Freckled Paws

Best Dog DNA Tests for Mixed Breeds

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Nowadays, DNA testing has played an important role to learn more about us as well as our pets. By learning about your pet’s lineage, you can get an invaluable wealth of information about his health from your vet. That’s the truth! Furthermore, you can also offer insight into your pet’s behavior. That’s why you need a canine DNA test kit. In this post, we will give you the importance of dog DNA tests. Also, we will list the best dog DNA tests for mixed breed today.

Best Dog DNA Tests for Mixed Breeds

What’s a Dog DNA Test?

Many people wonder what the purpose of a dog DNA test is. In general, there are a lot of purposes when mentioning the best dog DNA tests. They help to determine the dog’s breed. Furthermore, they have the purpose of analyzing the dog’s health. Indeed, some of them can be able to offer more than 100 health results. Remember that these packages are not similar.

Reasons to DNA Test Your Dog

It’s hard to answer the question “what breed is your pet?” Only with a DNA test, you can get the exact answer. This method will help to satisfy the most curious of dog owners.

Training

Once you know exactly your dog’s breed you can understand his personality traits. As a result, it’s easy to concentrate on your dog’s unique habits when training as well as socializing your pet. In fact, every breed has their own hereditary personality traits. So, each breed needs different training methods. DNA test allows you to train your dog properly.

Health

As a pet owner, it’s important to care for your dog carefully. You need to determine the genetic health risks related to your dog’s breed. It allows you to be aware of the genetic health risks your dog can get.

Love

You can get a registered ID number as well as a certificate of your dog’s DNA genetic makeup thanks to a DNA test. This is considered as a great way to show your love to your dog.

Price

The fact is that we had to pay the hundreds of dollars only a few years ago. But, the price is not a problem today. Today’s DNA tests have become more affordable than ever. You can get a DNA test for your dog even under $60.

Ease

If you want an exact DNA test, it’s better to collect cheek cell samples. You know, DNA databases used for matching DNA are based on using cheek swabs. Actually, the way to collect DNA samples doesn’t only include blood samples.

Fast

Because of advances in technology, we can get a DNA test for your dog at an affordable price. Normally, you had to take about 6 weeks or more for historically results in the past. However, you can easily result in less than two weeks.

Painless

It’s easy to collect a sample from your pet without painless. You just need to use the special polyester type swab and rub it inside your pet’s cheek. It takes about 20-30 seconds. It’s essential to do this twice once you don’t get enough DNA on each swab. In brief, you need about 2 minutes for the entire process.

Exciting

It’s fun and exciting to get a DNA test on your dog. You can also do the test by yourself. So, try a DNA test on your dog to be sure of your dog’s breed.

Differences Between Models

Today, there is a wide range of DNA tests for dogs on the market. Some of them are considered to be better than others. Thus, it’s important to spend your time reading dog DNA tests reviews. Then, you can make your investment wisely. You need to note some of the differences such as the number of detectable breeds, the health test performance, the number of genetic markers, and the traits the test can be able to detect. Keep them in mind. And, you should know a cheap dog DNA test may not be a good decision. It’s best to determine the most accurate dog DNA test you can buy.

The Top DNA Tests for Mixed Breeds

Wisdom Panel

Wisdom Panel, a division of Mars Incorporated, has reached over 800,000 tests so far. They’re recognized by the AKC. It comes with 2 animal DNA tests: Wisdom Panel 4.0 and Wisdom Panel Health.

  • Wisdom Panel 4.0: The cost of this test is 84.99$. It takes about 2-3 weeks for a test. You can consider applying this test for purebred, designer, and mixed breeds. Through this test, you can know purebred ancestry identification, info on physical traits, weight profile prediction, the possibility of Exercise-Induced Collapse, as well as MDR1 genetic mutations. In addition, you will get a predicted weight profile, a unique discount code, and a genetic trait analysis. Your vet also needs to know the result.
  • Wisdom Panel Health: The test ensures to give you info about potential genetic health conditions. The price of this test is $149.99. It takes about 3-4 weeks. Through this test, you surely receive a full genetic disease report, a personal dog profile, reports on morphology and other traits. It’s easy to buy it through online retailers. And, this is also the only buying method for this test.

Embark

The Embark is known for 160 health results and more than 200,000 genetic markers. That’s why it’s in our list today. This test offers a ton of info about your canine pal. The database of the test comes with over 150 breeds, even including coyote, wolf, as well as village dog ancestry. It can be able to give a very comprehensive picture of your dog’s health. It allows you to prepare for possible issues thanks to lots of info about your dogs the test provides. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the result. This test cost $189.00.

Canine

This test has tested for 95 major dog breeds until now. After receipt of the sample, it takes about 2 months for the result. You can also easily check the status of the result by an online link. It provides you with a custom certificate about your dog’s DNA composition. Also, it includes a percentage breakdown of breeds in your dog. Plus, you can also know a personalized analysis of your dog’s breed such as genetic health concerns and personality traits. It costs $68.98 USD.

Purebred

This is a good choice for those who want to compare your pet to genetically known purebreds. This test allows you to determine whether your furry friend is a specific breed. It helps you to compare your pet to genetically known purebreds. The price of this test is $77.65. This test is for you if you are looking for ones similar to the Wisdom Panel DNA test.

How is Dog DNA Testing Done?

You just need to take a DNA sample from a swab on the inside of your dog’s cheek. It will offer the accurate result because the DNA here is the same in your dog’s blood. You can also do it at home by using a cheek swab without a help from your vet. First, you need to order a kit. Then, put a swab that you take from your pet’s cheek in a test tube. Next, move it to the lab. And, you will get the result from the lab in your mail after a few weeks. You needn’t a blood sample. More importantly, remember to read the instructions carefully when you take your dog’s DNA sample. Especially, remove all of your hair or eyelashes that fall on the swab for the most exact result.

Results

There are many categories of dog DNA testing results. They include primary, secondary, and mixed.

Primary: if the result shows that your dog is 50% or more of the breeds recognized.

Secondary: if the result shows that your dog is less than 50% of the breeds recognized. But, it still can to make a significant impact.

Mixed: if your dog is identified in breeds recognized while they may offer little impact on his looks and health.

Behavior and Health

You can get some important clues about your dog’s health as well as his behavior if you know your dog’s specific breed. Some breeds can be able to develop health issues. So, with a DNA test, your vet can help you know specific health problems of your dog. In addition, you can also adjust your dog’s diet and exercise to suit his nutritional and exercise needs. Your dog’s genetics can decide partly their temperament. You can easily determine behaviors related to your dog through know his breed.

Which Dog DNA Testing Kit to Buy

It’s best to consider buying the Wisdom Panel DNA Test Kit if you own a mixed breed. Also, you can choose it when you don’t know exactly your dog’s breed. It’s not a problem. This test allows you to compare your furry pet to over 250 breeds. Of course, you will get a trove of good information regarding your pet as well.

The Embark Dog DNA Test is a great choice for owners who are looking for the most comprehensive dog DNA test kit. It’s popular for more detailed results than others. But, you have to pay much money for this test.

If the price is not a problem for you, we recommend you to buy the Canine DNA test. It ensures to provide the basics. On the contrary, you can choose the Wisdom Panel or Embark.

So, depending on your need, consider choosing one above. The key factor is the health information as well as the most accurate reports.

The Most Common Results for Mixed Breed Dogs

As the result of the dog DNA test results, we have six popular mixed dog breeds.

German Shepherd Mixes

This dog breed is known for their abilities as a guard, guide, and rescue dogs. They are famous for their intelligence, temperament, strength, and herding ability. The German Shepherd mixes can come with different appearances depending on each breed crossed with them. Normally, these dogs have the black and tan coats. These mixed dogs have upright ears, dark saddle over back, and dark face mask.

Bully Dog Mixes

These dogs include the Bulldog, the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier, and Bull Terrier. The Bully type breeds come with a more square head, especially their head can be broader-chested. The American Staffordshire Terrier is known for being intelligent, stoic, loyal, and hard working.

