5 Royal Canin Urinary SO Dog Food Alternatives

The following article reviews Royal Canin Urinary SO dog food alternatives for 2024.

Royal Canin Urinary SO is a vet-prescribed diet high in antioxidants and omega fatty acids, and low in phosphorus, calcium, and protein to help reduce the risk of kidney and bladder stones.

However, the formula has corn, wheat, and soy which aren’t suitable for some dogs with food sensitivities.

If you want to try similar food to Royal Canin Urinary SO, but more appropriate for your dog, you are at the right place.

We decided to search for the best dog food similar to Royal Canin SO.

Our verdict?

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care dog food checks all the boxes when it comes to urinary care, overall health benefits, and whole grains, all wrapped in a tasty recipe.

The other dry and wet substitutes made it to the list for including high-quality ingredients that promote urinary health and well-being.

Check out our list of the best Royal Canin Urinary SO substitutes.

5 Royal Canin Urinary SO Dog Food Alternatives

• Best Overall: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care
• Best for Picky Eaters: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Urinary Care Wet Food
• Best Budget Choice: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St
• Best Low Protein: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Selected Protein PW
• Best Non-Prescription: SquarePet VFS Low Phosphorus Formula

Dog Food Similar to Royal Canin Urinary SO

Here are our reviews of a few best dog foods comparable to Royal Canin Urinary SO.

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dog Food

PROS

• Developed by nutritionists and vets
• Helps reduce the risk of both struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation and recurrence
• Helps dissolve struvite stones
• Promotes bladder health
• Balanced fat and sodium levels to support healthy weight
• Enriched with antioxidants, potassium citrate, and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy immunity
• Right levels of phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium to prevent mineral crystals
• Tiny kibble suitable for small-breed dogs
• Comes in big and smaller bags

CONS

• On the expensive side
• Requires a veterinary prescription
• Some dogs may not find the taste appealing
• Not a suitable option for dogs with allergies

Hill’s specially crafted formula is our top dry food substitute for Royal Canin Urinary SO since it supports bladder health and is recommended by veterinarians as balanced nutrition for dogs with urinary problems.

The formula helps dissolve struvite stones and reduces the risk of their recurrence.

Also, it lowers the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation and recurrence.

Nutritionists and vets assisted in developing this recipe that can prevent mineral crystals from combining in the urinary tract which leads to more serious problems like stones.

Talking about ingredients, both Hill and Royal Canin SO contain grains – including brewers rice and corn gluten meal to provide energy and fiber to your canine companion, however, Hill includes soybean meal and flaxseed.

Flaxseed is a fantastic source of fiber and omega fatty acids that boost your dog’s digestion, bowel movement, skin, and coat.

Soybean meal is rich in digestible protein that helps your canine build muscle and fight stones.

The two formulas are also enriched with fish oil which is another great source of omega fatty acids to give your pup shiny skin and coat.

Hill’s formula has soybean oil as well, another good source of omega-6 fatty acids that contribute to your pup’s immune function, skin, and coat.

Additionally, Royal Canin’s has corn whereas Hill’s recipe has whole-grain corn which is a healthier source of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that strengthen the immune system.

Whole-grain corn is rich in prebiotic fiber too which is beneficial for the gut flora.

Hill’s kibble features better protein sources as well.

It uses chicken meal, chicken fat, and egg product while Royal Canin uses chicken by-product meal.

In comparison, both Hill’s and Royal Canin’s recipes contain 17% crude protein content, but Royal Canin’s has more fat (15 % vs 13 %), and Hill’s has more fiber (6 % vs 3.5 %).

Protein is essential for your dog’s muscles, strength, bones, and immune system and your dog can benefit from high-quality protein from real meat and fish.

Keep in mind that canines with urinary issues should have a diet lower in protein which helps with urinary, bladder, and liver problems.

Fat fuels your dog’s body, but too much fat can cause weight gain, so pups who are overweight should have a diet lower in fat.

Dog parents who avoid by-products will also appreciate Hill’s formula more.

