[Acroyali]

My mother’s dog had surgery to remove stones. I don’t remember what kind of stones, and there are differences in how they form and what diets are best. Her dog, for whatever kind of stones he needed, needed low oxalate foods. She refused the prescription foods and cooks for him herself, and keeps a list of high oxalate foods (to avoid) and low oxalate foods (to include) in her kitchen for reference.

If you google search the dog aware website, there’s a lot of good advice (and it’s only advice, as the webmaster is not a veterinarian) about formulating cooked diets for healthy dogs, and formulating cooked diets for dogs with specific health problems. Personally, I’ve found it to be a wealth of information, as well as the b-naturals website. Lots of good advice on diet and health issues there.

We all form our own opinions through trial and error. My own personal opinion (and it’s just that…an opinion) is that a lot of a prescription diets are hype. It’s not something I’ve chosen for my pets, despite the fact that I was told two of them would have to be on them for life due to various problems. I’m sure there are Rx diets out there that have helped dogs and cats, and are a saving grace for their owners, and for that I’m (truly) glad. For now, we’re doing alright without them and if you choose to cook for your dog due to his problems, I hope the suggestions above help get you off on the right foot. Best of luck and happy cooking! 🙂