Diets for Dogs With Cystitis

Cystitis is a painful condition for dogs and humans alike. Caused by a bacterial infection in the urinary tract, it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including kidney infections. If your dog is having trouble urinating or is eliminating inappropriately around the house, it is important to get a vet's diagnosis to confirm cystitis. Diet is an important factor in managing this condition.

Low in Magnesium

Too much magnesium in your dog's diet raises the chance of your pet developing urine crystals, bladder stones and infections. Magnesium can react with alkaline urine to form crystals, causing health problems for your pet. Ensure you know the ingredients that are going into your dog's food and monitor the amount of magnesium the dog is eating. The phosphorus and calcium levels should also be watched, as these substances contribute to the formation of bladder stones.

Low in Grains

Many brands of commercial pet food have grains added to provide calories and protein. Grains are cheaper than meat and therefore more cost-effective as a substitute. However, a diet that is high in grains will raise the risk of your dog developing cystitis, according to A Creature Comfort, a pet health store. Too much grain will cause your dog's urine to become more alkaline, increasing the risk of bladder stones and crystals. Sourcing a brand of food that contains meat or feeding your dog a home-made diet will help reduce your dog's cystitis symptoms.

Dried Food

According to pet information website Go Pets America, dry pet food can become contaminated with bacteria. While this doesn't always cause problems for your pet, it can contribute to conditions like cystitis when the bacteria are able to multiply. Some commercial brands recommend adding water or milk to moisten dried food. However, if left out at room temperature this can become a breeding ground for bacteria like E. coli and lead to urinary tract infections. If you are feeding your pet dried food, ensure you don't moisten it unless it will be eaten immediately, and store the food packet in a cool, dry place.

Water

Although it sounds simple, ensuring your dog has a good supply of clean, fresh water will help its cystitis symptoms. Drinking a lot of water will keep your dog hydrated. It will also encourage your dog to urinate frequently, emptying the bladder and flushing out the bacteria that are causing the infection.