Thursday, March 28, 2024

Best Dog Food For Dogs With Bladder Stones

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Can My Dog Eat Fresh Beets

Homemade Dog Food for Struvite Bladder Stones

Fresh beets are, in fact, the best option, and you can feed them to your dog either cooked or raw. As with all vegetables, raw beets will have the most nutritional bang for your buck. Organic beets are the safest choice theyre grown without pesticides and other chemicals.

Even so, the beets should be scrubbed clean and peeled. Then you can grate them and use them as a topping on the dogs food or cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. If you do give your pet raw beets as a treat, you might want to do so outside. That beet-red pigment really stains!

Cooked beets are the most versatile choice. Bake them in slices or wrap the beet in foil and roast them whole. The easiest cooking method is to boil them. Then, depending on your dogs preference, mash the beets up or cut into small chunks. No matter how you cook the beets, keep them plain and unseasoned.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Beets

Yes, but be very careful when selecting them find a brand with no salt added and no other additives.

Regardless of how you give your dog beets, keep a few things in mind:

  • Scrub and peel, as the peel is very hard to digest and not too tasty.
  • Serve in very small piecesor even mash or puree. Larger chunks can be a choking hazard.
  • Skip the seasonings, as garlic, onion, and other such ingredients can be toxic.
  • Save it for snacks. As always, offer treats only in moderation.

How Can Diet Help

Firstly, you need to see your vet to find out what type of stone they have, as different types of stones need different treatment.

Some types of stone can be dissolved by a change in diet and with others it can help prevent them coming back once they have been removed.

Changing diet works in two main ways

  • Diet can change the acidity of the urine some types of stone are reduced or dissolved by a more acidic urine and others by a more alkaline one. That is why it is important to know what type of stone you are dealing with.
  • Changing diet can also help reduce the amount of mineral and protein waste so there is less material to make stones

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Things You Should Consider When Buying Dog Food For Urinary Crystals

Your dogs gastrointestinal tract and urinary system are the systems that you should consider when purchasing your dogs food. Always keep in mind that the food you want to buy prevents any stone formation or can reduce existing bladder stones.

Therefore, you want to consider these things before shopping:

Hills Prescription C/d Urinary Care 85lb Canine

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As a urinary care dog food, this one has a chicken flavor and contains 8.5 lbs in one bag.

This one is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, all of which are beneficial to your dogs system, especially with their urinary tract infection.

Whats more, it is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids for better digestion without a lot of sodium content and fat so that it will keep your dog in a healthy state.

Also ideal for urinary problems, this dog food comes in a can at 13 ounces each. With a chicken flavor that your dog might enjoy, it contains the right minerals which can balance your dogs pH levels to reduce the bladder stone creation.

If your dog has urinary crystalline problems, they may benefit from this dog food, as it is a vet-recommended product.

Whats more, it also has benefits to their immune system and cell oxidation due to the antioxidants. The protein and calcium levels are in the right levels to keep bladder stones from forming.

Coming in its original flavor for dogs who are prescribed to eat such food by their vet, this 13-ounce can of dog food has balanced amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and protein so that it can limit bladder stones and crystals from forming.

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What Are Urine Crystals In Dogs

A stone in the urinary system is painful and can be dangerous-imagine a rough-edged, little rock squeezing its way through those narrow and fragile tubes. Not only is that eye-wateringly painful, but it can also damage the tubes as it passes through. Just to make things more complicated, there are a few different types of stone, each with their own causes and treatments.

The most common stones are made of struvite and calcium oxalate. Dogs can also get stones made from uric acid, calcium phosphate, silica and cysteine. Small dogs seem to be the most prone to urine crystals and stones. Its thought that one reason for this is their lower thirst drive when compared with larger dogs.

Hills Prescription C/d Urinary Care 85lb Canine Dog Food

The last product on our list is Hills Prescription C/d Urinary Care, this product is rich in magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, all of which are beneficial to your dogs system, especially with their urinary tract infection.

  • It comes in 8.5 lbs bags and suitable for small, medium, and large breeds.
  • This product is ideal for supporting the urinary system of your dog and has a chicken flavor to match the taste of your pet.
  • This product is a dry food but still has a good amount of hydration, so this one is perfect for dogs who prefer dry food over canned food.
  • It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is essential for the overall health of your dog.
  • Grains in the formula will make the digestion process easier.
  • It has low sodium and fat levels so that it will keep your dog in a healthy state.

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Diet Tips For Pets With Bladder Stones

Stones form in an animals urinary tract when minerals are concentrated in the urine, then crystallize. The diet you feed your companion plays a pivotal role in the treatment and prevention of stones. What you need to do is try to alter the balance that is contributing to the high concentration of certain minerals, says Dr. Anthony Ishak, a veterinarian with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Tampa, Florida.

The type of stone that forms depends on which minerals are present in high concentrations. For example, excess magnesium and phosphorus can contribute to struvite formation, says Dr. Dan Su, a veterinary clinical nutrition resident at University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Another, more complicated example is that while excess calcium can contribute to calcium oxalate stones, insufficient calcium leads to decreased binding of oxalate in the intestines and subsequently more oxalate excreted in urine. In other words, both too much and too little calcium can lead to the formation of stones. Pets need just the right amount of calcium to prevent stone formation.

