kidney disease dogs supplements
Urinary & Kidney Supplements for Dogs
Keep your pup happy and healthy by supporting his nutritional needs and urinary health with urinary supplements for dogs. Did you know that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs? Urinary tract problems in dogs can be caused by stones in the bladder, bladder inflammation or infection, trauma, cancer, stress, spinal cord abnormalities and prostate disease. Older female dogs and dogs with diabetes are more at risk for UTIs, but UTIs are not exclusive to any particular dog breed. A urinary tract infection in dogs can be painful and uncomfortable for your pet. Dog UTIs come with a series of symptoms like difficulty urinating and bloody urine. Breaking from housetraining is another sign your pup may have a UTI. Fortunately, UTIs are preventable with proper urinary tract health. Help protect your pet from urinary health issues with the best urinary supplements for dogs from Chewy. Pet parents can support urinary health with proper nutrition and supplementation. Chewy carries dog food specially formulated to promote urinary health, like Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO dry and canned dog food. Pet parents can shop a variety of urinary supplements for dogs, including cranberry pills for dogs. NaturVet cranberry relief urinary support is a powder supplement that helps your pup maintain a healthy urinary tract and immune system. It's formulated with Echinacea for additional immune support. The active ingredients include cranberry extract for dogs, Echinacea, vitamin C and Oregon grape root. The formula is tasty, so it's easy to feed to your pup. Paxon is a cranberry extract product in the form of a chewable tablet that works to support urinary tract health. The patented formula breaks down E. coli bacteria, allowing the body to flush it away. Take care of your pup's urinary health with specifically formulated dog food and supplements from Chewy. Find this and more on Chewy's online pet store where you can find the best dog supplies today!
Related Categories: Dog Allergy and Immune System Supplements, Dog Eye Care Supplements, Dog Digestive Health Supplements, Dog Skin and Coat Care Supplements, Dog Anxiety and Brain Health Supplements, Dog Multivitamins, Dog Hip and Joint Care Supplements, Heart & Liver Supplements for Dogs, Dog Nutritional Supplements, Dog Dental Care Supplements, Best Dog Vitamins & Supplements
What supplements can I give my dog for urinary problems?
Supplements you can give your dog for urinary problems include bladder supplements with ingredients like cranberry or herbal blends and urinary tract acidifiers that help adjust the pH of your dog's urine. Urinary supplements for dogs that discourage crystal formation may help prevent cystitis, hematuria and blockages, as well. Talk to your vet about good supplements for your dog's urinary issues. Your vet can provide guidance and make sure any supplement you give won't interfere with any medications you give your dog.
What supplements are good for dogs with kidney disease?
Supplements that are good for dogs with kidney disease may include inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, B-vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C and E. Kidney supplements for dogs that bind phosphorous may also be good for dogs with renal disease. Other supplements may contain proprietary ingredients or natural botanicals to boost kidney function and support overall bladder and kidney health. Talk to your vet about which supplements might be best if your dog suffers from CKD.
Herbal Supplements and Kidney Disease
Herbal Supplements and Kidney Disease
Is it safe to use herbal supplements if I have kidney disease?
You may think about using herbal supplements to help with any health concerns you may have, but as a patient with kidney disease, you should use caution with herbal supplements.
Use of herbal supplements is often unsafe if you have kidney disease since some herbal products can cause harm to your kidneys and even make your kidney disease worse. Also, your kidneys cannot clear waste products that can build up in your body.
The herbal supplement market is a multi-million dollar business. You may hear from a friend or family member about an herbal supplement that they think has improved their health or well-being and they suggest it to you. While this advice may be fine for them, it can be dangerous for you with kidney disease.
What are the facts about herbal supplements?
The following facts about herbal supplements are true for everyone, with or without kidney disease. Herbal supplements often have more than one name: a common name and a plant name. Some common concerns include:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements for dose, content, or pureness.
- Some herbal supplements have aristolochic acid, which is harmful to kidneys.
- Herbal supplements made in other countries may have heavy metals.
- There are few studies to show if herbal supplements have real benefits and even less information in patients with kidney disease.