Hill’s c/d Multicare is an excellent choice for adult dogs of any breed who struggle with urinary health problems. Based on discussions on Reddit, this food is also considered beneficial for dogs with diabetes. (To learn more about the best substitutions to Hill’s c/d recipe check out our article Hill’s C/d Dog Food Alternatives).

The combination of premium quality ingredients provides overall health benefits, it also promotes bladder health, dissolves struvite stones, and prevents calcium oxalate stones and you get good value for money.

2. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Urinary Care Wet Dog Food

PROS

• Palatable taste
• Contains high-quality ingredients and no wheat, soy, or corn; no by-products
• Terrific alternative for dogs with food sensitivities
• Helps maintain a healthy weight while neutralizing urinary imbalances
• Controlled mineral levels to support urinary health
• Lower fat and sodium content for weight management
• Wholesome grains, fruits (such as blueberries and cranberries), and veggies boost the immune system, skin, and coat
• Positive reviews from dog owners

CONS

• High in pea protein
• Contains chicken (not for doggies with poultry allergies)
• May not be readily available in all locations, making it harder to find
• Slightly pricey

Blue Buffalo’s team developed a natural wet formula that makes a great alternative to Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Loaf Canned Dog Food.

What makes this delicious food special is the balanced levels of fat and sodium to support a healthy weight and the controlled levels of minerals to promote urinary health.

It’s a terrific choice for adult dogs of any breed with urinary health concerns, but also need to lose some weight.

Moreover, Blue Buffalo’s holistic approach to food and its carefully chosen ingredients give your dog nutrients to stay healthy and strong.

The grain-free recipe features chicken, chicken broth, water, whitefish, and chicken liver as the first 5 ingredients.

Chicken, chicken liver, and whitefish are fantastic sources of protein that help your pup build muscle and stay active and healthy, plus dogs love the taste of these ingredients.

Whitefish is rich in omega fatty acids too that are beneficial for your dog’s skin, coat, and immune system.

Royal Canin’s Loaf also features water and chicken liver, but it has chicken and pork by-products in addition.

Some dog parents avoid by-products and buy food that offers more quality protein.

In fact, Blue Buffalo’s recipe has 7.5% crude protein from real meat whereas Royal Canin’s has 5.6% crude protein content.

The two formulas have powdered cellulose in common, which isn’t a great source of fiber.

However, Blue Buffalo’s recipe is enriched with potatoes, barley, brown rice, oats, and flaxseed which are high in fiber, nutrients, and vitamins that keep your fur buddy full longer and give him healthy skin and coat.

And it contains cranberries which have a positive effect on urinary infections.

Blue Buffalo’s formula is free from wheat, soy, and corn, and pups with food sensitivities can enjoy it too.

In contrast, Royal Canin’s formula has corn and corn starch which can cause stomach and skin problems in some dogs.

So, we recommend Blue Buffalo’s formula as a terrific alternative to Royal Canin for dogs who are sensitive to corn, soy, or wheat and need a grain-free option to avoid upset stomachs and irritations.

Furthermore, Blue Buffalo’s wet food has 2.5% crude fat, and Royal Canin’s more than double the amount, and less fat content is better for dogs with weight problems.

Another significant difference between the two formulas is the fiber percentage.

Blue Buffalo has 5% fiber content while Royal Canin has 1.6%.

Fiber is beneficial for dogs since it promotes digestive health, good bowel movement, and healthy weight.

Last, but not least, Blue Buffalo’s wet formula is incredibly high in moisture (78%) which helps increase water intake and that’s useful for dogs with urinary problems.

Blue Buffalo’s vet-prescribed formula is made with quality ingredients like meat, whole grains, fruits, and veggies, balanced levels of fat, sodium, and minerals that keep your canine healthy, preventing urinary issues, and weight gain.

Note that if your dog doesn’t need to lose weight, it’s better to opt for different food.

