Tips for Pets Prone to Urate Kidney Stones

New to Urate Kidney Stones? You can read more about how they develop here

What is Purine?

Purine is a natural organic compound found in the nucleus of plant and animal cells. There are two categories – Endogenous (ones created by the body) and Exogenous (ones that enter the body via food).

The body metabolizes exogenous purines.  The liver breaks these down, and the excess is called uric acid. Most uric acid dissolves without issue into the blood and then the kidneys filter it to remove it from the body. If there is too much uric acid in the blood for the body to process it can form crystals, which then can lead to kidney stones and other issues.

A low-purine diet will help limit the number of purines in the body and reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood.

See the full article: “What is Purine?”

Recommended daily food for dogs with urate stones (Prescription required): 


Low-Purine “Treats” Found in the Home: 

  • Vegetables (Carrots, peas, zucchini, cucumber, pumpkin)

  • Fruits (bananas, strawberries, blueberries)

  • Eggs (boiled, scrambled)

Please remember that any “people foods” should be served in moderation, without any seasoning or cooking oils. Although these snacks are considered low-calorie, they will still impact your pet's overall diet. If introducing a new food to your pet’s diet, start with a small amount to ensure that the food “agrees” with your pet’s stomach. 

Traditional “Dog Treats” safe for dogs with urate stones: 

Importance of Hydration:

Keeping your dog well-hydrated is also vital. This dilutes their urine, which in turn dilutes the levels of chemicals that promote stone formation, decreasing the chance of your dog developing bladder stones.

You can help your dog drink more water by placing a few bowls of fresh water in different locations around the house. Always make sure the water is fresh and that you change it regularly.