homemade dog food urinary diet

Homemade dog food recipe for urinary health

Welcome tomy comprehensive guide for a homemade, natural dog food recipe specifically designed to support your furry friend's urinary tract health. Providing your beloved pet with the right nutrition can significantly improve urinary health and prevent common conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or stones. We'll delve into the advantages of a tailored diet, crucial ingredients that promote urinary wellness, and the perfect steps to prepare this home-cooked feast. This article is the ultimate resource for pet parents seeking to enhance their dogs' urinary health naturally and effectively, filled with expert advice, practical tips, and scientifically-backed knowledge on canine urinary care (research referenced).

Follow the steps to create the perfect homemade diet for your dog

Step 1 Read the general rules for support Urinary Health, and implement them!

Step 2 Learn how to support your dogs specific Urinary issue

Step 3 Adjust the Urinary Support recipe (as shown in video below) orpurchase the Urinary Support Plan for my health plan plus email support from me.

General Rules for canine urinary support

What is the urinary tract?

The urinary tract is a waste removal system. When your dog eats, the body takes nutrients from the food and it goes into the blood. Not everything taken into the blood is needed or in fact healthy, its waste. The kidneys and urinary system help the body to eliminate the waste.

All of the waste thats carried in the bloodstream (after entering the blood through the digestive process) gets to the kidneys, where it is removed along with water and other waste.

However, if the diet is imbalance or the urinary tract is not functioning optimally, due to bacterial imbalance or a genetic predisposition, waste can accumulate and cause infection and/ or urinary crystals and stones.

Appropriately Balanced Fresh Food

Creating a balanced fresh food diet will reduce the risk of infection and stone formation, as imbalance reduces urinary tract function. A good way to think about it, is that bacteria, fungus and other microorganisms feed off the food you feed your dog, and if you provide too much of the wrong food, it feeds the bad bacteria more than the good.

Urine infections affect around 27% of dogs. These are infections that cause inflammation in the urinary tract and are mainly an overgrowth of bacteria, but they can also be caused by fungus overgrowth, and in extremely rare cases, viral infection. (1)

Removing inflammatory ingredients like gluten (pasta, bread, corn, wheat, rice, maize etc.) is imperative. Check the treats you feed your dog to ensure these ingredients arent being made available.

You must also remove any intolerances from your dogs diet, these are proteins (meats) that they dont digest as well. Signs of poor protein digestion include ear infections, itchiness, paw licking and regular lose stools.

Gut and Urine Microbiome Support

A diverse, balanced and healthy microbiome, both in the gut and the urine, comes from having a range of natural fresh foods in the diet (2).

The bacterial urinary microbiome in healthy state has a greater taxonomic richness, meaning having a balance gut microbiome is a clear indicator of health. (3)

Support comes from the balance fresh food, and also the use of probiotics like natural organic yoghurt, kefir, goats milk or sauerkraut. Use these at least 2-3 times per week.

Increase urine supersaturation (less concentrated urine)

Many urinary stones formation, like calcium oxalate, cystine and urate stones, are affected by the concentration of the urine. (4,5,6)

Increasing the moisture in your dogs diet, by adding water to their meals (25ml per 100g) can help.

I recommend also feeding bone broth, 25ml per 10kg/ 20lbs of body weight up to FOUR times per week.

Specific Canine Urinary Support

Using the Urinary Support recipe on YouTube and the information provided on the specific issue, amend it to suit your dogs needs.

Urinary Tract Infection Support for dogs

Generally UTIs are caused by inappropriate diets (not the best ingredients, and too many carbs) causing an alkaline urine. A healthy dog produces slightly acidic urine between 6.0-6.5 pH. There is a correlation between bacterial overgrowth with more neutral urine, around pH 7. (7)

You want to increase the acidity, which will come from using my recipes naturally, but use apples and cranberries regularly to help this. Do not use carbs for the first 2 weeks.

