best diet for a dog with kidney disease
Dietary Guidelines for Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
What To Feed a Dog With Kidney Disease
Nutrition plays a big role in the management of dogs with kidney disease. Because dogs with kidney disease usually arent feeling well, the first step is often to merely get your dog to eat anything.
Kidney disease can make dogs nauseated, and they can also develop ulcers in their mouth or stomach, which makes eating painful. A feeding tube may be necessary to get dogs with severe kidney disease the nutrition they need.
Once your dogs condition is more stable, you can turn your attention to providing more optimized nutrition. Kidney diets for dogs have to tick a lot of boxes. Heres a guide that explains nutritional needs and what to feed a dog with kidney disease.
What To Look For in a Kidney Diet for Dogs
Kidney diets for dogs are significantly different from regular dog foods. However, no single kidney diet is going to be best for every dog throughout the rest of their life.
For example, a dog in the early stages of kidney disease could thrive on a kidney diet with more protein, but as their disease progresses, a diet lower in protein and phosphorus might better control their symptoms.
As a rule of thumb, good kidney diets for dogs tend to have anutrient profilethat looks like this:
Nutrient | Grams/1000 kcal |
Protein | 31-41 |
Phosphorus | 0.5-0.8 |
Sodium | 0.4-1.2 |
EPA and DHA | 0.4-1.2 |
Unfortunately, it can be hard tofind this information on dog food labelsor on pet food manufacturers websites. If you are having trouble getting the numbers, your veterinarian can help you pick a good kidney diet based on your dogs needs.
Here are several important elements to look for in kidney diets for dogs:
Taste
The most important characteristic of a kidney diet for dogs can be the hardest to achieve: It has to be delicious! Thats because the metabolic and physical changes associated with kidney disease can lessen a dogs appetite.
To counteract this effect, kidney diets need to smell and taste great. After all, a kidney diet that isnt eaten isnt going to do a dog any good. Kidney diets should also be calorie- and nutrient-dense, so dogs can eat less and still get a lot of nutrition.
Hydration and Water Content
Kidney diets should also contain a lot of water. Dogs with kidney disease struggle to maintain their hydration. All dogs always need to have access to bowls of fresh clean water, but a diet that has high water content is a great way to boost a pets water intake when they have kidney disease.
Wet foods are almost always a better option for dogs with kidney disease than dry foods. If you are feeding your dog kibble, ask your veterinarian about adding water to the dry food or other ways you can supplement their water intake.
It's also important to keep an eye on the sodium levels in kidney diets for dogs. Too much sodium increases the chances that your dog will becomedehydrated.
The Right Amount of the Right Protein
Next comes the balancing act that is protein. Dogs with kidney disease need protein, but not too much. The breakdown products of protein digestion are responsible, in large part, for making dogs with kidney disease feel yucky.
The goal is to feed just enough protein to meet a dogs needs for muscle maintenance, immune function, and the other vital jobs proteins have in the bodybut not to feed too much more. Extra protein will only be turned into calories that can be more safely provided by carbohydrates and fats.
Protein quality is also important. Proteins should be highly digestible and supply all the essential amino acids dogs need.
Low Phosphorus Levels
Theres a close relationship between protein intake and blood phosphorus levels. Dogs with kidney disease gradually lose the ability to excrete phosphorus in their urine, so it backs up in the bloodstream. Reducing phosphorus intake has been shown to slow the progression of kidney disease in dogs and increase their lifespan.
An important way to reduce phosphorus levels in the diets of dogs with kidney disease is to not overfeed protein and to ensure thatproteins relatively low in phosphorusare included in the diet. Plant-based sources of protein tend to be lower in phosphorus than animal-based sources of protein.
