Diet for dogs with struvite crystals and feeding guidelines

NSogs can develop stones just like people. A large part of therapy for struvite crystals in dogs is diet. Here we will talk about the best dog food for dogs with urine crystals and the best treats you can give a dog that suffers from struvite crystals.

If your dog suffers from urinary tract stones, this article explains in detail the basics of a diet for dogs with struvite crystals and guidelines for best feeding practices.

What Are Struvite Crystals in Dogs?

Struvite stones, or urinary tract stones, are one of several types of stones (urolithiasis) that can form in a dog’s bladder.

They are formed from struvite crystals, which occur regularly. However, when these crystals group together and form large stones in the dog’s urinary tract, problems arise.

Female dogs are more prone to this problem. It has been observed that only 15% of male dogs suffer from urinary tract stones.

In most cases, struvite bladder stones are caused by a urinary tract infection.

However, a small percentage of less complicated cases have seen metabolic or sterile struvite stones, which are not caused by infection.

These stones tend to dissolve more quickly, but they are treated the same as any other type of struvite crystals in dogs.

Struvite stones are formed in alkaline urine and one of the things you should do to treat and prevent them in the future is to find ways to make your dog’s urine more sour.

This is where adjusting to a diet for dogs with struvite crystals will help. This article does not cover the condition, so if you would like to learn more about these types of urine crystals in dogs, check out the Merck Vet Manual guide here.

This is what a dog’s bladder stone looks like:

Feeding guideline for dogs with urine crystals

For the rest of the article, I’ll discuss nutritional guidelines and diet for dogs with struvite crystals and how to improve your pet’s condition. Be sure to consult a veterinarian before making any such dietary changes.

Low-protein, low-sodium diet

One way to help with struvite crystals in dogs is through a low-protein diet, as protein is very taxing on dogs’ kidneys.

Keep in mind that feeding them a low-protein diet doesn’t mean they won’t develop urinary tract stones. However, a few studies with cats have shown that high-protein diets can increase the risk of bladder stones.

While a low-protein diet is not intended to prevent stone formation, in theory it can speed up their dissolution. The low-protein diet should be accompanied by antibiotic treatment.

Most low-protein dog food have a protein content of about 25 percent, so look for foods that have at least two times less protein, about 10-15 percent.

If you cook for your dog, try to stick to this percentage as well (more on this below).

Drinking plenty of water is recommended for struvite crystals in dogs

Struvite crystals are formed in the alkaline urine. So drinking more water will help his urine to become more diluted and more acidic. One way to get your dog to drink more water is to increase his sodium intake.

However, don’t overdo it with water or sodium. Too much salt can be dangerous for dogs, and too much water can lead to: water poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to see a vet to continue monitoring the dog’s condition.

In addition, some dogs, especially those with a history of kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure, should avoid the sodium-rich diet.

The diet is not good long term. Only use it for a short time until your dog’s struvite crystals have dissolved, then put him on a regular, balanced diet.

Minerals to Avoid to Prevent Urine Crystals

Some minerals contribute to the formation of struvite crystals in dogs. Avoiding the minerals below is suitable for both prevention and therapy of urinary tract stones.

Note that the minerals are essential to the dog’s overall health. Their limitation should therefore only be temporary and closely monitored.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is found in varying amounts in foods such as eggs, milk and fish. Follow the amounts and adjust the diet if necessary or avoid these foods altogether.

Magnesium

Magnesium is mainly found in vegetables, especially in spinach and broccoli. It would help if you also avoid green beans and whole grains, at least while your dog is in therapy.

Then add these in moderation as they are beneficial to your dog’s digestive system and help him stay healthy. Seafood is also rich in magnesium.

ammonia

Ammonia occurs naturally in beef, but also in other animal proteins. It means that a low-protein diet will already lower the ammonia levels for your dog.

However, it would help if you also avoid all types of cheeses and processed foods. Also, do not give your dog human food.

Best dog food for dogs with struvite crystals

Remember that even after your dog has removed struvite bladder stones, you may need to monitor the diet to prevent their recurrence and formation.

In addition to regularly checking the pH level of his urine, you should also create a diet that is tailored to his needs.

