Hill's c/d Multicare for Dogs: The Urinary Diet That Dissolves and Prevents Bladder Stones

What Is Hill's c/d Multicare?

c/d Multicare is a prescription diet specifically formulated to manage the two most common types of bladder stones in dogs: struvite and calcium oxalate. It works by controlling the levels of minerals that form stones — primarily magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium — while maintaining a urine pH that discourages crystal formation.

Unlike a standard maintenance diet, c/d is precisely calibrated to create urinary conditions where stones are less likely to form and, in the case of struvite stones, where existing stones can actually dissolve over time. It's a complete and balanced diet, meaning your dog doesn't need any additional food while on it.

How c/d Multicare Dissolves and Prevents Bladder Stones

Bladder stones form when minerals in urine become too concentrated and crystallise. Think of it like salt in water — if the concentration gets too high, crystals form. c/d works by reducing the concentration of stone-forming minerals in your dog's urine and adjusting the pH to a range where crystals are less stable.

For struvite stones specifically, c/d can dissolve existing stones without surgery. The diet reduces magnesium and phosphorus levels while producing a mildly acidic urine that breaks down struvite crystals over weeks to months. Your vet will monitor progress with regular imaging — usually ultrasound or X-rays — to confirm the stones are shrinking.

For calcium oxalate stones, c/d can't dissolve stones that have already formed (these typically require surgical removal), but it's highly effective at preventing new ones from developing. It controls calcium levels and promotes dilute urine, reducing the conditions that allow oxalate crystals to form.

Struvite vs Calcium Oxalate — Understanding Your Dog's Stone Type

Your vet will identify the stone type, and this matters because the management approach differs.

Struvite stones are the most common type in dogs. They're often associated with urinary tract infections — bacteria produce an enzyme that changes urine pH and creates conditions for struvite to crystallise. In these cases, your vet will treat the infection with antibiotics alongside c/d. The good news is that struvite stones can dissolve on a prescription diet alone, potentially avoiding surgery.

Calcium oxalate stones are the second most common type and are becoming more prevalent. These stones form without infection and are related to the mineral composition of urine. They cannot be dissolved with diet — if they're already present, they usually need to be surgically removed. However, c/d is prescribed long-term afterward to prevent recurrence. Certain breeds are predisposed, including Miniature Schnauzers, Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers.

Your vet will determine the stone type through urinalysis, imaging, and sometimes analysis of a passed or surgically removed stone. Treatment depends entirely on which type your dog has.

c/d vs u/d — Two Urinary Diets for Different Conditions

Hill's makes two urinary prescription diets, and they target different stone types.

c/d Multicare is the standard choice for struvite and calcium oxalate stones — the two most common types, accounting for roughly 85% of all bladder stones in dogs. It's the diet most dogs with urinary stone issues will be prescribed.

u/d is designed for less common stone types: urate, cystine, and xanthine stones. These require a different dietary approach — u/d is lower in protein and produces alkaline urine, which is the opposite of what c/d does. Dalmatians are particularly prone to urate stones due to a genetic difference in how they metabolise purines.

If your vet prescribed c/d, your dog almost certainly has struvite or calcium oxalate stones. If they prescribed u/d, it's a different stone type entirely.

c/d + Metabolic — For Dogs with Urinary Issues and Weight Problems

Overweight dogs are at higher risk of bladder stones, and many dogs that develop stones also need to lose weight. Hill's makes a c/d + Metabolic combination diet that addresses both problems with a single food.

This combination provides the urinary stone prevention of c/d with the metabolic weight management benefits of the Metabolic formula. It avoids the need to choose between managing urinary health and managing weight — which can be a problem, because standard weight loss diets don't control stone-forming minerals.

If your dog needs both urinary care and weight management, ask your vet about the combination formula rather than trying to manage both conditions with separate approaches.

The Importance of Water Intake Alongside c/d

Dilute urine is one of the most effective ways to prevent stone formation, and it's something you can actively influence at home. The more water your dog drinks, the more dilute the urine becomes, and the less likely minerals are to concentrate and crystallise.

