purina one dog food kidney failure

Kidney Failure in Dogs

Kidneys are very busy organs that have lots of responsibilities to keep your dog healthy, from removing toxins to maintaining their blood pressure and helping to create new red blood cells. With so many jobs to do, it can be a scary time if you think your dogs kidneys are failing, so lets go through the common symptoms and possible treatment options for kidney failure in dogs with this guide.

Kidney disease in dogs can affect any breed at any stage in their life and sadly, theres no way of predicting which will develop it and which wont. Although theres nothing you can do to actually prevent your four-legged friend from developing kidney failure in dogs, feeding them a good quality diet throughout their life, and providing them with a constant supply of fresh, clean water will help support their kidneys and, if they do develop kidney failure, it could help to slow down its progress.

Weve created this guide to tell you the most common causes of canine kidney disease and renal failure. It is important for you to involve your vet early in its management.

Stages of kidney disease in dogs

In order to offer the help your dog requires, your vet will need to find out what stage of kidney disease they have reached. Theyll do this by running several blood and urine tests, as well as performing a thorough physical examination.

Here are the stages of kidney disease in dogs:

Stage 1

Healthy kidneys do a great job at removing toxins from a dogs body, but when theyre not in a good shape, they will begin allowing waste to build up in the blood.

However, Stage 1 is very early in the course of kidney disease and theres usually no build-up yet. Dogs with stage 1 kidney disease have low level changes like specific mildly elevated parameters on their bloods or physical kidney abnormalities. Most dogs will not show any outward signs during this stage.

Stage 2

This is the stage where waste starts accumulating in the blood, as a result of reduced renal function. Noticeable symptoms are usually mild or even absent in this stage, although your vet may recommend screening for high blood pressure and protein in your dogs urine.

Stage 3

At this stage, blood samples will contain a moderate amount of waste products and clinical signs are usually present. Many dogs will experience high blood pressure, so screening for this is recommended alongside checking for protein in the urine.

Its at this stage that most dog owners will notice that somethings definitely wrong. Dogs will typically show significant clinical signs, including excessive drinking and urination, tiredness, loss of weight, and potentially mouth ulcers and bad breath.

Stage 4

When dogs reach this very serious stage of the disease, their kidneys are no longer able to filter out waste effectively, and the risk of severe clinical signs and acute deterioration is high. At this point, you will need to work closely with your vet to identify the best treatment options for your dog and consider your dogs quality of life if they are very unwell.

Acute kidney failure in dogs

If your dog has acute kidney failure it means that their kidneys have suddenly stopped working properly. This can be caused by something such as an illness or infection, or because theyve eaten something they shouldnt, like antifreeze. Acute kidney failure in dogs may be able to be treated and reversed but could also be permanent, depending on what has caused it.

Chronic kidney failure in dogs

Chronic kidney failure is more gradual and can take months or even years to develop. It can be caused by a number of things including infections and tumours and unfortunately, by the time its diagnosed, its sometimes too late to reverse.

In the early stages of disease, the healthy areas of the kidney take on the extra work that the damaged areas cant do, meaning that healthy parts work even harder than usual. As the disease progresses, and the unhealthy areas start to outnumber the healthy, the workload simply becomes too much and your dog will show signs of kidney failure.

Chronic kidney failure in dogs is a progressive illness that your vet will need to keep an eye on, but it can usually be managed with a combination of medical treatments and a special diet.

Signs of kidney failure in dogs

There are a number of possible signs of kidney failure in dogs and each dog is different so theres no guarantee that theyll experience the illness in the same way, however, the most common symptoms are as follows:

• Urinating more often urine will usually be very diluted
• Increased drinking to replace lost fluids
• Nausea and vomitingdue to build-up of toxins
• Retching orgoing off their food
• Tiredness and lethargy
• Weight loss
• Pale gums
• Mouth ulcers
• Fragile, weak bones

Be careful about trying to diagnose kidney disease yourself, as the signs of kidney disease in dogs can also be a symptom of other illnesses. The sooner you see your vet for a proper diagnosis, the better. Although theres no cure for kidney disease, early treatment will help to relieve the discomfort caused by the symptoms and support your pets kidneys.

