Dante Carrillo
A dog's urine pH can be affected by its diet and supplements. Studies have shown that dietary potassium citrate supplementation given orally can increase urinary pH in dogs. Other supplements that can help lower urine pH include cranberry, GrassSaver, and probiotics. Increasing water intake can also help lower urine pH. The time it takes for a new diet to affect a dog's urine pH is unclear, as some sources say it can take weeks to see changes, while others suggest that dietary changes can affect urine pH within hours.
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What You'll Learn
Supplements to lower dog urine pH
Supplements can be used to lower a dog's urine pH, which is part of the treatment for urolithiasis. A study found that the therapeutic food S/O and u/d, and the potassium citrate supplement affected acid-base balance in healthy adult male beagle dogs. The therapeutic foods were more effective than the supplements at influencing urine pH. However, the study also found that the supplement dosages of 130–211 mg/kg BW/day divided over two doses per day (2–4 capsules per day for dogs with different BW) increased the urinary pH by at least 0.5 pH units 6 hours after the meal.
Supplements that can be used to lower a dog's urine pH include:
- Cranberry: Cranberries have a substance that inhibits bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall, increasing resistance to infection.
- GrassSaver: This supplement contains an amino acid called DL-Methionine, which helps lower pH.
- Probiotics: These can be found in fermented raw goat milk.
- Potassium citrate: This supplement has been found to increase urinary pH.
- Ammonium chloride: This is another supplement that has been studied for its effects on urinary pH in dogs.
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Wet food and moisture-rich diets
Increasing water intake is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's urinary health. This can be done by adding water to their meals or feeding them wet food. Canned food is a great way to add moisture to your dog's diet, but it is important to note that it can lead to gingivitis and other oral diseases if the dog's teeth are not brushed daily. It is also important to ensure your dog gets plenty of bathroom breaks to keep the bladder flushed and prevent stagnant conditions that are conducive to stone formation.
Over-the-counter foods designed to support urinary tract health often feature high moisture content, balanced minerals, and low-to-moderate protein levels. These can be a good option for dogs that do not have a specific medical condition but are believed to be at risk of urinary tract problems. For dogs with diagnosed urinary issues, prescription urinary diets are recommended.
Supplements can also be used to decrease urine pH and increase the health of the urinary tract. Cranberry supplements, for example, contain an amino acid called DL-Methionine, which helps lower pH. It is important to consult your veterinarian before adding any supplements to your dog's diet, especially if they are already on prescription food, as supplements can over-acidify your dog's pH and cause different types of crystals in the urinary tract.
It is important to monitor your dog's urine pH level for changes by checking their urine at different times of the day, a few times a week. Dogs should have a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0. It is also recommended to have regular vet visits and discuss your plan with them.
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Prescription diets
One well-known prescription diet is the Hill's Prescription Diet u/d Canine, which aims to induce alkaline urine with a target pH of 7.1-7.7. This diet has been the subject of several studies, showing its effectiveness in influencing urinary pH. Another prescription diet is the Royal Canin Urinary S/O, which is designed to induce acidic urine with a target pH of 6.0-6.5. This diet has also been studied and found to be effective in lowering urinary pH in dogs.
In addition to these prescription diets, there are several other ways to address high urine pH in dogs. Increasing water intake is often recommended, as it can help to dilute the urine and flush out any crystals or stones. Adding moisture to the diet, such as through the inclusion of low-sodium chicken broth or canned food, can also help. However, it is important to note that canned food can contribute to oral health issues if teeth are not brushed regularly.
Supplements are another option, with cranberry, GrassSaver, and probiotics being popular choices. Vitamin C supplementation has also been suggested, but it is important to note that it should not be used in conjunction with a urinary acidifier or certain prescription diets. Potassium citrate is another supplement that has been shown to increase urinary pH in dogs, with a dosage of 40-60 mg/kg BW every 8-12 hours recommended for an alkalinizing effect.
It is always advisable to consult with a veterinarian before making any significant changes to a dog's diet or supplement regimen, as they can provide personalized advice and guidance based on the dog's individual needs and health status.
