Struvite

Question
My 2 year old English Bulldog was diagnosed with struvite crystals after several UTI's. My vet put her on Royal Canin Urinary SO along with an antibiotic for a month and she is doing great. He will check her urine in a few weeks for struvite again. My question is, do I keep her on this diet from now on or go back to her other food which was Solid Gold Hundenflocken? Lamb and rice. My vet mentioned she may have to stay on Royal Canin the rest of her life. Would this vet diet be sufficient for her nutrition?

Answer
Good morning, Terry.

I would keep her on the Royal Canin Urinary SO only until she is completely cleared of the struvites and infection.  Please do make sure when he rechecks her urine for struvite activity that he also confirms that the infection is completely cleared.

If she has not had a history of urinary tract infections or other urinary problems, I personally would not keep her on the Royal Canin.  I would honesty choose a food that is grain free, low in carbohydrates and is meat protein based.  With that, I would add a good quality canned food.  If home prepared is an option for you, that would be even better.

Please keep me updated.

Gail E. Vigneault