Supplements
Nutritional supplements can also help dogs with kidney disease. Supplements often included in kidney diets for dogs include:
Omega-3fatty acids:eicosapentaenoicacid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which can reduce inflammation in the bodyincluding in the kidneysand possibly improve kidney function
Antioxidants,which neutralize free radicals that can further damage the kidneys
Fermentable fiber,which helps get rid of protein digestion waste products in poop. This allows dogs to eat more protein than they might be able to otherwise.
Prescription Kidney Diets vs. Homemade Kidney Diets for Dogs
What abouthomemade kidney diets for dogs? Astudypublished in 2012 showed how hard it is to find nutritionally complete and balanced kidney diet recipes in books and online. Of the 39 recipes evaluated, none met all the National Research Councils recommended nutrient allowances for adult dogs.
In contrast, prescription kidney diets produced by reputable dog food manufacturers undergo testing to ensure they are safe for long-term feeding and have a positive effect on a dogs health.
How To Cook for Dogs With Kidney Disease
One big benefit of homemade kidney diets, however, is taste. If your dog simply wont eat anything else, a homemade kidney diet is worth considering. To avoid nutrient deficiencies or excesses, make sure a veterinary nutritionist or a service likeBalanceIT, which requires veterinarian approval, is involved in formulating recipes for your dog.
Common Prescription Kidney Diets for Dogs
After a dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease and their condition is stabilized, veterinarians typically recommend switching over to a prescription kidney diet. Your veterinarian may have recommended a particular food based on the details of your dogs case. Here are three popular options:
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Careis available in wet and dry formulations and different flavors:
How To Transition Your Dog to a Kidney Diet
special attention to how you make the transition. Do notchange your dogs foodwhile they are still nauseated or feeling bad. They may associate their symptoms with their new food and refuse to eat it.
Once your dog has a good appetite, start making the switch very slowly. Give them lots of time to get used to the new flavors, textures, and ingredients. This reduces the chance of food refusal and lets your dogs digestive system adapt.
Here is a timetable for taking two weeks to switch your dog to a new diet:
Days 1 and 2:Mix 5% of the new food in with 95% of the old food
Days 3 and 4:Mix 10% of the new food in with 90% of the old food
Days 5 and 6:Mix 20% of the new food in with 80% of the old food
Days 7 and 8:Mix 40% of the new food in with 60% of the old food
Days 9 and 10:Mix 60% of the new food in with 40% of the old food
Days 11 and 12:Mix 80% of the new food in with 20% of the old food
Days 13 and 14:Mix 90% of the new food in with 10% of the old food
Day 15:Try 100% of the new food
If at any point your dog turns their nose up at their food or develops signs of digestive upset, move back a step in the timetable and proceed more slowly.
Signs to Watch for After Starting Your Dog on a Kidney Diet
Dont give up if you initially have trouble switching your dog to a kidney diet. Call your veterinarian if your dog wont eat the recommended food. They can help by:
Recommending an appropriate food topper to make the food more appealing. Avoid products that are high in phosphorus and salt.
Prescribing medications to reduce nausea, stomach inflammation, ulcers, or other symptoms that may be reducing your dogs appetite
Recommending a different prescription kidney diet or, if necessary, a suitable over-the-counter food
Referring you to a veterinary nutritionist to get recipes for homemade kidney diets
Talking to you about the benefits of a feeding tube
Many dogs with kidney disease live happily for quite a long time, particularly if they get the right kind of nutrition. Onestudyshowed that on average, dogs who were fed a kidney diet lived 13 months longer than those who ate regular dog food. Thats certainly a goal worth striving for!
Featured image: iStock.com/RichLegg
WRITTEN BY
Jennifer Coates, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary...
11 Best Dog Food for Kidney Disease 2023 (Premium & Budget)
We may earn a small commission when readers buy products through links on this page. It supports our team to keep posting great content. Learn more about this
here.
Last Updated on April 21, 2023
Any sort of kidney disease can be a debilitating diagnosis for a canine. Luckily, any pet owner can manage this illness through a change in diet.
