7 Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health in 2023
Illnesses that often go unnoticed are those related to the urinary tract; such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other kidney related diseases, so in these cases, you need to be even more vigilant. If your dog is diagnosed with a urinary tract problem, a urinary care dog food or non-prescription diet for urinary health might then become a necessity, to either cure or control an existing condition.
They also can’t tell their owners when something is wrong, which makes owning a dog a huge responsibility since it is up to you to keep track of any signs of discomfort.
Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best dog food for urinary health, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.
Best Dog Food For Urinary Health
1. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
As we mentioned, cranberries are an exceptional ingredient for urinary health, it happens to be included in the list of ingredients. Aside from bladder and urinary tract health, the Blue Buffalo formula focuses on protein with chicken and very healthy amounts of omega fatty acids that boost skin and coat health.
You can also find sources of vitamin C and B12 that will further the effects of urinary health protection. Your pup will benefit from this food and have a stronger immune system, bones and teeth.
Why We Like It – The best dog food for urinary problems is a product that is mild, easy for your dog’s body to both process and gain nutrients from, and one that tastes good. This yummy and affordable kibble has all that – and it comes at a reasonable price!
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,627 kcal/kg, 378 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 5.0% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 3.0% min |
| Glucosamine | 400 mg/kg min |
First 7 Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Pea Starch, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids)…
Pros:
+ Cranberries
+ Vitamin C and B12
+ Added glucosamine
+ Omega fatty acids
Cons:
– Your dog may not like the flavor
2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
The Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free dog food contains levels of vitamin B12 for a stronger immune system. Your dog will be less likely to develop urinary issues with additional levels of vitamins and minerals. The roasted bison and venison is considered a more exotic form of protein your dog will love and there is even proprietary probiotics to give a healthy digestive system by lowering urinary tract infections.
Why We Like It – By using this healthy and nutritious dog food to prevent struvite crystals, you make sure your pooch gets all the essential nutrients, while not exposing him or her to more ingredients than what is necessary.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,258 kcal/kg, 505 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 24.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 13.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 7.5% max |
| Calcium | 2.4% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
First 7 Ingredients
Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols)…
Pros:
+ Grain-free
+ Vitamin B12
+ Probiotics added
+ Made in the USA
Cons:
– The exotic flavor may not entice your dog
3. Hills U/D Non-Struvite Urinary Tract Dog Food
Hills U/D Non-Struvite Urinary Tract Dog Food has extra L-carnitine and taurine for cardiac health, and the reduced calcium and protein levels help prevent the formation of bladder stones. The kibble also has added vitamins and minerals, antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system and control cell oxidation, and it tastes just as good as regular dry food.
Hill’s Science Diet dog food and its products are known for their unique compositions of nutrients; carefully brought together to create veterinary recommended dog foods that may help with certain medical conditions, and this kibble is no exception.
Why We Like It – This is the best food for urinary health if your dog has a diagnosed urinary health condition, as it has been thoroughly tested for maximal effect. Each ingredient in Hills urinary care dog food works to fulfill a purpose, to help your dog towards a healthier life.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 398 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 8.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 17.5% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 400 IU/kg min |
| Calcium | 0.45% max |
First 7 Ingredients
Brewers Rice, Corn Starch, Pork Fat, Egg Product, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Flaxseed…
Pros:
+ Reduced levels of protein and calcium
+ Taurine and L-Carnitine for heart health
+ Antioxidants for boosted health
+ Controls cell oxidation and prevents bladder stones
Cons:
– The taste could be a bit blander than other kibble
4. Purina Canine UR Urinary Ox/St Dog Food
The unique features of this urinary tract dog food enable it to provide an unattractive environment for the development of something called sterile struvite stones and calcium oxalate, and it is ideal for helping your pup feel his or her best. For dogs with urinary health problems, urine dog food can make a big difference, and prolong as well as improve their lives significantly.
Purina Canine UR Urinary Ox/St Dog Food is a new formula packed with nutrients, antioxidants and added vitamins and minerals; with the flavor and crunchy texture, you would expect to find in the best dog food to prevent urinary tract problems and other similar issues. This Purina urinary health food will keep your four-legged friend healthy, and it is likely to show from the inside and out.