Diagnosing kidney disease in dogs

When diagnosing kidney disease in dogs, your vet will start by testing a sample of pee to see if your dogs urine is being concentrated, whether protein is being lost in their urine and if they have any other problems, like an underlying infection. They might also take a blood test to check for specific kidney function, to get an idea of your dogs overall health and to see if the build-up of toxins has affected any of their other organs.

Monitoring the condition

Your vet may ask you to collect a sample of your dogs urine as a part of monitoring their condition. The best time to collect your dogs urine sample is first thing in the morning, ideally in mid-flow. How you physically collect their pee will depend on whether you have a male or female dog but plastic lunchboxes or soup ladles can come in handy! Your vet will probably provide you with a sterile container to store your sample in or you can use a container such as a clean jam jar (any residue can affect the results, so do make sure the container is very clean).

The fresher the sample, the more accurate the tests will be, so try not to delay in getting the sample to your vet.

How long will a dog with kidney failure live?

The lifespan of a dog with kidney failure will vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease and the efficacy of the treatment theyre receiving. When kidney failure is spotted early and managed properly with the correct treatment, dogs can live several years after being diagnosed.

Dog kidney failure treatment

Depending on how severe the symptoms are, dog kidney failure treatment usually consists of a combination of medical and dietary interventions.

Medication

As kidney failure in dogs can impact so many different bodily functions and cause them to develop conditions such as high blood pressure or anaemia, your vet might recommend specific medications to help treat each symptom. Supplements may also be suggested to replace lost vitamins and help to improve some secondary effects caused by the disease. Its important to remember to only give supplements and medications at the recommendation of your vet.

Diets for dogs with kidney failure

6 Best Dog Food for Kidney Disease Options: Kidney-Friendly Feeding For Fido!

While chronic kidney disease certainly isnt a good diagnosis for any dog, there are plenty of ways to manage the disease and keep Fidos tail wagging for years to come. Often, this includes switching to a food designed specifically for dogs with kidney issues.

Below, well explain what kidney disease is, share some signs that indicate your dogs kidneys may be struggling, and discuss some of the treatment strategies including diet adjustment. Well also identify some of the best dog food for kidney disease options so your mutt can safely enjoy his munchies.

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Veterinary Assistance Required

Its important to work with your vet if you suspect your dog is suffering from kidney issues.

Not only will you need your vet to help monitor and treat the problem, but youll also need your vet to provide a prescription or authorization to obtain a kidney-friendly food.

What Is Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Your dogs kidneys operate as a filtration system and help keep his body in balance. This includes executing a whole range of tasks, but some of the most important include:

• Filtering Waste from the Bloodstream The kidneys work to remove waste from the bloodstream, and then dispose of these wastes via your dogs urine.
• Maintaining Water and Mineral Concentration Levels Kidneys help maintain a balance of salt and water in the body. For example, if your dogs body fluids are currently too diluted, the kidneys may signal the body to excrete more urine.
• Controlling Blood Pressure Kidneys partially maintain blood pressure by aiding in calcium metabolism, maintaining appropriate phosphorus levels, and adjusting the amount of water in the body.
• Manufacturing Some Hormones The kidneys produce hormones that encourage red-blood-cell production which helps carry oxygen throughout the body.

Kidney disease occurs in two different ways: acute kidney disease (or kidney failure) and chronic kidney disease.

Acute kidney failure usually occurs as a result of ingesting toxins like antifreeze (hence the importance of using pet-safe ice melts) or medications. This can cause an abrupt decline in kidney function.

Chronic kidney disease, on the other hand, develops slowly and presents itself more over time. It can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors (more on this below).

Both types of kidney disease warrant veterinary attention, but while chronic kidney disease will require long-term efforts to address, acute kidney disease is a medical emergency that can be fatal and requires immediate treatment.