- Herbal supplements may interact with prescription medicines to either decrease or increase how the medicine works.
Which herbal supplements have potassium?
Potassium is a mineral that may need to be limited in the diet of people with kidney disease especially for those on dialysis. Herbal supplements that have potassium include:
| Alfalfa | American Ginseng | Bai Zhi (root) |
| Bitter Melon (fruit, leaf) | Black Mustard (leaf) | Blessed Thistle |
| Chervit (leaf) | Chicory (leaf) | Chinese Boxthorn (leaf) |
| Coriander (leaf) | Dandelion (root, leaf) | Dulse |
| Evening Primrose | Feverfew | Garlic (leaf) |
| Genipap (fruit) | Goto Kola | Japanese Honeysuckle (flower) |
| Kelp | Kudzu (shoot) | Lemongrass |
| Mugwort | Noni | Papaya (leaf, fruit) |
| Purslane Sage (leaf) | Safflower (flower) | Sassafras |
| Scullcap | Shepherd's Purse | Stinging Nettle (leaf) |
| Turmeric (rhizome) | Water Lotus |
Which herbal supplements have phosphorus?
Phosphorus is a mineral that may need to be limited in the diet of people with kidney disease especially for those on dialysis. Some herbal supplements that have phosphorus include:
| American Ginseng | Bitter Melon | Borage (leaf) |
| Buchu (leaf) | Coriander (leaf) | Evening Primrose |
| Feverfew | Flaxseed (seed) | Horseradish (root) |
| Indian Sorrel (seed) | Milk Thistle | Onion (leaf) |
| Pokeweed (shoot) | Purslane | Shepherd's Purse |
| Silk Cotton Tree (seed) | Stinging Nettle (leaf) | Sunflower (seed) |
| Turmeric (rhizome) | Water Lotus | Yellow Dock |
Which herbal supplements should I avoid if I have kidney disease?
Herbal supplements that are especially risky for patients with any stage of kidney disease, who are on dialysis or who have a kidney transplant include:
| Astragalus | Barberry | Cat's Claw |
| Apium Graveolens | Creatine | Goldenrod |
| Horsetail | Huperzinea | Java Tea Leaf |
| Licorice Root | Nettle, Stinging Nettle | Oregon Grape Root |
| Parsley Root | Pennyroyal | Ruta Graveolens |
| Uva Ursi | Yohimbe |
What about herbal supplements that act like a "water pill"?
Some herbal supplements that act like a diuretic or "water pill" may cause "kidney irritation" or damage. These include bucha leaves and juniper berries. Uva Ursi and parsley capsules may also have bad side effects.
Can herbal supplements interfere with the other medicines I take?
Many herbal supplements can interact with prescription drugs. A few examples are St. Johns Wort, echinacea, ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, ginger, and blue cohosh. If you have a kidney transplant you are especially at risk, as any interaction between herbal supplements and medicines could put you at risk for losing your kidney.
Are there other health related issues for herbal supplements?
As with anyone, patients with kidney disease may have other health related issues. If you have a history of a bleeding disorder you are at high risk for bad reactions to herbal supplements. Women who are pregnant or lactating, as well as children, are also at high risk.
What should I tell my doctor, dietitian or other healthcare provider?
In general, it is not recommended for patients with kidney disease to use herbal supplements. If you choose to take one, always tell your doctor, dietitian, or other health care provider. Always update the use of herbal supplements at your visits to your healthcare provider as a medication change.
References
If you would like more information, please contact us.
Acknowledgment: Reviewed by the Council on Renal Nutrition (04/2019)
2019 National Kidney Foundation. All rights reserved. This material does not constitute medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. Please consult a physician for specific treatment recommendations.
Last Reviewed: 06/30/2021
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Fish Oil Dosing in Pet Diets and Supplements
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Fish Oil for Dogs
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Fish oil is one of the best supplements to add to your dogs diet. Fish oil supports your dogs heart health, promotes a silky coat, reduces itchy and flaky skin, and can help relieve allergies and joint pain. It can even help strengthen a dogs immune system and could help them fight canine cancer.
