Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon MVB MRCVS.
Canine renal disease is devasting for dogs. If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease, it is essential he receives careful medical attention throughout the rest of his life.
Kidney disease is not something that can be treated at home. You will need to see your vet for regular care. The vet will discuss the severity of your dog’s kidney disease and give you information on any medications he will need. With the right diet and medication plan, your dog can be kept comfortable and we may be able to prolong their lifespan and quality of life.
CLICK HERE: Access EXCLUSIVE coupons for our readers →In addition to seeking medical care for your dog’s condition, he will also need the best dog food. Some owners may choose a home-made diet over a commercially prepared food. It is important to always discuss this with your dog’s 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 dog’s plan is lacking in certain nutrients and could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Some owners will offer commercial renal diets while others will feed tailored fresh dog food meals. If neither option appeals, there are homemade dog food recipes that will help your dog manage their kidney disorder and can help ensure he lives a healthy life.
Your Dog’s 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 dog’s kidneys are also responsible for maintaining the water/salt ratio in the body. When sodium levels are off, Hypernatremia is the result [1]. This is a potentially life-threatening condition that results in a volume reduction in the brain. Kidney disease can lead to hypernatremia, which is why it is so critical this condition is treated by the vet.
What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Kidney problems can occur as acute or chronic. When kidney disease occurs, it can lead to kidney failure. Canine kidney disease is often caused by untreated high blood pressure. Ingesting toxins can cause acute kidney failure. It is important to find the cause right away so treatment can be administered.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?
It is important 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 any of the following are noticed, 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 dog’s 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 are hard on your dog’s kidneys. The amount of protein your dog can handle is fully dependent on his stage of kidney disease. In later stages, it is especially important to reduce protein consumption as much as possible. The protein must 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 make homemade dog food that is low in both protein and phosphorous for your dog’s health.
I am here to inform you of a special recipe you can use for feeding your dog a healthy kidney diet. 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 dog’s kidneys. Filtered and distilled water is purer and free of many of these chemicals that can be so harmful to your dog’s 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 dog’s kidneys. Sadly though, kidney damage is not reversible and kidney disease 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 dog’s kidneys.
Ensure any urinary issues, such as urinary tract infections or bladder stones, are treated promptly. Dogs prone to urinary disorders often benefit from prescription diets and supplements.
One of the preventative measures you must take is to make sure all chemicals are kept locked safely away.
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.
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 dog’s teeth clean and free of plaque and tartar is essential for protecting his kidney function.
You should brush Fido’s 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 dog’s 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 damage—know that one of the key causes of death in 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 dog’s life.
CLICK HERE: Access EXCLUSIVE coupons for our readers →Homemade 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. Making homemade dog food may, however, be your preference. 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 dog’s kidney disease. The canine nutritionist will likely recommend a 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 homemade dog food is very easy. First, make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. Ensure all the ingredients are chopped small. Stir all the ingredients together in a single bowl.
You will need to feed your dog 1/2 cup for every 20-25 pounds. 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. Always follow your vet’s 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.
Related articles:
- Homemade Dog Food For Senior Dogs
- Homemade Diet For Dogs With Pancreatitis
- Best Homemade Dog Food for Heart Disease
FAQ 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. Brown rice is also higher in fat than white rice, which is not advised for dogs who are obese or prone to pancreatitis.
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. Your vet will advise you of all the foods your dog can eat. Some owners choose to feed commercial dog food because it can contain hidden ingredients.
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 dog’s food. Warming food can help kickstart your dog’s 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 dog’s 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 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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In researching foods for kidney disease, some recommend animal organs. Are organs a good choice to add to kidney disease recipes?
Everything I read says to feed foods low in protein & phosphorus.
My vet said to feed my dog high quality protein such as chicken or eggs & your recipe includes both. How does that work with a low protein diet?
He put my dog on phosphorus supplements also but can taking phosphorus supplements be harmful when a low phosphorus diet is recommended?
This all gets very confusing!