Dogs with kidney problems need to have a low-protein diet to support their kidneys. These formulas can be hard to find. Fortunately, there are dog foods that fit your canines dietary needs.
Well be discussing these specialized diets for kidney disease in this article. Lets take a look at the most popular and effective kidney disease diets we found for your pup:
Top 6 Picks for Best Dog Food for Kidney Disease
Best Foods for Dogs with Kidney Disease (by Life Stage)
Kidney disease is most common in senior dogs. But it can occur in adult dogs as well. Here are some dog foods that are suitable for adult dogs with kidney disease.
Of course, you should also work with your vet to figure out which diet is most appropriate for your canine.
Best Dry Dog Food for Kidney Disease for Adult Dogs
If you choose dry dog food for your pup, any of these foods is a suitable option.
1. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support for Dogs
Our Rating: 5Top Ingredients: Chicken (deboned), Potato Starch, Pea StarchType: Dry
The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet is designed with controlled levels of protein to help manage kidney disease.
It is a veterinary diet with low phosphorus content and sodium levels, ensuring that your dogs kidneys have it as easy as possible.
Pros:
- Deboned chicken as the first ingredient
- Added antioxidants
- No grains included
Cons:
- Kibble is a bit big for smaller dogs
CHECK PRICE HERE
2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula
Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg ProductsType: Dry
The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets is specifically formulated for dogs with kidney problems.
It is low in protein, which is exactly what dogs with kidney problems need. It also features antioxidants and vitamins to boost your dogs immune health.
Pros:
- Crafted by nutritionists and researchers
- Has a restricted level of high-quality protein
- Pea-free
Cons:
- Includes low-quality ingredients, like sugar
- No animal protein source included
CHECK PRICE HERE
3. Royal Canin Renal Support Veterinary Diet Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.7Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken FatType: Dry
This formula is designed to help take some of the stress from your dogs kidneys. This diet is energy-dense, so it supports quite a bit of nutrition in only a little amount of food.
Pros:
- Energy-dense to compensate for a decreased appetite
- Antioxidants and fatty acids included
- Low phosphorus
Cons:
- First ingredient is brewers rice which is a low-quality ingredient
CHECK PRICE HERE
4. Hills Prescription Diet K/D with Chicken Kidney Care Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.7Top Ingredients: Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pork FatType: Dry
While kidney damage is irreversible, this diet can help lessen the extent of kidney disease over time. It features controlled levels of phosphorus, sodium, and protein.
Pros:
- Includes essential amino acids
- Made to support a dogs appetite and increase food consumption
Cons:
- Contains brewers rice which is considered a low-quality ingredient and a known allergen
CHECK PRICE HERE
5. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.4Top Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn, Chicken FatType: Dry
This food is not explicitly designed for kidney disease. However, it is pretty low in protein and may be suitable for some dogs with kidney problems.
Plus, it is also designed for small breeds specifically, which is unique among the dog foods for kidney disease out there.
Pros:
- Adaptable kibble size encourages chewing to reduce tartar build-up
- Reduces the number of trips outside needed
Cons:
- Maximum phosphorus content is higher compared to other urinary/kidney care dog food
CHECK PRICE HERE
6. Instinct Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb
Our Rating: 4Top Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Lamb, TapiocaType: Dry
While this food is recommended for dogs with early signs of renal failure, it is not specifically designed for kidney disease.
But because of its restricted ingredients, this formula is easy on your pups kidney function and metabolism.
Pros:
- High levels of omega fatty acids promote immune health
- Limited-ingredient diet
- Made with grass-fed lamb
Cons:
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best Canned Dog Food for Kidney Disease for Adult Dogs
Canned dog food is often a good choice for dogs with kidney disease, as they contain greater water content. But it is essential to choose a quality canned dog food with a kidney-friendly formula.
