home cooked kidney diet for dogs

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 16, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Recipe: Homemade Dog Food for Renal Disease

Is your dog suffering from Renal Disease? If so, finding the proper diet for your pup can be hard. But dont worry! Weve got one of the best homemade dog foods for renal disease.

Renal disease in dogs is a severe condition that warrants a trip to the vet as soon as possible. If you think you can do research and treat your pet with a commercial diet formulated for kidney disease and a few over-the-counter remedies, you are very wrong!

Your vet will discuss treatments and diets with you, but this homemade dog food for a renal diseasemay be a good place to start.

What Do You Feed Your Dog?

Before we dive in, I wanted to ask you, are you currently feeding your dog commercial dog food?

Is your dog having skin problems, ear infections, lack of energy, or other stomach problems?

Or maybe they aren't that old and are having other health complications. Some breeds are more susceptible to health issues, which could be another reason.

It could be their diet. Most of the time is their diet.

Well, commercial dry dog food is the equivalent of fast food. It's mostly cheap, accessible, ultra-processed food.

I know we all get some fast food occasionally, and I am one of those who are guilty of it. But imagine if you ate that every day.

You would start to feel awful.

And unfortunately, our dogs can't speak, so they always seem to be fine and enjoy their food.

They eat it because commercial dog food companies add flavoring and dye back once the kibble has been processed to make it more interesting and enticing for your dog.

We have created a course to teach our readers how to make and prepare homemade dog food!

Now you may be thinking,

Woah! What's the point? That sounds like a lot of effort.

They do fine on this brand!

My last dog lived till 15 on Hill's Science why would I switch.

Those are great points, but you would never know if they could have lived longer or had a healthier end to their life.

Check Out Our Homemade Dog Food Mini-Course!

Well, no need to doubt because we have living proof.

We recently interviewed a woman who has been cooking food for their dog for 20+ years!

She has a mastiff that is 15 years old.

Did you know that the average lifespan of mastiffs is between 6-12 years?

She even said that all of her littermates have already passed on, and some have also passed on.

Here's what you will get when you buy the Homemade Dog Food Mini-Course

Lifetime access to the course
Lifetime access to us and our well-known Youtuber, Samantha, where you can ask her any question you want about homemade dog food
Your first recipe and supplement recommendations for starting your homemade dog food journey
Your very own Batman Utility Belt for cooking for your dog
- Understanding why nutrition is important for your dog
- Learn the exact equation on how much homemade food to feed your dog
- Knowing exactly how many calories your dog needs to maintain and even lose weight
- The ideal rule of thumb for feeding your dog a balanced diet
- Worksheets that are yours to keep and print

And lastly, we feel so confident that you will benefit that we will throw in a 100% guarantee that if you are not satisfied with the product and customer service, we will refund you your money back.

The course will change your life and, most importantly, your dog's life.

Homemade Dog Food for Renal Disease Recipe

You NEED to consult a vet or canine nutritionist before switching your dog to a kidney-friendly diet.

The professional you work with will likely recommend either a low-protein homemade dog food diet or some low-protein dog food brands with lower phosphorus levels and are made with high-quality proteins.

Homemade Dog Food for Renal Disease

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This homemade dog food for renal disease is very simple to make.

After you prepare all of the ingredients and allow them to cool, combine them in a large mixing bowl.

That's it it's really that simple.

Author: Samantha Randall
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Category: For Renal Disease
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Dog Food

1 cup boiled chicken (chopped)
1 hard boiled egg (mashed)
2 tbsp. plain yogurt
1/4 cup cooked brown rice
1/4 cup steamed carrots
1/4 cup steamed green beans

After you have all the ingredients in front of you (boiled chicken and egg cooled), you need to combine them all in one bowl. Just be sure to chop the ingredients into pieces that are appropriately sized for your dog.

I recommend feeding about 1/2 cup of food for every 20-25 pounds of body weight.This is just a guideline.Some dogs, like working dogs and very active breeds, will needmore caloriesthan this. Lazier pets and senior dogs may not need as many.

It's best to consult your veterinarian about the appropriate serving size for you dog. They will also help you evaluate this homemade dog food for renal disease to make sure it will meet your dog's unique nutritional needs. If necessary, they will assist you in choosing the best supplements and/or multivitamins to add.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also prepare this food in bulk and store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Kidney Disease in Dogs

The kidneys help filter out body waste by excreting it as urine. They also aid in maintaining normal concentrations of salt and water in the body.

