homemade dog food for struvite bladder stones

Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones, Recipes

Dogs can develop bladder stones or kidney stonesthe same way humans do.

Kidney and bladder stones in dogs are very serious, painful, and even fatal problems.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals,

Bladder stones are common in dogs. They result from one or more underlying abnormalities, making stone analysis a step in the diagnosis process.

It is important to evaluate what the dog was fed before the bladder stone diagnosis and analyze blood and urine for clues as to how nutrition may prevent bladder stone occurrence.

If you prefer to cook for your pooch, then these homemade dog food for bladder stones recipes will come in handy.

According to the most recent findings, today's dietary recommendations for dogs with bladder stones differ from those recommended a few decades ago.

Diets should not be restricted in protein, phosphorus, or calcium.

A 2002 AVMA study found that feeding dogs a low-carb and high-protein diet reduces the risk of kidney stones.

Therefore, a minimum of 1 gram of protein per pound of a dog's body weight daily is recommended.

In addition to this diet, remember that water intake will be a crucial component for dealing with bladder stones in dogs.

Take any opportunity to encourage your dog to drink water or otherwise consume fluids (through homemade food or canned dog food) and urinate.

Adding a little salt will encourage your pet to urinate more, and several studies found that sodium intake actually helps to deal with bladder stones.

Do not confuse different types of stones. A diet for dogs with struvite crystals (or struvite bladder stones containing magnesium ammonium phosphate).

This will differ greatly from a diet for dogs with calcium oxalate (CaOx) bladder and kidney stones.

While these are technically homemade dog food for bladder stones recipes, remember that every dog and every case is different.

It's crucial that you discuss any dietary adjustments and recipes with your veterinarian before feeding them to your pooch.

With that in mind, here are 13 recipes for homemade dog food for bladder stones that may help your pup.

All leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-5 days and frozen for 3 months.

Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones

1. Chicken Dinner with Desert

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 tsp sea salt
• 1 cups rice
• 2 cups frozen green peas (steamed)
• 1 can of pure pumpkin
• Bananas (desert served banana daily)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375
• Rinse chicken, place in a casserole dish, sprinkle with salt, and bake for 30 minutes. Drain and chop into small pieces.
• Cook rice according to the directions on the bag and your cooker.
• Mix ingredients together. Allow cooling. Chop in a food processor.
• Serve with half of a banana (sliced).

2. Complete Nutrition Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. cooked ground turkey
• 3 oz canned tuna (packed in water)
• 3 large eggs
• 2 oz beef liver
• 4 oz plain low-fat yogurt
• 4 oz low-fat cottage cheese
• 3 cups white rice
• 5 oz broccoli, 5 oz carrots, 5 oz peas
• Olive oil

Directions:

• Brown ground meats.
• Fry liver in olive oil.
• Steam vegetables.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Scramble eggs (or cook any way preferred).
• Mix all ingredients together and chop in a food processor.

More Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones

3. Satisfying Beef Supper

Ingredients:

• 5 oz ground beef
• 3 cups long-grained white rice
• 2 tsp canola oil
• tsp salt substitute (potassium chloride)
• 1 tsp bone meal powder
• tsp iodized table salt (sodium chloride)
• 1 chewable kids multi-vitamin/multi-mineral
• 50 mg zinc

Directions:

• Brown ground meat.
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Mix rice and meat with other ingredients.
• Vitamins can be ground into food or served separately.

4. Egg Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 cups long-grain brown rice
• 2 tsp canola oil
• oz brewer's yeast
• 4 bonemeal tablets (10-grain or equivalent)
• teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride)
• 1 chewable kids multivitamin (or canine vitamin)

Directions:

• Boil egg and crush (with shells).
• Cook rice according to package directions.
• Mix all ingredients together.
• Vitamins can be ground into food or served separately.

