Frequent UTIs

Question
Hello, my 6 month old lab was diagnosed twice with struvite crystals. Each time she was given antibiotics and after further urinalysis, the problem was cleared up. The last time, the vet put her on Hills c/d (can) then switched her to Hills s/d (can for awhile). The vet said the crystals cleared up, but wants her to remain on s/d permanently. The vet said there was no other kind of dog food I could buy that would help keep the crystals away. After reading the ingredients of s/d, i am grossed out with what is put in the food. I do not want to feed my dog that food, but I also don't want the poor girl to keep getting infections (UTI). I prefer to not do homemade meals, but I want her to be on good quality food. She was on Nutro Natural Choice for Large Breed Puppies. The vet currently wants her on s/d, but a friend recommended Halo. Can you please advise to what foods I can buy her, preferably some place like Petco, that will be low in phosphorus and low in magnesium (is what the c/d formula specializes in)?

Answer
Sorry, Rachael, but I'm not comfortable with commercial diet for a puppy with this issue. I'd encourage you to do home made under the guidance of a professional at least till the pup is grown, since you are dealing with the special requirements of a pup as well as needing to control  struvites. Two rounds of antibiotics at such a tender age suggest the need for immune and gut support  too. I'd be more than happy to help you, if you are interested in a consultation. Otherwise I would recommend following your vet's recommendations - I don't like Science Diet either, but there are places where   the management of a condition is of utmost importance. This *may* not be necessary with struvite, and you *may be ok with a premium food, but there are too many variables for me. Pups need higher levels fo mineral than adult dogs, so a diet liek this needs very careful monitoring.
Please check my site at www.thepossiblecanine.com if you might be interested in a home made diet. I know it's a lot of work, but it's absolutely your best option right now.
All the best, Catherine