Effects of therapeutic urinary care diet trial on body weight, urine profile, and blood profile in healthy dogs

Urolithiasis is a common urinary tract condition in dogs that can be managed through dietary Modification. Therapeutic urinary care diets are formulated to reduce urinary crystal formation and
Maintain optimal renal health. However, their effects on blood and urine parameters in healthy
Small-breed dogs remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a
Therapeutic urinary care diet (Brand A) on renal biomarkers and urinary characteristics in healthy,
Male, small-breed dogs. An observational study was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia, involving
Five dogs (four small-sized <7 kg and one medium-sized <15 kg). Eligible dogs were male, 8
Months to 8 years old, and apparently healthy. The study consisted of three feeding phases: five
Weeks on a normal diet, one week of acclimatization, and five weeks on the therapeutic urinary
Care diet. Feed amounts were calculated based on resting and daily energy requirements (RER and
DER), with owners instructed to provide two meals daily and ensure constant access to water.
Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the trial for paired t-test analysis of renal
And urinary parameters, including blood urea and nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, total protein, urine
Specific gravity (USG), and urine ph. Feeding the urinary care diet for five weeks did not cause
Any clinically adverse effects. BUN and creatinine levels remained stable (p > 0.05), indicating
Normal renal function. A significant decrease in total protein (p = 0.038) and a significant increase
In USG (p = 0.005) were observed, both within normal physiological limits. Urine ph and crystal
Presence showed no significant changes. The therapeutic urinary care diet (Brand A) was safe and
Well-tolerated in healthy small-breed dogs during the short-term trial, maintaining normal renal
And urinary parameters. The observed biochemical changes likely reflected expected physiological
Responses to the diet’s composition. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations
Are recommended to confirm these findings and assess long-term urinary health outcomes.