This is the Ideal Diet For Dogs With UTIs

For dog owners, there is nothing more heartbreaking than realizing that your canine companion has been fighting a sickness for weeks without you knowing. Sadly, urinary tract infections are an infection that can cause discomfort for some time before signs and symptoms come to light. 

Regardless, if your pet has been diagnosed with one or more UTIs or you are simply a concerned pet owner who wants to prevent them from occurring, there is hope! Studies have shown that a specific diet will help your dog from dealing with recurring UTIs; read on to learn how easy it can be to implement!

A urinary tract infection is able to occur anywhere in the urinary tract, and they often spring up while your canine’s immune system is already busy fighting other illnesses. 

Typically, UTIs are birthed by a particular strain of bacteria called E. Coli that collects on the exterior of the urinary tract and then moves inward, sometimes as far as the bladder or kidneys. 

Depending on how deeply the bacteria populates the bladder or kidneys, this can create serious ramifications like kidney stones. These are crystals that form in the urine, allowing even more bacteria to gather and exacerbating the initial issue.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Almost every sign or symptom of a urinary tract infection is a painful experience for your pup; be vigilant in observing your pet and bringing them to the veterinarian for official diagnosis and treatment.

6 Most Commonly Occurring UTI Symptoms in the Lower Urinary Tract

• Straining to urinate
• More frequent attempts at urination
• Accidents after a history of being housetrained
• Excessive licking
• Bloody urine
• Extremely odorous or discolored urine

Symptoms of More Intense Upper Urinary Tract UTIs in the Kidneys

• Your dog’s appetite is being affected to the point of vomiting or losing weight.
• UTI may cause your dog to become extremely lethargic, feverish, and have a tender or painful abdomen when untreated.

If your pet is exhibiting signs of either an upper or lower urinary tract infection, it is essential to get them to a care provider as soon as possible. While UTIs are generally fairly common for female dogs to experience, they often can be life-threatening for male dogs.

It is important to note that once the E.Coli bacteria has been hosted by your dog, the chances of a recurring infection are significantly higher.

Volhard Diet vs. Commercial Dog Food: What’s Best for UTI Prevention

When faced with a UTI diagnosis, many pet owners are advised to try a commercial urinary tract specific dog food. While these formulas can offer temporary relief by adjusting certain nutrient levels, they remain heavily processed and often contain carbohydrate fillers, synthetic vitamins, and preservatives that can undermine your dog’s long-term health.

Studies have revealed that carbohydrate-heavy diets, like kibble, are shown to increase alkaline levels in the urine, enabling the perfect environment for strains of bacteria like E. Coli to thrive and crystalize. Other grains also cause inflammation and other issues that contribute to strain on the body and immune systems. With the Volhard diet, you can control how alkaline or acidic the diet needs to be.

At Volhard Dog Nutrition, we believe urinary tract health starts with a minimally processed diet. One rich in protein, vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Unlike commercial diets, Volhard meals are crafted to:

• Provide real, whole-food nutrients that the body can readily absorb, including Vitamin C and B vitamins for immune support.
• Naturally regulate urine pH to create an environment that discourages harmful bacteria like E. Coli from thriving.
• Deliver hydration through fresh, raw ingredients, reducing reliance on your dog’s water bowl to meet daily fluid needs.
• Support the immune system year-round with Omega-3-rich oils, live enzymes, and probiotics, nutrients that are absent in shelf-stable kibble.

While commercial dog urinary tract food may address symptoms, Volhard diets address the root cause, helping to restore your dog’s urinary health while also improving digestion, energy levels, coat quality, and overall vitality. 

With every fresh, nutrient-packed meal, you’re strengthening your dog’s defenses against recurring UTIs and giving them the gift of lasting wellness.

Supplementation with B vitamins and antioxidants in times of stress and offering cooling foods such as raw fruits, vegetables, and yogurt reduce the symptoms of urinary tract infection.

One of the largest determining factors in your dog’s ability to fight off UTIs will be their hydration levels. When feeding a dry food diet, you're essentially relying on your dog to drink enough water to stay hydrated. Providing them a hydrated diet is a sure way to make sure their water intake is sufficient to flush the kidneys and ureters.

FAQs: Natural Food for Dogs with UTIs

1. Can a natural diet really help prevent UTIs in dogs?

Yes! A fresh, minimally processed diet provides your dog with biologically available vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and hydration that support a healthy urinary tract. Natural foods also help regulate urine pH, making it harder for harmful bacteria to thrive.

2. Which nutrients are most important for dogs with UTIs?

Key nutrients include:

• Vitamin C for immune support and urinary acid balance.
• B vitamins for cell repair and energy.
• Omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil for reducing inflammation.
• Live enzymes and probiotics to maintain a healthy microbiome.

Volhard diets naturally incorporate these through fresh, raw ingredients!

3. Are there foods I should avoid giving my dog if they have UTIs?

Yes. Foods such as asparagus, tomatoes, and certain dairy products can aggravate UTI symptoms in some dogs. Volhard diet plans are carefully designed to avoid these triggers while still providing balanced nutrition.

4. Can switching to a natural diet help if my dog already has a UTI?

While diet alone won’t replace veterinary treatment, transitioning to a Volhard fresh food diet can support recovery, reduce inflammation, and lower the risk of recurrence. We always recommend working with both your veterinarian and a Volhard Canine Nutrition Coach for best results.

5. Will my dog still need to drink as much water on a Volhard diet?

Dogs on 100% dry food must rely on their water bowl for hydration. Volhard diets include moisture-rich ingredients, helping keep your dog naturally hydrated, an essential factor in flushing bacteria from the urinary tract.

6. What else can I do for a dog with a UTI?

We recommend supplementation with B vitamins, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants in times of stress, such as recovering from a UTI. 

Support Your Dog’s Urinary Health with Fresh, Whole-Food Nutrition!

For more advice on dog nutrition, health, and training, contact us and check out our other blogs!

Volhard Dog Nutrition and its expert canine nutrition coaches are offering online consultations to help more dog parents discover why and how to feed their dogs the healthiest of foods!

Speaking to a Volhard canine nutrition coach will help you understand the inseparable relationship between healthy food, a healthy body, and a healthy mind.

If you want to contact one of our Volhard canine nutrition coaches, don't hesitate to access our consultation page!