All of this is because fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, an essential good type of fat that helps your dogs body and brain. Like humans, dogs cant produce omega-3 fatty acids on their own and must get them from their diet. If youre considering including fish oil as a part ofyour dogs nutritional routine, heres what you need to know.
What Are Fatty Acids Found in Fish Oil?
There are four types of dietary fats: trans fats, saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Omega fatty acids, found in polyunsaturated fats, create important hormones that regulate blood flow and inflammation. However, they arent found naturally in the body. Omega-3 is found primarily in cold-water fish, shellfish, plant and nut oils, and flaxseed. But, your dog needs omega-3 in their diet for several reasons.
Omega-3 also helps balance out omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in processed foods and most grains. Since many dog food manufacturers use meat from corn-fed animals or refined oil (which are high in omega-6), dogs often have an overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids in their diet. Your dog ends up with too much omega-6 and not nearly enough omega-3 fatty acids. Humans (and dogs) need omega-6 fatty acids, but our modern diet often has too many. The body needs both in proper balance, and the same is true for dogs.
Why Should I Give My Dog Fish Oil?
Fish oil is a good way to give your four-legged companion the omega-3 fatty acids they need. Depending on their general health and diet, fish oil supplements may become part of a long-term plan. Or, they may just provide a temporary nutritional boost to your dogs diet.
Another benefit of fish oil is that it helps dogs across the span of their lifetimes. DHA, a component in omega-3 fatty acid, aids in the proper brain and eye development of puppies. DHA may also improve cognitive function in older dogs dealing with canine cognitive dysfunction. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help to treatcanine arthritisand chronic kidney disease.
As with anything affecting your dogs health, talk to your veterinarian about supplementing your dogs diet with fish oils before proceeding.
How Do I Choose a Good Fish Oil for My Dog?
There are three types of fish oil on the market:
- Natural triglyceride oil, which is the most natural and easiest to absorb. However, because it isnt purified, it may contain contaminants
- Ethyl ester oil is concentrated and distilled, removing impurities. Think of it as semi-natural with high levels of important components of omega-3: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
- Synthetic triglyceride oil, which as the name says, is synthetic and absorbs the least easily of the three
Before choosing which type of fish oil to feed your dog, consider their breed, size, weight, and overall health. Speak with your veterinarian first as well. Over the long term, using fish oil as a supplement to a grain-based diet may deplete vitamin E, so some dogs may also ultimately require that supplement too.
TerraMax Pro Premium Liquid Omega-3 Fish Oil
The all-natural TerraMax fish oil liquid is appropriate for dogs and doesnt contain any artificial ingredients. Its guaranteed to contain at least 800 mg EPA and 525 mg DHA per serving (which support skin, fur, joints, and overall health), without the strong scent of fish. Most reviews are positive, reporting that the oil is worth the cost and works well for pets dealing with joint pain and itchy skin.
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet
Made in the USA, this Nordic Naturals supplement is a solid source of EPA and DHA and perfect for small breed dogs. Most reviews are positive and users report that the oil leaves their pets coats silky smooth.
Nordic Naturals Omega 3 Pet Soft Gels
If youd rather give your pup a capsule than mix liquid into their food, this is the solution for you. This supplement is made with ingredients caught from the cleanest waters. Nordic Naturals are produced in true triglyceride form to ensure optimal absorption and results. The gels are recommended by veterinarians for dogs of all sizes and breeds. Reviewers also indicate that the gels are effective and less messy.
Care and Storage of Fish Oil
Protecting fish oil from heat, light, and air is important. Buy your fish oil in dark bottles and store it in the refrigerator. It can become rancid since they are susceptible to oxidation, so make sure to throw it away if it has an off odor.
Rather than following dosage guidelines on the package, ask your vet how much fish oil is appropriate for your dog. Make sure the amount of fish oil you give them is appropriate for their size, weight, and age.
Its difficult to feed your dog a completely natural diet. With so many processed ingredients in some of todays dog food, fish oil may be just the supplement to their diet needs. Lastly, be sure to ask your vet for advice before starting your dog on supplements, and purchase only quality products if thats the route you choose.