3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St Dry Dog Food

Key Takeaways:

• Helps dissolve struvite stones and prevent them from reoccurring
• Reduces the risk of both struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation
• Creates an unfavorable urinary environment for stone formation
• Controlled levels of minerals 
• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants that boost the immune system

PROS

• A limited-ingredient diet excellent for dogs with urinary issues
• Wallet-friendly
• Higher fiber for gut health
• Small kibble size for tiny mouths (even small pups can eat the food without struggling)
• Dog parents say this food helps their pups avoid urinary tract infections and kidney problems
• Mostly positive reviews from dog owners

CONS

• Requires veterinarian authorization
• It’s not all natural
• Contains chicken by-products
• Not for picky eaters

This budget-friendly alternative to Royal Canin Urinary SO suits many dogs with urinary health concerns.

Nutritionists, vets, and researchers helped develop the special formula that helps prevent both struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation and dissolve struvite stones.

What makes this recipe stand out is the fact that it creates an unfavorable urinary environment for the development of struvite and calcium oxalate stones.

Thus, it promotes urinary health.

Compared to Royal Canin’s formula, it contains whole grain corn instead of corn gluten meal which is a better source of carbohydrates to give your pup enough energy to stay active.

Both formulas contain brewers rice, a source of carbs and insoluble fiber to keep your canine full and aid in the efficient processing of urine.

Also, they feature chicken by-product meals to provide protein for building muscle, healthy bones, and strength.

Purina Pro’s recipe has more protein (21%) and fiber (6.5%) than Royal Canin’s (17%, 3.7%) which makes it better for your pup’s muscles and satiety.

In addition, it has less fat (9%) than Royal Canin’s kibble (15%), which is also beneficial for pups that struggle with weight. 

Nonetheless, Royal Canin Formula is enhanced with fish oil that is rich in omega fatty acids, great for your pup’s coat.

Both formulas are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to strengthen your fur baby’s immune system and keep him healthy and fit.

Purina Pro’s kibble is an excellent choice for adult dogs of any breed who struggle with urinary stones and need a vet-prescribed diet.

The recipe promotes urinary health, helps reduce the risk of struvite and calcium stone formation, and provides overall health benefits.

Dog parents buying on a budget will find this option more suitable than Royal Canin’s.

4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Selected Protein PW

Key Takeaways:

• Whitefish and potatoes as excellent sources of protein
• Lower in fat to promote healthy weight
• L-carnitine and taurine good for heart, liver, and kidney health
• Special formula without soy corn, wheat, chicken, or beef
• Omega fatty acids for skin health

PROS

• A limited-ingredient diet excellent for urinary and digestive health
• The protein in the diet is provided by potatoes and fish which are appropriate for dogs with certain food sensitivities
• Moderate calories to help maintain ideal weight and muscle support
• High palatability

CONS

• Expensive
• A veterinary-exclusive diet

If you want to try a different formula but stick with the same brand, we have you covered.

Royal Canine Selected Protein PW Moderate Calorie is an excellent choice for adult dogs of any breed who are prone to allergies, experience food intolerance and need a special diet.

The kibble promotes digestive, kidney, and liver health with its formula fortified with L-carnitine and taurine.

What makes this recipe special, is the protein source from whitefish and potatoes which don’t cause allergies or digestive problems like chicken or beef do, for example.

Whitefish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids which support a healthy immune system, skin, and coat.

In comparison, Royal Canin Selected Protein PW has 22.5% crude protein content while Royal Canin Urinary SO has 17% of this muscle-building nutrient.

More importantly, this formula has double less fat (7.5% vs 15%) and significantly more fiber (9.8% vs 3.7%) than Royal Canin SO.

That’s why it’s suitable for dogs who need to lose weight and stay full longer.

Furthermore, this kibble is enhanced with vitamins and minerals to strengthen your pal’s immune system and keep him healthy and fit.

Therefore, this is a good substitute that will help your four-legged friend avoid allergies, stomach issues, and weight gain.

It can also help dogs with kidney or urinary problems that need good-quality protein, less fat, and lots of vitamins and nutrients to boost overall health.