Labrador Retriever Mixes

These dogs are one of the top family dogs because of usually friendly natures. Moreover, they are very energetic due to regular exercise. This mixed dogs come with more similar standard Labrador Retriever traits such as brown, yellow or black coat color, drop ears, as well as short hair.

Chow Chow Mixes

This dog is popular in the mixed breed population. These dogs are mixed in with the American Staffordshire Terrier. They come with a permanent eyeliner look, according to Dr. Erin Chu. In addition, they have a usually spotted tongue. They also have decent personalities.

Chihuahua Mixes

Chihuahua mixes are small dogs. They just weight from 4-10 pounds. Especially, these mixed dogs come with a variety of coat colors as well as face shapes. According to Tenenbaum, these dogs have a lot of personalities. Because they are small, they are great choices for living in smaller spaces, including apartments. Chihuahua mixes also have potential physical traits such as a shorter muzzle, upright ears, and rounded head. Chihuahua mixes can also have shorter-than-normal legs. Generally, these mix dogs are smaller than purebred Chihuahuas when it comes to the overall body size.

Boxer Mixes

These dogs are playful. They are known for their boundless energy. As for physical traits, it’s easy to notice a bit shorter muzzle, the muscular body, the dark facial mask, and a brindle coat color. These dogs can easily develop a type of cancer. You know, a dog DNA test can give pet owners important clues about their dog’s behavior and health, but this is not all parts of the equation.

Canine Discoid Lupus / Collie Nose: An Effective Natural Treatment

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Commonly known as “collie nose”, discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an inflammatory skin disease seen in dogs. Canine Discoid Lupus is an auto-immune disease primarily involving the face and nose. DLE can be as simple as some discoloration and as serious as ulcerations. The condition has no cure but symptoms can be managed. The first sign of DLE is usually a loss of pigmentation around the dog’s nose. In some cases, the bridge of the nose, lips, skin around the eyes, ears, and genitals may also be affected.

Breeds most affected

DLE is most often seen in Brittanys (that’s me), Collies, Shetland sheepdogs, German shepherds, German shorthaired pointers, and Siberian Huskies. Females are at slightly more risk than are males. Although, DLE can be found in any breed. Dogs with DLE are often predisposed to squamous cell carcinoma.

Traditional Treatments

Exposure to direct sunlight exacerbates DLE. In some less severe cases, the only treatment needed is to keep the dog out of direct sunlight. Sunscreens without zinc oxide can help if the dog is going to be exposed to sunlight. Of course, we dogs can’t help but lick the sunscreen off ourselves. Our brothers and sisters will help lick it off as well.

Please, only use sunscreen made for dogs, because the sunscreens made for people can contain ingredients (such as zinc oxide) that are poisonous to us if ingested. I use Hot Spot, which has an SPF between 4-8, depending on the product.

Topical corticosteroids are frequently used on the affected site. Severe cases of canine discoid lupus may require the use of oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, or immunosuppressive medications such as azathioprine. Oral vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can help, but several months of treatment are needed with those supplements before any effect can be seen.

Natural Treatment for Canine Discoid Lupus / Collie Nose

My human mom developed a treatment for me which has been a great success. The treatment is a topical application using Freckled Paws Hot Spot. Freckled Paws Hot Spot is not toxic if ingested and cleared up my lupus symptoms in a couple of days, unlike the months it can take to see results from vitamin E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and other treatments. The only problem is my little sister, Star, keeps licking my face when my mom applies Hot Spot. Fortunately, Hot Spot only needs about 30 seconds to achieve full effectiveness. Simply keep it from being licked off for 30 seconds after application.

Hi Jennifer,
I am seeing positive results! Most of the scabbing is gone, and the raw exposed area on his nose is shrinking more and more every day and healing nicely. I am very impressed with the effect Freckled Paws Hot Spot products have had on his symptoms. I am so pleased that it’s helping him. He has had this condition off and on for years, and it had just been getting worse and worse and worse, so I can’t thank you enough. I used the Hot Spot for a week or two, and now the Hot Spot Stick seems to be maintaining his healing process. He is getting better all the time. I think in a couple more weeks it will be completely healed up! I’m so glad to have found something that really works!

