Leena Watts
Kidney disease is a common condition in dogs, and diet is a crucial factor in managing the progression of the disease. The two types of kidney disease in dogs are acute and chronic (CKD). Chronic kidney disease is the most common form of kidney disease in older dogs and is irreversible. A kidney diet for dogs aims to reduce the intake of certain minerals, like phosphorus, and to ensure adequate hydration. Veterinary therapeutic diets are designed to be palatable and calorie- and nutrient-dense, so dogs can eat less and still get the nutrition they need. Dogs with kidney disease may experience a loss of appetite and nausea, so it is important to encourage them to eat.
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What You'll Learn
The importance of hydration
Hydration is essential for dogs with kidney disease. Dogs with kidney issues may drink excessive water and urinate more frequently, which can lead to dehydration. It is therefore critical to provide an unlimited supply of fresh, clean water daily and encourage more water intake.
Veterinarians often recommend changing the pet's water several times a day and cleaning the water bowl daily. Canned pet food is also a good way to improve water intake as it is high in moisture. Wet foods are almost always better for dogs with kidney disease than dry foods.
Kidney support diets should also contain a lot of water. For example, you can add water, tuna juice, or low-sodium broth to the food to improve its flavour and palatability.
It is important to monitor sodium levels in kidney diets for dogs. Too much sodium increases the risk of dehydration and can cause high blood pressure, further straining the kidneys.
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Reducing phosphorus intake
Phosphorus content in the diet is linked to protein content, so reducing the amount of protein in the diet is a key way to lower phosphorus levels. However, dogs with kidney disease still need protein for muscle maintenance, immune function, and other vital jobs in the body. The goal is to feed just enough protein to meet a dog's needs, without overloading the kidneys with waste products to remove.
High-quality protein sources that are lower in phosphorus include egg whites and certain cuts of poultry. Plant-based sources of protein also tend to be lower in phosphorus than animal-based sources. However, even with high-quality protein sources like eggs, it is important to consider the overall nutritional balance of the diet, as feeding a lot of eggs might cause the dietary phosphorus level to be too high.
Commercial therapeutic diets for dogs with kidney disease are available as kibble, canned, and liquid diets. Canned food is a good option to improve water intake, as it is high in moisture. Prescription kidney diets produced by reputable dog food manufacturers are formulated to be safe for long-term feeding and have a positive effect on a dog's health.
Homemade kidney diets can be a good option for dogs who are struggling with food aversion or nausea, as they can be tailored to a dog's specific needs and tend to be more palatable. It is important to work closely with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist when planning a homemade diet to avoid nutrient deficiencies or excesses.
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Lowering protein consumption
Dogs with kidney disease require a diet with moderate or lower protein levels to reduce the kidney workload. While protein is necessary for dogs, excessive protein can cause a build-up of urea in the blood, which can be harmful. The goal is to feed just enough protein to meet a dog's needs for muscle maintenance, immune function, and other vital jobs.
There is no clear consensus on the precise level to which protein intake should be reduced for dogs with kidney failure. The degree of restriction varies from one dog to another, depending on individual health and the progression of the disease. The best indication of a need to reduce protein is elevated urea concentrations and other nitrogenous substances in test results.
High-quality protein sources that are lower in phosphorus, such as egg whites, are recommended. Plant-based sources of protein tend to be lower in phosphorus than animal-based sources. It is also important to ensure that the protein is highly digestible and supplies all the essential amino acids that dogs need.
Canned kidney support food can help improve water intake, which is crucial for dogs with kidney disease. It is also recommended to change the pet's water several times a day and clean the water bowl daily.
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Maintaining adequate nutrition
Dietary Adjustments
- Protein: While dogs with kidney disease require protein, it should be provided in moderate or lower amounts to reduce the kidneys' workload. High-quality, highly digestible proteins with all the essential amino acids are ideal, such as egg whites, certain cuts of poultry, and eggs.
- Phosphorus: Limiting phosphorus intake is essential to slowing kidney disease progression. Plant-based protein sources tend to be lower in phosphorus than animal-based sources.
- Sodium: Excessive sodium can lead to dehydration and further strain the kidneys.
- Hydration: Dogs with kidney disease struggle to maintain hydration, so ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water. Wet foods are often recommended over dry foods to increase water intake.
- Calorie Density: Due to reduced appetite and smaller portions, foods with higher calorie density can help maintain a stable body weight.
Commercial and Homemade Options
There are commercial therapeutic diets specifically formulated for dogs with kidney disease, available in kibble, canned, and liquid forms. These diets are designed to be palatable and nutritionally balanced. However, some dogs may benefit from homemade recipes tailored to their specific needs, formulated in collaboration with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist.
Supplements and Medication
Nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fermentable fiber, can be beneficial for dogs with kidney disease. Additionally, if your dog experiences nausea or vomiting, your veterinarian may prescribe medication to help manage these symptoms and improve their appetite.
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Commercial vs homemade diets
Commercial diets for dogs with kidney disease are formulated to be palatable, as it is important for dogs with kidney disease to eat adequately. They are also designed to be calorie- and nutrient-dense, so dogs can eat less and still get a lot of nutrition. Commercial therapeutic diets are also available as kibble, canned, and liquid diets.
Commercial 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 dog’s health. They are also formulated to deliver reduced or restricted levels of phosphorus, sodium, and protein. However, it can be hard to find this information on dog food labels or on pet food manufacturers’ websites.
Homemade kidney diets for dogs, on the other hand, can be tailored to your dog's specific needs. They can be a fantastic way to give your dog a specialized diet. These recipes often emphasize high-quality protein sources that are lower in phosphorus, such as egg whites and certain cuts of poultry. They also incorporate beneficial fats, controlled amounts of calcium, and a variety of non-toxic vegetables for added fiber and nutrients.
However, creating a tailored, balanced diet for a pet with kidney issues is no small feat, and even a minor oversight can exacerbate your pet's condition. Preparing meals from scratch daily or even weekly is also a significant time investment. It is also more challenging to maintain the right balance of nutrients, requiring regular vet consultations and potentially costly modifications.
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Frequently asked questions
A kidney diet for dogs is a diet that supports dogs with kidney disease. The diet typically includes restricted amounts of high-quality protein and phosphorus, increased levels of potassium and omega-3 fatty acids, and adequate hydration.
Foods that are high in phosphorus should be limited or avoided in a kidney diet for dogs. This includes organ meats, certain types of fish, dairy products, bones and bone meals, and whole grains.
A kidney diet for dogs can help to slow the progression of kidney disease, improve a dog's quality of life, and limit associated health issues. It can also help to improve a dog's hydration, increase their energy levels, and maintain their weight.
Kidney diets for dogs should be formulated to be palatable, as kidney disease can reduce a dog's appetite. Canned kidney support food can help improve water intake, and veterinarians can recommend flavour enhancers such as tuna juice or low-sodium broth.