Characteristics of Foods for Dogs with Kidney Disease

There are a couple of key guidelines to keep in mind when finding food for a dog with kidney issues. Keep in mind that all foods designed to treat kidney disease that are currently on the market require veterinary authorization.

Here are a couple of characteristics of foods for dogs with kidney disease.

• Theyre typically lower in protein. These foods are usually lower in protein content which reduces the strain on the kidneys, which must filter out protein waste products. This can help preserve kidney function and prevent further damage. The recommended protein range for dogs with kidney disease is less than or equal to 14 to 20 percent on a dry-matter basis.
• Kidney-supporting foods feature reduced salt content. Sodium and salt levels are reduced in foods specialized for kidney issues as this reduces the workload on the kidneys. In addition, it can help affected doggos maintain a reasonable blood pressure level.
• Kidney-supporting foods feature reduced phosphorus. Though its reasoning is unclear, limiting the amount of phosphorus along with protein in a dogs diet can help delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. The recommended phosphorus content for dogs suffering kidney disease is somewhere between 0.2 and 0.5 percent on a dry-matter basis.
• The best kidney-friendly foods contain plenty of omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation which can ease the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Note that it is often wise to consider wet or canned options for dogs with kidney disease.

Dogs suffering from kidney disease need more water than healthy doggos, so youll not only want to encourage your dog to drink lots of water (you can attempt this through the use of a dog water fountain), you may want to give your dog a food with much greater water content too, like a quality canned wet food.

Your Options Are Limited

It is important to understand that there simply arent that many kidney-friendly dog foods on the market.

Accordingly, weve had to recommend a few that dont meet the criteria we typically impose on foods we recommend.

In some cases, this is the result of the foods specific goals. For example, several kidney-supporting dog foods feature very low protein levels or proteins that are situated farther down the ingredient list than wed like. This is unavoidable to an extent, as kidney-friendly foods must have reduced protein content.

However, there are also foods listed below that feature incompletely labelled by-products and other animal-based foods.

Wed normally avoid recommending such foods, but because there are only a handful of foods available for dogs with kidney ailments, we have no choice but to include them here.

Best Dog Foods for Kidney Disease

Here are some of the best food options for dogs with kidney disease on the market. Keep in mind that every dog is different, so youll want to work with your vet to find the best solution for your buddy. Plus, all of these foods require a prescription.

1. Hills Prescription Diet K/D

About: This prescription food from Hills is made in the USA and formulatedto nourish dogs without taxing their kidneys. Formulated with reduced sodium and phosphorus, this recipe is appropriate for all breeds and dog sizes.

A clinically tested food, Hills K/D recipe also helps to stimulate your doggos appetite and provide him with the essential amino acids from fish oil he needs to maintain his body weight and build muscle.

Features:

• Reduced phosphorus levels to make things easier on your pets kidneys
• Low sodium recipe helps reduce kidney strain and blood pressure
• Enhanced Appetite Trigger (EAT) technology helps encourage your doggo to eat
• 12% minimum crude protein
• Veterinary authorization required

Ingredients List

Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Pork Fat, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken...,

Egg Product, Dried Beet Pulp, Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Oil, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Lactic Acid, L-Lysine, Pork Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, DL-Methionine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Threonine, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.

Pros

• Reduced sodium and phosphorus levels are gentle on your dogs kidneys
• Several owners reported improved health and energy level
• Appetite-stimulating recipe with extra amino acids helps your dog build muscle and maintain body weight

Cons

• Less-than-ideal ingredient list, with chicken listed fifth
• Contains a few relatively low-quality grains (such as brewers rice)

2. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS

About: Blue Buffalos KS Recipe features reduced protein levels and mineral content to help make things easy on your pups kidneys. And unlike some other kidney-friendly diets, this food features deboned chicken as its first ingredient, making it a tasty pick for most dogs an excellent option for picky pups.

This food also has added taurine, omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation, and other essential nutrients to keep Fido feeling his best.

