If your dog has a urinary tract infection (UTI), it can be an uncomfortable and even hazardous situation for him. But the good news is that UTIs can be treated and your pup will feel much better soon!
One way to address this is with a prescription diet from your veterinarian. These diets are specifically designed for healthier urinary systems, helping dissolve struvite stones and calcium oxalate crystals while also preventing new ones from forming.
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Grain-free
Grain-free recipes are ideal for pets with sensitive stomachs or allergies. These foods typically have fewer ingredients than other types of dog food, making them safer to eat.
Furthermore, grain-free diets add moisture to encourage pets to consume them. This helps flush excess minerals out of a pet’s system and prevent painful stones from forming.
For older dogs, a grain-free diet can be beneficial as it aids with their urinary health. Plus, these foods contain an array of antioxidants which benefit their overall wellbeing.
Vets and nutritionists created this special formula to give your pup the right balance of essential nutrients. It dissolves struvite and calcium oxalate stones while preventing new ones from forming.
Hypoallergenic
If your dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, a hypoallergenic diet is an effective way to manage symptoms. Veterinarian formulas specifically designed for this purpose have been thoroughly tested and proven safe, eliminating the potential risk of an allergic reaction in your pup.
These foods will be high in easily digestible proteins and contain only a minimal amount of single protein ingredients that your pup won’t react to. Furthermore, these meals are enriched with Omega 3 fatty acids which help promote natural anti-inflammatory processes within your pup’s body.
This type of diet is specially designed to combat urinary tract infections and help restore proper pH balance to your dog’s urine, potentially helping prevent bladder stones from forming.
High in Omega 3 Fatty Acids
If your pet suffers from immune system disorders such as flea allergies, arthritis or autoimmune disease, higher levels of Omega 3 fatty acids could be beneficial. These fatty acids help control inflammation and ease pain in pets with these conditions while also encouraging healthy skin and coat development, improving training abilities and elevating moods.
Ideal dog foods should contain a high concentration of protein, fiber from grains and healthy fats from whole meats or fish. Some dry food brands provide additional health-promoting ingredients like long-chain Omega 3 fatty acids from marine-based oils or meals, glucosamine, chondroitin, green-lipped mussels as well as additional vitamins and minerals.
If your pet is overweight or has diabetes, a high-fiber diet can help reduce excess body fat and build muscle mass. While the AAFCO doesn’t specify a nutrient requirement for fiber, experts generally suggest 1% to 10%. According to Swanson, it’s best to gradually transition your pup onto this new diet over time.
Helps Dissolve Urinary Stones
Bladder stones can be an excruciatingly painful issue for your dog, and in extreme cases it could even be life-threatening. This is because bladder stones may either form into a dam or completely block the neck of the bladder, leaving your pup unable to relieve themselves.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of bladder stone formation. These include small breeds, lack of exercise and a low water intake.
Some foods can help dissolve urinary stones. These include those with precise levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
These foods can help keep your dog’s urine free of minerals that form stones, helping prevent them from forming.
These foods can be pricey, so working with a veterinarian who understands your dog’s condition to find the right one for them. Some of the best options for dogs with bladder issues include Hill’s Prescription Diet s/d or c/d and Royal Canin Urinary SO.