5. Chuck Roast with Mash

Ingredients:

• 1 pounds of ground chuck roast
• lb of cooked calf liver
• 1 cup instant mashed potatoes
• 1 tsp canola oil
• 8 chewable Tums (calcium carbonate)
• 1 chewable vitamin for kids or dogs
• 100 IU of vitamin E-liquid
• 2 oz distilled water

Directions:

• Brown ground chuck roast.
• Fry's liver.
• Prepare mashed potatoes using the directions on the box.
• Mix all the ingredients together, grounding the vitamins and mixing in.

6. Tuna Surprise

Ingredients:

• 3 cans of tuna packed in water
• 1 tsp iodized table salt (sodium chloride)
• 1 tsp salt substitute (potassium chloride)
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped cauliflower
• 1 cup chopped zucchini

Directions:

• Cook rice according to package instructions.
• Steam vegetables.
• Mix all ingredients together and mash or blend.

7. Savory Soup

Ingredients:

• 6 cups water
• 1 cup buckwheat groats
• 1 cup turkey (finely minced)
• 4 tbsp Sunflower oil
• 1 teaspoon bonemeal powder
• 1 cup turkey broth (homemade or pre-packaged)

Directions:

• Add all ingredients to a large pot and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Cool and serve.

8. Fruity Bread Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 cup cherries
• 1 cup apples (cored and diced)
• cup shredded coconut
• cup low-fat yogurt
• 2 eggs beaten with shells
• 6 cups bread cubes (wheat or white)
• 2 cups water

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350.
• Mix water, yogurt, eggs, and bread in a bowl.
• Mix fruit together with cup water.
• Pour into the baking pan.
• Bake 45 minutes.
• Top with fruit mixture

Last 2 Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones

9. Western Omelet

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs (beaten with shells)
• 3 oz chopped ham
• cup of red bell pepper (finely chopped)
• cup of green bell pepper (finely chopped)
• cup (1oz) shredded low-fat Swiss cheese
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

• Whisk together eggs (yolk and whites) and water in a bowl.
• Heat skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tsp olive oil.
• Saut ham and peppers.
• Clean the pan, and add 1 tsp olive oil. Heat skillet to medium-high.
• Add half of the egg mixture.
• Cook for 2 minutes while rolling the pan to distribute the mixture.
• Sprinkle 2 tbsp of cheese on top of the egg.
• Add half of the vegetables.
• Fold the omelet and remove it from the pan.
• Repeat for the second omelet.

10. Veggie Stir-Fry with Flax Seed Dressing

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• small zucchini (chopped)
• 1 cups cauliflower (chopped)
• 1 cups broccoli (chopped)
• 1 cup mushrooms (chopped)
• cup green pepper strips (chopped)
• cup red pepper strips (chopped)

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp ground flax seed
• 1 tbsp flax seed, toasted
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vinegar

Directions:

• Mix flax seeds, ginger, broth, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl.
• Add oil to the wok and heat over medium heat
• Add vegetables and stir fry for 5 minutes.
• Add lid and steam for an extra 2 minutes.
• Add the sauce mixture to the wok and stir for 1 minute.
• Cool and serve.

Homemade Dog Food for Bladder Stones: Before You Go

What homemade dog food for bladder stones is great?

A diet high in fresh foods is advised by canine nutritionists. Just like us, dogs benefit from eating fresh food.

Particularly if your dog has struvite stones, stay away from starchy, highly processed kibble foods.

Maintaining proper hydration will help your dog's urine be less mineralized. This may lessen the likelihood of stones forming.

Don't forget to give him plenty of chances to go outside to pee as his drinking increases.

Even if Fido requires surgery to remove the stones, the appropriate diet and herbs can help stop a recurrence.

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Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Struvite Bladder Stones

Like humans, dogs can develop many different types of bladder or kidney stones. A bladder stone is small, rock-like buildup of minerals that form in the bladder. Feeding ahomemade dog food for struvite bladder stonesrecipe can help to prevent these stones from reforming in your dog's bladder.

Struvite bladder stones are made of magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate. Your dog's urine is naturally acidic, and struvite is usually dissolved naturally. However, if the urine becomes alkaline or the concentration is extreme, struvite crystals will begin to form.

