Canine Purine Diet

Urinary and kidney stones can be a real problem in Dalmatians and in dogs suffering from porto-systemic shunts. Formation of these stones is controllable, though. A diet low in purines, sometimes erroneously called a "purine diet," can reduce a dog's chances of developing urinary stones. This diet may be prescription-based, homemade or made from carefully chosen conventional foods.

Significance

Stones in the urinary tract and bladder may cause blood in the urine and create mild to extreme discomfort. Inflammation from these stones increases the risk of urinary tract infection. The stones may eventually lodge in the urethra, causing an obstruction that requires surgical treatment. Stones which lodge in the ureter can cause serious damage to the kidneys. Correct diets may prevent stone formation and help to dissolve existing stones.

Formation

Canine urate stones form in two ways. Dogs suffering from port-systemic shunts, abnormal blood vessels that allow blood to pass by the liver, excrete high levels of ammonium biurate. Dalmatian dogs don't process uric acid correctly as a breed, and also frequently form these stones. A low purine diet can prevent stones from forming, decreasing the need for serious medical intervention.

Types

You can make a diet low in purines at home from low-purine protein sources such as lamb, poultry, eggs and some types of fish. Ask your vet for a nutritionally balanced recipe to ensure good health. You can obtain commercial low-purine diets, such as Hill's y/d prescription diet, from licensed veterinarians. Some conventional foods may also have a low purine level, but it's important to read their ingredients carefully.

Misconceptions

Since purines are commonly associated with protein, many people believe that a canine low purine diet must also be low in protein. However, too little protein in a dog's diet can cause problems ranging from itchy skin and poor coat quality to constant hunger, nutritional deficiencies and weight fluctuation. A moderate protein diet made up of foods lower in purines is a better choice for animals at risk for urinary stones.

Warning

Many commercial dog foods and homemade dog food recipes rely heavily on foods that are high in purines. These include organ meats like kidney and liver, beef and some exotic game meats used in canine allergy diets. Owners who feed their stone-susceptible dogs these foods may not realize that they're putting their pets' health at risk. Anyone unsure about their pet's diet should consult a veterinarian.