Best Diet for Dog with Bladder Stones

by | May 10, 2019 | Ask A Vet, Bladder Issues, Dietary Restrictions | 0 comments

by Christy K.
(Fort Collins, CO)

Our 5 year old miniature dachshund had bladder stones removed. The stones are from 3/4 of an inch to 1/16th of an inch. Smooth and white. She is currently 15 pounds which we are aware is overweight for her breed.

She has been on the Royal Canin SO moderate calorie since removal of her stones (1 month ago) and she doesn’t like it. We are spending 3.50 a can for food that she often doesn’t eat and it’s wasted.

Since starting on the food she has developed allergies and licks at her feet (which is why the sock is on her foot in the pic). I want to make her food homemade because I believe it will be healthier and more cost effective for us.

Can you please send a recipe for homemade food that I can make for her that will likely not have her stones return?

Any other recommendations would be appreciated as well. Thank you so much.

Comments for Best Diet for Dog with Bladder Stones

Feb 23, 2015My Online Vet Response for: Best Diet For Dog with Bladder Stones
by: Dr Carol Jean Tillman

February 23, 2015

Hi Kristy,
If the stones are ‘triple phosphate’ variety, you will need to feed a diet that contains MORE meat than vegetable to make sure that her urine pH is ‘acidic’. (pH=6.0-6.5 or under pH of 7)

If the stones are calcium oxalate, then her urine pH should be closer to pH of 7. And she may need more vegetables than meat in the diet.

As dogs have individual chemistry, you will need to monitor her urine with pH strip paper. This is available at pool supply company or in a regular human pharmacy, Walgreens, CVS, or online.

Some great recipes are in Dr Richard Pitcairn’s book, Natural Health for Dogs and Cats. There is not a *specific* recipe for dogs with bladder stones in his book. You will just need to find a recipe for a balanced diet. He advises feeding RAW meat, which will be great for her immune system, allergies, and preventing stone formation. http://www.drpitcairn.com/dr-pitcairns-complete-guide/

I suggest you find a recipe that you are able to make, and see if she likes it! And monitor the pH of her urine every morning to make sure she is maintaining the proper pH. As long as the pH is in the range of 6-6.5 she will not develop bladder stones.

To make sure she loses weight,
feed her:
275 calories for 12lb body weight
250 calories for 10lb body weight

The calorie content will vary depending on which recipe you choose.

I suggest you NOT feed her any tartar control treats until you are able to keep her urine pH in the correct range. Then find a tartar control treat that she likes, and that will not alter her urine pH. In small breed dogs, veterinary dentists recommend a tartar treat after each meal to keep the teeth clean!

And DO NOT give her any more vaccinations!! In some cases, it has been found that the vaccines have weakened the individual’s ‘constitution’ making them more susceptible to disease. If she is due for a vaccine, seek the help of a holistic veterinarian to write an exemption form.

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

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DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

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