How do purines affect dogs?

Dietary needs for our pets can often be complex and some dogs may be more sensitive to purines, most commonly Dalmatians, who can have a gene mutation that causes high levels of uric acid.

Many other breeds may also have this problem such as Russian Black Terriers, Bulldogs, Münsterländers, and Spanish Water Dogs, requiring low-purine diets in order to stay happy and healthy.

In our recent Facebook event, recapped below, Dr Nick Thompson discussed purines and how they can affect your dogs.

What are purines?

Purines are organic compounds found in the cells of all living things, including humans. These compounds are naturally broken down by the body into uric acid, which can be harmful in excess.

Which foods are high in purines?

High purine levels are most commonly found in rich food, such as:

Dark animal meats like beef, lamb and pork
Oily fish meats like sardines and tuna
Organ meats like liver or sweetbread

It's also sometimes found in legumes such as chickpeas and lentils.

Why do they create urate in some dogs and not others?

Under normal circumstances, when purines are metabolised, uric acid is formed.

According to Nick: "Most dogs break down uric acid into allantoin and it's not a problem for them, because allantoin is very water soluble. However, the affected dogs haven't got the enzyme to turn uric acid into allantoin and that uric acid is much less soluble.

"If the urine is of any significant concentration, you can get that crystallisation effect, where the more concentrated urine in the bladder just goes from a liquid phase into a crystal phase, and those crystals can then aggregate into stones, which can then block the urethra."

Dogs with this Hyperuricosuria (HUU) mutation are unable to convert uric acid to allantoin, which can cause stones in the bladder or kidneys.

In some serious cases, a stone can cause a ureteral obstruction and the dog will not be able to urinate at all.

What is purine in dog food?

While purine is essential for the body's functions, excessive consumption can lead to health issues, especially in dogs prone to certain conditions like kidney stones or gout.

High levels of purines in a dog's diet can lead to health issues such as kidney stones or even gout, so It's important for pet owners to be aware of the purine content in the food they feed their furry friends.

Some of the breeds we mentioned are known to be significantly affected by Hyperuricosuria, however this does not necessarily mean you have to switch to a low-purine diet immediately.

You can do a simple DNA Test to check your dog for elevated levels of uric acid in the urine that can lead to the formation of bladder/kidney stones.

Benefits of a low purine diet

Switching to a low purine diet can help reduce the risk of urate bladder stones, gout, and other health issues associated with high levels of uric acid. By limiting the intake of purine-rich foods, you can help manage these conditions and improve your dog's quality of life.

If your dog has been diagnosed with certain health conditions like kidney disease or urinary stones, your veterinarian may recommend a low purine diet.

Choosing the right low purine diet

When selecting a low purine dog food for your pet, look for options that are specifically formulated to meet their dietary needs. These foods are typically lower in purines and may contain ingredients like fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Provides a balanced diet for dogs with purine sensitivities while supporting their overall health and well-being.

Low purine dog food list

If you are a raw feeder, lean white meat like chicken or turkey is a lower purine than darker meats, while white fish and eggs are great options.

Leaner cuts of beef, lamb and pork tend to have more moderate levels of purine in them, and many brands also have a range of low purine prepared meals:

For fresh feeders, there's also:

Different Dog Low Purine & Phosphorus

Conclusion

It's important to consult with your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist before making any changes to your dog's diet, especially if they have underlying health issues. They can provide guidance on the best low purine dog food options for your pet based on their individual needs.