Thanks again,
Lindsay, Rufus, and the rest!

My mom used coconut oil with some success, prior to developing the more effective Hot Spot. Consequently, Hot Spot contains coconut oil. I used only non-hydrogenated, organic, expeller pressed coconut oil (this is an ingredient in Hot Spot). As with Hot Spot, coconut oil is safe to ingest, so I can’t get rid of my annoying little sister that way. There is evidence coconut oil is antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.

So, if you have canine discoid lupus, tell your human parents to try treating the condition with Freckled Paws Hot Spot. Hot Spot is all natural, safe and highly effective. Also, tell them to feed you a high-quality food. We all eat Infinia, which is all natural and contains no by-products and zero corn (I’m allergic, like most dogs, to corn). My mom bakes all our treats which you can purchase under our products tab. She also bakes us meatloaves made from wild game meat. Boy, they are tasty!!! If you would like the meatloaf recipe, contact us, my mom will give it to you. Nothing beats disease conditions like a healthy diet.

Deadly Effects of Parvo Virus in Case of Puppies

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Dogs, as we all know are man’s best friends. A well-trained dog is a devoted and obedient companion. They tend to protect their master in regards to their safety; come what may!

Thus, owning a dog as a pet is a common practice among humans. But the major concern that most owners have all over the world is to ensure good health for their beloved pets. Unfortunately, the list of diseases a dog can suffer is long. Just like humans, dogs can develop metabolic, viral, bacterial and fungal diseases. Parasitic infestations, genetic disorders, and physical injuries are also common among dogs. But the symptoms depicting health problems in dogs are different and disease-specific. Let us look into some symptoms that may help to diagnose a common disease, Poison Parvo.

What is Poison Parvo?

Parvo is a highly contagious disease commonly accompanied by diarrhea that is often bloody. The disease is caused by a pathogen called canine Parvovirus. The virus is known to survive on inorganic objects – such as clothing, food pans, and cage floors. They may survive for 5 months or even longer in adept breeding conditions. Insects and rodents may also play an important role in the transmission of this disease. Poison Parvovirus is extremely steady and highly resistant towards adverse environmental conditions such as low pH and high heat. The severity of symptoms shown by dogs infected with Parvovirus may vary over a broad range. This disease most commonly occurs in dogs less than 6 months of age, whereas, the most severe cases are found in puppies less than 12 weeks of age.

What are the Symptoms of Parvo?

Common symptoms include weight loss, fever, vomiting, nasal discharge, pus-filled eyes, loss of weight, dehydration, and diarrhea. Canine Poison Parvovirus is a viral infection that is very common among dogs. It is fatal and particularly dangerous for puppies. The targeted site in a dog’s body is the intestinal tract, but in most cases, bone marrow and lymphoid tissues of the dogs are also affected. Due to its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, and most likely rodents and insects, it is virtually impossible to have a kennel that will not eventually be exposed to the disease. Vaccination is the only option available to prevent this disease.

Other Diseases

There are also a few skin diseases that can greatly affect the health of your furry comrade if you’re not keeping a close watch. Dogs can be affected by a range of disorders common among humans such as bacterial infection, fungal infection, parasites and allergic reactions to various household objects.

If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms in your pet, immediately contact a veterinary near you. Take your pet along for an examination and a vaccination to prevent against these deadly diseases. As we all know “Prevention is better than Cure”, and therefore, the same holds true for our pets too.

Recognize and Beat Canine Compulsive Disorder

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Canine compulsive disorder (CCD) affects many breeds. The most susceptible seem to be the hunting breeds. Other breeds that may suffer from these afflictions would be the working class dogs. Genetic predisposition is a major factor in whether a dog might develop canine obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Why did this happen?

Good breeders have done their best to breed this problem out of their pedigree. Unfortunately, we still live in a society where many dogs come from “puppy mills” that care little if anything about breeding out undesirable traits. I was a “puppy mill” dog. I have a severe under bite along with a pee pee problem and I am a shadow & light chaser.

Most canine compulsive disorders are brought on by boredom. Others may manifest themselves through stress. To treat the compulsion, you must treat the cause. If you are simply looking for a house pet then hunting and working breeds are probably a poor choice.

What is happening?

Dogs are self-groomers and predators, which are behaviors that can become obsessive with them. These compulsions are performed over and over again and out of context. Prevention of dogs from engaging in their particular compulsions can create anxiety in its own right. As previously stated, these otherwise normal behaviors become obsessive. The one thing you should remember is your dog is not trying to annoy you, he/she is trying to tell you that something is not right.

Some manifestations

Lick granuloma in the canine is equivalent to hand washing in the human. Affected dogs lick their wrists or hocks excessively, over-cleaning or over grooming themselves until the skin in these regions becomes ulcerated.

Spinning, self biting and shadow & light chasing are predatory traits taken to extremes. If allowed to continue, these compulsive behaviors can become so repetitive that a dog will forgo food and water. Fortunately, my parents recognized, while sometimes funny and entertaining, my shadow chasing was not normal behavior.

Have your veterinarian rule out other medical conditions

Medical conditions such as skin infections and tumors can manifest themselves in repetitive behaviors. It is wise to rule out these types of conditions before labeling a behavior as CCD. A few simple tests can rule out other underlying conditions. Your veterinarian may run blood work and x-rays in addition to a physical examination.

Treatment for Canine Compulsive Disorder

If the problem is determined to be CCD, a combination of drug therapy and behavior modification are usually effective treatment. The two drugs are commonly prescribed are Reconcile and Clomicalm. While behavior modification alone can be successful, drug therapy without behavior modification is useless.

The key to behavior modification is consistency. Punishment is likely to lead to more stress and increased compulsion. Traditional training methods and items such as shock collars may stop one behavior but frequently another unwelcomed behavior will manifest because there has been no treatment of the underlying cause.

Whether the cause is boredom or stress, spending more time interacting with your dog is important. Increasing the dogs exercise is also effective. And instead of punishing the compulsive behavior, redirect your dogs attention to some other activity. You would be amazed how simply calling your dog over for a good petting will take their mind off the compulsive behavior.

Dealing with Dog Vomiting

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Dog throwing up help! This is one of the most common phrases used by dog owners. Seeing your beloved pet throwing up can be disheartening. In order to keep him away from potential discomfort and pain, you need to understand potential causes behind dog vomiting and treatment options.

What is dog vomiting?

Vomiting can be referred to as canine universal central nervous system. It is not similar to reactive throwing up of undigested food. Vomiting, demands active efforts from the abdomen. Dog owners usually refer to this as “retching”. This is experienced by dogs just before “throwing up.”

Problems

Dog vomiting can lead to many problems in dogs. Some of these include weakness of muscles, dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, severe malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, tremors, inflammation of the esophagus, and severe malnutrition. Sometimes, vomiting leads to nausea accompanied by profuse salivation, swallowing, licking of lips, retching and contractions in the abdominal area. The frequency of dog vomiting can be erratic or steady. While intermittent vomiting is normal, frequent attacks of vomiting are not. If your dog is vomiting regularly and shows the following symptoms, it is time that you take him to a vet for thorough examination.

  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Severe diarrhea (bloody or mucoid)
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Pain

In case, you feel that your pet is unable to hold down even small amounts fluid and food, there’s something seriously wrong. The poor buddy of yours might be suffering from pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, poisoning, bloating or a serious infectious disease.

Causes of Dog Vomiting

There can be innumerable causes of dog vomiting. In most cases, it is result of lack of caution in dietary regimes. Dogs tend to throw up after eating trash, rancid food, poisonous plants, foreign bodies, or some toxic/unpleasant substances. Another cause is an underlying disease such as allergies or food poisoning. Sometimes, dogs throw up undigested or partially digested food. However, repeated vomiting, accompanied by diarrhea can be a warning sign for a serious condition. This might be a result of gastrointestinal disease, drug abuse, dietary conditions, neurologic disease, ingestion of toxins etc.

