what is the best kidney diet for dogs
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...
Dietary Guidelines for Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
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Homemade Dog Food For Kidney Disease (Canine Renal Care)
Key Takeaways
- Kidney disease is a serious condition that needs proper medical treatment. Consult your vet first on how to treat your dog before making any diet changes.
- If you will make homemade dog food for kidney disease, make sure that you use ingredients that are low in both protein and phosphorous such as carrots, green beans, white rice, and boiled chicken.
- In addition to providing the right diet, further help your dog manage his kidney disease by giving only filtered or distilled water as tap water can have many harmful minerals. Giving your dog regular exercise also helps him maintain a good health.
To make an easy homemade dog food for kidney disease, simply mix together 1 cup of plain boiled chicken breast, 1 mashed hard-boiled egg, 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1/4 cup of cooked white rice, 1/4 cup of steamed carrots, and 1/4 cup fresh steamed green beans. Feed your dog 1/2 cup for every 20-25 pounds.
Canine renal disease is devastating for dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease, I urge you to make sure he receives careful medical attention regularly.
Kidney disease is not something that can be treated at home. You will need to see your vet for regular checkups. The vet will discuss the severity of your dogs kidney disease and give you information on any medications he will need. I know this could be a hard time for both the dog and pet parent, but with the right diet and medication plan, your dog can be kept comfortable and it is possible to prolong his lifespan and improve quality of life.
CLICK HERE: Access EXCLUSIVE coupons for our readersIn addition to seeking medical care for your dogs condition, he will also need high-quality dog food. Some owners may choose a homemade diet over a commercially prepared food or prescription diet. If you prefer the same, it is important to always discuss this with your dogs vet first and to make a long term diet plan alongside a canine nutritionist. Without seeking the input of a qualified nutritionist, you will likely find your dogs meal plan is lacking in certain nutrients and could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Some owners will offer dogs commercial renal diets while others will feed tailored fresh dog food meals. I highly recommend subscribing to fresh dog food delivery services as these companies offer high-quality meals customized according to your dogs dietary needs. These are also carefully crafted by certified veterinary nutritionists and pass AAFCO standards. If neither option appeals, there are homemade dog food recipes that will help you manage your dogs kidney disorder and help ensure he lives a healthy life.
Your Dogs Kidneys Are Integral for His Health
The kidneys of your dog are more important than you may realize. His kidneys help filter waste out of the blood. When the kidneys are not working correctly, toxins can begin to build up in the blood, and this condition is ultimately fatal.
Your dogs kidneys are also responsible for maintaining the water/salt ratio in the body. When sodium levels are off,Hypernatremiais the result [1]. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that results in a volume reduction in the brain.
What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Kidney problems can occur as acute or chronic. Acute kidney disease is the sudden failure in kidney functions due to short-term health issues such as dehydration and trauma, but which can be reversed if treated early. Chronic kidney disease means gradually losing kidney functions over time due to more serious diseases and often cannot be reversed. Below are some of the most common causes of kidney diseases:
- Dehydration
- Heat stroke
- Trauma
- Dental issues
- Untreated high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic factors
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?
It is important that you are aware of the possible symptoms your dog may begin to exhibit. The following are some signs you should look for to determine if your dog may be suffering from kidney disease. If you notice any of the following, I urge you to get your dog to the vet right away.
- Changes in water drinking habits
- Changes in urine output
- Lethargy
- Loss of interest in being active or playing
- Changes in appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unexplained changes in weight
- Dark urine
- Bloody urine
- Pale gums in dogs,foul breath, and frequent mouth ulcers
If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease, you must be aware of the role diet plays in his condition. Your dogs diet needs will depend on the severity of his kidney disease and his age, weight, and level of activity.
One of the most important things to remember about kidney disease is that dogs do best on a low protein diet. High protein diets, often found in turkey meat and dairy products, are hard on your dogs kidneys. The amount of protein your dog can handle is fully dependent on his stage of kidney disease. Lean proteins such as chicken breast is a better choice. In later stages, it is especially important to reduce protein consumption as much as possible.The protein must also be highly digestible.
Another potential food problem is high amounts of phosphorous. When your dog eats too much phosphorous, the damaged kidneys cannot keep up with filtration. Phosphorous is one of the most pressing issues for canine kidney disease. It is important to makehomemade recipesthat is low in both protein and phosphorous to help manage kidney disease.
I am here to inform you of one of the easiest homemade dog food recipes for kidney disease.
In addition to this recipe, it is important to only allow your dog to drink filtered or distilled water. Tap water is often full of excessive minerals that can be hard on your dogs kidneys. Filtered and distilled water is purer and free of many of these minerals and toxins that can be very harmful to your dogs kidney function.
In addition to drinking the right type of water, your dog also needs regular exercise. Exercise is essential for kidney function in both animals and humans. Take your dog for walks, play fetch, and enjoy a fun game of tug-o-war. With regular exercise, the right water, and the right dog food, you can protect the health of your dogs kidneys.Sadly though, organ damage from chronic kidney disease is not reversible and is progressive, regardless of what we do.
Is It Possible to Prevent Canine Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease cannot always be prevented. Thankfully, there are some ways you can protect your dogs kidneys.
