New Research Alert: Fresh Food Ingredients & Stone Formation in Dogs—What Pet Owners Should Know

What Did the Study Find?

• A newly discovered stone type in dogs

  Researchers at the University of Minnesota Urolith Center recently identified a brand-new urinary stone called calcium tartrate tetrahydrate (CTT).

• Connection to diet and supplements

  Many of the dogs that developed these stones were eating foods or taking supplements that contained tartaric acid, most often through an added ingredient called choline bitartrate.

• The key takeaway is that any dog could be at risk if exposed to these ingredients.

Why This Matters for Pet Owners

• “Natural” doesn’t always mean risk-free.

  Fresh, natural, raw diets, and supplements can include additives that may raise the chance of bladder stone formation and exposes humans to multiple drug-resistant organisms.

• Stones can grow silently.

  Urinary stones often don’t cause noticeable signs until they’re large enough to create irritation or blockages. Prevention is the best protection.

The simple takeaway:

It’s safest to avoid diets, treats, or supplements with “choline bitartrate” or “tartaric acid” listed on the label.

Where Might You See This Ingredient?

Choline bitartrate and tartaric acid may show up in:

• Fresh or raw-style pet foods where it’s used as a nutrient additive

• Vitamin and mineral premixes in some commercial diets

• Powdered supplements for coat health, brain function, or joint support

• Certain medications where tartaric acid is used as part of the formula

Because these additives can appear in multiple products, it’s important to read labels carefully and review them with a veterinarian if you’re unsure.

Label-Reading Guide for Pet Parents

Look out for these ingredients on labels:

• Choline bitartrate

• Tartaric acid

• Potassium bitartrate (sometimes listed as “cream of tartar”)

What You Can Do

1. Read ingredient labels carefully. Watch for choline bitartrate or tartaric acid.

2.  Ask if your dog’s current diet or supplement routine is safe.

3. Use specialized diets if recommended. Veterinary prescription diets are designed to support urinary health and reduce the risk of stones returning.

4. Schedule regular check-ups. Preventive wellness lab work, including urine testing, is an important part of your pet’s check-up. These tests help veterinarians detect early changes before they become serious and allow them to create the best plan with you for your pet’s health.

   
   

Simple Summary

New study (Published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2025) = new awareness! Researchers have identified a new bladder stone in dogs linked to certain dietary additives, especially choline bitartrate. Not all “fresh”, “raw” or “natural” foods are risk-free. Checking labels and consulting with a veterinarian is the best way to protect your dog’s urinary health.

blog by Aardvark Animal Hospital Downingtown, PA