Expert: Delores Beck - 5/1/2008

Question
My cocker spaniel frequently gets bladder crystals and i am wondering what is best to feed him to help?

Answer
First of all - feed canned food not kibble.  It has more moisture and
is better for him anyway.  I highly recommend Canidae.  Go to Canidae.com to locate a store near you.  PetSmart now carries AvoDerm which is an excellent food.

If he gets bladder crystals then the more he drinks and urinates the better.  I'd make some homemade chicken broth - well strained - and
give him 4 oz. in the morning and 4 oz. afternoon. (You can't really overdo this)

Under no circumstances use canned broth - it's loaded with sodium.

Make sure he has lots of opportunity to go out and urinate.  Holding it in isn't good for dogs with this problem.  The idea is to keep his urinary tract well flushed out.

In case you don't know how to make chicken broth.  Simply simmer some chicken until done - remove chicken - then strain the broth through a light cloth into a container.  If you serve this slightly warmed, most dogs will drink as much as you'll give them.

Straining the broth is important since it removes any fat.  Homemade broth has almost no sodium and almost no fat unlike what you buy in a can or a box.  Keep in fridge - lasts for ages.

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Delores