7. Hills Prescription Diet K/D Chicken & Vegetable Stew Kidney Care
Our Rating: 4.6Top Ingredients: Water, Chicken, CarrotsType: Wet
This canned food is specifically designed for dogs with kidney disease. It is tasty, which is important for dogs that have lost some of their appetites.
It is made with everything a dog with kidney disease needs, including low-protein and controlled phosphorus levels.
Pros:
- Made with low sodium
- Develop by nutritionists and veterinarians
- Includes l-carnitine and omega-3 fatty acids
Cons:
CHECK PRICE HERE
8. Purina Pro Plan NF Kidney Function Veterinary Diets Formula
Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Water, Meat By-Products, RiceType: Wet
This food is designed to support your dogs kidneys, plus it tastes great! It is full of healthy antioxidants and has a reduced level of sodium. It is made in collaboration with nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians.
Pros:
- Specifically formulated for kidney disease
- Features a reduced level of sodium
- Restricted levels of high-quality protein and phosphorus content
Cons:
- Includes unidentified meat-by products
CHECK PRICE HERE
9. Hills Prescription Diet K/D Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew
Our Rating: 4.6Top Ingredients: Water, Beef, CarrotsType: Wet
This dog food is the beef version of Hills Prescription Diet. This formula is specifically designed for dogs with kidney problems. It is suitable for dogs with decreased appetite, as it is very energy-dense.
Pros:
- Includes high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and essential amino acids
- Suitable for picky eaters
Cons:
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best Dry Dog Food for Kidney Disease for Senior Dogs
Senior dogs often develop kidney disease, as chronic kidney failure is linked to aging. You will find kidney-friendly formulas are usually very common for this age group.
10. Hills Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe
Our Rating: 4.3Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers RiceType: Dry
This dog food is designed for older canines who need help managing their weight. It isnt explicitly designed for kidney disease, but it is quite low in protein, so it is suitable for dogs with renal failure.
Pros:
- Omega-6 fatty acids included nourishing your pets skin
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Specifically formulated for senior dogs
Cons:
- Contains wheat and other grains not suitable for dogs with gluten intolerance
CHECK PRICE HERE
Best Canned Dog Food for Kidney Disease for Senior Dogs
Canned food is sometimes more suitable for older dogs than dry food, especially if they need to increase their moisture intake or have dental problems.
11. Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5Top Ingredients: Water, Pork By-Products, Pork LiverType: Wet
This dog food is not specifically designed for kidney disease. However, it is one of the better foods for senior dogs, and it is decently low in protein.
Pros:
- The formula stimulates appetite in poor eaters
- Includes fish oil and an array of B-vitamins
- Contains biotin for healthy nervous system function
Cons:
- Non-chelated minerals, which means they can be difficult to absorb
CHECK PRICE HERE
What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?
A huge variety of factors causes kidney disease. It occurs when at least one of the kidneys functions is reduced and can be diagnosed at any point during the kidneys decline.
However, its usually undetectable until the kidney function drops to 33% or 25% of its original capacity.
There are two main types of kidney disease: chronic and acute.
Acute kidney disease can be caused when the dog ingests a toxin or takes certain medications. It can happen very quickly and can be caused by some outside source, such as antifreeze, bad food, or a toxic plant.
Certain infections and diseases can also cause it. For instance, severe urinary tract infections can end up infecting the kidneys, which can cause them to start failing.
A decrease in blood and oxygen to the kidneys can also cause them to fail. Usually, this is caused by dehydration, physical injuries, or heat stroke.
Chronic kidney disease is different because it comes about slowly and may not have one main cause. Instead, chronic disease is simply the kidneys wearing out, though it can be spurred on by certain factors too.
Senior dogs are at a higher risk for kidney disease. Their kidneys have simply gone through more and are older, making them more likely to have diminished function.
Dental infections can also directly affect the kidneys, which can cause chronic kidney failure. When your dog has dental disease, the infection can easily access your pets bloodstream, which can spread around the body.
The bacteria can affect the kidneys in this way since their job is to clean the blood.