Kidneys help in controlling calcium metabolism and blood pressure, as well. They also assist the body in sustaining phosphorous levels.

If your dog's kidneys fail, it is a major problem!

Signs of kidney disease in dogs include, but are not limited to:

increased water intake
increased urine output
decreased urine output
secreting urine while sleeping
blood in the urine
decrease in appetite
vomiting
diarrhea
unexplained weight loss
hunched over posture

If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease, then you know that diet is a large part of the treatment regimen. Variables like your dog's age, weight, activity level, and the stage of his kidney disease will all be factors in the type of diet he will need.

When a dog digests protein, nitrogen is left behind, and the kidneys filter out the nitrogen.

This is why low-protein food is best for dogs with renal disease. Just remember that the amount of protein to include in your dog's food will vary depending on the stage of his kidney failure.

Kidneys that arent in peak shape cant process phosphorus as well, either. Essentially, failing kidneys also wont filter out certain substances, leading to imbalanced blood chemistry.

Phosphorus is one of the biggest issues for aging kidneys. Because protein is essential, you still dont want to eliminate it; opt for low-phosphorus sources.

In addition to offering our renal disease dog food recipe, ensure your pup only drinks distilled or filtered water. This will reduce the load on the kidneys compared to tap water. You also want to make sure your dog gets enough exercise.

As in humans, the better your dog's shape, the better his kidneys will work.

Common Questions About Your Dog and Renal Disease

Before we look at our renal disease dog food recipe to help your canines health, you may need clarification on a few things.

What Food Can I Make for My Dog with Kidney Disease?

Brown rice is a popular ingredient in dog food for pups with kidney disease thanks to its high digestibility. You can also give your pooch sources of lean protein that are moisture-rich and cooked when fresh.

Some good options include beef without fat, turkey breast, and chicken. Ideally, you want to opt for half meat, veggies, and grains.

What Food Can You Give a Dog with Renal Disease?

Overall, you should ensure that your dog with renal disease eats a diet with lower sodium, protein, and phosphorus levels.

Omega-3 fatty acids can also protect the kidneys somewhat. Some safe treats and snacks include carrots, green beans, broccoli, apples, and watermelon.

Try to increase your dogs consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex, calcium, antacids, and Q10 coenzyme. At the same time, reduce or avoid omega-6 fats and vitamin D.

What Food Is Best for Dogs with Kidney Disease?

Some of the best foods for dogs with kidney disease are brown rice and lean protein sources. Remember that dogs with renal disease need less protein, phosphorus, and sodium than their healthy counterparts.

As such, always opt for lean protein, and dont go overboard. Dont give your dog with renal disease pig ears, real bones, antlers, bully sticks, jerky treats, or rawhides. These are all high in protein and phosphorus.

What Human Food Can I Feed My Dog with Kidney Disease?

When choosing human food to feed your dog with kidney disease, remember to avoid sodium and phosphorus and stick to lower quantities of protein.

Good options include green beans, baby carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, broccoli, blueberries, watermelon, and air-popped popcorn.

When you doubt whether your dog with renal disease can eat a type of human food, check its phosphorus and sodium content to ensure they are low.

Feel free to give your dog high-fat, low-phosphorus foods in moderation, such as butter and whole milk yogurt.

Can My Dog with Renal Disease Still Eat at Normal Times?

Many dogs with renal issues will notice an improvement if they have more frequent, smaller meals than a few larger meals.

Homemade Dog Food for Renal Disease: Summary

If your dog has been diagnosed with Renal Disease or other Kidney Diseases, it's helpful to know what is the correct diet moving forward.

A proper diet can slow down kidney disease progression by decreasing the organ's workload.

Above, we've given you one of the best recipes for homemade dog food for renal disease.

However, before you switch, it's best advised to consult with your vet or a canine nutritionist. These experts can tell you the correct diets or ingredients to feed your pup.

Dogs are not just pets; they are part of our family. They've become our best friends, and with that, they deserve nothing but all the love.

As pet owners, we must properly train, exercise, groom, and care for their health. Remember that feeding high-quality foods can go a long way regarding their health.

Get the right recipe, buy the correct ingredients, and try this homemade dog food for renal disease.

READ NEXT: 3 Things To Know Before Switching To Homemade Dog Food

How to Feed Dogs With Kidney Disease

How to feed dogs with kidney disease? What should they avoid?

One of the more common serious health problems for dogs is kidney disease, which affects more pets than people realize.