The overuse of antibiotics can also cause more regular UTIs, you need to minimise their use as much as possible. Legally Im obliged to say consult your Vet, but try diet and every other option before using antibiotics. The more they are used, the more regularly your dog will get an infection. (8)

Homemade dog food for Calcium Oxalate Stones

Calcium homeostasis is a major cause of calcium oxalate stones. To provide a correct balance of calcium, you need ensure sufficient phosphorus and Vitamin D. (4)Do not remove calcium from the diet. Use the recipe provided, and make liver and ideally fish too, are also given on a regular basis.

Remember to increase the water intake of your dogs diet too (follow the general rules for Canine Urinary Tract Health).

Homemade dog food for Cystine Stones

There is little evidence to support dietary restriction of protein, however the restriction of methionine contain foods like broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, potatos is recommended. Also the vegetables used should have a high in organic anion content (9)

Dietary management of cystine stones is designed around maintaining a urine pH 6.5 - 6.75. This is done by having a slightly more alkaline diet than is normally prescribed for a dog. This can be hard, and dont lose too much sleep over this, as following the general rules for Canine Urinary tract health play a more effective role in managing the issue. Avoid apple, broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower and potatoes. Use squash if using carbs.

You need to restrict salt intake. No more snacking on leftovers that have human levels of salt.

The inclusion of Alpha Lipoic Acid (flaxseed oil as the oil you use) is a safe and well tolerated food supplement that has been remarkably effective in a mouse model of cystinuria. (10)

If stones are present, or you think your dog is beginning to struggle to pee, an initial high alkaline diet with the inclusion of potassium citrate is recommended to increase the speed in which the stones dissolve (11).

Urate Stones

Many cases of urate stones come from Dalmatian dogs, as all pure-bred Dalmatians excrete excessive quantities of uric acid (and therefore have two abnormal copies of the gene).

Generally this only affects male Dalmatian, due to the width of their urinary tract veign slightly less wide. However, dogs with a history of stones must only consume low fat meats; lean beef, cod, venison and rabbit.

Much is made of low purine diets being affective, I have only seen one study funded by Royal Canin (Mars), so it should most certainly be taken with a pinch of salt (do not add to your dogs diet).

To reduce purines effectively, organ meat should be liver or heart from beef, chicken or lamb. Organ meat should only make up 5% of the diet for sensitive dogs and 10% for healthy dogs (Ideally chicken liver or lamb liver or heart)

Using small amount (10-15%) of grated low purine vegetables is generally great for all breeds with a purine metabolism problem. (Avoid higher purine veggie, check here).

Additional Support for dogs with Urinary Tract Issues

If you want specific recipes or help with your dogs diet, please sign up for a consultation, or the Urinary Support Plan which comes with specific recipes to each issue.

References:

1. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/urinary-tract-infections-in-dogs/
2. Rodrguez, F.M., Rubio, L.S., Nanne, I.G., Martn, F.S., Emiliani, E. and Feu, O.A., 2020. The relationship between calcium oxalate lithiasis and chronic proinflammatory intestinal dysbiosis pattern: a prospective study.Urolithiasis,48(4), pp.321-328.
3. Melgarejo, T., Oakley, B.B., Krumbeck, J.A., Tang, S., Krantz, A. and Linde, A., 2021. Assessment of bacterial and fungal populations in urine from clinically healthy dogs using nextgeneration sequencing.Journal of veterinary internal medicine,35(3), pp.1416-1426.
4. Hunprasit, V., 2017. Epidemiologic Evaluation of Risk Factors for Calcium Oxalate Urolith Formation and Recurrence in Dogs
5. Stevenson, A.E., Blackburn, J.M., Markwell, P.J. and Robertson, W.G., 2004. Nutrient intake and urine composition in calcium oxalate stone-forming dogs: comparison with healthy dogs and impact of dietary modification.Veterinary therapeutics: research in applied veterinary medicine,5(3), pp.218-231.
6. Bartges, J.W. and Callens, A.J., 2015. Urolithiasis.Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice,45(4), pp.747-768.
7. Robin R. Shields-Cutler, Jan R. Crowley, Chia S. Hung, Ann E. Stapleton, Courtney C. Aldrich, Jonas Marschall, Jeffrey P. Henderson.Human Urinary Composition Controls Siderocalin's Antibacterial Activity.Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2015; jbc.M115.645812 DOI:10.1074/jbc.M115.645812
8. Werner, M., Suchodolski, J.S., Straubinger, R.K., Wolf, G., Steiner, J.M., Lidbury, J.A., Neuerer, F., Hartmann, K. and Unterer, S., 2020. Effect of amoxicillinclavulanic acid on clinical scores, intestinal microbiome, and amoxicillinresistant Escherichia coli in dogs with uncomplicated acute diarrhea.Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine,34(3), pp.1166-1176.
9. Moussa M, Papatsoris AG, Abou Chakra M, Moussa Y. Update on cystine stones: current and future concepts in treatment.Intractable Rare Dis Res. 2020;9(2):71-78. doi:10.5582/irdr.2020.03006
10. Wiener, S.V., Chi, T. and Stoller, M.L., 2018. Alpha lipoic acid as a novel therapeutic approach to cystinuria.Expert Opinion on Orphan Drugs,6(4), pp.295-300.
11. Lulich, J.P., Berent, A.C., Adams, L.G., Westropp, J.L., Bartges, J.W. and Osborne, C.A., 2016. ACVIM small animal consensus recommendations on the treatment and prevention of uroliths in dogs and cats.Journal of veterinary internal medicine,30(5), pp.1564-1574.

Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones, Recipes

Dogs can develop bladder stones or kidney stonesthe same way humans do.

Kidney and bladder stones in dogs are very serious, painful, and even fatal problems.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals,

Bladder stones are common in dogs. They result from one or more underlying abnormalities, making stone analysis a step in the diagnosis process.

It is important to evaluate what the dog was fed before the bladder stone diagnosis and analyze blood and urine for clues as to how nutrition may prevent bladder stone occurrence.

If you prefer to cook for your pooch, then these homemade dog food for bladder stones recipes will come in handy.

According to the most recent findings, today's dietary recommendations for dogs with bladder stones differ from those recommended a few decades ago.

Diets should not be restricted in protein, phosphorus, or calcium.

A 2002 AVMA study found that feeding dogs a low-carb and high-protein diet reduces the risk of kidney stones.

Therefore, a minimum of 1 gram of protein per pound of a dog's body weight daily is recommended.

In addition to this diet, remember that water intake will be a crucial component for dealing with bladder stones in dogs.

Take any opportunity to encourage your dog to drink water or otherwise consume fluids (through homemade food or canned dog food) and urinate.

Adding a little salt will encourage your pet to urinate more, and several studies found that sodium intake actually helps to deal with bladder stones.

Do not confuse different types of stones. A diet for dogs with struvite crystals (or struvite bladder stones containing magnesium ammonium phosphate).

This will differ greatly from a diet for dogs with calcium oxalate (CaOx) bladder and kidney stones.

While these are technically homemade dog food for bladder stones recipes, remember that every dog and every case is different.

It's crucial that you discuss any dietary adjustments and recipes with your veterinarian before feeding them to your pooch.

With that in mind, here are 13 recipes for homemade dog food for bladder stones that may help your pup.

All leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days and frozen for 3 months.

Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones

1. Chicken Dinner with Desert

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tsp sea salt
• 1 cups rice
• 2 cups frozen green peas (steamed)
• 1 can of pure pumpkin
• Bananas (desert served banana daily)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375
• Rinse chicken, place in a casserole dish, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 30 minutes. Drain and chop into small pieces.
• Cook rice according to the directions on the bag and your cooker.
• Mix ingredients together. Allow cooling. Chop in a food processor.
• Serve with half of a banana (sliced).

2. Complete Nutrition Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. cooked ground turkey
• 3 oz canned tuna (packed in water)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 oz beef liver
• 4 oz plain low-fat yogurt
• 4 oz low-fat cottage cheese
• 3 cups white rice
• 5 oz broccoli, 5 oz carrots, 5 oz peas
• Olive oil

Directions:

• Brown ground meats.
• Fry liver in olive oil.
• Steam vegetables.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Scramble eggs (or cook any way preferred).
• Mix all ingredients together and chop in a food processor.

More Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones

3. Satisfying Beef Supper

Ingredients:

• 5 oz ground beef
• 3 cups long-grained white rice
• 2 tsp canola oil
• tsp salt substitute (potassium chloride)
• 1 tsp bone meal powder
• tsp iodized table salt (sodium chloride)
• 1 chewable kids multi-vitamin/multi-mineral
• 50 mg zinc

Directions:

• Brown ground meat.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Mix rice and meat with other ingredients.
• Vitamins can be ground into food or served separately.

4. Egg Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 cups long-grain brown rice
• 2 tsp canola oil
• oz brewer's yeast
• 4 bonemeal tablets (10-grain or equivalent)
• teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride)
• 1 chewable kids multivitamin (or canine vitamin)

Directions:

• Boil egg and crush (with shells).
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Mix all ingredients together.
• Vitamins can be ground into food or served separately.

5. Chuck Roast with Mash

Ingredients:

• 1 pounds of ground chuck roast
• lb of cooked calf liver
• 1 cup instant mashed potatoes
• 1 tsp canola oil
• 8 chewable Tums (calcium carbonate)
• 1 chewable vitamin for kids or dogs
• 100 IU of vitamin E-liquid
• 2 oz distilled water

Directions:

• Brown ground chuck roast.
• Fry's liver.
• Prepare mashed potatoes using the directions on the box.
• Mix all the ingredients together, grounding the vitamins and mixing in.

6. Tuna Surprise

Ingredients:

• 3 cans of tuna packed in water
• 1 tsp iodized table salt (sodium chloride)
• 1 tsp salt substitute (potassium chloride)
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped cauliflower
• 1 cup chopped zucchini

Directions:

• Cook rice according to package instructions.
• Steam vegetables.
• Mix all ingredients together and mash or blend.

7. Savory Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 1 cup buckwheat groats
• 1 cup turkey (finely minced)
• 4 tbsp Sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon bonemeal powder
• 1 cup turkey broth (homemade or pre-packaged)

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Cool and serve.

8. Fruity Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 cup cherries
• 1 cup apples (cored and diced)
• cup shredded coconut
• cup low-fat yogurt
• 2 eggs beaten with shells
• 6 cups bread cubes (wheat or white)
• 2 cups water

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350.
• Mix water, yogurt, eggs, and bread in a bowl.
• Mix fruit together with cup water.
• Pour into the baking pan.
• Bake 45 minutes.
• Top with fruit mixture

Last 2 Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones

9. Western Omelet

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs (beaten with shells)
• 3 oz chopped ham
• cup of red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• cup of green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• cup (1oz) shredded low-fat Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

• Whisk together eggs (yolk and whites) and water in a bowl.
• Heat skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tsp olive oil.
• Saut ham and peppers.
• Clean the pan, and add 1 tsp olive oil. Heat skillet to medium-high.
• Add half of the egg mixture.
• Cook for 2 minutes while rolling the pan to distribute the mixture.
• Sprinkle 2 tbsp of cheese on top of the egg.
• Add half of the vegetables.
• Fold the omelet and remove it from the pan.
• Repeat for the second omelet.

10. Veggie Stir-Fry with Flax Seed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• small zucchini (chopped)
• 1 cups cauliflower (chopped)
• 1 cups broccoli (chopped)
• 1 cup mushrooms (chopped)
• cup green pepper strips (chopped)
• cup red pepper strips (chopped)

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1 tbsp flax seed, toasted
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar

Directions:

• Mix flax seeds, ginger, broth, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl.
• Add oil to the wok and heat over medium heat
• Add vegetables and stir fry for 5 minutes.
• Add lid and steam for an extra 2 minutes.
• Add the sauce mixture to the wok and stir for 1 minute.
• Cool and serve.

Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones: Before You Go

What homemade dog food for bladder stones is great?

A diet high in fresh foods is advised by canine nutritionists. Just like us, dogs benefit from eating fresh food.

Particularly if your dog has struvite stones, stay away from starchy, highly processed kibble foods.

Maintaining proper hydration will help your dog's urine be less mineralized. This may lessen the likelihood of stones forming.

Don't forget to give him plenty of chances to go outside to pee as his drinking increases.

Even if Fido requires surgery to remove the stones, the appropriate diet and herbs can help stop a recurrence.

READ NEXT:

WANT TO SHARE THIS