Treat Urinary Issues Right Away
Ensure that any urinary issue, such as urinary tract infections or bladder stones, are treated promptly. Dogs prone to urinary disorders often benefit from prescription diets and supplements.
Keep Toxic Substances and Food Away From Dogs
Ingestion of toxic substances is another culprit for kidney failure. When dogs consume chemical cleaners, they can become highly ill. Acute kidney failure often results from the consumption of chemicals. With this type of kidney failure, death is common.Therefore, one of the preventative measures you must take is to make sure all chemicals in your home are safely kept away.
Please remember, child-proof containers are not dog-proof. Your dog can easily chew through a plastic container and consume the chemicals inside. You should also make sure your dog stays away from the following:
- Raisins
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Grapes
- Contaminated water
- Anti freeze
- Toxic house plants like lilies
- Recreational drugs
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
It is important to note that kidney disease often results from poor oral hygiene. Keeping your dogs teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar is essential for protecting his kidney function.
You should brush Fidos teeth daily with the best toothpaste for dogs to keep them clean. You should also ask your vet about dental cleanings in the office. Regular professional cleanings will help to further protect your dogs kidney function.
How Does the Vet Treat Canine Kidney Disease?
Acute kidney disease is usually more easily treated than chronic. If your dog has chronic kidney disease, he is more likely to suffer severe organ damageknow that one of the key causes of death in relation to kidney disease is organ damage.
Unfortunately, some of the types of damage done by kidney disease are irreversible. This is why preventative measures are so essential for your dog. The following types of treatment will be initiated by your vet if your dog has kidney disease:
- Medications that increase urine output
- IV fluids
- Electrolytes that balance the blood chemistry
- Medications that stop vomiting
- Medications for any gastrointestinal concerns
- Dialysis treatments (not widely available)
- Diet change recommendations
- Medication to treat anemia
- Medication to manage blood pressure
While acute kidney disease is often treated for a short time, chronic kidney disease often requires treatment for the rest of the dogs life.
CLICK HERE: Access EXCLUSIVE coupons for our readersHomemade Dog Food For Kidney Disease
There are several commercial dog foods that are manufactured specifically for dogs with kidney disease, and many are available for delivery. It is not uncommon, however, that many pet parents like to prepare homemade dog food using healthy human food ingredients. In some cases, it will be more affordable. Many owners like to know exactly what their dog is eating and to have full control.
As a word of caution: Before you feed your dog any food or make changes to his diet, please consult with your vet. A vet or canine nutritionist will give you accurate information on what foods will best help your dogs kidney disease, which might vary depending on the stage of the disease and the main cause. Generally, a canine nutritionist will likely recommend low phosphorous and low protein diet.
Recipe
This recipe is very simple and only takes a few minutes to make. Within about fifteen minutes, you can make a full batch of homemade dog food for renal disease.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain boiled chicken breast
- 1 mashed hard-boiled egg
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup of cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup of steamed carrots
- 1/4 cup fresh steamed green beans
Instructions
Making this homemade dog food is very easy. First, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature and chopped in small pieces. Then stir all the ingredients together in a single bowl. Portion the dog food and you are done!
You will need to feed your dog 1/2 cup for every 20-25 pounds of body weight. This is simply a guideline. Ask your vet how much you should feed. Also, ask your vet if the ingredients in this recipe will be healthy for his specific kidney condition as stages and causes may vary. Always follow your vets advice over any other.
This homemade dog food should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about five days. You need to make sure you only make enough for your dog to eat within a few days so the food stays fresh.
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CLICK HERE: Access EXCLUSIVE coupons for our readersFAQ About Homemade Dog Food for Kidney Disease
Although I have provided extensive information on this subject, I am sure you still have many questions. I am here to answer your questions and provide you with all the information you need.
1. What homemade food is good for dogs with kidney failure?
If your dog has kidney failure, make sure you are keeping his diet low in both protein and phosphorous. You can use the homemade dog food recipe in this article to safely feed your dog. Some homemade dog food recipes on the Internet contain brown rice. It is important you do not follow these recipes because brown rice is high in phosphorous and is not recommended for renal failure.
2. What foods should a dog with kidney disease eat?
Your dog can safely consume foods like carrots, green beans, white rice, and boiled chicken. Always ask your vet about any food choices before you feed your dog.
3. What to feed a dog with kidney failure who will not eat?
If your dog will not eat because of his kidney failure, it is important you see the vet right away. IV fluids, appetite stimulants and anti nausea medicine may need to be administered to get him feeling better. You can ask your vet about adding a small amount of honey or low sodium chicken broth to your dogs food. Warming food can help kickstart your dogs appetite. Again, if he will not eat, take him to the vet right away.
4. How do you make renal dog food?
Homemade renal dog food is not difficult to make. You will need boiled white meat chicken, white rice, plain yogurt, and carrots, and green beans. All of these foods are generally approved for a canine renal diet. By consuming these foods, your dog will have the nutrition he needs, without compromising his kidney function.
Schedule a Vet Visit
If you have noticed changes in your dogs health, it is important to consult with your vet right away. Do not ignore the signs of kidney function problems. Your vet needs to be made aware of them so treatment can be given to protect your dog against organ damage. Take your dog to the vet today to ensure his kidney function is where it should be for his age.
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