According to WebMD, dogs may experience either acute or chronic kidney issues.

While chronic kidney failure develops slowly over time, acute kidney failure occurs suddenly over a few days.

The most frequent cause of acute renal issues in dogs is toxin ingestion.

It might be a chemical, such as antifreeze, cleaning supplies, or contaminated food.

Older dogs are more likely to develop chronic renal disease, and because it usually manifests slowly, it can be challenging to identify the specific cause.

A proper dog kidney disease diet will be one of the crucial treatments to get your pooch on the path toward recovery.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidneys are organs with the basic function of eliminating waste and toxins from the dog's body.

Any health issue that affects this process can be classified as kidney disease.

It can be referred to as kidney failure in dogs, renal failure, renal disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and similar.

Many things can cause kidney disease in dogs, including birth defects, poor diet, high blood pressure, bacterial infections, and diseases associated with the canine's immune system (Ettinger, Feldman; 2010).

Symptoms of kidney disease include drinking more, frequent urination, weight loss, vomiting, and decreased appetite.

If you suspect that your dog is suffering from a kidney-related problem, take him to your vet to get the right diagnosis.

This article will not explain kidney disease.

To learn more, read other vet's science-based guides on Kidney Failure in Dogs for symptoms, diagnosis, treatments (including at-home remedies), and more.

Instead, I will walk you through the most crucial part of dealing with this problem.

Proper dog kidney disease diet, what it entails, and how to feed dogs with kidney disease, including a homemade kidney diet for dogs.

How to Feed Dogs With Kidney Disease

The two are closely related (Polzin et al. 2013); therefore, a dog kidney disease diet is a big part of essential treatment that's often required for any canine with kidney problems to get better.

Remember that it's very important for you to discuss this with your vet.

Listen to the vet's advice because every pet is different, and not every homemade kidney diet for dogs will work for your pooch.

Dietary Guidelines for Dogs with Kidney Disease

There is a very specific evidence-based set of guidelines and dietary plansdeveloped by vets that need to be followed to treat dogs with kidney disease.

While you can follow the below guidelines to understand the concept of a dog kidney disease diet, make sure to go over this dietary plan with your vet.

I will also make it easy for you to understand.

We cannot advise here the exact amount of food needed for your specific dog, but your vet can help you determine the best portion sizes daily.

The vet can also help you choose the kidney-friendly dog food brand or go over this homemade kidney diet for dogs if cooking yourself to see if it's the right and safe fit for your Fido.

The current scientific and veterinary consensus on the treatment diet for dogs with kidney disease is as follows (Jacob et al. 2002):

Reduce phosphorus

Phosphorus is one of the most common minerals in the dog's body, and it's essential to many health functions.

However, it can also stress the dog's kidneys, and when dealing with chronic renal failure, the stress needs to be reduced.

Less protein

Based on the above, reducing the amount of protein intake will subsequently reduce the amount of phosphorus in the dog's body.

Less salt

Sodium (salt), similar to phosphorus, will put extra pressure on kidneys by forcing them to work more.

Therefore, including less salt in your dog's diet will relieve some of the work from his kidneys.

Include omega-3s

Studies have shown that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help the function of kidneys and assist with dog kidney disease in general.

This includes feeding foods higher in omega-3 fatty acids or using fish oil dog supplements.

A regular dosage can be used as indicated on the supplement.

Calcitriol supplementation

This will likely be administered by your vet if needed.

The calcitriol is specifically used for patients with kidney problems, both humans and dogs.

Your veterinarian will recommend how to use this supplement, if at all.

Furthermore, dogs with kidney disease should stay in shape, and you must relieve stress from digesting food and processing liquids.

The best thing to do is lower the amount of food in a single portion and increase the number of meals per day (4-5 times a day).

That will make digestion easier and faster for a dog with kidney disease.

Most dog foods for kidney disease are developed with the above science-based instructions in mind.

They will be low in protein, low in phosphorus, and low in salt and include different supplements and ingredients shown to alleviate the stress on the kidneys.

However, commercial food isn't essential if you know how to make a dog kidney disease diet yourself, following the vet's guidelines (as outlined in this TVP article).

Healthy water intake should be encouraged. Thus, water needs to be accessible to your Fido at all times.

Use purified or distilled water because tap or well water can sometimes be high in added minerals that are bad for dogs with kidney disease.

You can also use bottled water, but keep in mind that it is extremely important that your dog is hydrated at all times.

