[rlt_43557]

My 5 year old neutered male yorkie had a calcium oxalate stone surgically removed from his os penis/urethra area in April, 2007. The vet put him on Science Diet u/d exclusively. Well let me tell you--the ingredients are gross and he hates the stuff. I believe in quality of life and not just keeping him alive by him going into the starvation mode. I couldn't stand to witness it. Therefore, I am following 1/2 of the vets advice. I am making my own dog food and using the 50/50 approach. I get a large package of chicken breasts with rib meat attached and an inexpensive beef steak. I add about 2 1/2 quarts of distilled water and simmer in my crock pot. After discarding bones and skin, I add cooked white potatoes or cooked pasta (or rice), canned unsalted peas, and put the crock pot in the refrigerator until it is cold enough to skim off most (not all) of the fat, keeping the broth. I puree the completed product and place in pint size Tupperware containers and freeze until needed. About 10 minutes before feeding time, I pour distilled water over some dry science diet. When the liquid is absorbed I stir in the pureed mixture. He has never been a water drinker and I believe this is part of his problem. I keep him urinating a lot more frequently since his surgery. I won't say this is for everyone but I notice no worsening of his symptoms with the routine. I hope this helps. One batch lasts about six weeks.