Foods for Struvite Crystals
Struvite crystals form in the bladder and urinary tract of dogs and cats when their diet is too alkaline, meaning a urine pH above 8. Under a microscope, struvites (magnesium ammonium phosphate) look like glass shards, but they are actually a mineral buildup caused most commonly by diet. Symptoms include straining to urinate, excessive urination, bloody urine and loss of appetite. Dietary modifications helps prevent struvite crystal buildup in most cases.
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Eggs
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Feeding a diet high in acidic foods acidifies the urine, which keeps struvite crystal buildup under control in most cases. Acidic urine dissolves struvites. Feed eggs, an acid food, either raw or lightly scrambled. Eggs are a complete protein. Provide a an egg a few times a week. If your dog suffers from a compromised immune system, cook the eggs. Salmonella is not common in healthy dogs.
Meat
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Cats are obligate carnivores -- they can survive on meat alone. A high-protein diet has an acidifying effect on urine, so include protein sources such as ground beef that contains 46 percent fat, diced dark chicken meat, which contains more taurine than white meat and organ meat, including heart and gizzards. Feed dogs meat less frequently than cats and choose leaner proteins, such as extra-lean ground beef with 7 percent fat.
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Dairy
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Although some folks believe cats can't digest milk products because they're lactose-intolerant, raw milk and raw cheeses help acidify urine and keep struvites at bay in most cases. Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., suggests feeding fresh, raw milk (unpasteurized) to lower urine pH. If raw milk isn't available at a natural food store near you, choose yogurt and cottage cheese. These are fairly balanced and economical foods that you can use weekly.
Legumes
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Adding legumes to the diet provides adequate protein at a considerable cost-savings over meat. Beans and legumes deliver high-quality protein and are easy and convenient to prepare in bulk. Quick-cooking lentils and peas feature thin skins and don't need soaking. As for beans, soak them overnight before cooking. Soaking them longer reduces gas after consumption. Pitcairn recommends boiling the beans for 30 minutes after they're soaked, discard the cooking liquid and complete cooking with fresh water. Kidney, or red beans, pinto and soybeans help treat struvite crystals.
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References
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