Urine-Based Dog Food: Top 6 Vet-Supported Brands of 2024
In the world of pet care, maintaining the health and wellbeing of our furry friends is paramount. For senior dogs and those with urinary issues, diet plays a crucial role in managing the condition. One trusted brand that stands out in the pet food industry is Royal Canin, known for its therapeutic diets developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists.
Royal Canin offers a range of urinary dog foods designed to prevent bladder stones, particularly those associated with struvite and calcium oxalate. The dry diet for senior dogs, for instance, contains a specific mix of nutrients and antioxidants to promote cognition in senior dogs while helping to dissolve and prevent the occurrence of struvite and calcium oxalate stones.
For small dogs, there's the Royal Canin Urinary Dog Food SO, which is formulated to meet their nutritional needs. This diet, too, helps prevent the formation of struvite stones. Another option is the Royal Canin Urinary UC Low Purine Dry Dog Food, which is designed to help with the prevention of urate stones. It contains moderate levels of high-quality proteins, methionine, and cysteine to lessen the possibility of cystine stones.
Added benefits in these diets include omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, and vitamins like vitamin E and fish oil. The kibble in the senior diet from Royal Canin is very palatable, helping to boost regular eating habits.
However, it's essential to remember that diet is only one part of managing urinary disease in dogs. Veterinary evaluations will become important once your dog is on the urinary dog diet. Your veterinarian may also recommend surgery to remove the stones, as well as treatment for any underlying issues.
Switching a dog to a new diet can be challenging, but it's recommended to do so over the course of a week to help prevent stomach upset. Puppies don't usually get stones like adults do, and urinary diets aren't suitable for them. It's crucial to feed only what the veterinarian prescribes when your dog is on a therapeutic diet.
In urinary dog foods designed to prevent bladder stones, certain minerals are often restricted to reduce the risk of stone formation. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are commonly managed, as they can contribute to stone formation. Oxalate, a component of calcium oxalate stones, is also managed to prevent these stones.
In conclusion, Royal Canin offers a variety of urinary dog foods that can help manage urinary diseases in dogs. By working closely with your veterinarian, you can choose the right diet for your dog's specific health needs and ensure they maintain a happy and healthy life.
[1] Virbac Urology Dog Food U1: https://www.virbac.com/products/pet-care/urology-dog-food-u1/ [3] Royal Canin: https://www.royalcanin.com/uk/our-brands/royal-canin-veterinary-diets/urinary-care
- "In addition to following a suitable urinary diet from brands like Royal Canin, it's crucial to seek veterinary advice for mental-health assessments and overall wellness check-ups to ensure the holistic health of your dog."
- "For those interested in the advancements in science for pet care, Royal Canin's urinary dog foods are a testament to the impact of health-and-wellness research on canine health, specifically in the prevention and management of bladder stones."
