Acidic vs. Alkaline ph Levels in Dogs and Cats
~Raz~
Normal urinary ph for both dogs and cats ranges between 5.5 and 7.0. Various circumstances can alter the ph value to a more acidic range ( below 5.5) to an alkaline range(above 7.0). When urinary ph becomes acid there is a higher potential for oxalate stones to form. As the urinary ph becomes more alkaline there is the potential for struvite stones to form.
Crystal and stone formation can create signifigant troubles for your pets entire urinary system. Symptoms of crystal or stone formation can include frequent urination, painful urination, bloody urine, bladder infections, kidney inflamation, and in some cases the blockage of urine elimination from the body completely.
Not all dogs or cats with abnormal urinary ph have kidney disease. But if an alkaline or acid ph value does not return to normal the kidneys will begin to suffer longterm damage. Most cases of abnormal ph, whether acid or alkaline, can be normalized thru nutritional adjustments. Those ph values that are not influenced by dietary changes may indicate the existence of underlying kidney or bladder infection or disease, and should be evaluated further.
If your pet has acidic urine, and is producing oxalate crystals or stones, there are natural remedies that you can consider trying in an attempt to alkalinize:
- decrease the amount of processed animal protein in diet- consider millet and tofu as options
- increase the amount of whole, raw, and minimally processed nutrition into diet.
- increase the consumption of green veggies
- incorporate wysong ph+ supplement into daily diets
- incorporate theraputic levels of answers unpasturized goats milk into diet
if your pet has alkaline urine, and is producing struvite crystals or stones, consider the following as options to help acidify :
- focus on diets high in animal based protein grain free or grain inclusive
- grain inclusive diets are beneficial only if the animal protein base is more prevalent
- increase intake of whole cranberry fruit, or powdered cranberry supplements or pills
- incude raw apple cider vinegar with the mother into daily drinking water or food
- consider an amino acid supplement of methionine
- incorporate wysong ph - into daily diets
NOTE: if you are attempting to lower your pets urinary ph naturally, don't also utilize prescription acidifying agents at the same time
Abnormal urinary ph values can be a reflection of nutritional imbalances in your pet. Processing of whole foods into kibbled or canned foods can change the intrinsic nutrient bio-availability and digestibility of those foods. Often times you can regulate your pets urinary ph by altering the types of foods they eat, or by supplementing with appropriate supplements. It is always better to try to regulate ph naturally. If nutritional adjustments are not producing a desired effect further evaluation of your pets kidney function should be assessed.
The following list provides you with a listing of acidifying and alkalinizing foods.
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