Why We Like It – Purina’s canine food for urinary health is optimized to suit small dogs, this dog food suits large dogs as well, thanks to the appropriately sized kibble bits.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,542 kcal/kg, 408 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 21.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 9.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 6.5% max |
| Moisture | 12.0% max |
| Calcium | 0.9% min |
First 7 Ingredients
Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Powdered Cellulose, Egg And Chicken Flavor…
Pros:
+ Prevents struvite stones and bladder stones
+ Combats the development of calcium oxalate
+ With essential nutrients and vitamins
+ Medium sized kibble for small and large dogs
Cons:
– Kibble may be too big for toy dogs
5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Urinary SO Dry Dog Food
Urinary health dry dog food needs to live up to certain quality standards for it to be effective, and Royal Canin has once again managed to beat the expectations by supplying dogs and their owners all over the world with a delicious and veterinary recommended doggy food for urinary health.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Urinary SO Dry Dog Food has been developed to increase urine production, with the purpose of effectively reducing the concentration of those minerals that are known to cause kidney stones to form. It has Omega-3 fatty acids to keep urinary health up and free from infections and inflammation and it has ingredients to help dissolve already existing urinary stones.
Why We Like It – This urinary tract health pet food works both to prevent urinary discomfort, but also to treat and resolve pre-existing issues by using various quality ingredients with specific purposes.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,227 kcal/kg, 248 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 14.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 4.7% max |
| Moisture | 12.0% max |
First 7 Ingredients
Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken Fat, Chicken by-product Meal, Brewers Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavors…
Pros:
+ Prevents the formation of kidney stones
+ Reduces risk of urinary infections
+ Controlled amounts of protein and magnesium
+ Recommended by licensed veterinarians
Cons:
– Your dog may not like the taste
6. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Urinary Care for Dogs
Blue Buffalo is a brand that has been known for its quality products now for several years, so why not pick their food for urinary tract infections and other related health issues? Your dog will likely thank you, in his or her own way.
It is a great option for anyone looking for the best dog food for urinary health and bladder stones, and it is one of few grain-free urinary health dry dog foods on the market; making it ideal for pet parents that want to continue feeding a no-grain diet even after having been recommended to start using a special diet for your dog’s urinary tract health.
Why We Like It – When it comes to Blue Buffalo – what’s not to like? They have completely cut grains, which is unusual for a food for UTI problems, and their kibble is made with natural and wholesome ingredients. Take a look at this thorough review of Blue Buffalo Dog Food.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,074 kcal/kg, 309 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 30.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 10.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 17.0% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.5% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.0% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
| Vitamin E | 300 IU/kg min |
First 7 Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Starch, Peas, Pea Protein, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavor…
Pros:
+ 100% Grain-free + Wholesome natural diet + Increased fiber to feel fuller longer + For all life stages
Cons:
– Not recommended for dogs at an ideal weight
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7. ROYAL CANIN Canine Urinary SO Dry Small Dog Food
The compounds in this quality urinary food diet help dissolve existing urinary stones along with preventing new ones, to keep your fur buddy feeling great through-out the day. Medical diagnosis should not have to mean a decrease in life quality, and many minor health issues can be helped with the right diet.
Royal Canin has created this tasty and crunchy dry dog food for your dog’s urinary tract health problems and other related issues, and they have adapted it to better suit our smallest fur friends. The kibble size is apt for small puppy jaws; so that even the smallest dog breeds can get the help they need when they need it.
Why We Like It – Small dogs often struggle to chew regular kibble, which can cause discomfort and even pain. Royal Canin is one of the most respected urinary tract health dog food brands, and they have now created a product to perfectly suit even our smallest fur friends.
Nutrition Information:
| Caloric Content | 3,727 kcal/kg, 358 kcal/cup |
| Crude Protein | 18.0% min |
| Crude Fat | 15.0% min |
| Crude Fiber | 3.6% max |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.4% min |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 2.2% min |
| Moisture | 10.0% max |
First 7 Ingredients
Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken Fat, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavors, Salt…
Pros:
+ Omega-3 and other fatty acids
+ Ideal for small dogs
+ Crunchy yet easy to chew
+ Prevents worsening of existing symptoms
Cons:
– Not recommended for big dogs
How We Picked the Best Dog Foods for Urinary Health
Whole Foods
Whole ingredients are always the best to boost your dog’s overall immune system and provide the best nutrition. Sometimes it isn’t about focusing on one issue, but health maintenance as a whole.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals also work together to boost your dog’s immune system. Aside from food packed full of these micronutrients, you can also look for supplements. The most important ones are B12, and vitamin C.
