High ph

Question
My 5 year old english pointer has cystitis, 3 years ago she had bladder stones(I believe struvite). the  doctor has said she has high ph. I have always fed her a pedigree canned food. I now started cooking her boiled chicken with brown rice and peas and carrots, with a little garlic. Is seems to me this should be good for her and she eats better than she ever has. Any thoughts on adding or subtracting ingredients? Or am I on the wrong track?

Answer
Hi Tim.

You are on the right track.  Home prepared is always better than commercial diets.

Just keep in mind that dogs do not need carbohydrates, so you can go pretty light on the rice if you feel the need to include it.

You will want to make sure you include a calcium source, though.  You can use calcium carbonate, egg shell powder, bone meal or raw, edible bones to balance the phosphorus.

I would also add a good multi vitamin and mineral supplement, something like Nupro, to make sure you are getting everything your Pointer needs.

You can go to nutritiondata.com and enter the ingredients you are using to get a better idea of the nutrition you are giving her.  If you need help balancing the diet, send me an email GVigneault@newfoundnaturals.com and I'll be glad to help.

Gail