Prevention Methods

Unfortunately, there is no miraculous technique to keep a dog from vomiting. Prevention requires elimination of root causes of vomiting. Since these are known to be diverse, a single protocol cannot be recommended. However, dogs must be kept aloof of various toxic substances. They also require regular veterinary checkups to diagnose diseases or conditions that can result in vomiting.
Healthy diet and lifestyle with moderate exercise, attention, care and companionship will keep your dogs in good shape.
Dog throwing up help! If this is what you have been shouting, we are here to help you and your pet deal with the problem. We help you understand the reasons behind sudden behavior of your dog and frequent bouts of vomiting. Our info related to bog vomiting will help you understand your pet in a better way. We can help your dog stay healthy and sheer fun to be with.
Check out our site for latest information on do vomiting and solutions at dogvomitinghelp.com. We want you and your pet stay happy and healthy together always.

Best Dog Foods for Urinary Health

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Not all dogs that have pee accidents in the house are dirty dogs. Canine urinary incontinence is one of the most given reasons dogs end up in animal shelters.

If your dog has any urinary tract or kidney issues, you may have to give him a special diet. Then, you can consider feeding him dry dog foods. They can help to prevent the formation of the kidney.

Depending on the serious level of urinary tract problem your dog is having, you can choose the right dog food. Let’s take a look at our article to learn about the best dog foods for urinary health.

Causes of canine urinary incontinence

There are several things that can cause urinary incontinence in dogs. It isn’t always a behavioral problem. Frequently, dogs with incontinence urinate involuntarily and are often unaware of what is happening.

Some dog incontinence issues are chronic and long-term while others are acute and short-term. An acute issue is often caused by a urinary infection in the dog. Canine urinary infections are easily treated with antibiotics.

Another acute dog urinary incontinence issue can be caused by struvite crystals forming in the dogs urine. Struvite crystals irritate the urinary tract and cause frequent urination.

Crystals can become bladder stones and a chronic issue if not treated. While your veterinarian can treat crystals, you can save money and treat the crystals yourself with a simple change to a high quality dog food.

Dog foods with a high ash content are known to cause struvite crystals. Dog foods with a high protein content can also present a problem with crystal formation. Even some high quality dog foods can present an issue.

When to seek help from your veterinarian for your dogs urinary incontinence

If a change in diet to a high quality, low protein, low ash and mineral content dog food doesn’t cure your dogs urinary incontinence, it is time to see your veterinarian. It is possible your dog has formed bladder stones. Anytime your dogs urine is cloudy or blood tinged seek help. Also, if your dog appears to be having trouble or pain while urinating you need to contact your veterinarian.

Canine incontinence drugs

Sometimes your dog may require a prescription even with a high quality diet. Even though you feed your dog the best food possible, your dog needs his “peeps pill” for a 100% cure. L

Phenylpropanolamine marketed under brand name Propalin, which improves the tone of the sphincter muscles, particularly the urethra and the bladder neck. This drug is very effective for dogs that leak urine.

Your dog frequently wake up with a small puddle near his hind end. This was obviously an issue where his muscles used to contain himself didn’t work properly. This drug strengthens those muscles.

The number one thought to keep in mind is not all dog incontinence problems are behavioral. A change in diet should be your first step in trying to tackle a dog urine issue.

If the dog incontinence continues, contact your veterinarian to have the urine sampled for issues such as a urinary infection in your dog. With a little effort, canine urinary incontinence is treatable.

Urinary Tract Issues in Dogs

First, we will learn about the types of issues that can affect your dog’s urinary tract. Here are some common types:

A Bladder, Kidney, and Urinary Tract Infection

If your dog has lower urinary tract infections, it’s important to treat it. Otherwise, it can threaten his life. You can treat these infections with antibiotics. Sometimes, a change in his diet may be a good treatment. These conditions are actually more common in females than males.

