Nutritional diet for dogs with kidney diseases is considered to be the most crucial aspect of managing chronic kidney disease (CKD). With ranges of forms and shapes observed in kidney complications, this leads to different degrees of progression and severity to the affected dog. Unfortunately, drugs are only prescribed to reduce manifesting symptoms. Moreover, modification of the pet’s feeding is deemed effective in supporting kidneys and overall health.
How nutrition helps dogs with kidney diseases
Generally, there are four objectives when coping with kidney diseases in dogs.
- Slow the progression
- Reduce complications on mineral and fluid balance
- Sustain adequate nutrition
- Have control on its clinical signs related to accumulating waste products
Fortunately, all mentioned above are addressed through manipulating nutrition. In fact, commercial diets for CKD patients are manufactured and designed to achieve the said objectives. In fact, studies reveal an extension of dog kidney disease life expectancy with the practice of a diet designed for renal disease. In the course of the two-year study, data present 33 per cent of dogs consuming renal diet and 65 per cent of dogs consuming a maintenance diet died from renal failure.
What should I feed my dog with kidney failure? The most recommended diet for kidney diseases comprises of a moderately reduced protein, phosphorus, and sodium. Most importantly, the diet should be strictly low in phosphorus as this slows the progression of kidney complications. Additionally, the diet should be moderately supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids and potassium.
Protein levels
Provide your pooch with a diet containing less but adequate, higher quality of protein. The dietary management concerning protein levels arguably controversial. Some claim that the diet for dogs with kidney disease should not be given with feeding of low protein. This is an attempt to retain muscle mass and retain palatability in his diet. However, others argued that low-protein diets supplemented with other nutrients decrease afflicted morbidity as well as prolonged lifespan.
Furthermore, the reason behind reducing the protein intake is due to lower the volume of nitrogenous waste products that come from protein metabolism. Nitrogen should be eliminated from the body through the kidneys, which leads to the exertion of kidneys. With lowered protein levels comes a decline in nitrogen.
Phosphorus levels
Excessive intake of food with high concentrations on phosphorus is found to have a positive relation to the progression of kidney failure. Phosphorus is similar to nitrogen which is eliminated through the kidneys. In addition to that, phosphorus may also lead to a build-up of crystals and minerals in the kidney which encourages kidney deterioration. In fact, a study suggests that controlling phosphorus content is more fundamental than protein in a diet for dogs with kidney disease.
What foods are low in phosphorus for dogs? Consider giving the following fruits and vegetables low in phosphorus as treats for dogs with kidney disease:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Baby carrots
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Watermelon
- Zucchini
Foods that are known to have high phosphorus and protein are the following:
- Bully sticks
- Jerky treats
- Real bones
- Pig ear
Salt/Sodium levels
Salt or sodium helps regulates the body’s moisture balance and as such, considered as a necessary content in food ingredients. Though, as a general rule, too much salt is never beneficial for any individual.
In fact, research suggests that excessive sodium intake may put kidneys at risk. Salt or sodium poses a threat especially to dogs having kidneys in a weak condition. Unhealthy kidneys may not be able to effectively eliminate sodium from the sodium. That being said, it may contribute to a build-up of sodium in the kidneys leading to other complications such as systemic stress and fluid retention.
Other nutrients
What foods should a dog with kidney disease eat? A supplementation of increased amounts of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil is recommended for dogs with kidney disease.
Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the following:
- Protein ‘leaking’ through the kidneys
- Production of inflammatory compounds responsible for oxidative stress in diseased kidneys
- Glomerular capillary pressure and proteinuria
Consider setting a discussion with your vet about whether fish oil is one of the best options for your pooch as well as the specific brand and dosage appropriate for your pooch. Professional consultation is very important for affected dogs for the appropriate alterations on his diet. Note that regular diets are created to be acidifying, whereas diets for dogs with kidney disease should be non-acidifying. This is due to the fact that kidney patients often become too acidic.
Moreover, there are more dietary additions beneficial for dogs with kidney complications:
- Are eggs good for dogs with kidney disease? Eggs are proteins that are easy to digest. Egg whites are particularly recommended.
- Vitamin A helps lubricates the kidneys. It is important to follow the appropriate dosage prescribed by your vet.
- Vitamin C helps balance the pH levels of the blood. It contains a diuretic content that encourages the passing of liquids through the kidneys. Proper dosage should be strictly observed.