There are a number of things that may cause the urine to become alkaline, including:

• bladder infection
• kidney disease
• long-term use of antacids or diuretics

Bladder stones are fairly common in canines, and you'll likely notice your dog straining to urinate or see blood in his urine as the first sign. You'll need to seek veterinary attention to have your dog's struvite bladder stones diagnosed. There are a few different treatments options to get rid of the stones, and homemade dog food for struvite bladder stones is one of them.

RELATED:Guidelines and Diet for Dogs with Struvite Crystals

Homemade Dog Food for Struvite Bladder Stones Recipe

If your dog already has struvite bladder stones, your vet will analyze his condition to help you determine the proper way to treat them. If the condition is mild, they may recommend a special diet to get rid of the stones. Homemade dog food for struvite bladder stones will only be recommended if your vet is certain there is no risk of urinary obstruction.

Typically, a recipe to get rid of these stones will be low in protein, phosphorus and magnesium. They are formulated to promote acidic urine, which helps to dissolve any current struvite bladder stones and reduce the chances of new stones developing.

The recipe that I'm sharing today has been designed to prevent the recurrence of struvite urinary stones. It was created by Dr. Michael Salkin, DVM.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup 25% fat ground beef
• 3 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tsp. canola oil
• 1/4 tsp. potassium chloride
• 1 1/4 tsp. bone meal powder
• 3/4 tsp. iodized salt
• 1 multivitamin and mineral tablet for children
• 50 mg. zinc

Directions

Cook the rice according to the directions on the box. While the rice is cooking, brown the ground beef in a skillet. Once both the rice and beef are cooked, mix all of the ingredients together in a medium size mixing bowl.

According to Dr. Salkin's recommendation, this recipe provides 1095 kilocalories. That is his recommendation for a neutered adult dog weighing 45 pounds. You can adjust the recipe to meet your dog's requirements, but it's best to consult with your veterinarian if you plan to feed this diet long-term.

You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-5 or freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If your veterinarian gives you the okay to feed this diet, you can make it in bulk and freeze it so you don't have to cook for your dog every day.

READ NEXT:Blood In Dog's Urine (Hematuria): What It Meansand What You Should Do

Struvite Crystals In Dogs And Guidelines For a Special Diet

Dogs can develop stones just like humans. A large part of therapy for struvite crystals in dogs is the diet.

Here, we will talk about the best dog food for dogs with urinary crystals and the best treats you can give a dog that suffers from struvite crystals.

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

What are Struvite Crystals in Dogs?

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

They are formed from struvite crystals, which are a regular occurrence. However, when these crystals group and form large stones in the dog's urinary tract, problems occur.

Female dogs are more susceptible to this problem. It's observed that only 15% of male dogs will 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 aren't caused by an infection.

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

Struvite stones are formed in alkaline urine, and one of the things you will have to do to treat and prevent them in the future is to find ways to make your dog's urine more acidic.

This is where adjusting to a diet for dogs with struvite crystals will help. This article will not cover the condition, so if you want to learn more about this type of urinary crystals in dogs, see the Merck Vet Manual guide here.

Here's what a dog's bladder stone looks like:

Feeding Guideline for Dogs with Urinary Crystals

For the rest of the article, I'll discuss feeding guidelines and diet for dogs with struvite crystals and how you can improve your pet's condition. Make sure you consult with a vet before you make any dietary adjustments like these.

Low-Protein, Higher-Sodium Diet

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

Be aware that feeding dogs low protein diets does not mean they will not develop urinary tract stones. However, a few studies with cats have shown that high-protein diets may increase the risk of bladder stones.

While a low protein diet isn't meant to prevent stone formation, it may speed up their dissolution in theory. The low-protein diet should be accompanied by antibiotic treatment.

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

If you are cooking 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. Thus, drinking more water will help his urine become more diluted and acidic. One way to get your dog to drink more water is to increase his sodium intake.

Do not overdo it on either water or sodium, however. Too much salt can be dangerous to dogs, and too much water may result in water intoxication. This is why it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to keep monitoring the dog's condition.

