Kidney disease in a dog is a serious condition – for the owner, such a diagnosis often sounds like a sentence. However, there is no need to panic. Early detected and properly treated kidney disease in dogs means a long, quality life for our pet. Different types of medications are of course necessary, but the right diet for dogs with kidney failure or other kidney disorders will also play a key role.
What should a dog with kidney disease eat?
Diet plans depend to some extent on the condition, whether it is canine renal failure, nephritis, canine renal dysplasia or other. However, there are some common features of such a diet. In general, dogs with kidney disease should have a diet low in phosphorus, protein and sodium. To compensate for the lack of these components, the diet should be supplemented with fat and fibre. Vegetables and fruit are recommended for your dog.
It is also advisable to give your dog more water. It can be served not only in its pure form, but also in more attractive forms such as broth (stock without spices and salt) or jelly. You can also think about sprinkling normal meals with water.
It is worth supplementing the diet with salmon oil, which is rich in omega-3 acids. It has a soothing effect on inflammation and promotes regeneration processes. In order to remove phosphorus from the body faster, we use calcium carbonate, which can be administered, for example, in the form of eggshells.
Vegetables and fruit in the diet of dogs with kidney failure.
They are recommended and can play an important role in reducing phosphorus in the diet. However, it is important to consider which vegetables a dog can eat and which fruits a dog can eat. Some may be harmful and lead to poisoning. There are even some that cause kidney disease, such as grapes and sultanas. Pears, apples, carrots and tomatoes, for example, are recommended.
What should be particularly avoided in the diet of a dog with kidney disease?
Your dog’s kidneys are responsible for removing the by-products of protein metabolism. For this reason, products with a high protein content such as cheese, rawhides, dried treats and others should be avoided in your dog’s diet. Instead, high-quality and easily digestible proteins should be given. The same goes for salt. Products rich in this ingredient can lead to faster kidney damage, so foods such as cheese, bread, or commercial treats and foods with a high salt content should be avoided.
Ready-made foods for dogs with kidney problems.
In the shops we can find special foods for dogs with kidney disorders. This is a good alternative if you are unable to maintain a homemade diet. Depending on your dog’s needs and preferences, you can get both dry food and wet food for dogs with kidney failure. It’s worth looking at the composition to choose a food that is better suited to the condition. Popular, high-quality foods include Animonda Integra Protect Nieren, in wet or dry (grain-free) versions. Another manufacturer worth looking at is Trovet ASD Urinary Struvite wet and TROVET ASD Urinary Struvite dry, for dogs with kidney stones.
Renal failure dog – summary
It’s also worth remembering that dogs with these conditions may have a poor appetite. To avoid weight loss, it’s worth giving meals more often. When putting together a diet, it’s also essential to consult a vet. Reducing the content of individual potentially inadvisable ingredients may depend largely on the type and severity of the disease.
