promotes increased urine production, creating an environment unfavorable to the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

Using the RSS method, this formula helps to reduce the ion concentration in your dog’s urine, a key factor in the formation of bladder stones.

Additionally, the lower magnesium content of this formulation aids in the dissolution of struvite stones and helps to prevent future stone formation.

This moist dog food has a pate-like texture and is slightly more expensive than comparable options. It is intended for adult dogs and has a moderate caloric content, making it ideal for weight maintenance.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Wet Dog Food is formulated with an exclusive S/O Index, which promotes urinary health and creates an environment unfavorable to crystal formation in the bladder.

This product is specifically designed for dogs with urinary tract issues and should be used under the guidance of a veterinarian.

Overall, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Wet Dog Food is a reliable option for pet owners seeking to improve their dog’s urinary health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if this diet is appropriate for your dog’s specific dietary needs.

Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Wet Dog Food is a reliable option for pet owners seeking to improve their dog’s urinary health. Consult your veterinarian to determine if this diet is appropriate for your dog’s specific dietary needs.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Bladder Stones

Determining the optimal dog diet requires consideration of a number of factors. Initially, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of bladder stones.

1. Signs of Bladder Stones

Bladder stones begin small but can increase in frequency and/or size over time.

Typically, a dog with bladder stones will exhibit the following symptoms:
Licking the area around the urethra
Urinary incontinence
Multiple attempts to urinate but inability to do so
Frequent urination
Signs of urinary discomfort
Urine discoloration or blood in the urine
Loss of appetite

In addition to being indicative of bladder stones, these symptoms may also indicate infections or malignancies, which your veterinarian can confirm with an X-ray or ultrasound.

2. How Are Bladder Stones Formed?

Minerals that are concentrated in the urine crystallize to form bladder stones. Struvite and calcium oxalate stones predominate, with urate and cystine stones occurring infrequently.

If the diagnosis is struvite stones, for instance, a veterinarian will typically prescribe antibiotics and recommend a therapeutic diet that will dissolve the stones and crystals.

This could be a long-term change to your dog’s diet, so you will want food that is not only effective but also palatable.

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3. The Importance of Diet in Preventing and Managing Bladder Stones

Diet plays a crucial role in preventing and treating bladder stones in dogs, but the specifics depend on the type of stones present. Diets are designed to influence specific factors, such as the pH of the urine or the electrolyte and mineral composition of the body.

Struvite stones, for instance, require an acidic pH to prevent recurrence. Calcium oxalate prevention necessitates a diet that dilutes urine to reduce its acidity.

3.1. Struvite Bladder Stones

Struvite stones form when a dog has a bladder infection, so preventing bladder infections will prevent the formation of these stones.

Maintaining the health of the dog’s immune system by including antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in their diet is essential.

Maintaining a high water intake and choosing a diet limited in protein, phosphorus, and magnesium will promote acidic urine.

3.2 Calcium Oxalate Stones

Diet recommendations include foods that dilute urine and contain moderate to low levels of animal protein. The increased water content of canned food dilutes the urine. Avoid foods containing wheat and organ meat due to their high oxalate content.

3.3 Urate Stones

Urate stones are less prevalent than purine stones and sometimes referred to as such. They develop in concentrated or highly acidic urine and are more common in certain breeds due to their genetic makeup.

An ideal diet for preventing this type of stone is low in meat (since organ meats can form urate stones) and high in vegetables, with soy protein and no cereals or barley.

3.4 Cystine Bladder Stones

These stones are uncommon, but when they occur, male dogs are typically affected. Choosing a diet that promotes urine diluteness, such as preserved or moist foods, is ideal as cystine stones form in acidic urine.

Similar to urate stones, choose a low-protein, balanced diet (restrict consumption of animal products).

Overall, it is important to work with your veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog based on their specific needs and situation. A balanced and appropriate diet is essential for managing and preventing bladder stones in your canine companion.

FAQs

1. What foods should dogs with bladder stones avoid?

Dogs with bladder stones should limit their intake of high oxalate foods including spinach, legumes, wheat fiber, nuts, beets, and rhubarb.

2. What breaks down bladder stones in dogs?

The three primary treatment options for bladder stones in dogs are surgical extraction, non-surgical extraction via urohydropropulsion, and dietary dissolution. The specific treatment used depends on the type of stone present.

3. What food to avoid for dogs with calcium oxalate bladder stones?

Dogs with calcium oxalate bladder stones should avoid foods high in oxalate such as nuts, rhubarb, beets, green beans, and spinach. Calcium supplements should also be avoided unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.

4. Can a dog live with bladder stones?

Bladder stones in dogs can cause frequent urinary tract infections, pain, and obstructions that can be fatal if left untreated. It is important to contact a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has bladder stones.

5. How long does it take for a dog to heal from bladder stones?

Recovery time for dogs with bladder stones typically takes between two and four weeks, including healing and resolution of symptoms. Pain medication and antibiotics may be necessary during this time.

6. Can hard water cause bladder stones in dogs?

Yes, hard water with high mineral content, including calcium and magnesium, has been linked to urinary diseases that may lead to bladder stone formation and urinary tract infections in dogs.

Conclusion

Understanding the link between nutrition and preventing and treating bladder stones can help you decide in the future what the best food is for your dog.

• The Royal Canin Dry Food   is our #1 pick since it is the best overall. While it is expensive, it enhances urine flow and avoids both oxalate and struvite stones.
• Because it includes no wheat and is high in water, the Blue Buffalo Basics Wet Dog Food is the best value for money for a dog suffering from calcium oxalate stones.
• Purina Veterinary  is our top pick since the food is kidney-friendly and particularly made to provide adequate nourishment.
• Hill's Dry Dog Food  in chicken flavor is great for puppies because it helps prevent struvite and calcium oxalate stones and boosts the immune system.
• Honest Kitchen's Wholegrain Dog Food , which delivers regulated amounts of minerals and hydration and is suited for all types and sizes of dogs, including adult moms, is fifth on our list.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes this information helps you understand the best dog foods for bladder stones and choose the proper diet to keep your dog healthy, happy, and free of bladder stones!