Feeding Dogs With Kidney Disease

Caring for dogs with kidney disease can be stressfull on the entire family. Encouraging them to eat is as crucial as keeping them on a diet for dogs with kidney problems, that supports, nourishes and comforts them. Feeding fresh low protein foods for dogs with kidney disease is not only appetising but also offers better hydration.

Renal diseases in dogs

The term Renal is an adjective, meaning “relating to the kidneys”. 

Kidney disease is a severe condition affecting humans and animals, including dogs. It occurs when the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, which can lead to a buildup of toxins and a range of health issues.

Common signs of kidney disease in dogs include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination and changes in urine colour or consistency 
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Swelling of bone structure, such as in a dog’s face

And in some dogs, these symptoms are not necessarily visible or are hard to detect. Therefore, regular veterinary check-ups, early detection, especially for senior dogs, and appropriate treatment are essential in managing kidney disease and ensuring your dog’s best possible quality of life.

Kidney disease can be acute or chronic, with acute kidney disease often reversible if caught early and treated promptly. 

Chronic kidney disease in dogs (CKD) is a prolonged condition that requires management of the disease with medication, supplements, regular vet visits and changes in your dog’s diet, depending on the stage of CKD. There are 4 stages in canine CKD and it is a progressive condition with no cure. The treatment focuses on managing symptoms, your dog’s diet to help slow down the disease progression and ensuring your pooch’s overall comfort. 

Acute kidney diseases in dogs, generally occur quickly, sometimes due to ingestion of toxic content. When treated immediately, there is a chance for recovery. And diet changes maybe temporary based on the veterinary doctor’s diagnosis. 

Cooked diet for dog’s with kidney problems

In canine nutrition, protein plays a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions and overall health. However, when a dog has been diagnosed with renal disease, reducing their protein intake can be beneficial. 

One of the primary reasons for reducing protein intake in dogs is to support their kidney health.  It helps ease the workload on the kidneys, thus slowing down the progression of the disease.

When feeding a dog with renal disease, it’s crucial to provide a diet that supports kidney function and overall health.

A cooked diet for dogs with kidney disease should typically have low protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels. And their meals are to be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. 

• Reducing the cooked animal protein in your dog’s meal from a standard 55% down to a 40% or even 30% in some cases, will be necessary. And always cook with high quality protein.
• Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content.
• Including a measured quantity of fish, fish oil or fish powder, regularly helps ensure their meals are supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds, that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD. 
• Natural sources of anti oxidants for dogs include turmeric, bell pepper, black pepper, coriander leaves, neem leaf powder, basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, dog safe berries and vegetables.
• In a fresh cooked diet for dogs with kidney disease, keeping sodium levels low is easier than with processed foods. Replace canned food for dogs with freshly cooked options. It is best to limit or avoid dairy products like cheese and curd, which are sodium rich foods.

Tips on feeding a low protein dog diet

• When you shift your pooch to a low protein diet, they are likely to loose weight. In this case, increasing their carbohydrates intake with rice, sweet potato, green peas can help with a few dogs. 
• In cases where the dog is allergic to grains, do consider a low carb diet for dogs with fibre rich vegetables to keep them feeling satiated. 
• Organ meats, are nutrient dense protein sources. While the intake of organ meats should be reduced, it still can be offered a few times a week. 
• Splitting their meals into 2-3 feeds is also recommended, to help reduce the work load on their digestive system.
• Keeping your canine companion hydrated during this phase is key. Bone broth a few times a week will also ensure overall health benefits. 

Other instances to consider a low protein dog diet 

Liver Function

Dogs with liver disease often require dietary adjustments to alleviate strain on the liver and aid in its recovery. Lowering protein intake can help reduce the liver’s workload, allowing it to function more efficiently and potentially improving liver health.

Weight Loss For Dog’s With Restricted Movement

In cases where as a pet parent you’ve been advised by your vet to reduce their weight, the ideal way to weight loss in dog’s would be to restrict their carbohydrate intake. However, in some cases, where the dog is a senior dog with less activities or your puppy is unable to lead a high activity lifestyle, low carb and low protein diet is recommended. 

It is best to work closely with your veterinary doctor, while feeding dog’s diagnosed with kidney disease. And the above article is intended as a basic guideline on a cooked diet for dog’s with renal disease. A low protein dog diet is not recommended for young and active dogs.