Features:

• Reduced levels of calcium, phosphorus, and sodium to support kidney health
• Infused with Omega-3s, L-carnitine, and antioxidants to support overall health
• 14% minimum crude protein
• The food is made without corn or soy for sensitive stomachs
• Veterinary authorization required

Editors Note: Recipe Change

Note that Blue Buffalo has recently changed this recipes ingredient list. It is no longer a grain-free product.

Ingredients List

Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Potatoes, Potato Starch...,

Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed (source of Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids), Natural Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Potato Protein, Fish Oil (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid), Barley, Chicken Meal, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Chicory Root, Dried Tomato Pomace, Direct Dehydrated Alfalfa Pellets, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Turmeric, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Threonine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Salt, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Potassium Chloride, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, Vegetable Juice for color, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Biotin (Vitamin B7), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), L-Lysine, Vitamin A Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Copper Sulfate, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary

Pros

• Impressive ingredient list for a kidney-supporting food
• Fortified with five probiotic strains to promote digestive function
• We like that it contains blueberries and other produce

Cons

• Like most other prescription diets, this recipe is a bit pricey
• Picky pups may need enticing to give it a try

3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF

About: This food by Purina Pro Plan is designed to support your canines kidneys, while still providing the nutrition youd want and a great taste he deserves. Like most other kidney-friendly formulas, this food features reduced sodium, phosphorus, and protein content.

A grain-inclusive recipe, this dry food is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to promote immune function in dogs, and features flavor-boosting ingredients like liver flavor.

Features:

• 12.5%minimum protein content
• Limited sodium content to support kidney health
• Pea-free formula with restricted phosphorus concentration
• Features healthy antioxidants and added vitamins
• Veterinary authorization required

Ingredients List

Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Sugar...,

Dried Whey, Sodium Caseinate, Animal Liver Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Vegetable Oil, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Fish Oil, Salt, Potassium Citrate, Mono And Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Garlic Oil, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Biotin, Sodium Selenite

Pros

• Several owners reported improved kidney function after switching to this food
• Most dogs appear to love the taste
• Includes fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin

Cons

• Minimal animal-based protein content
• Kibble size is very small, which may cause issues for big dogs
• Includes incompletely labelled ingredients (such as animal fat and animal liver flavor)

4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support

About: Royal Canin is well known for producingspecialty kibbles, such as this Renal Support Recipe. Formulated with reduced protein and phosphorus content, this food is designed to provide the nutrition your dog needs while being gentle on his kidneys.

This recipe also features omega-3-rich ingredients to help combat inflammation, and it is specifically designed to taste great and tempt dogs whose appetites arent as strong as they once were.

Features:

• Low protein formula to ease kidney workload
• Designed to provide suitable nutrition in smaller portion sizes
• 10.5 to 14.5% minimum crude protein content
• Veterinary authorization required

Ingredients List

Corn, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal...,

Natural Flavors, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Wheat Gluten, Fish Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Psyllium Seed Husk, Sodium Silico Aluminate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, L-Lysine, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Biotin, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid], Magnesium Oxide, Taurine, L-Tryptophan, Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Trace Minerals [Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Rosemary Extract, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid.

Pros

• Several owners reported improved kidney function scores after switching to this recipe
• Slightly more affordable than most other kidney-supporting options
• Most dogs even picky ones appear to like the taste

Cons

• Ingredient list leaves a lot to be desired (such as a whole animal protein)
• While most owners reported improved kidney function after feeding this diet, it didnt work for all dogs

5. Hills Prescription Diet K/D (Canned)

About: Hills Kidney Care Canned Food serves as an excellent wet food option for dogs with kidney disease. Like most other kidney-supporting diets, this balanced diet contains reduced phosphorus and sodium content, as well as very low protein content.

Despite having a very low protein content, this US-made food is made with real beef, and is specifically formulated to stimulate your pups appetite. The foods high water content will also help your pooch stay hydrated, which is very important for dogs with kidney disease.

