Discover the naturalistic approach to preventing and treating struvite crystals, bladder stones, and urolithiasis in dogs and cats. Learn how a diet closer to what their wild counterparts eat can promote better urinary health and prevent common urinary diseases.
Struvite crystals, bladder stones, and urinary diseases such as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) and Canine Struvite Urolithiasis are often nutritionally influenced conditions. Unlike their wild counterparts, domestic dogs and cats are more susceptible to these issues, largely due to their diet. Wild canines and felines consume a natural, raw diet rich in meat, which is less likely to lead to urinary health problems.
Processed Pet Foods: Domestic animals are often fed nutrient-depleted, highly processed pet foods, which starkly contrasts with the natural, meat-based, raw diet full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotics that wild animals consume. Overfeeding combined with an unhealthy diet creates a physiological environment conducive to disease.
Unnatural Food Composition: Conventional pet foods are typically denatured by heat, imbalanced in minerals, and contain excessive amounts of starches and carbohydrates. This results in more alkaline urine, which can lead to the formation of struvite crystals and bladder stones.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, urinary tract diseases are among the most common reasons for visits to the vet. The prevalence of urolithiasis in dogs has been reported to be as high as 1.5% in the pet population (AVMA).
The frequency of urinary diseases in pets is alarming. However, prevention and treatment are possible by emulating the natural diet of wild canines and felines. This approach promotes an acidic body environment, which is less hospitable to the formation of struvite crystals and bladder stones.
Contrary to some beliefs, the magnesium content in natural foods is not a significant factor in FLUTD and canine urolithiasis unless it is added excessively as magnesium oxide rather than magnesium chloride. Wild animals maintain acidic urine and do not suffer from these conditions, despite consuming foods with higher levels of magnesium (around 0.1%) than some pet food manufacturers recommend.
To combat the formation of struvite crystals and other urinary diseases, pet owners should seek out high meat protein, low carbohydrate natural foods, preferably raw, that mimic the natural diet of canines and felines. Brands like Wysong offer pet food options formulated to address these health concerns by providing a more natural diet (Wysong).
In conclusion, a naturalistic approach to pet nutrition, focusing on high-quality, meat-based diets, can significantly reduce the risk of urinary diseases in pets. By understanding the dietary needs of our canine and feline friends, we can promote their overall health and well-being.
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