Dehydration will further complicate the kidney disease problem.

Important Nutrients

Protein

Debate is still on when it comes to the amount of protein that dogs with kidney disease should have (Foley, 2008).

Today, most vets generally agree that an extremely low-protein diet is unnecessary unless your canine is uremic, but they would often recommend slightly lowering the protein intake anyway.

The safest bet is a dog kidney disease diet that has a moderate level of protein (not too high and not too low).

However, it is important that you feed high-quality protein to your dog.

Meat is always a great place to start, whether raw (safe) or cooked/prepared meat for your homemade kidney diet for dogs.

Eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, but egg yolks are also very high in phosphorus, so it is best to stick to egg whites and limit egg yolks.

Fat

The amount of fat you should feed your dog will depend on his weight and activity level.

If he is overweight or inactive, stick to moderate fat intake.

If he is in good shape and really active, you can increase his fat intake because fat is a healthy source of energy (but high in calories) and is low in phosphorus.

Keep in mind that increasing fat, especially containing sources of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to help with kidney disease in dogs.

Too much fat can be bad for some pets, especially for their digestive system.

An increased amount of fat may cause diarrhea or mucus in stools.

Dogs with a predisposition to pancreatitis cant handle a lot of fat in their dog kidney disease diet.

If you want to increase your dogs fat intake, you need to do it gradually and carefully, hopefully, as your vet monitors your pet's health.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are not nutritionally necessary for dogs as they get their energy from fat and protein, but for dogs with kidney disease, you must include carbs.

Research shows that vets recommend a dog kidney disease diet with up to 50% of carbs.

They're a good source of calories for dogs with CKD because most foods are low in phosphorous.

These foods will include vegetables and fruits, as well as appropriate grains.

Phosphorus and Calcium

As discussed above, studies show how a low-phosphorus diet had positive results in slowing down the progression of kidney disease in dogs.

Foods high in phosphorous include dairy products, bones, fish with bones, egg yolks, and organ meat (among others).

When structuring a dog kidney disease diet, these foods should be highly limited or avoided completely, depending on the stage of the kidney disease.

You also need to keep track of the phosphorous in the grains and vegetables that you give your dog.

While most carb sources will generally contain low to none of it, some foods still may be a source of phosphorus minerals.

It is best to stick to 10 mg per pound of bodyweight phosphorous in your dogs daily diet.

Calcium is very important because it acts as a phosphorus binder.

Lack of calcium in the dog's diet will often lead to an excess of phosphorus minerals in the body, which then can cause problems with the kidneys.

You can simply add half a teaspoon of ground eggshell per pound of food in each meal or use calcium supplements or other calcium-heavy foods.

Dont use bones as a source of calcium because they are high in phosphorus.

SIMILAR:Guidelines and Diet for Dogs with Struvite Crystals

Structuring Dog Kidney Disease Diet

Even though dogs with kidney disease can eat almost anything in moderation (with a few adjustments discussed above), some foods are better than others for your dog (Yabuki et al. 2010).

You can use the above-mentioned guidelines to understand better how to make your own homemade kidney diet for dogs.

But here are some foods specifically that you should probably include and others to avoid altogether.

Foods to Include

There are many foods you can include in a dog kidney disease diet, but here are some ideas to get you started.

Meats

Include fatty meats like lamb, pork, or beef.

You can also include dark meat turkey or chicken since they contain more fat than white meat and dont avoid the skin as well.

Chicken has the highest amount of phosphorus of all these meats, so be careful with it.

Dairy

Dairy products can be included, but they must be given in moderation.

Use cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, and go for the low-salt option.

Yogurt is also good, especially if your dog also has digestive problems.

Yogurt has good bacteria, which can help regulate his digestion, but probiotic supplements will have a much higher concentration of bacteria.

Vegetables

Include cabbage in your dogs diet because it can be good for ulcers, which are a common occurrence in dogs with kidney disease.

Include other vegetables like asparagus, beet, broccoli, pumpkin, squash, celery, carrots, and other vegetables that contain fiber.

Fruits

Fruits like apples, mango, peach, pineapple, and pear are also good for your dog.

Cranberries are good for dogs that often develop urinary tract infections, and they can also be good for their kidneys.

Bananas are high in potassium, which is good for your dogs water balance.

Wheat/Grain

In this instance, white rice is better than brown rice because it is lower in phosphorous.

Most other grains should be avoided or extremely limited because of their phosphorus levels.