Features:

• Very low protein content of just 2.5%(minimum)
• Contains omega-3-rich ingredients to reduce inflammation
• Helps build lean muscle mass
• Enhanced Appetite Trigger (EAT) technology helps stimulate appetites
• Veterinary authorization required

Ingredients List

Water, Beef, Carrots, Rice, Chicken Fat...,

Pork Liver, Rice Starch, Dextrose, Green Peas, Sugar, Egg Whites, Chicken Liver Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed, Potassium Alginate, Caramel color, Calcium Lactate, Calcium Gluconate, Natural Flavor, Potassium Citrate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Choline Chloride, Guar Gum, Soybean Oil, L-Lysine, Calcium Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Ascorbic Acid (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Vitamin D3 Supplement), Magnesium Oxide, L-Arginine, L-Threonine, Taurine, Monosodium Phosphate, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, L-Carnitine, Calcium Carbonate, Beta-Carotene.

Pros

• Contains real beef (second listed ingredient after water)
• Most owners reported improved kidney function scored
• High water content helps keep your pooch hydrated

Cons

• Like all canned foods, can be challenging to portion or store
• Even pricier than kidney-supporting kibbles

6. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF (Canned)

About: Designed specifically for dogs with kidney problems, this wet food from Purina Pro Plan contains minimal protein, as well as reduced sodium and phosphorus content. It is also made with a ton of water, which will help keep your pup hydrated, which is crucial for dogs with ailing kidneys.

In addition to these kidney-supporting characteristics, this food is fortified with antioxidants to help support your dogs immune system.

Features:

• Very low protein content of 3.8% (minimum)
• Food has 74% moisture content, making it super hydrating
• Limited sodium and phosphorus content
• Veterinary authorization required

Ingredients List

Water Sufficient For Processing, Meat By-Products, Rice, Corn Grits, Beef...,

Liver, Chicken By-Products, Animal Fat (Preserved With TBHQ And Citric Acid), Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Fish Oil, Potassium Citrate, Locust Bean Gum, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, Natural Smoke Flavor, Vitamin E Supplement, DL-Methionine, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin A Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7), Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite

Pros

• Contains real beef (fifth listed ingredient)
• Can be used as a palate-pleasing topper for kidney-supporting kibble
• Purina offers a money-back guarantee

Cons

• Contains incompletely identified meat by-products
• Multiple proteins make it a poor choice for dogs with food allergies

Need Veterinary Help Fast?

Dont have easy access to a vet? You may want to consider getting help from JustAnswer a service that provides instant virtual-chat access to a certified vet online.

You can discuss the issue with them, and even share video or photos if need be. The online vet can help you determine what your next steps should be.

While talking with your own vet who understands the ins and outs of your dogs history is probably ideal, JustAnswer is a good backup option.

What About Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease?

While you can still give your furry best friend treats following a kidney disease diagnosis, you must make sure theyre approved for your pups adjusted diet. So, talk to your vet about treats when discussing your doggos food.

If you do get the green light, you may want to try Matties Kidney Disease Dog Treats.

Designed specifically for dogs with kidney problems, these treats are low in protein and phosphorus, and theyre made without wheat, corn, or soy.

Best of all, Matties Treats donates a percentage of their sales to help fund research into canine kidney disease, which is a win for all pups struggling with this health problem.

Features:

• 6.8% minimal protein content
• Low protein, low phosphorus recipe
• 19 Calories per treat
• Made in the USA
• No veterinary authorization required

Ingredients List

Light rye flour, tapioca flour, pure pumpkin, cinnamon, omega 3 fish oil, canola oil...,

Pros

• Kidney-friendly recipe designed specifically for dogs with kidney disease
• Crunchy texture dogs love
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin

Cons

• May be too hard for dogs with dental problems
• Not every dog goes gaga for the taste

What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?

As mentioned, acute kidney disease is usually caused by your dog ingesting something toxic. This could be antifreeze, ibuprofen, chemical cleaners, or anything around the house that is poisonous to dogs. One of the best ways to keep your pooch safe is to make sure that anything potentially dangerous is far from Fidos reach.