While acute kidney disease can usually be reversed when the underlying problem is solved, chronic kidney disease is not curable.
In some cases, acute kidney disease may become chronic kidney disease if the kidneys do not completely regain their complete function.
Possible Disease or Conditions That Can Lead to Kidney Failure
Most frequently, kidney issues are attributed to toxins or bacteria build-up. But kidney failure can be caused by a variety of conditions, as well. These include:
- Severe Dehydration
- Snake Bites
- Leptospirosis (a type of bacterial infection)
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Genetic disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
What Happens When Your Dog Has Kidney Disease?
When the dogs kidneys are no longer filtering out the blood as efficiently as they usually do, its body will try to compensate. The flow of blood to the kidneys will increase in an effort to improve filtration.
But because the kidneys will continue to fail, the blood flow will have to continue to increase. This results in the increased production of urine, which will cause them to urinate more often.
As the volume of urine increases, the amount of water the dog drinks will also increase. This will lead to excessive water consumption.
However, while increased thirst and urination are the two most common symptoms of early kidney failure, theyre usually not noticed by other dog owners. Thus, the kidneys continue to decline.
After about of the kidneys function has declined, theres a swift rise of waste products the kidneys are not filtering out.
Their body can no longer compensate for the decreased kidney function. Often, the dog appears to go downhill very quickly.
Signs of Kidney Disease in Dogs
Most pet parents dont notice that their dog is suffering from kidney disease until it has already progressed. So heres a shortlist of the possible symptoms that you should watch out for:
- Lethargy
- Weight Loss
- Pale Gums
- Chemical smell in breath
- Decrease in appetite
- Vomiting
- Change in water intake
- Change in urination
- Ulcers in mouth
- Uncoordinated behavior, like pointless wandering and stumbling
Both acute and chronic kidney failure have the same symptoms. However, acute kidney failure will get worse much more quickly. It may also be accompanied by seizures, as the toxin affects the brain.
Whats the Best Way to Diagnose Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Usually, kidney failure is diagnosed through the use of urinalysis and blood chemistry tests. Both of these tests can help determine the kidneys health.
The earliest sign of kidney disease is a low urine specific gravity (USG). If a dog is thought to be in the early stages of kidney disease, a urinalysis will likely be used to check for this particular indicator.
Furthermore, if there is a significant increase of protein in the urine, it can also suggest kidney disease.
A blood biochemistry analysis will often be used, as well, as it can detect the functioning of different internal organs. Vets will look at two specific contaminators in the blood: blood creatinine (CREA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
If the kidneys arent functioning properly, both of these waste products will be higher than average.
Other measurements that may be used include checking the potassium, albumin, globulin, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus.
Red and white blood cell counts can also be important in figuring out the range of the damage and the best path forward.
There are also some up-and-coming tests for renal failure. For instance, a recently developed test looks at the level of SDMA in the dogs blood, which can be used to determine if a dog is experiencing early kidney disease.
Dogs that are undergoing compensated kidney failure will usually have average levels of many chemicals. However, their urine-specific gravity will be relatively low.
Its important to determine if a dog has compensated kidney failure, as any stress on the kidneys can send the dog over the edge. Early treatment is best when possible.
Kidney Disease and Other Health Complications
The kidneys help the whole body to work properly. When your dog has kidney disease, they might also have problems with the rest of the body. Here are other several health complications of kidney disease:
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Anemia
- Liver Failure
- Acidosis
- Hypertension
Buyers Guide: The Best Dog Food for Kidney Disease
When choosing a dog food formulation for kidney disease, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. Because of their condition, your dog needs a balanced renal diet to support their overall health.
Here are several kidney diet-specific dietary components youll need to look out for.
Things to Check When Selecting Dog Food for Kidney Disease: What should dogs eat?
Because the kidneys have to filter out everything your dog eats, what your dog eats can significantly impact the function of their kidneys.
