Cranberry Juice

[Miss Magpie]

I was told by the lady i rescued my girls from that older piggies are more prone to bladder stones. So to help prevent it I should give them some cranberry juice every fews weeks or so as it changes the ph level in their urine or bladder or something like that she said, and that it breaks the build ups down.
Well i searched in Tescos today for some plain un-sweetened cranberry juice...what a task! :o Alot had sugar and sugary type things in and then sugar free ones had alot of additives, sweeteners and aspartamine in which I wouldnt even drink let alone give it to my piggies! Does anyone know of anywhere that sells plain cranberry juice? Or am i guna have to juice my own?

Also if anyone has any thoughs on the advice the rescue lady gave me or any other advice on how to prevent bladder stones and what foods are high in calcium then that would be very helpful.

Thanks guys :smitten:

 

[charlenegfrank]

I once gave my sows some actual cranberry berries which you can get in the supermarket and none of them liked them at all! Not even a taste, they ran away from them, and they eat anything usually! I see nothing wrong in giving the juice as long as it does not have all these artificial things in it, as you say. But also, have your pigs had the bladder stones before? its mainly common in boars and I really do not see the need in doing this otherwise. I also thought cranberries just helped certain bladder infections not prevent bladder stones. I would go to a local health shop if you must have ago at doing this. But I see no point in my opinion. Usually if a boar gets one they keep reoccurring and its very painful for them, and they would be back and forth at the vets, in this case the animal may have to be put down as its not fair on the animal to go through that, plus its very expensive on you. Hope I have somewhat helped. ;D

 

[starla]

I think cranberries can be bitter-ish? But you could try them on cranberries as Charlene said

Kale definately and I think basil are high in calcium.

 

[Lez]

parsley is high in calcium

 

[charlenegfrank]

I think the piggies would prefer the parsley but kale is also good for them once in a while! Also I forgot to say they will not just drink the juice you would have to syringe feed them it, as I doubt they would like it. Also I think the juice is more acidic which with regular use is bad for the piggies mouth.

 

[jayneblonde]

you could try buying cranberry juice from a health food shop? or a farm shop... or i guess make your own in a blender with some water... as i think they are a little small to stick in the juicer! may be quite watsteful too! may be worth a shot! O0