Did you know dogs can get kidney stones? Kidney stones can form when your pets diet is imbalanced. Some dogs are prone to recurring stones, and as a devoted pet parent, you want to do more than treat the problem; you want to prevent it. Throughout this article, you will notice that many of the ingredients we highlight, which are safe, low in purines, and free of harmful compounds, are also included in our treats. These ingredients were carefully selected when I developed the recipes to support your dog’s health while providing wholesome, delicious nutrition.
Let’s begin with what to look for first.
Other factors that may increase a dog's risk of kidney stones include:
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Age: Older dogs are more prone to kidney stones due to the natural decline in kidney function that occurs with age.
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Breed: Some breeds, such as Miniature Schnauzers and Bichon Frises, have a higher risk of developing kidney stones due to genetic predisposition.
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Gender: Male dogs are more likely to develop kidney stones than female dogs, especially if they are not neutered.
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Diet: A diet that is high in calcium, phosphorous, and protein can increase the risk of kidney stones in dogs.
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Dehydration: Dogs that do not drink enough water may be more prone to developing kidney stones due to a lack of hydration.
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Medical conditions: Dogs with certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections or diabetes, may be more prone to developing kidney stones.
Understanding Kidney Stones in Dogs
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys or urinary tract when minerals in the urine crystallize.
Common types of stones in dogs:
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Struvite stones: Contain magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate; often linked to urinary tract infections.
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Calcium oxalate stones: Contain calcium; typically, cannot be dissolved with diet alone.
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Urate stones: Linked to uric acid metabolism; more common in breeds like Dalmatians.
Common Signs You Pet may have Kidney Stones
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Pain: Your dog may cry out or whine when urinating, or they may seem uncomfortable or tense when their abdomen is touched.
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Changes in urination: Your dog may urinate more frequently, or they may have difficulty urinating. They may also have blood in their urine or strain to urinate.
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Loss of appetite: Your dog may stop eating or drink less water if they are experiencing pain or discomfort related to kidney stones.
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Vomiting: Your dog may vomit if they are experiencing kidney stones or other abdominal discomfort.
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Lethargy: Your dog may seem tired or inactive if they are not feeling well.
Because the cause and treatment vary by stone type, it’s critical to work with your veterinarian for accurate diagnosis.
The Role of Minerals in Your Dog’s Health
Minerals are naturally occurring elements essential for your dog’s survival. They help:
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Build strong bones and teeth
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Support muscles and nerves
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Maintain heart and kidney function
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Support immune health
Minerals only become problematic when they concentrate in the urine, creating an environment for stones to form.
Major (macro) minerals:
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Calcium – bone and muscle function
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Phosphorus – works with calcium
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Magnesium – nerve and muscle health
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Potassium – fluid balance
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Sodium & Chloride – hydration and electrolyte regulation
Trace (micro) minerals:
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Iron – oxygen transport
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Zinc – immune and skin health
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Copper – red blood cell production
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Selenium – antioxidant support
For dogs prone to kidney stones, urine dilution and mineral balance are key.
Natural Ways to Support Kidney Health in Dogs
1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Similar to humans, dogs need lots of fresh water. Water is the single most important factor in preventing kidney stones. Diluted urine prevents minerals from crystallizing.
Tips to encourage hydration:
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Offer fresh water at all times, in multiple locations
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Add low/no-sodium bone broth to meals
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Feed moisture-rich, vet-approved fresh or cooked food
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Use a pet fountain to encourage drinking
2. Feed a Balanced, Stone-Safe Diet
Diet strongly influences urine chemistry and mineral balance in dogs. Adjustments depend on the type of stone.
General guidelines:
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Struvite stones: Reduce magnesium and phosphorus; treat underlying infections
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Calcium oxalate stones: Limit high-oxalate foods (spinach, beets, excessive sweet potato); avoid unnecessary calcium supplements
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Urate stones: Feed a diet lower in purines, especially for predisposed breeds
Best Low-Purine Proteins for Dogs
Purines are compounds that, when broken down, produce uric acid. Foods high in purines, like organ meats, certain fish, and some types of red meat, can increase urate stone risk in predisposed dogs.
Low-purine proteins help prevent urate stones and support kidney health:
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Eggs: Nearly purine-free and an excellent protein source
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Dairy: Cottage cheese is highly recommended
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Poultry: Skinless chicken breast, turkey, duck
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Fish: Whitefish such as cod and haddock; salmon is low-to-moderate purine
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Other: Rabbit is a low-purine, low-fat alternative
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Peanut butter is very low in purines.
Foods to Avoid or Limit (High Purines)
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Organ meats: liver, kidney, heart
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Red meats: beef, lamb
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Game meats: venison (exercise caution)
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Sardines, mackerel, and shellfish
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Tuna is moderate in purines
NOTE: Game meats (venison, though some of the top pet food brands (kibble & wet food) list proteins and purines differently; caution is often advised).
For most dogs, shellfish is not recommended, especially if they are prone to kidney or urinary stones. Here’s why:
Why Shellfish Can Be Risky for Dogs
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High in Purines – Shellfish like clams, mussels, shrimp, and crab are rich in purines, which break down into uric acid. In dogs prone to urate stones, this can increase the risk of stone formation.
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Allergy Risk – Some dogs are allergic or sensitive to shellfish, which can trigger digestive upset or skin reactions.
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Contamination Risk – Raw or undercooked shellfish can carry bacteria, heavy metals, or toxins that may harm your dog.
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Choking Hazard – Shells can cause choking or damage the digestive tract if accidentally ingested.
✅ Bottom line: Dogs prone to kidney stones should avoid shellfish entirely. There are safer protein alternatives like eggs, chicken, turkey, rabbit, and certain fish (whitefish or salmon in moderation).
When It Might Be Safe
Small amounts of fully cooked, unseasoned shellfish are generally safe for dogs without kidney or liver issues, but it is not recommended for dogs with stone-prone urinary systems.
Safe Vegetables, Grains, and Other Options
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Vegetables: carrots, green beans, peas, and moderate amounts of sweet potato
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Grains: oats and oatmeal
Focus on high-quality, moisture-rich, balanced foods that support urinary health without unnecessary additives.
3. Monitor Urine pH
Urine pH affects crystal formation:
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Struvite stones form in alkaline urine
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Calcium oxalate stones form in acidic urine
Regular urine checks—through your veterinarian or home strips with guidance—help detect early crystal formation.
4. Encourage Exercise and Healthy Weight
Regular activity helps dogs urinate frequently, supports metabolism, and lowers urinary complications. Daily walks, playtime, and maintaining a healthy weight are all critical for urinary health.
5. Consider Vet-Guided Herbal Support
Some herbs may support urinary health under veterinary supervision:
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Dandelion leaf: Gentle diuretic support
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Marshmallow root: Soothes urinary tract lining
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Cranberry: Helps prevent bacteria adhesion in infection-related stones (not for calcium oxalate stones)
Important: Supplements should never be given without veterinary guidance. Misuse can worsen stone formation.
The Takeaway for Dog Parents
Kidney stones are painful and often recurring. Prevention is about balance, not elimination:
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Keep your dog well-hydrated
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Feed a moisture-rich, balanced diet suited to stone type
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Focus on low-purine proteins when appropriate
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Monitor urine pH and urinary health
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Maintain regular exercise and healthy weight
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Partner with your veterinarian for dietary or supplement guidance
With consistent care, your dog can live comfortably, free from pain and the risk of recurrent stones—so you can enjoy more happy, healthy days together.