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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 dog’s 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.

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In addition to seeking medical care for your dog’s 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 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 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 dog’s 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 dog’s kidney disorder and 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.

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. 

Dog with pale gums.
  • 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
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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, often found in turkey meat and dairy products, are hard on your dog’s 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 make homemade recipes that 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 dog’s kidneys. Filtered and distilled water is purer and free of many of these minerals and toxins that can be very 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, 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 dog’s 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
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Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Vet cleaning dog's teeth.

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 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 dog’s life.

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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. 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 dog’s 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 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. 

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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. 

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 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 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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10 thoughts on “Homemade Dog Food For Kidney Disease (Canine Renal Care)”

  1. 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!

    Reply
    • When the vet prescribes a phosphorous supplement it is usually a binder for the phosphates so they are not absorbed by the vet.. just make sure the amount is appropriate for the weight.

      I also read not to feed them eggs and so it may depend on the stage of kidney disease.
      My dog also has diabetes and this complicates her kidney condition.

      Reply
    • When the vet prescribes a phosphorous supplement it is usually a binder for the phosphates so they are not absorbed by the dog – just make sure the amount prescribed is appropriate for the weight.

      I also read not to feed them eggs and so it may depend on the stage of kidney disease.
      My dog also has diabetes and this complicates her kidney condition.

      Reply
  2. Just made this and our dog really likes this recipe. He is 20 pounds, so according to this guideline, is that half a cup of food per day or per feeding? If per feeding, how many feedings are recommended per day? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Typically, one would feed 1 cup per 10lbs per day. If you have a 10 pound dog then you would feed 1/2 cup 2x daily. If you feed 3 times daily, then you would feed 1/3 cup per feeding and so on. This is a good base diet, but there are several nutrients missing to provide a complete and balanced meal. I just lost my CKD baby after a 2 yr fight. This food thing can get crazy overwhelming and frustrating. Please do research. I did and I was able to keep my girl for 2 yrs longer than we were expecting. I wish you all the best on this journey.

      Reply
      • Can you elaborate on the “several nutrients missing to provide a complete and balanced meal?” Also, what do you think were the most important things you did to keep your girl fir s much longer than expected? Thanks in advance for your response.

        Reply
  3. My dog has an allergy to chicken. What other protein can be used? My vet said to try turkey but your article says turkey is high in protein.

    Reply
    • You can use beef, fish, pork, rabbit, and other wild game. ALL must be high quality meats. Check other sites or a pet nutritionist to get exact information that will help you give the best recipe for your dog.

      Reply

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