Category: Veterinary nutrition

The dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) calculation is an essential nutritional tool used by dairy producers to reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders such as milk fever, which costs the industry millions annually. The primary equation for the DCAD diet balances cations like potassium and sodium against anions like chloride and sulfur to influence a cow's acid-base balance and mineral mobilization.

According to Hill's Pet Nutrition, their Prescription Diet u/d is formulated to help reduce the risk of urate and cystine stone formation in dogs. Understanding what is Hill's diet for cystine stones involves looking at its specific nutritional properties designed to create an unfavorable urinary environment for these particular mineral formations.

While cranberries have a long-standing reputation for supporting urinary tract health, their role in managing struvite crystals is more complex and differs significantly between human and pet health. Struvite crystals, composed of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate, form primarily in alkaline urine and can be a common concern for pet owners.

According to pet nutrition experts at NC State Veterinary Hospital, veterinary-exclusive urinary diets work by altering a pet's urine composition to dilute excess minerals. How long does it take for a urinary diet to work and produce noticeable results for your furry friend? The timeline can vary depending on the type of urinary issue, the pet's species, and the stone size.