Food with Cranberries
Cranberries help humans with UTIs, bladder infections and other urinary health-related issues, and the same goes for dogs as well. Look at the ingredients list to see which include these tart red fruits. Like vitamins and minerals, you can also consider supplements.
Dog Food For Urinary Health Buyers Guide
Finding the best dog food for your dog’s urinary health is both important and urgent once your pooch has been diagnosed with a related issue, and luckily there are several options available. It is unlikely that you would find a quality option in a grocery store; as grocery stores are known for offering mostly low-quality brands, so make sure you do proper research before trusting a dog food brand with your dog’s health.
There are a number of issues that could have a negative effect on a dog’s lower (and often very sensitive) urinary system; such as bacterial infections, cancer, bladder stones, incontinence, bacterial infections, obstruction of the urethra, crystals and more, and there are a number of reasons to why a veterinarian might suggest a prescription diet for bladder stones or any of the other mentioned health conditions.
You probably should not feed a specific UTI (urinary tract infection) dog food unless a veterinarian has advised you to do so, as you could be ignoring another potentially life-threatening condition. Always seek professional advice before switching your dog’s diet.
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Causes of Urinary Tract Health Problems
As mentioned above, your dog’s urinary health issues can be anything from a temporary UTI (urinary tract infection) to serious conditions like cancer and prostate disease. Congenital abnormalities and abnormalities in the spine can also lead to the types of health issues that could require food urinary health specialists would approve of, and you might be surprised how many dogs in the United States and in the world that is currently being fed PH balanced dog food for urinary care.
The misconception that this type of dog food is only used for dogs with a UTI is common, but it can be used for so much more.
Dogs Prone to Urinary Tract Issues
The most important thing to know is that no dog is immune to these types of health problems and that it can happen to any dog and at any time. Older dogs (usual dogs over the age of 7) are more prone to it, however, and especially to certain types of bladder stones that seem to favor the bladder of a senior pup.
Dogs with diabetes are also at risk of urinary tract issues, and any owner of a diabetic dog should consider taking preventive action by feeding the best food for urinary cysts and more – see some foods for diabetic dogs here. A few urinary tract conditions are also more common in certain breeds, and if you have a purebred dog it is a good idea to read up on common health concerns and issues often associated with the specific breed.
Symptoms of Urinary Health Issues
Now, how can you know if your dog has urinary health issues? First, you should make sure to go to the vet for regular check-ups, as some conditions can be difficult for a regular dog owner to spot. Make sure your dog has all the required shots and take him or her in for a regular check-up just to be sure.
Examples of general symptoms (as these can vary greatly from dog to dog) are frequent fever, bloody- or cloudy urine, urine with an unusually strong scent, lethargy, increased urination, weight loss, back pain, persistent licking of the urinary opening, increased water consumption, etc. etc.
Best canned dog food for urinary health?
Almost all bigger dog food brands like Royal Canin, Hills, and Blue Buffalo offer their dog foods in both a dry and a wet presentation. This is ideal for owners of dogs that may have trouble chewing kibble, or that simply don’t like it much, as you can get the same quality ingredients you would expect to find in your favorite UTI kibble – but in a can of wet and mushy deliciousness! Wet dog food can also be used as a dog food topping for picky eaters.
Conclusion
When it comes to dog food urinary health is a relevant factor and something that needs to be considered before picking a product. Just like with any other dog food – quality is the number one priority, as your dog needs nutrition to live a long, happy and healthy life.
Cornerstones in high-quality dog food is a significant amount of quality protein (look at the first couple of ingredients on the ingredient list), natural ingredients and a complete lack of artificial flavor, color and preservatives.
If your dog has urinary health issues – you also need the food to have regulated levels of – well – everything. This is one of the cases where you will want to get a food product that has been developed specifically for urinary health issues, and you should talk to your veterinarian to make sure you are making the right choice.
Expert Tip
If you already have your dog on the best food for UTI’s and more, invest in a quality dog treat with similar health benefits, to avoid undoing all the good that the dog food is doing for your pup.
Did You Know?
Cranberry is a natural cleanser for both humans and dogs with urinary health issues, but while humans can benefit from drinking cranberry juice – dogs should be fed cranberry through their diet or through veterinary recommended dog treats.