Diagnosing the precise type of stone afflicting your companionand tailoring a diet to treat itshould be left to your veterinarian. The following vet-recommended tips can help you better understand your pets special nutritional needsand put you in a better position to provide optimal care.

Firstmate Australian Lamb Meal Lid Formula

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Some dogs simply prefer dry food and if that sounds like your dog, you can at least choose a high-quality formula that will support his urinary health.

This FirstMate Australian Lamb Meal Formula LID kibble is one of our top picks for the best urinary dog food non-prescription because it contains a limited number of wholesome, natural ingredients with no grains or other inflammatory additives.

It contains 78% animal ingredients with lamb meal as a single, novel source of premium animal protein.

This formula contains blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries to provide antioxidants and urinary health-boosting nutrients, plus they work in combination with the added vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Overall, this formula is highly digestible and provides the optimal balance of protein and healthy fats.

  • Pros: Single source of novel animal protein, limited number of ingredients, fresh cranberries and other antioxidant-rich berries, 0% grain ingredients for reduced inflammation
  • Cons: Expensive compared to many dry foods, not as rich in moisture as canned food

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Addiction Zen Holistic Vegetarian Formula Dry Dog Food

Main Ingredients: Oats, Soya, Rice, Canola Oil, Peas

There are many dogs out there with meat and poultry sensitivities and allergies. For those dogs, a vegetarian diet is the only option. It can be hard to find a vegetarian diet that is therapeutic, but this special vegetarian diet is perfect for dogs with bladder stones and meat or gluten intolerance.

This formula is plant-based yet nutritionally loaded. What makes it so ideal for treating bladder stones is the salt content. This encourages the dog to drink more water, which helps dilute the stones. On top of that, it is free of any protein that comes from meat, seafood, or poultry, which is what you need to avoid to get rid of bladder stones quickly. Low protein is also mandatory for the treatment of cystine stones.

Be Careful With Added Ingredients

A cat or dog on a therapeutic diet shouldnt be allowed to eat other foods without the permission of your vet. Dr. Susan Jeffrey, a veterinarian with Truesdell Animal Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, had a client who had been mixing a therapeutic diet with an over-the-counter diet. The cat’s stones returned and he needed another surgical procedure to remove them, she recalls.

Although your vet has the final say about which foods are appropriate, there are some general guidelines. Avoid rawhide, pig ears, bully sticks, and other collagen-rich treats, Larsen says. They are not only not high enough in moisture but also provide compounds converted to oxalate by the body, which is an obvious no-no for pets with calcium oxalate stones. Su adds, For patients with calcium oxalate stones, make sure to avoid excess calcium , and high oxalate ingredients . Animals with urate and cysteine stones should avoid added protein , Larsen says.

And continued, close monitoring for symptoms of stone recurrence is vital. Dietary manipulation does not work in all cases. Recurrence of stones, especially calcium oxalates, can occur in some patients even if they are strictly fed the appropriate therapeutic diets, Su says.

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Natures Variety Instinct Lid Real Turkey Recipe

Whether youre looking for the best dog food for urinary incontinence or simply something with a higher moisture content, this Natures Variety Instinct LID Real Turkey Recipe Canned Food is a great option.

Coming from one of the top brands on the market, this recipe is packed with premium natural ingredients including cage-free turkey as a single source of animal protein. It also contains turkey liver, an ingredient known to contain several nutrients that support urinary health.

This formula is loaded with moisture and is complete and balanced with the help of added vitamins and chelated minerals. It is highly digestible, loaded with natural flavor, and proudly made in the USA.

  • Pros: Cage-free turkey main ingredients, highly digestible and properly balanced, rich in moisture and urinary health-supporting nutrients, limited ingredient list
  • Cons: Expensive compared to most brands, contains a plant protein as main ingredient

How Can I Help My Dog With Bladder Stones

Best Dog Food For Dogs With Bladder Stones

In general, there are three main treatment options for bladder stones: 1) surgical removal 2) non-surgical removal by urohydropropulsion, and 3) dietary dissolution. The specific treatment that is recommended for your dog will depend on the type of stone that is present.

How do you get rid of struvite crystals in dogs?

Struvite stone can be removed surgically, removed with a special technique called voiding urohydropropulsion, removed with a cystoscope or dissolved via diet. Surgical removal is the most direct method of removal.

What can I Feed my Dog for urinary problems?

C ommercial prescription dog food formulas are commonly prescribed by veterinarians to treat urinary problems such as struvite crystals and bladder stones. These foods typically contain ingredients that increase acidity in the urine to help dissolve stones and crystals

What foods can you feed a dog with struvite bladder stones?

Grain foods, like wheat, rice or corn, should also be limited, if you havent already done so. Some of these foods, such as rice, may be healthy and useful in the diet otherwise. Cooking for a dog who has or had struvite bladder stones can be a bit of a challenge.