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Natural ways to lower pH
While there is no exact timeline for how fast a new diet will fix a dog's urine pH, there are several natural ways to lower a dog's urine pH. Here are some methods to consider:
Increase Water Intake
One of the most effective ways to lower a dog's urine pH is to increase their water intake. Proper hydration helps dilute the urine, leading to a more acidic pH. Encourage your dog to drink more water by using a water fountain, adding water or low-sodium broth to their food, or offering ice cubes as treats. Ensure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, especially during warmer months when their water needs may increase due to higher temperatures.
Dietary Adjustments
Adjusting your dog's diet can also help lower their urine pH. Opt for foods specifically designed to support urinary health, and consider incorporating wet food into their diet to increase moisture intake. Canned or high-protein, low-carb wet foods can add much-needed moisture, but be sure to maintain proper oral hygiene for your dog to prevent issues like gingivitis. Avoid feeding your dog certain high-protein or dry foods that are not formulated for urinary health, as these can contribute to more alkaline urine.
Supplements
Supplements can be beneficial in decreasing urine pH and improving urinary tract health. Cranberry supplements, for example, have been recommended by vets and are known to help with urinary tract infections. NaturVet GrassSaver Biscuits with Cranberry contain an amino acid called DL-Methionine, which is specifically aimed at lowering urine pH. Probiotics are another supplement option that can support overall health. Always consult your vet before starting any new supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your dog's individual needs.
Monitor Urine pH
It's important to monitor your dog's urine pH regularly to detect any changes or abnormalities. Use pH test strips to check their urine at different times of the day, a few times a week. The normal pH range for dogs is between 5.5 and 7.0. If you notice any significant deviations from this range, consult your veterinarian for advice and guidance.
Treat Infections
Stones and crystals in the urine are often indicative of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Treating the underlying infection with antibiotics can help resolve the issue and bring your dog's urine pH back to a healthy range. Be sure to work closely with your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any infections appropriately.
By implementing these natural methods, you can help lower your dog's urine pH and improve their overall urinary health. Remember that individual results may vary, and it's always best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most suitable approach for your dog's specific needs.
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The effectiveness of different diets
One study found that therapeutic foods S/O and u/d, and potassium citrate supplements affected the acid-base balance in healthy adult male beagle dogs. The tested diets were more effective than the administered doses of the tested supplements at influencing urinary pH. The study also found that Urical (ammonium chloride) did not have a detectable effect on urinary pH.
Another study on healthy dogs indicated that the administration of 150 mg of potassium citrate/kg BW/day increased the mean urinary pH by 0.2 pH units. However, this increase was not statistically significant. A dosage of 40-60 mg/kg BW every 8-12 hours is recommended for an alkalinizing effect.
Supplements such as cranberry, GrassSaver, and probiotics can also help lower high pH levels and increase overall health. It is important to monitor your dog's urine pH level for changes and check the urine at different times of the day, a few times a week.
Increasing your dog's water intake can also help lower urine pH. Adding organic, low-sodium chicken broth to your dog's food or water can help increase fluid intake. Canned foods are another way to add moisture to your dog's diet, but they can contribute to oral health issues if the dog's teeth are not brushed daily.
It is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no definitive answer to this question as each dog's metabolism is different. However, some dietary changes that may help lower your dog's urine pH include increasing water intake, adding moisture to their food, and supplementing with cranberry, GrassSaver, and probiotics. It is important to monitor your dog's urine pH using test strips and communicate any changes with your veterinarian.
Prescription diets, such as Hill's Prescription Diet u/d Canine or Royal Canin Urinary S/O dog, are specifically formulated to induce acidic urine and help manage urolithiasis. These diets have been shown to be more effective than certain supplements in influencing urine pH in healthy adult male beagle dogs.
Yes, in addition to increasing water intake, you can incorporate wet food into your dog's diet to increase moisture intake, which can help create a more acidic urine pH. You can also consider using natural supplements like cranberry, which has been shown to help with urinary tract infections in dogs.
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