Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 1/21/2010

Question
Our 6 yr old bulldog was just diagnosed with oxalate bladder crystals.  The vet recommends, Hill's U/D diet, but I' wondering if there is a homemade recipe that will be healthier and more economical.  Also, our bulldog is a about 10 pounds overweight.  I know these special diets are higher in fat to make it more palatable.  I'm hoping you might have a suggestion/solution that will best fit his needs.

Answer
Hi bulldog family!
Hill's U/D dog food can be used for the oxalates.  I do have some wonderful recipes to help dogs with calcium oxalates.... SEE here : hope this helps..


Thanks to : For help with recipe formulation!
Douglas Island Veterinary

As for weight loss/ only use Grain-free dog treats... No table food at all / or other snacks.
I know it is hard to resist the big bulldog eyes watching you when you are eating..


LOW PROTEIN DIETS and low Phos:

Low protein diets play a role in the treatment of  kidney disease.



EGG & POTATO DIET


(low-protein, low-phosphorous, high-potassium, normal sodium)* for Dogs

3-4 eggs, large, cooked

4-5 cups potato, boiled with skin

3 tablespoon chicken fat

4 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)  ( Or use TUMS)

1 ( per day )  multiple-mineral tablet -  ( GIVE just 1/2 NuVET Per day:) order below***

( This is enough for a 40-50 pound dog - per day)

Provides 600 kilocalories, 15.1 grams protein, 18.5 grams fat.

Provides phosphorus at 53 percent, potassium at 322 percent, sodium at 114 percent of dogs daily needs.

~~~you can freeze all the recipes into individual freezer dishes or baggies.
Don't forget the NuVET - JUST 1 per day
This is needed to Balance out home-cooking ....
NuVET plus is a woderful Holistic vitamin supplement; Tell them Pet Nurse Marie sent you.
Call 1-800-474-7044   ( use referral code 81098 and ask about the 15% OFF program)
http://www.nuvet.com/81098

He will love you cooking for him !   This will cost a bunch LESS than the RX diet from the vet.
Just make sure you do the Calcium CARB ( TUMS) pills and the NuVET-
( you can add 1/2 can of green beans ( no added salt) / cook the green beans with a 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil - yum yum and a Dash of Garlic POWDER,too


NEXT Recipe *****************


CHICKEN AND POTATO DIET

(low protein low phosphorus, high potassium, low sodium) for Dogs

1 cup cooked chicken breast

5 cups potato, boiled with skin

4 tablespoons chicken fat

3-4 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)

1 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet  ( NUVET)  - see above link:

Provides 689 kilocalories, 18.9 grams protein, 26.8 grams fat.
( This is enough per day of food for a 45 pound dog)-

Provides phosphorus at 45 percent, potassium at 301 percent, sodium at 54 percent of a dog's daily needs.
________________________________________________________________________


LOW FAT/LOW PROTEIN DIET FOR DOGS   - Weight LOSS diet****

( This if if he needed to take off a few pounds / low fat)***********

1 pkg. Salad Macaroni (cooked)
2 Cup Brown Rice (Cook separately: 1C Rice w/2.5 C water/45 min.)
4-5 Eggs Hard-boiled and chopped up finely
6-7 Tums Crushed (calcium carbonate)
1 pkg. Frozen Broccoli and
½ pkg. Frozen Carrots - steamed until crisp/tender (chop up finely)
Mix everything together.
Can be frozen in small portions.
You can also add 1 tablespoon, low fat ( 2 % milk ) cottage cheese at each meal.

I've also added a little bit of cooked ground chicken...and doubled the recipe for ease and frozen it in serving size portions.

This is enough for 1 1/2 Days of food for a 40 -45 pound dog

Source:
Thanks to : For help with recipe formulation -Douglas Island Veterinary
....


Ok, I gave you a bunch of info.  The key is WATER - add a small amount - a few tablespoons to each meal - get the food nice and moist.  They need plenty of water to drink and even place into the meals.

KEEP me posted, I am here for you......

Marie Peppers LPN MA
mtnmom@gci.net
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