🚨 Understanding Bladder Stones in Dogs

Bladder stones, or uroliths, are crystalized mineral formations that develop in the bladder and urinary tract. These painful and potentially dangerous stones can cause blood in the urine, straining, frequent urination, or even complete obstruction — a veterinary emergency ⚠️.

The good news? Nutrition plays a huge role in both prevention and management 🥣. With the right veterinary diet, many stones can be dissolved or prevented from recurring.

🔍 Types of Bladder Stones & Their Diet Needs

Dietary strategies differ based on the specific stone type. Your vet will determine the stone type via urinalysis, imaging, or stone analysis. Here's a breakdown of the main types:

🧊 Struvite Stones

• ⚗️ Composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate
• 🦠 Often caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• 🥣 Diet Goal: Dissolve existing stones and prevent recurrence by acidifying urine and reducing phosphorus/magnesium
• 💧 Key Strategy: Feed prescription dissolution diets like Hill’s c/d, Royal Canin Urinary SO

🪨 Calcium Oxalate Stones

• 🔄 Cannot be dissolved, only prevented
• 🥗 Caused by high calcium or oxalate intake, or low urine volume
• 🥣 Diet Goal: Avoid high-oxalate foods (spinach, almonds), maintain neutral to alkaline pH
• 💧 Hydration: Essential to dilute urine and prevent stone growth
• 🧴 Consider potassium citrate supplements to alkalize urine

⚠️ Urate Stones (Purine Stones)

• 🧬 Common in Dalmatians, Bulldogs, and dogs with liver shunts
• 🍖 Triggered by high-purine proteins (organ meats, sardines, anchovies)
• 🥣 Diet Goal: Low-purine, moderate protein, alkalinize urine
• 💊 Allopurinol may be prescribed to reduce uric acid formation

🧬 Cystine Stones

• 👶 Genetic metabolic issue in certain breeds (e.g., Dachshunds, Newfoundlands)
• 🥣 Diet Goal: Low protein, alkaline pH, low sodium
• 💧 Hydration and alkalinizing agents (like potassium citrate) are crucial

🌫️ Silica & Calcium Phosphate Stones

• 🥖 Silica may be linked to diets high in plant-based fillers or contaminated water
• 🧪 Calcium phosphate often forms secondary to alkaline urine or infection
• 🥣 Custom dietary recommendations based on underlying causes

🍽️ Best Diet Strategies for Dogs with Bladder Stones

• 💧 Increase Moisture Intake: Wet food, broth toppers, or water added to kibble
• 🚱 Avoid High-Oxalate Ingredients: Spinach, beets, nuts, and soy
• 🧂 Reduce Salt: Salt increases calcium excretion and urine concentration
• 🐟 Control Protein Intake: Adjust based on stone type (low-purine, moderate protein for urate stones)
• ⚖️ Maintain a Balanced Urinary pH: Use pH-targeted diets as advised by your vet
• 🧪 Regular Urinalysis: Helps ensure diet is working and pH is in the ideal range

🏥 Vet-Recommended Prescription Diets

• Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare
• Royal Canin Urinary SO (wet & dry)
• Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets UR
• For urate or cystine stones: Hill’s u/d, Royal Canin UC

These diets are clinically tested to manage stone risk. Always transition gradually over 7–10 days and consult your vet before making changes.

🕓 Sample Daily Feeding Routine

• Morning: 200g prescription urinary wet food + 50ml added water
• Afternoon: Low-sodium treat or homemade pumpkin cubes
• Evening: 180g dry prescription urinary kibble + fish oil
• Hydration: Water available at all times, including flavored (unsalted broth)

⚠️ When to Contact the Vet

• 🐾 Straining to urinate
• ❌ No urine passed for 6+ hours
• 🩸 Blood in urine
• 😟 Pain or restlessness
• 📉 Loss of appetite or lethargy

🔚 Final Thoughts

Bladder stones are manageable — and often preventable — with tailored diets and vigilant hydration 💧. Your vet will help determine the stone type and the best prescription food to either dissolve existing stones or prevent recurrence. Stay consistent, attend regular check-ups 🧪, and never hesitate to reach out if you see changes in your dog’s urination or appetite.