A major cause of inflammation and infection in dogs and cats, struvite crystals are rock-like accretions that scrape sensitive tissues in the urinary tract. Among the symptoms of this condition are frequent urination, straining to urinate, frequent passing of small amounts of urine, urinating in inappropriate places, cloudy or bloody urine, tenderness in the bladder area, fever, lethargy and increased thirst.
These crystals account for more than one third of all urinary tract stones in dogs and about half of all urinary stones in cats. The problem is more prevalent in middle-aged female pets. Dog breeds prone to struvite stones include Miniature Bichons, Lhasa Apso, Miniature Poodles, Schnauzer, Shih Tzus and Cocker Spaniels.
If your pet is straining to urinate and produces little urine or no urine at all, consider it an extreme emergency that requires immediate veterinarian attention. Otherwise, it can become fatal.
By nature, canines and felines should eat meat. Meat provides a natural acidifier that promotes overall good health. When fed a grain-based diet, the starch alkalizes urine pH that can lead to the development of struvite crystals and stones. To reduce urine pH, you must feed your pet a diet that’s low carb, grain free, potato free and species appropriate. Increasing the amount of high quality meat in their diet can acidify the urine and help prevent crystals.
Evanger's offers a variety of balanced canned dinners that provide ample high quality proteins that meat the unique needs of canine and feline diets. For balanced meals containing vitamins and minerals, try Evanger’s Slow Cooked Chicken Stew for dogs. For cats, consider certified Organic Braised Chicken Dinner, Organic Turkey with Butternut Squash, and Holistic Pheasant Dinner. Evanger’s also offers pure protein supplements, such as Evanger’s Grain Free Game Meats and 100% Organic Chicken that serve as an excellent protein punch to any regular meal.
Your pets will benefit from this proactive approach to help them maintain good nutrition, and help avoid painful and dangerous struvite crystal formation.
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| Photo Credit: Jeff Legasse |
If your pet is straining to urinate and produces little urine or no urine at all, consider it an extreme emergency that requires immediate veterinarian attention. Otherwise, it can become fatal.
By nature, canines and felines should eat meat. Meat provides a natural acidifier that promotes overall good health. When fed a grain-based diet, the starch alkalizes urine pH that can lead to the development of struvite crystals and stones. To reduce urine pH, you must feed your pet a diet that’s low carb, grain free, potato free and species appropriate. Increasing the amount of high quality meat in their diet can acidify the urine and help prevent crystals.
Evanger's offers a variety of balanced canned dinners that provide ample high quality proteins that meat the unique needs of canine and feline diets. For balanced meals containing vitamins and minerals, try Evanger’s Slow Cooked Chicken Stew for dogs. For cats, consider certified Organic Braised Chicken Dinner, Organic Turkey with Butternut Squash, and Holistic Pheasant Dinner. Evanger’s also offers pure protein supplements, such as Evanger’s Grain Free Game Meats and 100% Organic Chicken that serve as an excellent protein punch to any regular meal.
Your pets will benefit from this proactive approach to help them maintain good nutrition, and help avoid painful and dangerous struvite crystal formation.
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