One of the main treatments of kidney disease in dogs is a precise dietary formulation.
Dogs that eat a specific diet for kidney health can live much longer than those that dont and have a higher quality of life. It is crucial to work with your vet to determine the best diet for your canine and to stick with it.
Most dogs with kidney disease will need to be fed a diet low in phosphorus, protein, and sodium.
The phosphorus or phosphate content is particularly important to keep an eye on. Its essential to keep your dogs phosphorus levels low to protect the kidneys.
Renal diets typically have pretty low protein levels. And the protein your dog eats needs to be bioavailable and high-quality.
For dogs with protein in their urine, it can be a sign that your dog is eating far too much protein. A low-protein diet may be particularly helpful.
Some dogs with kidney disease will benefit from added omega-3 fatty acids, which will usually come from fish oil. However, this critical nutrient can come from a variety of other ingredients as well.
Fish oil is helpful because it is thought to reduce the inflammatory response that can further damage the kidneys.
Furthermore, it may help the kidneys become more efficient at removing protein from the bloodstream, though more studies are necessary to confirm this theory.
Dog foods containing fish like salmon may be beneficial since these formulas will automatically contain fish oil.
Your vet may also recommend a non-acidifying diet. Dogs with renal disease often become too acidic, which can cause kidney damage and other problems.
What to avoid when choosing dog food for kidney disease
The kidneys have to work hard to filter a lot of things out of the blood, so some ingredients from your dogs diet need to be considerably reduced. You dont want your pet to ingest foods with toxins or additives.
You also dont want too much protein content, as this can be harmful to dogs with CKD. However, too little protein can upset your dogs overall health.
Talk with your vet about the perfect amount of protein for your canine, as this will differ from dog to dog.
Avoid feeding your dog high-protein treats, like meat, jerky, rawhides, chews, pig ears, and cheese.
Similarly, you should avoid treats with high sodium levels. This includes cheese and deli meats. Many types of commercial dog treats will be pretty high in sodium, so be sure to check.
High sodium diets can increase a dogs blood pressure, similar to people. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys. If your dogs kidneys are already damaged, high blood pressure is essential to avoid.
Dry Food vs. Wet Food
When it comes to dry vs. wet food, it really depends on the dog. Many dogs can continue to eat whatever they have been eating.
However, your dog needs wet dog food in some cases, especially if they need to increase their moisture intake.
A very small subset of dogs may stop drinking as much, though. These dogs, in particular, will benefit from the wet food.
Specifically, heres a quick list of the values to look for when choosing dog food for your pet with kidney disease:
- Protein: 14 20%
- Phosphorus: 0.2 0.5%
- Sodium: Below 0.3%
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 0.4 2.5%
When choosing a dog food, you should still ensure that it is calorie-dense. Many dogs with kidney disease have decreased appetite, but it is important to support your dogs overall health.
It is important to keep an eye on your pets weight to ensure they arent losing weight.
Because of these appetite problems, many people decide to add extra ingredients to their dogs food to encourage them to eat it.
However, you should be careful regarding what you add to the food, as you dont want to add anything high in protein or sodium. Safe, common additions include water, tuna juice, and low-sodium chicken broth.
Do Dogs Need Grain-free Food for Kidney Disease?
Theres no medical reason for a dog with kidney disease to need a grain-free diet. In fact, many dog foods for kidney disease are quite high in grains, as they need to be low in protein.
Grains are not particularly high in sodium, so they are sometimes a good choice for dogs with kidney disease.
Furthermore, theres little health benefit to choosing a grain-free food unless your canine has a gluten intolerance. If your dog is sensitive to gluten, you should absolutely avoid grains.
Its essential to keep your dog healthy by avoiding their allergens, especially if theyre fighting kidney disease.
However, for other dogs, theres little benefit to a grain-free diet. In normal situations, grain-free diets usually dont contain more protein or meat.
