My mii schnauzers bladder stones

Question
Hi Cindi:

I just found out my dog has bladder stones.  I have to find out it they are struvite stones.  The doctor prescribed Hills SD food to dissolve the stones.  I am not in favor of feeding my dog Hills.  Currently, my dog is fed California Natural Chicken & Rice Meal Low Fat.  I have been researching bladder stones in canines and have come to the conclusion she needs a low mineral, low protein,  low magnesium diet.  Is there any particular food you can recommend for her.  I also came to the conclusion that a raw food diet might be the answer.  If I feed her a raw food diet, I must know exactly what to feed her.  Do you know any canine nutritionists in the Palm Beach County area?

Thanks,

Mindy

Answer
Hi Mindy
Looks like you've been doing some great research. Include this link and do NOT forget to get your pet off of faucet water.
http://www.rasnaturals.com/dogcathealth/dogcatuti.html
Here's another
http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/Urolithiasis(UrinaryStones)/index.cfm?dspPrintReady=Y
Also make sure your dog gets LOTS of exercise. And LOTS of fluid intake
Watch the purine and ash levels in your food as well, I like Orijen, which is completely grain free and in order to establish the right balance I think that is MOST important
http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/Urolithiasis(UrinaryStones)/index.cfm?dspPrintReady=Y
I also like Flint River a LOT, They have several foods that work beautifully like Lamb and rice, fish and chips trout and drywater (canned food).
This is an EXCELLENT website that is very specific and should help you alot. Also don't get hung up on protein, protein and purine are completely different and sometimes get lumped together. The KIND of protein is much more important.

http://www.aplus-flint-river-ranch.com/article-healthydalmatiandiet.php
This website is dalmation specific however in truth you can switch out the word Dalmation in this article and it will apply to any breed. It's a great site.
Unfortunately I do not know any nutritionists in your area.
Talk to your local breed clubs, look in the phone book under holistic vets, holistic canine nutritionists etc. Your best help is going to be online.
Finding a good breed club will help you immensely. Just remember that not all nutritionists are really nutritionists. Make sure you feel comfortable with whoever you work with, and trust them. Most of them do phone and email consults (like me).
Let me know if I can help in any other way and good luck
Cindi