The most basic question is, how do I know if my dog ​​has a UTI? What should I look for?

The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:[5]

– frequent urination

– urine dribbling

– blood in the urine

– squatting frequently to urinate

– straining to urinate odor of urine

– inappropriate urination (as at home)

– incontinence

– an increase in thirst and drink.

Ok, if I know my pet has a UTI, what can I do? Tell me more about it, how does it affect my dog’s diet?

We have many customers who come to our store and tell us that my cat or dog has UTI Crystals and the vet put them on a C/D, U/D, K/D or NF formula. As everyone knows, prescription diets are far from optimal nutrition for your dog or cat, they exist to treat a specific food, but continuation of these diets can lead to other serious problems.[1]Prescription diets are made to treat specific conditions; As with most prescription diets, they are meant for us in the short term, long-term use of these diets has the potential to cause adverse side effects.[6]

These are some of the possible side effects of long-term use of U/D, K/D, and NF formula foods.[6]

  • heart failure
  • flop live
  • Renal insufficiency
  • pancreatitis
  • Hypertension
  • hypoalbuminemia

Did I get your attention? Good. Now, before we delve into UTI Crystals, we need to understand the pH of urine. The pH is a scale that goes from 0 to 14, which measures the acid bases. A score of 7.0 is considered neutral. The PH of most dogs ranges from 5.0 to 9.0.

I understand? Ok, now let’s talk about UTI Crystals.

UTI develops in approximately 14% of dogs.[2] That’s quite a large number, there are two main forms of UTI Crystals (etruvite and calcium oxalate).

struvite crystals

It forms when there is a bacterial infection that is capable of breaking down urea that would otherwise be excreted in the urine. Urea is a waste product produced from the metabolism of proteins. This reaction of breaking down urea into ammonia only occurs at alkaline pH.[3]

Struvite crystals are more common in female dogs, and there are some breeds considered to be at higher risk, including Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Scottish Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Beagle, Miniature Schnauzers, Pekingese, Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels, and German shepherd. and bichon frize.

calcium oxalate crystals

They are formed in urine from acidic to neutral pH, it is said that some things cause the formation of these stones, the most common is hereditary. The faulty nephrocalin product is usually the culprit.[4]

Unlike struvite crystals, calcium oxalate crystals cannot be dissolved by a change in diet; they need to be surgically removed. However, a proper diet can help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate crystals.

Calcium oxalate crystals are more common in male dogs and in some of the breeds considered to be at higher risk which includes; Miniature Schnauzers, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terriers, Miniature Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Bichon Frises.

Ok, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about nutrition!

We learned that you can dissolve struvite crystals with more acidic foods, so dogs that are prone to struvite crystals will naturally want to eat a more acidic diet.

Fortunately, most of the good ingredients for dogs and cats to eat are acidic in nature, for example, chicken, beef, eggs, fish, pork, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice (brown and white), beans, nuts, and all shellfish. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect kibble or raw food diet?

The berries are acidic in nature and the lower pH levels prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls. Solid Gold Berry Balance is a supplement that is commonly used to lower urine pH levels.

What about calcium oxalate crystals?

The opposite is true alkaline, to raise the pH score you should feed more natural foods, to include some pumpkins, beet greens, rhubarb, spinach, beets, raw endive, dandelion greens, okra, kale, and sweet potatoes.

It has been recommended that diets be low in protein and oxalates and high in magnesium, phosphorus and calcium. Here is a list of foods and there is an oxalate level[http://www.branwen.com/rowan/oxalate.htm]. Cuts of beef and lamb tend to have lower protein levels than other types of meat (venison, pheasant, etc.)

A commonly used supplement to raise the pH level of urine is potassium citrate.

Alright, enough talk. How do I know if I’m doing the right thing?

Talk to your vet, ask what the target urine pH should be for your dog. Every dog ​​is different; some dogs can have severe cases, others mild. Dog breeds will factor into the decision.

OK, I know my target PH level. How do I know that I am achieving it?

Urine pH test strips, you should be able to get these from your vet or a local retailer, or even buy them online.

IT’S OKAY. That sounds simple. Anything else I should know?

Yes, consumption of water, sweets, etc. All factor in urine pH levels. You will notice that, throughout the day, the levels will change. Take multiple urine PH samples to ensure you achieve your goal. Always keep checking back.

Sure, it listed the ingredients, but I don’t cook for my dog, I just buy kibble or raw, how do I know what the PH levels are?

Here is a list of some great brands and their pH levels for dogs and cats. We call these companies and speak to a representative to get the levels.

canine dog– Croquettes – pH 7.0

canine dog– Canned – pH 6.0

cat felidae– Croquettes – pH 6.0

cat felidae– Canned – pH 5.5

Fromm 4 Star Dog– Croquettes – pH 6.2 – 6.4

Fromm 4 Star Cat– Croquettes – pH 6.5 – 6.8

honest kitchen-pH 7.0

Merrick before the grain(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.8

Merrick 5 Star Dry(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.5 – pH 6.8

Merrick 5 Star in a Can(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.3 – pH 6.5

orijen(cat and dog) – pH 5.5

Primitive dog and cat– pH 6.0 – 7.0

Nature (Evo, Innova, California Natural)(Dogs and Cats) – pH 6.2 – 6.8

Solid Gold – Dog– Dry – pH 6.4 – 6.6

Solid Gold – Dog– Canned – pH 6.0

Solid Gold – Cat– Dry – pH 6.2 – 6.4

Solid Gold – Cat– Canned – pH 6.2

wellness dog(Kibble and Canned) – pH 6.5 – 7.5

wellness cat– Dry – pH 6.2 – 6.6

wellness cat– Canned – pH 6.1 – 6.6

Sources:

1-Wikipedia

2- UTI in dogs

3- Veterinary partners

4- Veterinary partners

5-B Naturals

6- Veterinary Medicine

Researched by: Luke’s All Natural

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