Yes, dry dog food can contribute to urinary problems, primarily because its low moisture content leads to concentrated urine, increasing the risk of crystals and stones, while high carbohydrate/starch ingredients can make urine more alkaline, promoting bacterial growth and infections like UTIs. While some foods are specifically formulated to help, adding water to kibble or switching to high-moisture diets (wet/raw) helps by improving hydration and flushing the urinary tract, which is crucial for preventing issues.
Foods that are known to aggravate UTIs include asparagus, spinach, raw carrots, tomatoes, and dairy products. Additionally, one of the largest determining factors in your dog's ability to fight off UTIs will be their hydration levels.
Causes of UTIs in Dogs UTIs in dogs are often caused by bacterial infections, which can result from stress, diet, immunological deficiencies, or other infections. Poor-quality dry foods can contribute to alkaline urine, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth.
On the contrary, dry kibble for cats and dogs is loaded with starchy vegetables or grains which are very cheap. These carbs-rich filler foods cause excess carbohydrates in the body, which leads to health issues like obesity, high blood sugar, pancreatic stress, urinary crystals, plaque, and tartar…
Common Risk Groups
Veterinarians often see blockages develop in indoor cats on dry food diets, overweight cats, and those with prior urinary issues. Understanding these risks helps pet parents act early to protect their cat's urinary tract health.
Foods that have been known to amplify overactive bladder symptoms include:
Wet food helps keep your cat hydrated and can reduce the risk of crystal formation. Both types of food can be part of a balanced diet, but wet food is often recommended for urinary health.
It's lacking bioavailable nutrients for optimal health. It's loaded with carbohydrates and it's super processed. “But the bag says it contains 100% of what my pet needs to thrive!!” Well that's true, sort of.
The "worst" dog foods often contain low-quality fillers (corn, soy), unspecified "meat meals," artificial colors/flavors, and excessive sugar, leading to poor nutrition, allergies, or weight gain; brands frequently cited include Beneful, Kibbles 'n Bits, Gravy Train, and some Purina varieties, though specific product quality varies. Key red flags are generic ingredients like "animal fat," "meat by-product meal," and a first ingredient being corn or fillers instead of real meat, with ingredients like BHA/BHT also concerning.
The 90/10 rule for dogs means 90% of their daily calories should come from a complete and balanced dog food, while only 10% should come from treats, chews, and table scraps to prevent obesity and nutritional imbalances, ensuring they get essential nutrients without overfeeding. This guideline helps manage treats as occasional rewards rather than significant food sources, maintaining overall health.
Dogs with mild urinary concerns or those needing preventative care can benefit from over-the-counter options. Brands like Blue Buffalo and Royal Canin offer urinary care formulas without a prescription. These foods often include ingredients such as cranberries and maintain balanced pH levels to support urinary health.
High levels of certain minerals in dog food can increase the chance of crystal formation in urine. Magnesium and phosphate are mineral components of the most common crystal type struvite. Don't feed a dog food with excessive amounts of these minerals. The dog food your dog eats also influences urine acidity (pH).
Meat lowers urine pH. It is also low in sodium so it will dilute the effect of the extra salt in the food. Between all of these things, feeding your pet bits of chicken, steak, or any other meat product is not a good idea.
Look for dog food that has controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. Excessive amounts of these minerals can contribute to the formation of struvite or calcium oxalate crystals. A balanced formula helps maintain proper urinary pH and reduce strain on the kidneys and bladder.
Grapes and raisins
Both grapes and their dried form, raisins, are highly toxic foods for dogs. It takes only a few grapes or raisins to potentially cause sudden kidney failure in your dog. Keep these far out of reach.
Among bacterial causes, Escherichia coli has been the most frequently isolated bacteria causing UTI in dogs which can go up to 30% [2-4]. Other commonly isolated bacteria include Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., Proteus spp., and Klebsiella spp.
The best dog food brands are those with research-backed formulas developed with veterinary nutritionists that meet AAFCO nutritional guidelines for dogs of different life stage and health needs. Top picks include Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Royal Canin.
Processed meats, including deli meats and hot dogs, offer numerous reasons why you should avoid feeding them to your dog from the additives, salt content, choking hazard, and the fat contents. Hot dogs are packed full with additives ranging from seasonings, sweeteners, and preservatives that are not healthy for dogs.
Supermarket Dog Food Brands to Avoid
Researchers followed 500 dogs over a five-year period and found a striking difference in lifespan: dogs fed a homemade, fresh food diet lived an average of 2.5 years longer than dogs fed commercial kibble.
While wet food definitely helps dogs with sensitive mouths, dry food also has benefits for dental health. The hard texture of dry food can be known to help keep dogs' teeth clean – and because it is less likely to get coat teeth (like wet food may), there is less plaque build-up.
The healthiest dog food prioritizes whole, animal-based proteins, healthy fats, and minimal fillers, with top vet-recommended brands like Hill's Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan offering research-backed, balanced nutrition, while options like Prime100, Lyka, and Eureka (Australian) focus on limited-ingredient, raw, or air-dried diets for sensitivities. Always consult your veterinarian to choose food based on your dog's age, breed, and specific health needs, ensuring it meets WSAVA or AAFCO guidelines for complete nutrition.
Royal Canin Urinary S/O diet ensures that the pet's urine is moderately acidic and so dissolves any struvite crystals or stones, by this method it also reduces risk of new ones from forming.
Urinary health – wet foods can help to produce urine that is more diluted, which can help to manage urinary tract problems, such as cystitis and bladder stones.
BEST NATURAL HOME REMEDIES FOR UTIS