Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
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It's not uncommon to see crystals in cat or dog urine. In fact, crystals are so common as to be considered normal in some pets. When the crystals become overly abundant or when abnormal types of crystals present themselves, however, they may cause problems or indicate the presence of disease.
Crystals are typically most problematic for the urinary system, but the underlying issues leading to urine crystal formation often originate in other parts of the body.
If you can remember back to your high school chemistry class, you'll recall that crystals will form in solutions when there's an overabundance of certain molecules — think of salt crusting a bucket of ocean water after the water has evaporated. Crystal formation also depends on the temperature, the concentration of certain compounds and the acidity of the urine.
Pet parents often confuse urinary crystals with urinary stones, or uroliths. Urinary stones are similar to human kidney stones, which is less common in dogs and cats but typically form in the bladder. Urine crystals and stones aren't always related. Certain kinds of crystals in cat urine or dog urine may eventually lead to stone formation.
The cause of crystals in cats and dogs depend on the kind of crystal your veterinarian finds. In general, crystals are found when an abundance of certain compounds are excreted by the kidneys. These molecules can be overabundant in the case of liver diseases, poisoning and genetic conditions, among other causes.
Dogs and cats are different in many ways, but both seem predisposed to urine crystal formation. The crystals themselves are nearly identical. The difference lies in the kind of crystals that form in dogs or cats and how they can adversely affect these pets.
Wag! notes that while the presence of crystals in dog urine may indicate an underlying disease, the crystals themselves don't usually hurt a dog. In cats, the small size of the urethra means that crystals can clump and block the flow of urine.
The Cornell Feline Health Center notes that crystals in cat urine are sometimes associated with a range of urinary diseases collectively called feline lower urinary track disease (FLUTD). The signs of FLUTD may include:
If you notice any of these signs you should take your cat to the vet immediately. Your vet will check for and identify any crystals in your cat's urine and evaluate her for any associated diseases. Every time a pet's urine is thoroughly examined, a microscopic search for crystals is part of the equation. Your vet may also suggest blood testing and X-rays.
Crystals in cat and dog urine are often one of several common types:
Young pets may need several visits in their first year for vaccinations. Adult pets generally benefit from annual check-ups, while senior or special-needs pets might require more frequent visits.
Once a vet identifies urinary crystals in dog urine or cat urine, the next step is to assess whether the crystals are likely to cause a problem. In some cases it is more important to treat a pet's underlying condition first. For crystals that may lead to stone formation or urinary obstruction, dissolving or eliminating them is a higher priority. Nutritional adjustments and convincing your pet to drink more water will often treat crystals effectively, but surgery is also an option in severe cases.
While it's rare for crystals to form as the result of poor nutrition or inadequate diet selection, nutritional imbalances can play a role. Nutrition is crucial when it comes to reducing crystals in cases where stone or urethral plug formation is a risk. Your vet will likely prescribe a therapeutic food to a cat or dog at risk for a urinary obstruction.
Make sure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh water. Keeping pets hydrated keeps their urine from becoming concentrated and makes crystals less likely to form. Offering additional sources of water along with wet food is strongly recommended.
As always, follow your vet's advice on feeding and home care. Being vigilant about nutrition and water intake goes a long way toward reducing or even preventing crystal formation.
Dr. Patty Khuly is an award-winning veterinarian known for her independent thinking, her spirited pet advocacy, her passion for the veterinary profession, and her famously irreverent pet health writing.
Dr. K is an honors graduate of both Wellesley College and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She received her MBA at The Wharton School of Business as part of the prestigious VMD/MBA dual-degree program. She now owns Sunset Animal Clinic, a veterinary practice in Miami, Florida.
Supports healthy joints, lean muscle, and beautiful coat for large breed dogs
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Supports lean muscle, for dogs who prefer smaller kibble
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Concerned about your pet's environmental impact? Learn how sustainable pet food can help you care for the planet without compromising pet nutrition.
Learn how the science of predictive biology plays a role in formulating your pet's food to interact and work with your pet's biological process.
Learn why nutrients like antioxidants & amino acids can help improve your pet's immune system, as well as top antioxidants to look for in pet food.
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your pet's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.