If you are making homemade dog food for struvite bladder stones or treats for dogs with urine crystals, the foods below are the best for dealing with this condition.

Foods to Include

Cranberries are good for preventing urinary tract infections, making them suitable for preventing the formation of struvite crystals in dogs.

They prevent bacteria from attaching to the tissue that lines the urinary tract and bladder. You can also use fresh and natural cranberry juice or cranberry capsules.

Probiotics are suitable for your dog as they increase the number of good bacteria in his digestive tract. you can use probiotic supplements or use natural foods like yogurt.

Just add a few tablespoons of yogurt to your dog’s meal. However, probiotic supplements will have higher concentrations and may benefit the dog more.

Roots, apples, sweet potato, pumpkinand other fruits and vegetables should be part of your dog’s diet. These foods are rich in vitamin C, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Although dogs produce their own vitamin C, the amount may not be enough to prevent the formation of bladder stones.

Feed these foods in moderation as they are also known to alkalize your dog’s urine.

Use unrefined sea salt instead of refined table salt when you cook for your dog, because this salt contains more minerals and trace elements than fine salt.

Remember that a little salt is suitable for your dog as it will make him drink more water and have to urinate more often; however, too much salt can be dangerous for dogs.

Involving carry grapes in your dog’s diet. grape bears is an herb widely used in bladder infections because it has strong antibacterial properties.

Use caution when using this herb and follow label directions carefully. Uva ursi should only be used for short periods of time because they can irritate the kidneys if you use them regularly.

traditional bone broth is also good to feed to your dog to prevent bladder stones.

Simmer all the bones, whether chicken or beef, in water for a day and add some veggies to enhance the nutritional value, such as carrots or potatoes.

Food to avoid

Limit the intake of dairy products. Giving your dog small amounts of milk or cheese is fine, but if your dog is prone to developing struvite bladder stones, you should try to keep dairy products to a minimum.

Try to stick to low-fat cheeses, such as cottage cheese.

Avoid feeding your dog high-protein diets. You should not keep your dog on a low-protein diet for too long. A good balance will therefore be crucial.

Feed your dog a low-protein diet with about 10-15 percent of the daily protein intake if he has struvite bladder stones. You should keep his protein intake at about 20 percent (no higher) even after his bladder stones are diluted.

grain foodsfoods such as wheat, rice, or corn should also be restricted if you haven’t already. Some of these foods, such as rice, can be otherwise healthy and beneficial in the diet.

Homemade Dog Food for Struvite Crystals in Dogs

Cooking for a dog who has or has had struvite bladder stones can be challenging. While your dog’s diet cannot completely prevent the formation of struvite stones, it can certainly play an important role in their formation.

This easy homemade dog food recipe for struvite bladder stones is one of my favorites, but you can find more online in the Top Dog Tips database of homemade dog food, or make your own.

Low-protein dog biscuits

These biscuits are great for your dog because they are low in protein, have some vegetables and are full of nutrients.

ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups rice flour (you can also use white bleached all-purpose flour)
• Six tablespoons of low-sodium and low-fat chicken stock
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 cup cooked winter squash, sweet potatoes, and zucchini, ground

Preparation

Combine chicken stock, flour and vegetables in a mixing bowl and pour cold water over to form a dough.

Beat this dough until it is one centimeter thick and cut it into any desired shape.

Once cut, place these cookies on a non-stick surface and place in a preheated oven to bake. Bake at 350 ºF for about 20 minutes.

Let the treats cool and serve them to your dog. You can save them and use them later.

Structuring a diet for dogs with struvite crystals and feeding your sick pet properly can help you manage this condition and prevent it in the future.

Getting your dog to drink plenty of water is also vital as you need to get him to urinate more. Constant urination stops the formation of struvite crystals in dogs and helps your pet to dilute them faster.

Struvite Crystals in Dogs, Our Final Thoughts

Dogs can develop urine crystals just like humans. A big part of dealing with struvite crystals in dogs is their diet.

Suppose your dog suffers from urinary tract stones, or you want to prevent the formation of urine crystals. In that case, we recommend that you follow these basic steps we’ve shared on the best dog food for dogs with urine crystals, as well as the best treats to give a dog suffering from struvite crystals.

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