Menu
“The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder.” ā Alfred Hitchcock
Did you know that not only the intestines, but also the bladder of our dogs has its own unique microbiome? This is also called the “urobiome” and contains a community of bacteria that play an important role in urinary tract health. It used to be thought that a bladder without infection is sterile, but this turns out not to be the case.
Recent research has found that diet affects these bacteria in the bladder. This sheds new light on how nutrition can contribute to a healthy urinary system. For example, adjusting the diet can help dogs with bladder problems.
Researchers wanted to know if diet affects the bacteria in the bladder of healthy dogs. They collected urine from fifteen adult dogs and analyzed which bacteria were present. Specifically, they looked at:
Interestingly, it was found that the brand of food dogs were given affected the bacterial diversity in their urine. Dogs that were fed only one specific brand of commercial food had fewer different types of bacteria in their bladder than dogs that ate other brands. This decrease in diversity could potentially affect bladder health. This is because a higher number of different bacteria in the bladder is often associated with a healthier microbiome that is better able to maintain balance and resist unwanted bacteria that can cause infections.
Why certain brands have this effect on the urobiome is not yet fully understood. Researchers suggest that this may have to do with the different ingredients, preparation techniques, and nutrients in the different brands. Specific ingredients or the way in which the food is processed can influence the urine pH, and thus the habitat of the bacteria in the urinary tract.
In addition to differences between food brands, the researchers found that dogs with a varied diet ā who were given different foods or snacks daily ā had a different bacterial composition in their urine than dogs who had a less diverse diet. This effect was especially noticeable in dogs that received more than three unique sources of nutrition, compared to dogs that had less variety in their diets. In dogs with a varied diet, there was greater variation within the urobiome and a particular bacterial species, Anaerobacillus, was found more frequently. The exact significance of the presence of this bacterium is still unknown, but the research does offer interesting insights into how dietary diversity can affect the bladder microbiome.
A diverse urobiome is important because it helps to maintain a healthy balance in the bladder and may protect against certain urinary tract infections.
The positive effect of a varied diet on the urobiome is not new. In humans, higher food diversity has also been shown to increase the diversity of the gut microbiome, which is generally considered beneficial for health. The same is true for dogs: a varied diet can contribute to a more stable and diverse microbiome, potentially helping to support the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.
In addition to the composition of the microbiome, diet can affect bladder health in several ways. This way the diet can help dogs with bladder problems. For example, specific nutrients and diets can contribute to a healthy urine pH, which can have a protective effect against infections and influence the formation of urinary stones. Certain foods can also contribute to fluid intake, which is important for flushing the bladder. Here are a few examples of how nutrition can support bladder health:
ā¢ Lowering urine pH: Some diets can help maintain a healthy urine pH, which is important because too high or too low a pH can be unfavorable for bladder health and promote the growth of bacteria that can cause bladder problems. In addition, pH plays a role in the development of bladder stones.
ā¢ Increase fluid intake: A higher fluid intake helps keep the bladder healthy by flushing the urinary tract regularly, reducing the chance for bacteria to build up.
ā¢ Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients: Some ingredients, such as berries or specific herbs, contain natural antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation in the bladder and urinary tract. This is especially helpful in dogs that are prone to bladder infections.
This research emphasizes that there is potential to support bladder health with nutrition. For example, a diet that promotes the diversity of bacteria in the bladder could potentially be a preventative against bladder problems.
Does your dog suffer from recurring bladder problems, such as infections or bladder stones? My experience and knowledge in the field of nutritional advice for dogs can help to create a tailor-made diet that not only meets your dog’s nutritional needs, but also aims to support a healthy bladder. Food for dogs with bladder problems. Together, we can develop a nutrition plan that balances the diversity of the urobiome and helps prevent future problems.
Whether you have questions about the right diet or are looking for help with specific health concerns for your dog, I’m here to help with advice based on the latest scientific findings.
By choosing the right diet for your dog, we can work towards optimal bladder health and contribute to the well-being and quality of life of your four-legged friend. Feel free to get in touch if you want to know how nutrition can help improve your dog’s bladder health!
Coffey, E.L. et al (2024) Dietary features are associated with differences in the urinary microbiome in clinically healhty adult dogs. Fat. Sci., 11, 286