What should I do if my dog has crystals in his urine?

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Are There Health Risks In Giving My Dog Beets

Beets are high in oxalic acid, which can form bladder stones, urinary crystals, and kidney stones. Oxalic acid can also cause calcium deficiencies. If your dog is prone to kidney stones or has a calcium deficiency condition like osteoporosis, check with your vet before giving your dog beets.

Beets are also high in carbs and sugar, so your dog should eat only small quantities. Too much sugar in their diet can contribute to pancreatitis or obesity. Beets are an acidic vegetable, which can cause digestive trouble in some dogs, including gas and diarrhea. Despite their many nutritional assets, beets would have to be a large part of your pets diet to meet daily dietary needs, so we recommend using them only as the occasional treat or snack.

Benefits Of Eating Low Residue Dog Food Recipe

1. Prevent constipation.

2. Treat kidney or bladder stones.

3. Prevent diarrhea, hairballs, and gas problems

4. Keep teeth clean and healthy

5. Save time for owners and their pets

6. Help pets feel better help them live a longer and healthier life

7. Great for dogs with dental issues

8. Helps pets lose weight.

9. Treats hypoglycemia with a low-residue diet

10. Treats diabetes by reducing insulin resistance.

11. Boost your dogs immune system and reduce inflammation in the body

12. Help prevent allergies and asthma attacks caused by dust mites and dust

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What Foods To Avoid: Dogs With Bladder Stones

Dogs with bladder stones should avoid specific foods that will make their condition worse. These foods include processed foods, high-fat foods, dairy products, grains, and excessive amounts of protein. Instead, they should eat a diet that is low in fat and protein and high in fiber. This diet will help to keep the dogs bladder healthy and free from stones. Dogs with Bladder Stones should avoid specific foods that will make their condition worse. These foods include processed foods, high-fat foods, dairy products, grains, and excessive amounts of protein.

How Can Store Low Residue Dog Food Recipe

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1. Store this dog food in air-tight containers and keep it in a cool place for up to 6 months.

2. You can place it on the upside of your refrigerator.

3. If the packaging is too small, you can add extra mix-ins or put it into a larger vacuum-sealed bag.

4. You can store it inside a freezer or refrigerator if you have one available inside your kitchen.

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The 3 Types Of Bladder Stones Found In Dogs

Before figuring out what dog food is best for your dog with bladder stones, you should know what type of stone is afflicting your dog. Each stone is caused by different factors, and you dont want to give your dog the wrong type of food that could potentially make the problem worse.

Your veterinarian is a great resource to provide further insight into the type of stone that you are dealing with, and they can advise you about foods your dog should and shouldnt eat. There are other methods of dealing with bladder stones, but this article focuses on food.

Use Herbs For Bladder Stones

There are several herbs that can help manage bladder stones. Canine Herbalist Rita Hogans protocol below helped her own dog avoid surgery.

When Rita adopted her dog Francis, she had bad bladder stones. Vets recommended surgery. Instead, Rita fed her a raw diet, and gave her the herbal blend below. Within three weeks the stones were gone.

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Emergency/Acute Herbal Blend For Bladder Stones

Rita Hogan advises giving this blend when your dog has acute bladder stone symptoms. This formula works both both struvite and oxalate stones.

Mix together tinctures in the following proportions:

Cleavers leaf and flower tincture 15%Nettle leaf tincture 20%Yarrow flowers and leaf tincture 5%

Dosage: Give 3 drops 3 times daily for every 10 lbs of body weight.

Caution: Do not use this blend for dogs with kidney or liver disease, or for pregnant dogs.

Healing Herbal Infusions For Bladder Stones

Once your dogs acute symptoms resolve, Rita recommends either a hot or cold infusion using her recipes below. These will support ongoing healing for your dog.

Hot Infusion

Mix equal amounts of the herbs below. Add 2 Tbsp of dried herb to 8 ounces of almost boiling water. Let it steep for 45 minutes. Strain and cool before using. This blend keeps for 2 days in refrigerator. After that make a new batch.

Nettle leaf

Dose: Give 1/8 cup per every 10 pounds of body weight over food 2x daily.

Cold Infusion

Other Herbal Options

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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+u Weight Management + Urinary Care

If your veterinarian is adamant that even the best non-prescription dog food for urinary health wont be enough for your dog, at least go with a trusted brand like Blue Buffalo.

This Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Urinary Care wet food is a prescription formula, but it is made with much higher quality ingredients than the leading brand.

It comes in both a dry food and canned food formula, both featuring increased levels of fiber to boost satiety with controlled levels of magnesium and sodium to support urinary health.

This canned food is made with fresh chicken as the main ingredient followed by chicken broth for a boost of moisture and natural flavor.

It contains fresh fruits and vegetables, including cranberries, as well as added vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

  • Pros: Veterinarian-recommended for urinary health, increased moisture content, fresh chicken as the main ingredient, fresh fruits and veggies for natural nutritional content
  • Cons: Fairly expensive compared to non-prescription diets, contains plant protein as main ingredient

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