Natalie's has UTI and needs food change

[joann1166]

I need help. I've had Natalie in the vet's office for two days in a row. She has a urinary tract infection. We know its from her not drinking enough water and the vet wants to put her on UD food. There are several companies that make UD food but unfortunately they are not good companies. Hills and Purina Pet One for the two that I have found. I would rather NOT put her on those two foods. I have her on Taste Of the Wild now and she does good on it. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm in desperate need of some!

[Lovetodream88]

Prescription foods are made by vets and actual science is put into them meaning they are good foods if that is what your pet needs. I think with all the "education" out there from holistic foods and people like the dentist who does dog food advisor it confuses people into thinking certain things are bad and certain things are good when in reality those people are not vet nutritionist so they are not the best source for education on dog nutrition. I spent a long time going by stars and everything else until I started really looking into the company's and who puts science into it. In the end my dog ended up with IBD so she had to go on prescription Royal Canin. I trust my vet when she suggested the food and we went on it and my little girls IBD symptoms went away and she is doing great. Vets don't make money off those foods so if you trust your vet then I would do what he is saying. If you still are very worried about it I would contact a vet nutritionist.

[mimimomo]

Were there any crystals found in the urine? Was a urinalysis done w/possible culture?

If it was struvites, then it can be dissolved, so liquefying the diet is key...don't need RX food. But there are other crystals that need RX food & surgery to remove if it formed into stones.

If it's just a UTI, not sure why she needs RX food. Usu antibiotics are prescribed.

[107barney]

The Hill's UD is for bladder stones like calcium oxalate. For this problem, UD or Royal Canin SO -- canned versions - are the best. I had a home cooked diet made for Teddy instead. Does Natalie have bladder stones?

[Ellie May]

A UTI alone does not require rx food. Treat the bacteria. If it doesn't go away and/or comes back and the vet diagnosis another problem (i.e. stones), then diet change is necessary.

You can liquify any diet.

[joann1166]

The vet thinks there was crystals and he did send it off for a more complete urinalysis. We should know something tomorrow. She is doing much better on this food and her medicine. She is urinating a lot more and she seems like her old self.