Dog Food for Specific Health Problems

The following items represent some of The Dog Food Advisor’s most frequently asked questions about specific health problems.

Mike Sagman

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Mike Sagman
Mike Sagman

Mike Sagman

Founder

Dr Mike Sagman is the creator of the Dog Food Advisor. He founded the website in 2008, after his unquestioning trust in commercial dog food led to the tragic death of his dog Penny.

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Updated: March 7, 2024

My dog has been diagnosed with bladder or kidney stones. Is there a specific food that can help?

There are many different kinds of urinary tract crystals and stones. Whether or not a specific food can help all depends on the type of stones your dog has.

To prevent urinary stones, my vet recommends foods low in oxalate content. Where can I get this information?

Unfortunately, other than contacting each company, we know of no easy way to obtain information about the oxalate content of all the different dog foods on the market.

Can you suggest a good dog food with low oxalate content?

Look for a 3, 4 or 5-star dog food containing no ingredients known to be high in oxalates.

Where can I find a list of ingredients high in oxalates?

You can find an excellent article written for humans afflicted with these same types of bladder and kidney stones. It’s published by a major medical center 1 and entitled, “Low Oxalate Diet“.

Can you suggest a quality low fat dog food?

Dogs diagnosed with fat-sensitive health conditions like pancreatitis or obesity can frequently benefit from a low fat diet. For help, be sure to visit our article, “Suggested Low Fat Dog Foods“.

Can you suggest a dog food for pets with joint problems?

Once diagnosed by your vet with joint problems or hip dysplasia, your dog may benefit from a recipe containing omega-3 fatty acids as well as glucosamine and chondroitin.

What dog foods are most likely to be high in omega-3 fats?

Recipes with fish or fish oil as well as those containing flaxseed or canola oils are naturally high in essential omega-3 fats.

However, not all omega-3 oils are created equal. From a standpoint of biological availability, fish oil is far superior to plant-based sources of omega-3 fats.

How can I find a dog food that contains enough chondroitin and glucosamine to help my pet?

Unfortunately, manufacturers rarely publish the actual amount of these two nutrients contained in their dog food recipes.

Just seeing the words chondroitin and glucosamine on a marketing piece or the ingredients list itself doesn’t guarantee there’s enough present to be clinically effective for your pet.

Is there any way to be sure my dog gets enough omega-3 and chondroitin or glucosamine in his diet?

You may wish to consider using a quality fish oil or chondroitin and glucosamine supplement. There are many on the market. But quality can vary based upon the purity of the brand.

In any case, check with your vet to determine an appropriate dose.

Sources

1: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

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