Bladder or Kidney Stones

Stones in dogs may be a result of minerals crystallizing in your dog. If he has small tones, they may pass through your pet’s urine. However, large ones can block his urinary tract. So, he may feel painful.

Kidney Failure

Your dog may get kidney failure when he ingests a toxic substance. Then, he needs treatment for comfort as well as his appetite.

Best Dog Foods for Urinary Health

1. Holistic Blend My Healthy Pet All Life Stages Dog Food

This is known as one of the best options for urinary health. It’s a hypoallergenic formula. It ensures to give your pet healthier stools and urine. Its ingredients can be able to reduce ammonia content. So, it can help to reduce the risk of bladder stones as well as urinary tract infections.

This food is made with high-quality ingredients so that your pet can feel fuller quicker. So, it’s ideal to get better digestion for urinary health.

2. Hill’s Presciption Diet u/d Urinary Care Original Dog Food

If your dog has frequent urinary tract infections, this dog food is the best option for him. The formula is formulated with added nutrients and antioxidants so they can help to promote his heart and immune system.

In addition, the food also contains calcium and proteins at low levels. Therefore, it can help to reduce the risk of developing stones in your dog’s urine.

3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St Canine Formula

This recipe is one of the most recommendations for dogs that have urinary health problems. This dog food is highly recommended for your dog by most veterinarians.

This recipe is low in calcium and phosphorus. Its protein content is on AAFCO standards, while it can decrease the risk of crystal buildup.

In addition, this dog food is received a lot of positive reviews from customers. It can help to improve your dog’s urinary tract health quickly.

4. FirstMate Australian Lamb Meal Formula Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Diet

This food is limited in ingredients. It focuses on highly digestible hypoallergenic formula. That’s why it’s listed here as a good option for urinary tract health for dogs.

Because it is packed with limited ingredients, your dog will get less negative reactions. The main ingredient of this food is lamb meal. This ingredient is more digestible protein than other ingredients.

Also, the food contains cranberries for acidity and a superfood you can choose to promote your dog’s urinary tract health.

Plus, there is plenty of fibrous ingredients. Therefore, it can prevent your pet from the risk of mineral buildup within the bladder.

5. NutriSource Pura Vita Dry Dog Food

If you are finding a good dog food for adult dogs with urinary health issues, you can choose this recipe. It can help to promote maximum nutrient absorption. The food ensures to give your dog a balanced meal.

There are lots of fibers and carbohydrates found in this recipe. So, it helps to keep him fill for longer. It also means that you will need to feed him less when compared to other brands.

Feed your dog with smaller amounts of this food, he will make less waste. Ask your dog to drink lots of water so that the food can help to promote his urinary health.

Moreover, this recipe is also a good choice for your wallet. This dog food is made to meet your dog’s metabolic and nutritional needs.

6. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food is great for supporting your pet’s digestive health as well as his urine health. It’s packed with prebiotics, probiotics, botanicals, digestive enzymes, and natural fibers. Overall, it’s made of quality ingredients.

Because it’s formulated with lots of premium proteins sourced from fruits, veggies, and chicken, it ensures to give your pet balanced meals.

This product can be able to promote your dog’s health at all stages of his life. In addition, this food is also made to prevent your furry friend from urinary infections.

We highly recommend this option for owners who are looking for all-natural dry dog food for their dog’s urinary health.

Best Dog Foods for Struvite Crystals in Dogs

Your dog may be affected by two types of bladders, including struvite and calcium oxalate. In which, the most common one in dogs is struvite crystal. There are some points you need to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for urinary tract health as below:

Slightly Acidic

If you choose foods with too many acidic ingredients, your dog may face too acidic urine. It’s important to choose a healthy balance of acidic ingredient. For example, you can look for foods with cranberries in the recipe.

Restricted in Protein, magnesium, and phosphorus:

You should give your dog a minimal amount of phosphorus and magnesium because they are forms of struvite crystals. Also, avoid feeding him too many proteins because this ingredient converts into ammonia known as one of the parts of struvite crystals.

