Diet for Dog with Bladder Stones and Corn Allergies?

[jofolman]

Hi, one of my German Shepherds (85 lbs) recently was diagnosed with few STRUVITE Bladder stones. They vet gave him Science Diet Prescription dog food thats specifically made for dogs with struvite stones. Said I had to keep him on it for the rest of his life.

After a few days of feeding him the new food, he started getting scabs all over and his hair started falling out. So I go back to my vet, and say that I think he's allergic to the Corn in the food. The vet recommends that I try IVD veternary dog food which has a lotta corn in it also. He doesn't have any non-corn prescription dog food.

1. What I'd like to know is if my dog is allergic to corn, how bad is it that I continue feeding him that food even along with the antibiotic pills that my vet prescribed.

2. If I switch my dog back to his old food (Nutros Max), how long before his struvite stones come back?

3. If I switch him to some Super Premium dog food like Solid Gold, would this help prevent future stones?
4. If you answer yes to #3, then which specific Solid Gold dog food would be best for my dog?

[chetco]

If your dog has struvite bladder stones, then acidifying the diet, along with treating the infection, can help dissolve the stones. Ascorbic acid (a form of vitamin C), and distilled water can help with this. , Acidic foods include chicken, beef, eggs, fish, pork, cottage cheese, yogurt, rice (brown and white), beans, nuts and all seafood. See http://www.herbtime.com/InformationPages/FoodsforAlkalineAcid.htm for more information on acidifying and alkalizing foods. See http://www.marvistavet.com/html/canine_struvite_bladder_stones.html for more information on struvite bladder stones.

When the infection is treated by the correct antibiotic, cranberry juice Capsules (not cranberry juice) can be given to the dog. These help to stop bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall and help prevent future infections. Some people have had success keeping the urine acidic, which helps prevent these crystals from forming, by feeding acidic foods and avoiding alkaline foods. A raw, natural diet is high in acidic foods.

FROM THE SOLID GOLD WEBSITE:
Solid Gold pet foods contain either blueberries or cranberries. Extra cranberry juice may be added to the food or drinking water as an additional aid in the prevention of UTI's and struvite crystals, but care should be taken to avoid those products with added sugar, corn syrup, or other fruit juices that can negate the cranberry's acidic, beneficial effects. Cranberry extracts, such as our Solid Gold Berry Balance, are also available.