The cause of chronic kidney disease is a little more difficult to pin down, but it can generally be attributed to one of the following factors:

• Aging process As dogs become older, many body functions can naturally slow down. This includes activity in the kidneys, and chronic kidney disease is more likely to prevent itself later in your dogs life.
• Underlying illness Many underlying illnesses canbe the root cause of your dogs kidney disease, as they can compromise the bodys ability to filter out toxins.
• Dental problems Dental issues can open the door for harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream which can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys and other organ systems.

Additionally, congenital and hereditary diseases can lead to kidney failure. Certain dog breeds like German shepherds and bull terriers may be more prone to developing kidney diseases based on their genetic background. Your pooch may also be predisposed to kidney complications depending on his family health history.

Its important to see your veterinarian as soon as you notice any signs of kidney disease for a thorough diagnosis.

What Happens When a Dog Suffers from Kidney Disease?

Remember that there are both chronic and acute forms of kidney disease.

Were primarily focusing on the chronic form here, but if your dog is showing signs of kidney disease after ingesting something toxic, he likely has an acute case that needs to be treated immediately.

In such cases, youll simply need to make your way to the nearest pet hospital or care facility pronto.However, chronic kidney disease is a long-term, rather than emergent problem.

As your dog ages or his chronic kidney disease progresses, he will become less capable of efficiently filtering his blood. Subsequently, his body must increase the amount of blood flowing through the kidneys to lower the concentration of toxins.

This can lead to increased water intake and a higher production of urine than normal. Your dogs blood pressure will likely change too, though you obviously wont notice this (there are no outward signs of high blood pressure).

Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease is typically a lifelong condition that requires permanent management under the direction of your veterinarian.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease In Dogs

Its critical to know what to look out for when it comes to kidney disease as the acute form of the disease can be life-threatening. Even if your dog is only suffering from the chronic form, youll need veterinary guidance to ensure he stays as healthy and happy as possible.

Here are a few key signs your pooch may be suffering from kidney issues:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Bad breath
• Weight loss
• Blood in urine
• Pale gums
• Mouth sores

How Is Kidney Disease Treated in Dogs?

When you go in for an office visit, your vet will likely run a variety of tests to diagnose the problem. This may include a urinalysis to evaluate kidney function and a blood chemistry analysis to assess the function of your dogs internal organs.

Depending on your dogs test results, your veterinarian will recommend a variety of treatment strategies to help Fido manage his condition.

Some of the most common treatments for chronic kidney disease in dogs include:

• Switching to a Kidney-Supporting Food As discussed earlier, most dogs with chronic kidney disease will require a specialized food that wont cause the kidneys to work harder than they have to. These foods still offer a balanced diet while being gentler on your dogs system.
• Medications Your veterinarian may prescribe various medications to manage the symptoms associated with the kidney issues at hand. This may include medications to help the body eliminate phosphorus, reduce stomach acid, control blood pressure, prevent vomiting, stimulate red blood cell production, or regulate the parathyroid gland which controls calcium levels in the bloodstream.
• Supplements Your vet may also recommend adding some supplements to Fidos daily diet. This may include potassium supplements which can help regulate blood pressure.
• IV Fluids Your pooch might be given intravenous fluids to help flush out the kidneys and bloodstream. This process helps remove toxic metabolites from his blood stream. The procedure can also replenish vital electrolytes like potassium.
• Treating the Underlying Issue Since kidney issues are often a result of another underlying problem, your veterinarian will work to root out any associated ailments that may be overwhelming your dogs kidneys. For instance, some canine companions with kidney disease have diabetes.

Dog Kidney Disease FAQs

Supporting Spot following a kidney disease diagnosis can be challenging. Here are a couple of the most common kidney disease questions owners often have, with answers to help you maintain your mutts health.

What is the best food for dogs with kidney disease?