Practical ways to increase water intake include adding water or low-sodium broth to meals, using a pet water fountain (the movement encourages drinking), placing multiple water bowls around the house, and ensuring water is always fresh.

Feeding the wet version of c/d — or mixing some wet food into the dry — is another effective strategy. Wet food is roughly 80% moisture, which significantly increases total water intake compared to dry food alone. Some vets specifically recommend the wet formula for dogs with recurrent stones.

How Long Will My Dog Be on c/d?

This depends on why it was prescribed.

For struvite stone dissolution, your dog will stay on c/d until imaging confirms the stones have fully dissolved, which typically takes one to three months. After dissolution, many vets recommend continuing c/d long-term to prevent recurrence, especially if your dog has had stones more than once.

For calcium oxalate prevention after surgery, c/d is usually prescribed indefinitely. These stones have a high recurrence rate — studies suggest up to 50% of dogs will develop new stones within three years without dietary management. Staying on c/d long-term is the most effective way to reduce that risk.

For dogs with a single struvite episode linked to a UTI, some vets may consider transitioning back to regular food once the infection is treated and the stones have dissolved. But if there's any history of recurrence, lifelong c/d is the safer choice.

Where to Buy Hill's c/d Multicare in Australia

Hill's c/d Multicare requires a vet recommendation before purchase. Available through veterinary clinics and authorised online retailers including Pet Circle, Vet Supply, and PetStock. Prices vary between stores — you can compare current prices on the Dog Directory to find the best deal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can c/d dissolve all types of bladder stones?

No. c/d can dissolve struvite stones but not calcium oxalate, urate, or cystine stones. Calcium oxalate stones usually require surgical removal, after which c/d prevents new ones from forming. For urate and cystine stones, u/d is the appropriate diet.

How will I know if the stones are dissolving?

Your vet will schedule regular imaging — usually ultrasound or X-rays — every few weeks to monitor stone size. You may also notice that symptoms like straining to urinate, blood in urine, or frequent accidents improve as the stones shrink.

My dog has had bladder stones twice. Will c/d prevent a third episode?

c/d significantly reduces recurrence risk but doesn't eliminate it entirely. Long-term use provides the best prevention. Your vet will likely recommend regular urinalysis (every three to six months) to catch early crystal formation before stones develop.

Can I feed c/d alongside regular food or treats?

Ideally, c/d should be the only food your dog eats. Other foods can alter the mineral balance and urine pH that c/d carefully controls. If you need to give treats, ask your vet about Hill's Hypo-Treats or other options that won't interfere with the urinary management.

Is c/d safe for puppies?

c/d is formulated for adult dogs. Bladder stones are uncommon in puppies, but if a young dog develops them, your vet will advise on the appropriate dietary approach for their age and growth needs.

Does my dog need to drink more water on c/d?

Increased water intake helps any dog with urinary stone issues, regardless of diet. c/d works best when urine is dilute. Encourage drinking by using pet fountains, adding water to meals, and keeping bowls fresh. Wet c/d is also an effective way to boost hydration.

Why did my vet choose c/d over u/d?

c/d targets struvite and calcium oxalate stones — the two most common types. u/d targets rarer stone types (urate, cystine). The diets work through different mechanisms, so the choice depends entirely on which stone type your dog has.

Can c/d help with urinary tract infections?

c/d isn't a treatment for UTIs — your dog will need antibiotics for that. However, by preventing stone formation, c/d may reduce the frequency of UTIs, since stones can harbour bacteria and create conditions for recurrent infections.

My dog doesn't seem to like c/d. What can I do?

Try the wet version, warm the food slightly, or mix a small amount of warm water into the dry kibble. Transitioning gradually over seven to ten days (mixing increasing amounts of c/d with decreasing amounts of the old food) also helps. Don't add other foods without checking with your vet first.

Is there a c/d formula for small dogs?

c/d Multicare is available in standard kibble size. Small dogs can eat the regular formula without issues. If your small dog has both urinary stones and weight concerns, the c/d + Metabolic combination is also available.