Urinary Stones: Is Your Dog’s Diet Increasing Risk of Stone Development?
Urinary stones in dogs are on the rise in the U.S. The newer “fresh” pet diets have been identified as a likely cause.
Urinary stones, also called uroliths, are becoming more common in dogs across the United States. These stones form in the bladder or urinary tract when minerals in the urine crystallize and clump together. The condition can be painful, lead to urinary blockages, and sometimes require surgery.
Recently, researchers at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine discovered a new type of urinary stone in dogs—calcium tartrate tetrahydrate (CaTT). They identified diet as a likely cause – specifically, those with higher levels of choline and tartrate – commonly found in dietary supplements as well as some foods such as eggs, liver, and cruciferous vegetables.
This report highlights nutrition’s role in urinary stones and gives well-intentioned pet owners new reasons to take a closer look at what goes into their dog’s food bowl.
Table of Contents
The Role of Diet in Stone Formation
Diet has long been linked to urinary stone risk. Certain nutrients, minerals, and even supplements can alter urine chemistry in ways that either prevent or promote stone formation. Dietary factors to consider:
- Newer “fresh” diets with higher amounts of choline bitartrate, identified in fresh dog food brands such as “The Farmer’s Dog, Justfoodfordogs, and Nom Nom”, have resulted in development of the CaTT stones (University of Minnesota, Profiles VetMed). These were identified in dogs for the first time a few years ago through University of Minnesota Urolith Center, which analyzes more than 80,000 stones annually from veterinarians worldwide.
- High-oxalate foods (like spinach, beets, and nuts) may increase risk for calcium oxalate stones in dogs that are genetically predisposed.
- High-protein, low-moisture diets can lead to more concentrated urine, which favors stone growth when a predisposition is present.
What Pet Owners Can Do.
Urinary stones can cause symptoms ranging from blood in the urine and frequent urination to painful blockages requiring emergency care. Because diet plays such an important role in your pet’s overall health, prevention often starts with what you feed your dog.
Tips for Pet Owners:
- Weigh risk/benefit when considering “fresh” pet foods, known to be higher in choline bitartrate.
- Provide fresh water at all times to help prevent overly concentrated urine.
- Work with your veterinarian before making dietary changes or starting supplements, to discuss potential risks.
- Watch for warning signs like straining to urinate, accidents in the house, or blood in the urine.
Still Have Questions About Your Pet’s Diet? We Can Help.
The discovery of CaTT urinary stones is a reminder that what goes into your dog’s diet can directly impact long-term health.
If you have questions about your dog’s diet, or if your pet has shown any signs of urinary problems, contact your veterinarian. Dietary options can be discussed as well as any relevant risk factors to consider. If your dog has urinary symptoms of potential concern, diagnostics can be pursued to help identify and address the underlying cause.
For expert advice and compassionate care, schedule a visit with Regal Animal Hospital today!
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