Ultimately, the right renal diet depends on the individual needs of your dog. Since every pooch is different, its best to take this up with your veterinarian to find the best renal diet food for Fido.

That said, youll likely find that your vet recommends one of the therapeutic diets discussed above, as theyre some of the most common and trusted on the market today.

Is kidney disease painful for dogs?

Kidney disease and its associated symptoms can be extremely painful for your pooch, especially the formation of kidney stones (and passing) or any buildup of waste products in your pups system. As soon as you suspect an issue, its vital to see your veterinarian. Your pet care professional can help you come up with a treatment plan to keep your four-footer as comfortable as possible.

As with any health condition, follow your vets orders closely, whether its sticking to a special renal diet, offering ample clean water, or giving medications.

How long can a dog live with kidney disease?

This answer largely depends on the stage of your dogs kidney disease. Generally speaking, the earlier you catch the condition, the better chance you have of prolonging your pups life. Unfortunately, without treatment, the progression of kidney disease can be rapid, leading to renal failure.

Your vet will develop a treatment plan based around the stage of kidney disease your dog is in and whats causing the kidney damage.

What are the signs of kidney disease in dogs?

Some common signs of kidney disease in dogs include lethargy, weight loss, pale gums, bad breath, and increased or decreased water intake.

You might also notice a change in your dogs urine volume or infrequent or frequent urination. Be sure to give your vet a call whenever your pooch is exhibiting any of these symptoms.

What human food can I feed my dog with kidney disease?

While there are dog-safe human foods you can share with most pups, youll need to run any treat by your veterinarian to make sure it fits within your dogs kidney disease treatment plan. Dont forget that dogs with kidney disease should have limited sodium, protein, and phosphorus intake nutrient concerns often met with prescription kidney diets.

What foods help repair a dogs kidneys?

Unfortunately, you cant fully repair kidneys, only support their future health. That being said, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of canine kidney disease.

Your best bet is sticking with the therapeutic kidney diet prescribed by your doctor, with the nutrient profiles designed with a sodium, phosphorus, and protein restriction thats more gentle for dogs with renal disease. These therapeutic diets are the best choice for dogs with renal disease but shouldnt be fed to dogs without kidney disease.

What foods should dogs with kidney disease avoid?

Any dog with kidney disease should avoid foods high in sodium, protein, or phosphorus. More importantly, anything your dog consumes should be vetted by your vet to make sure its a good fit for his needs.

Prescription kidney diets are typically recommended, as these have carefully measured amounts of protein, sodium levels, and more. The delicate balance of nutrients in such a specialized diet for dogs with kidney disease ensures your dog is getting what he needs for day-to-day life without stressing his system.

Why do dogs get kidney disease?

Dogs can get acute kidney disease from consuming something toxic like medication or antifreeze. Chronic kidney disease can be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors.Regular check-ups can help catch common signs of this disease and other chronic conditions early.

Keep your canine running at his best and support healthy kidney function by always offering him fresh water and serving proper nutrition. If you unsure what optimal nutrition looks like for your doggo, ask your vet.

Is kidney disease fatal in dogs?

Kidney disease thats managed under the care of a veterinarian with regular check-ups and proper nutrition isnt necessarily fatal for dogs though it can, unfortunately, shorten your dogs lifespan. If left unaddressed, acute and chronic kidney disease can be fatal.

Can dogs get a kidney transplant?

While pooch kidney transplants are possible, they are difficult to come by and extremely costly. Testing is somewhat limited and a kidney transplant study out of the University of California reported a risky 36% success rate. Unfortunately, even if your dog undergoes a successful transplant, hell likely have to take medications for the rest of his life.

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Under the direction of a pet care professional, pups with kidney disease can still maintain an enriching, fulfilling lifestyle. Make sure you speak to your veterinarian about the best way to transition your furry best friend to a kidney-friendly kibble or wet food before making the switch.

Has your pooch had success with any of these prescription foods? How do you enrich your mutts mealtime? Wed love to hear all about your experience in the comments below!