Dog Nutrition

Question
We have an 11 year old border collie that had experienced problems with
crystals in his urine and so has been on CD Science Diet for some years. I
have some concern that this diet may not be the best one. One expert online
even referred to it as "Death in a Bag". He has been more stiff in the back
legs and seems rather senile in his behaviour over the last 6 months. Is this
just age or could it be diet related.

Answer
Good afternoon, Lindy.

The symptoms that you describe with the stiffness in the back legs could be related to the food.  Both symptoms certainly can be age related as well.

Unfortunately, the quality of ingredients in the CD are not the best, the food is definitely lower in meat protein than is proper for most dogs.

I would consider looking towards a more natural diet if you can.  With crystal formation, we have seen great results feeding a primarily canned diet.  The high moisture content, quality meat ingredients and reduced carbohydrates can help keep a proper urine PH.  At the same time, grains in general can aggravate inflammatory response which certainly can contribute to the stiffness in the back.

In all honestly, if you have to feed a dry food, consider going to a higher protein grain free food, incorporate some good quality canned foods and make sure he drinks plenty of water.  

Adding a probiotic can also help to maintain proper urinary PH, helping to keep the environment in the urinary tract less conducive to crystal development.

Best of luck.

Gail