Instead, they are filled with inexpensive veggies like peas and potatoes instead of the wheat or rice the company would typically use.
Some of these veggies may be linked to certain health conditions. The FDA is currently investigating a connection between grain-free diets that are high in peas, lentils, or potatoes and a specific kind of heart disease.
If your dog has kidney disease, you arent looking for a food thats higher in meat or protein either. For this reason, there is little reason to choose grain-free food.
Instead of focusing on grain-free vs. grain-inclusive when it comes to dog food thats designed for kidney disease, you should rather choose a food that is most suitable for kidney disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can you help your dog with kidney disease?
During the first phase, provide your dog with plenty of fluids. This helps flush the kidneys, which may revive mildly damaged kidney cells.
The kidneys may start functioning better after this, though they will continue to decline afterward.
This also creates a healthier environment in the kidneys, which may stop some of the damage for a short time.
Its also possible that this method will not return any kidney function or that the returned kidney function will be short-lived.
Once the first stage of treatment is completed, nutrition becomes very important. A correct diet is essential for a dogs overall health and longevity.
Food that is lower in protein than the average adult maintenance diet will help reduce metabolic waste, which can make your pet feel better.
There are many therapeutic diets available for pets with kidney disease for this reason. As we discussed in this article, there are many options you can choose from.
How can you switch your dog to a renal-supportive diet?
NEVER switch your dogs diet immediately, as this can cause stomach upset. Instead, you want to slowly switch out the old food with the new food as your canine tolerates it.
How much of the new food you start with depends mainly on your pets size. Preferably, you should switch out of your dogs diet with the new food.
Then, slowly increase this by every few days until your dog completely eats the new food.
Can you give homemade food for kidney disease to your dog?
Kidney disease requires a particular diet, which is challenging to do when cooking it at home. You can work with your vet to make great homemade food.
However, its usually better to go with a commercial diet that is designed for kidney disease.
Heres a recipe you can try at home:
What you need:
- One cup of chopped chicken (boiled)
- One mashed boiled egg
- A quarter cup of steamed carrots
- Plain yogurt (2 tbsp)
- A quarter cup of green beans
- A quarter cup of cooked brown rice
All you need to do is combine all the ingredients in one bowl and its ready to serve to your pup. You may also add other vegetables like sweet potato or pumpkin.
Just make sure that the ingredients are chopped into bite-size pieces for your dog.
What human food can dogs with kidney disease eat?
Dogs with kidney disease can eat some human food. However, choose low-protein foodsthings like fruits and veggies, which are very low in protein.
You should avoid feeding your dog things like meat and cheese, as these things are full of protein and can upset your pets kidneys.
Also, aim for low-sodium treats, which fruits and veggies also fall into. Stay away from things like deli meats and preserved foods, which are high in sodium.
Not sure which fruits to feed your dog? Watch this video to find out which fruits are great for your pup:
Should you give supplements to your dog who has kidney disease?
You should always consult with your vet before giving your pet any supplement. Some can upset the kidneys, which is the last thing you want.
Fish oil supplement is recommended. Fish oil is thought to relieve some of the inflammation of the kidneys, which can help them be more efficient.
Which Dog Food for Kidney Disease Should You Pick?
While there are several kidney diseases available, a few stood out on top. For adult dogs with kidney disease, we recommend Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support for Dogs.
It has high-quality ingredients while still remaining low in protein and sodium. It is designed specifically for dogs with kidney disease as well.
Senior dogs are very prone to kidney disease. Out of all the pet foods we reviewed, Royal Canin Mature Adult in Gel Canned Dog Food came to the top as the best. It includes omega fatty acids and B-vitamins as well.
Kidney disease requires nutrition to give your dogs body a break and slow the progression of kidney disease. For this reason, switching to an appropriate diet is essential to your pets health.
Does your dog suffer from kidney problems? Let us know in the comments below which dog food for kidney disease worked best for them.
Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.