Light Salt Content

The need for thirst is created by salt content. This ingredient helps to encourage your pet to drink more.

Besides your dog’s diet, your dog needs to drink plenty of water. This factor is also important to reduce the risk of developing stones. You can give your pet healthy digestion by feeding him small amounts.

How to Choose Best Food for a Dog’s Urinary Issues

Your dog may be affected directly by the foods you feed him. If there is any issue, it’s best to switch to a diet that can help support urinary well-being.

On the contrary, if he doesn’t suffer from a urinary problem, the proper dog food can also help him prevent these problems.

Nowadays, there are many different options to choose from. But, some of them may cause urinary tract problems worse due to high mineral content. For instance, dry dog foods are available in less water content.

It’s important to look for foods with ingredients that are perfect for not only optimal urinary tract but also kidney health. Here is some advice for you:

Affected Breeds

There are many certain dog breeds that can develop urolithiasis or bladder stones such as the Dachshund, basset hound, beagle. Bichon fries, bulldog, miniature poodle, Dalmatian, miniature schnauzer, Scottish terrier, cocker spaniel, Irish setter, Yorkshire terrier, Lhasa apso, and so on.

If your dog seems to be suffering from urinary tract issues, consult your vet’s suggestion about the food designed for him.

Also, mixed- dog breeds are also prone to getting urinary tract issues. In fact, middle-aged dogs are more frequently affected by bladder stones when compared to younger canines.

Prescription Diets

If you want to feed your dog dry dog foods for his urinary tract health, you need a prescription from your vet. These foods are actually low in magnesium, phosphorus, and protein compared to standard dry dog foods. Also, these foods are low in sodium. So, they can reduce high blood pressure.

Non-prescription Diets

If you worry that your dog may suffer from urinary tract issues, it’s best to feed him a non-prescription diet in order to reduce these conditions.

There are some famous dog food companies you can choose such as Purina, Iams, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Royal Canin, and Flint River Ranch.

Non-prescription diets are recommended highly for dogs with urinary tract problems because they are low in protein.

Read the Ingredients List

When you decide to feed your pet a non-prescription dry dog food, remember to check the ingredients list of products. Not all expensive dog foods are accompanied by high-quality ingredients.

Also, you should check the guaranteed analysis for the protein, sodium, purines, phosphorus, and magnesium content. Don’t choose foods with a high amount of fillers as well as chemical preservatives.

You can also find special ingredients and supplements such as spirulina, cod liver oil, or chitosan. Consider recipes with other ingredients to promote your pet’s kidney healthy such as vitamin B & E.

Beware of Inflammatory Ingredients

There are some ingredients found in dog foods that can worsen inflammation such as refined carbohydrates, grains, and high-starch ingredients. It’s best to choose a great diet with meat and vegetables.

Restrict Certain Ingredients

We suggest you choosing a diet with minimal amounts of phosphorus and magnesium since these factors can increase the formation of struvite crystals.

Focus on Moisture and Taste

For dogs with urinary tract issues, you will have to give them appealing and tasty dog foods. Also, you should look for a diet made with moisture in order to promote proper hydration.

Dry Dog Foods vs Canned Dog Foods

You can more easily store dry dog foods than canned dog foods. However, your dog can get some benefits from wet or canned dog foods if he has urinary tract issues. In fact, it’s a good idea to give your furry friend canned dog foods at least part of his diet.

You can find canned foods for urinary tract health in both prescription and non-prescription forms. The higher water content can help to reduce the risk of stone formation.

Conclusion

One of the most important things in your dog to pay attention to is urinary tract health. If your dog is stressed, it’s best to put a call into your vet. Then, your vet can help you know exactly if everything is okay.

As a pet owner, you should are always proactive in order to avoid potentially serious problems. In addition to doing besides regular vet visit, you also have to choose the dog food with urinary crystals.

A healthy diet can help your pet a lot. Once you notice your pet is suffering from urinary tract infections or bladder stones, it’s time to think about one of these foods said above. They are designed to promote a healthy urinary tract.