Bear in mind that if your dog doesn’t need weight management, you should choose a different formula from our list.

5. SquarePet VFS Low Phosphorus Formula

Key Takeaways:

• Real turkey for quality protein
• A decent alternative to Royal Canin’s SO food if your dog can’t handle chicken
• Reduced levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium to support urinary and digestive health
• High in omega fatty acids to boost the immune system, skin, and coat
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• No artificial ingredients

PROS

• Non-prescription formula perfect for small dogs with kidney disease
• Packed with antioxidants, vitamins C and E, and turmeric to defend against oxidative stressors and free radicals
• Suitable for dogs with dietary restrictions or sensitivities
• Made in the USA
• Affordable
• Positive reviews from dog owners

CONS

• Contains copper (may not be appropriate for dogs with liver diseases)
• Not widely available

If you are looking for a good dry formula to maintain health in your adult dog without vet prescriptions, we have the right kibble for you.

Square Pet VFS can be a good alternative to Royal Canin SO if your canine needs to avoid soy, corn, or wheat, and get a high-quality ingredients diet.

Moreover, the formula is made with lower levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium to aid dogs who struggle with weight problems or urinary problems.

The kibble is made with brown rice, whole egg, turkey, white rice, tapioca, sweet potato, and salmon oil.

Brown rice and white rice are rich in carbs and fiber to keep your pup full and energized, and sweet potato is not only rich in fiber but in vitamin A as well.

Vitamin A is great for your fur baby’s skin, coat, and eyes.

The meat source in this recipe is cage-free turkey and whole egg which provide plenty of premium protein for your dog to build muscle.

SquarePet’s recipe has 14% protein whereas Royal Canin’s has 17%.

Food with less protein is better for dogs with urinary stones or crystals, thus it promotes urinary health.

Besides, this recipe has turkey which makes it suitable for dogs who can’t eat chicken due to allergies.

Furthermore, the two formulas have the same amount of fat, but Royal Canin’s formula has more fiber than SquarePet’s ( 2.5% vs 3.7%).

Nevertheless, SquarePet’s kibble is enhanced with salmon oil which is known for its amazing properties.

It’s loaded with omega fatty acids which boost your canine’s immune system, skin, and coat and help protect his heart.

Royal Canin’s formula contains fish oil, but the exact fish isn’t stated, so Square Pet’s formula is a more trusted source of these healthy fats.

Adult dogs of any breed can enjoy the flavorful recipe that promotes kidney health and general well-being with quality ingredients, vitamins, and omega-fatty acids.

The low phosphorus, protein, and sodium diet is suitable for dogs with sensitivities and the prebiotics and probiotics support the digestive system.

This kibble is a good fit for dog parents who are ready to splurge on their dog.

If your canine needs medical nutrition, choose different foods from our list.

How to Transition to New Food

The most important advice is to make the switch gradually.

It can take 7-9 days to replace your dog’s old food with new food.

Check our mini guide on how to transition to a new food:

First, start with 25 % new food and 75 % old food for a couple of days.

Then, mix 50 % new food with 50 % old food for the next few days.

Around the 5th day, add 75 % new food to 25 % old food.

Finally, give your pup 100 % new food and watch his reactions.

Always consult your vet for the best advice on how to transition to new food.

Final Thoughts 

Royal Canin Urinary SO has helped many dogs with urinary tract infections (UTI) and many vets recommend it as a therapeutic diet.

But, the food includes wheat, soy, and corn and it isn’t suitable for dogs sensitive to these ingredients.

Our favorite alternative, Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dog Food can aid dogs with urinary problems and offer health benefits to adult dogs of any breed.

The specially made formula has first-rate ingredients that promote bladder health, dissolve struvite stones, and prevent both struvite and calcium oxalate stones.

The other Royal Canin Urinary SO substitutes can help dogs with urinary issues as well and promote digestive, skin, and general health.

Choose wisely and consult your vet before making any decision regarding your dog’s diet.

FAQs