Furthermore, some dogs, especially those that have a history of kidney disease, heart disease, or high blood pressure, should avoid the high sodium diet.

The diet is not good long-term. Use only for a brief amount of time until your dog's struvite crystals are dissolute, and then put him on a regular, well-balanced diet.

Minerals to Avoid for The Prevention of Urinary Crystals

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

Note that the minerals are essential to the overall health of the dog. Thus, their restriction should only be temporary and closely monitored.

Phosphorus

Phosphorous is found in foods like eggs, milk, and fish in different amounts. Either track the quantities and adjust the diet as necessary or avoid these foods altogether.

Magnesium

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

After that, include these things in moderation because they are suitable for your dog's digestion, and they will help him stay healthy. Seafood is also rich in magnesium.

Ammonia

Ammonia is naturally found in beef, as well as other animal proteins. It means that a low-protein diet will already decrease ammonia levels for your dog.

However, it would help if you also avoided cheeses of any kind and processed food. Don't feed your dog human food as well.

Best Dog Food for Dogs with Struvite Crystals

Remember that even after your dog gets rid of struvite bladder stones, you may need to monitor the diet to avoid their reoccurrence and formation.

In addition to regularly checking the pH levels of his urine, you should also make a diet according to his needs.

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

Foods to Include

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

They stop bacteria from adhering 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 because they increase the number of good bacteria in his digestive tract. You can use probiotic supplementsor 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.

Carrots, apples, sweet potato, pumpkin, and other fruits and vegetables should be a part of your dog's diet. These foods are rich in Vitamin C, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

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

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

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

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

Include uva ursi in your dog's diet. Uva ursi is an herb that is widely used for bladder infections because it has strong antibacterial properties.

Be careful if you use this herb, and follow the label directions carefully. Uva ursi should only be used for short periods because they can irritate the kidneys if you use them regularly.

Traditional bone broth is also a good thing to feed to your dog to prevent bladder stones.

Just simmer any bones, whether it is chicken or beef, in water for a day, and add some vegetables, like carrots or potatoes, to improve the nutritional value.

Foods to Avoid

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

Try to stick to low-fat cheeses, like cottage cheese.

Avoid feeding your dog high-protein diets. You shouldn't keep your dog on a low-protein diet for a long time. Thus, proper balance will be critical.

Feed your dog a low-protein diet with around 10-15 percent of daily protein intake when he has struvite bladder stones. You should keep his protein intake at approximately 20 percent (not higher) even after his bladder stones are diluted.

Grain foods, like wheat, rice, or corn, should also be limited if you haven't already done so. Some of these foods, such as rice, may be healthy and useful in the diet otherwise.

Homemade Dog Food for Struvite Crystals in Dogs

Cooking for a dog who has or has struvite bladder stones can be a bit of a challenge. Even though your dog's diet can't completely prevent the formation of struvite stones, it can certainly play a significant role in their occurrence.

This simple recipe of homemade dog food for struvite bladder stones is one of my favorites, but you can find more by searching online at the Top Dog Tips database of homemade dog foodsor creating one yourself.

Low-Protein Dog Cookies

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

Ingredients

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

Preparation

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

Pat this dough until it is half-inch thick, and cut it into any shape that you want.

Once cut, put these cookies on a non-stick sheet and put them into a preheated oven to bake them. Bake at 350 F for around 20 minutes.

Let the treats cool off, and serve them to your dog. You can store them and use them later as well.

Structuring a diet for dogs with struvite crystals and feeding your ailing pet the right way can help deal with this condition and prevent it in the future.

Making your dog drink a lot of water is also vital because you need to make him urinate more. Constant urination will stop the formation of struvite crystals in dogs and help your pet dilute them faster.

Struvite Crystals in Dogs, Our Final Thoughts

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

Suppose your dog is suffering from urinary tract stones, or you want to avoid the development of urinary crystals. In that case, we suggest you follow these basic steps we've shared about the best dog food for dogs with urinary crystals, as well as the best treats you can give a dog that suffers from struvite crystals.

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