Chronic Diseases & Special Conditions
Dog Urinary Stones: Dietary Prevention & Care
Learn about struvite, oxalate, and urate stones in dogs. Discover how specific diets can prevent and manage these common urinary tract issues. Get expert pet care tips.
When to see a vet IMMEDIATELY
- •Blood in stool or vomit
- •Lethargy, not drinking, or not eating for 24+ hours
- •Repeated vomiting, especially if water won't stay down
- •Swollen or painful abdomen, whimpering
- •Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, or worsening symptoms
This article is informational and does not replace veterinary examination.
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Urinary Tract Problems and Stone Formation
Most Common Stone Types
1. Struvite (Magnesium Ammonium Phosphate)
- Forms in alkaline urine
- Often associated with infection
- Can be dissolved with diet
2. Calcium Oxalate
- Forms in acidic/neutral urine
- Genetic predisposition (Schnauzer, Yorkie, Bichon)
- Can be prevented with diet, but not dissolved
3. Urate (Rare)
- Dalmatians, English Bulldogs are prone
- Requires reduced purine intake
Struvite Diet
Goal: Acidic urine, reduced stone-forming components.
- Veterinary struvite-dissolving diets (Hill's s/d, Royal Canin Urinary S/O)
- High moisture content (wet food)
- Moderate protein, reduced Mg and P
- Urinary acidifiers as needed
Oxalate Diet
Goal: Moderately alkaline urine, low oxalate.
- Veterinary oxalate-preventative diets
- Plenty of water (most important!)
- Restricted calcium is NOT recommended
- Avoid: spinach, almonds, chocolate, green tea
Prevention
1. Plenty of Water Diluted urine = less stone formation. Wet food, multiple water bowls.
2. Frequent Urination At least 4-5 times daily.
3. Avoid Salt High sodium burdens kidneys and blood pressure.
Symptoms
- Difficulty urinating, frequent attempts
- Bloody urine
- Painful urination
- Accidents in the house
- Abdominal pain
- Emergency: inability to urinate → immediate vet visit
Diagnosis
- Urinalysis
- Ultrasound (US)/X-ray
- Stone analysis after surgery
Monitoring
Urinalysis and follow-up ultrasound every 3-6 months.
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References
- 1.Lulich JP, Berent AC, Adams LG, Westropp JL, Bartges JW, Osborne CA — ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Recommendations on the Treatment and Prevention of Uroliths in Dogs and Cats. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 30(5):1564–1574, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14559 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
