Many pet health conditions can be managed simply by changing the pet's diet. Specific health issues that can be managed by making dietary changes include urinary, kidney and bladder conditions. By changing some ingredients in a pet's diet, the pH can be altered, reducing the chances that bladder stones will recur. Reducing the amount of protein in the diet can slow kidney disease.
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Kidney Diet
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Science Diet KD is a diet manufactured specifically to manage kidney disease in dogs and cats. KD is specially formulated to meet a pet's nutritional requirements while reducing phosphorus, protein and sodium to reduce stress to the kidneys as well as adding omega 3 acids, B vitamins and antioxidants to support the ailing pet.
Bladder Diets
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Science Diet CD is a diet formulated specifically to manage bladder conditions such as cystitis. Ingredients such as protein, magnesium and phosphorus are reduced to prevent the formation of bladder stones. Sodium is reduced to help the patient maintain a healthy blood pressure and antioxidants are added to support a healthy immune system, allowing the patient the ability to naturally fight off bladder infections.
Science Diet SD is a diet formulated specifically for the treatment of dogs and cats that develop a specific type of bladder stone known as struvite stones. The goal of this diet is to block the formation of struvite crystals that will eventually create the stones.
Science Diet UD is a diet formulated to manage pets that develop calcium oxalate stones in the bladder. Protein and calcium are reduced to keep calcium oxalate crystals from forming and to dissolve any existing crystals.
Considerations
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The Science Diet foods above are available by prescription only and can be purchased at most veterinary offices. A qualified veterinarian will determine if the use of a prescription diet along with medications and supportive care would be beneficial to managing your pet's kidney or bladder condition.
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