Pasta, especially if you add a bit of butter to make it tastier for your dog, is a great choice for a dog kidney disease diet-friendly meal with low-phosphorus calories.

Omega-3s

Fish oil is great for your dogs kidneys because it contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish itself is also a great source of omega-3, but you should avoid fish with bones since bones are high in phosphorous.

Avoid fish liver oil as well. Coconut oil can also be good for your dog.

Treats

Dog treats are fine in moderation.

Make sure they are NOT a regular part of your dogs diet, and carefully pick those that are friendly for your structured dog kidney disease diet; choose healthy dog treats with beneficial ingredients.

Natural treats are good choices, too rice cakes, for example, are a great option you can give to your dog because they are low in phosphorous.

Other options

Adding a bit of alfalfa or kelp can also be good, but you should do it once or twice a week only because alfalfa can act as a diuretic, and kelp contains sodium.

Green tripe is an excellent addition to your dogs diet because it is really low in phosphorous, and dogs usually enjoy it.

It can even help anorexic dogs develop an appetite.

Foods to Avoid

Sodium (salt) is dangerous for dogs with kidney disease, and many vets recommend a low-sodium diet and generally carefully monitor your pet's salt intake.

However, removing salt from the dog's diet is also harmful to your Fido.

I would recommend a diet with a medium sodium intake, around 3.2 grams of sodium per 1,000 calories, which has been supported by studies mentioned in the above references.

Remember that reducing sodium should be done gradually, or it can cause dehydration or even a renal crisis.

Avoid vegetable oils because they are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory and are generally not a good source of fat for dogs.

The same goes for fish liver oils, especially cod liver oil.

If your dogs diet is based on raw and meaty bones, you should consider lowering the amount of bone fed.

If your dogs kidney disease progresses, you should completely eliminate bones from his diet.

Bones are really high in phosphorous and other minerals, and that can be hard on a dog's kidneys.

ALSO READ:How to Feed Dogs With Renal Disease and Kidney Problems

Best Dog Kidney Disease Diet

When planning a diet for a dog with kidney disease, you can choose between homemade meals (see below), commercial dog foods, or a combination of both.

Discuss with your veterinarian what would be an appropriate option in your pet's case.

Some of the best dog food for kidney disease brands currently are:

Homemade Dog Kidney Disease Diet

Commercial dog food brands are an easier option, and most vets agree that it's the safest way to structure a dog's kidney disease diet because you don't need to do any guesswork.

However, if you'd rather cook for your pooch, then you can do that as well.

Whether you choose to feed your dog raw meat or cooked meat, making a homemade meal for him means that you know exactly what he eats and how much of everything he consumes.

I'll include my personal favorite dog kidney disease diet recipe below, but you can also take a look at these four recipes from Samantha (they have videos with instructions):

Ground Beef with Rice Recipe

This homemade kidney diet for dogs recipe is full of good protein sources and low in phosphorous, which makes it great for dogs with kidney disease.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
12-15 egg whites
1 pound of green beans
2 cups of rice
2 of acorn squash
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup of fresh parsley
1 apple
Pinch of fresh ground pepper

Preparation

The first thing to do is to cook rice. Put it in boiling water and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

While the rice cooks, you can wash and chop the parsley.

When the rice is done, just add parsley to it and mix.

Cut the squash in half and get rid of the seeds.

Then, cut it into strips and peel the skin off.

Cut the squash into small cubes and put it in a pot with water. A medium pot filled to half is best.

Let the water boil, and then let the squash simmer for 20 minutes. Steam the green beans.

Fry the ground beef in a frying pan for 10 minutes and season it with ground pepper.

Let the meat cool off, and dont drain the fat.

When all ingredients cool off and become warm, put the squash, meat, and green beans in a blender or food processor and puree the mixture until it becomes smooth. Add the puree to the rice mixture. In the same pan where you fried the beef, melt the coconut oil, and then add the egg whites and scramble them for around 4 minutes.

Add the egg whites to the other ingredients and stir them in.

Let it cool off a bit, and serve it to your pooch.

Dog Kidney Disease Diet: Key Takeaways

You can prepare a diet for a dog with kidney illness that combinescommercial dog food and homemade meals.
If the main component of your dog's diet is raw, meaty bones, you might want to reduce the quantity you feed him.
For your homemade kidney diet for dogs, meatwhether raw (safe) or cooked/preparedis always a fantastic place to start.