Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Could my dog's chicken and rice diet lead to urinary problems?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Female | spayed | 8 years and 3 months old

What foods are contributors to urinary problems in dogs...I am feeding only chicken and rice

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on March 4th, 2016

It depends on the type of urinary disease your dog has. If she's having recurrent urinary tract infections, to my knowledge there is no known association between food and that condition. If she's having urinary stones, then there are some foods that have been associated with causing or worsening this condition, and being able to advise you about that would require that we understand what kind of stones your dog is getting, because there are several kinds. I am unaware of any stones or urinary tract problems that are worsened by feeding chicken and rice, however as pointed out in previous answers this is far from a balanced diet. If you're interested in giving your dog a home-cooked diet, I'd recommend checking out this site: https://secure.balanceit.com/tools/ez2/. It's created by the vet school at the University of California, and it's great for helping you figure out how to cook for a pet with health issues. You'll need the assistance of your vet to get a final recipe, but it's a very helpful site.

Vote icon

26Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Chicken and rice is a very unbalanced diet that could potentially cause the urine Ph (acidity) to change, causing urinary problems. a more balanced diet could potentially prevent urinary conditions - most dry dog foods of high quality will be balanced and better for her health.

    Vote icon

    25Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Image profile

    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Only chicken and rice is unfortunately not a complete dog food and should not be fed as a permanent feed, unless there is a health condition that mandates that (ie, your vet told you to feed this diet). If your dog has a urinary tract problem you should be feeding a special prescription food available from your veterinarian. This food will minimise the possibility of bladder stones and other sediment forming.

    Vote icon

    20Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored