Talk To Your Vet Before Introducing Low
While kidney disease is not curable, you can slow down the progression of the disease in a few ways. One of these ways is to put your dog on a low phosphorus diet.
However, before you change your pets food, be sure to chat to your vet, who will be able to give you advice according to the severity of your pets disease.
Pets also tend to react negatively to sudden changes in diet, so any change to your dogs diet must be done so gradually.
Have you transitioned your pet onto low phosphorus dog food? Wed love to know more about your experience. Let us know in the comments below.
My Dog Wont Eat Renal Food
It is normal and quite common for an ill dog to lose interest in food. That is why you need to make its diet more palatable. Here a few tricks:
- Go for raw. Raw dog foods are literally devoid of added salt and retain most of its juicy goodness. If you buy commercially prepared ones, do check the ingredients list to ensure it is low in phosphorus.
- Change the temperature of the food. Some like it hot, some like it cold.
- Mix in a sprinkle of natural flavour enhancers. It can be green tripe or anything that is a safe ingredient which your dog loves. Tripe stinks for humans but smells sublime to dogs. Be sure that the ingredient is low in phosphorus and carbohydrate content.
- Wet the food. Add a dribble of warm meat broth or liquid fish oil to your dogs food.
- Be resilient. Some dogs are geniuses at manipulating their owners. Their tactic: If I dont eat this, my owner will give me something yummier. You have to stand your ground if you want to win the war of wills against your dog. Some dog owners testify to this. Their dogs eventually give in to their new diet after the first 1 or 2 days of rejecting the food.
However, you should never scold your dog to make it eat. This can stress them out. Through enticement and praise, you can persuade and help them to regain their appetite.
Feeding tubes would be the last resort. The worst thing that can happen and cause a dogs condition to go downhill is the dog not eating.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support A Dry Dog Food
Buy at AmazonBuy at Petco
The A in this food option stands for aromatic. The goal of this food is to help stimulate your dogs senses and help with their appetite.
Highlights:
- Nutrient-dense food packs a punch with smaller portions, which might help if your dog is suffering from a decreased appetite due to kidney issues
- A veterinarian-approved combination of fish oil, low phosphorus, and targeted protein levels help support overall kidney function
Things to Consider:
- As a prescription diet, you will need veterinarian approval to purchase
- There are multiple versions of the Royal Canin Renal Food for dogs, differentiated by letters. Make sure to pay attention when ordering to avoid choosing the wrong food for your dog.
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Vet Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes For Kidney Disease
A friend of mine is a huge dog lover. She has always had a dog . Practically, she was born with them, and she knows a great deal about all the topics concerning a dogs health, nutrition, training almost everything.
So, she is my emergency call person when it comes to any issue that bothers me about my pooch. If she says that my dog needs a vet, he really does. Thats what happened the other day when I came home with a whole book of vet approved homemade dog food recipes for kidney disease.
I noticed earlier that my doggie was not the same. He was not in the mood at all. He had just been dragging himself around, drinking enormous amounts of water, and always being thirsty.
Of course, after that much water, he had been peeing a lot. Besides urination, there was occasional diarrhea, especially at night. I was aware that he was no longer the healthy dog he used to be.
So, the first thing I could think of was to call my friend and ask for advice. I had described to her all the symptoms that I noticed. She said it was probably some kind of renal failure.
And, she was right. As a responsible dog owner, she first told me to make an appointment at the veterinary station. I took my dog for an examination, and the vet confirmed it was renal disease. I was shocked and terrified.
To Grain Or Not To Grain: Do Dogs Need Grain
Many limited ingredient diets are also grain-free and gluten-free. This is because grains like wheat and corn are commonly associated with allergies in pets.
Grain-free diets are thus gentler on the digestive system of your pet and are unlikely to cause any adverse reactions.
That said, the FDA is currently investigating a link between grain-free pet foods and dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in pets. If you decide to include grains in your dogs diet, opt for whole-grain options like rice and barley.
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Best Low Phosphorus Dog Foods In 2022
This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our linksRead our review guidelines
This is our review of the best low phosphorus dog food in 2022.
Phosphorus is an essential mineral in canine diets. But high phosphorus levels in dog food can be troublesome for pups with kidney issues.
Most safe low phosphorus formulas are prescription diets, requiring authorization from a veterinarian. These recipes are not suitable for puppies, as deficiencies of this mineral can cause skeletal problems.
Im a vet tech who researched the best low phosphorus dog foods to help you find a safe diet for your special needs pup.
My top pick for the best overall food for dogs on low phosphorus diets is Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support Dog Food.
But some dogs with kidney disease have additional special needs. So Ive reviewed ten of the best low phosphorus recipes for every dog.
Lets get started!
How Much Phosphorus Should Be In Dog Food
Animals may consume 22 daily recommended intakes per year on average. Every day, the person consumes about 25 milligrams of phosphorus per kilogram of body weight. The basic minimum amount of grain in food for young dogs and small breed dogs is 0. 6% and 1. When it comes to the amount of phosphorus in the water, 3.0% belongs to our country. Between 0 and 0 is needed for large, bigger breeds, like Labs. An estimated 7% to 1% of people engage in physical activity, while 2% are sedentary.
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How Can I Improve My Dog’s Kidney Function
- Maintain good circulation and hydration
- Feed the right food
- Microbiome is important!
A recent scientific study reports that 70% to 80% of all illness begins in the gastrointestinal tract! discover why this supplement is essential for your dogs Microbiome and overall health.
Read our review on: The Best Probiotics for Dogs in 2022!
Things To Consider When Selecting Low Phosphorus Dog Food
Very few dog food brands offer pet food with safe phosphorus levels for kidney health management.
Because of the potential risks of phosphorus deficiencies, be sure to consider these factors when selecting the best diet for your pup.
Phosphorus Content
Most dry dog foods have a phosphorus content of around 2%. This meets the nutrient requirements of an average healthy dog but may be harmful for pups with reduced kidney function.
Most kidney care dog foods have a phosphorus content of less than 1%. A 0.6% phosphorus content is ideal for most dogs with kidney conditions.
High-Quality Protein Source
High protein content can also be detrimental to kidney health. But your dog needs adequate levels of amino acids to support his muscle health.
Real meat may not be the first ingredient, but look for a kidney care formula containing high-quality animal protein like whole chicken.
Your veterinarian may recommend lower protein diets depending on the severity of your dogs kidney condition. These diets are generally always prescription formulas that require veterinary authorization.
Low Phosphorus Proteins
Although animal proteins should provide the omnivorous canine diet foundation, many meats have a high phosphorus content. Examples of proteins with a high phosphorus content include premium meats like beef and liver.
Potassium
Not all minerals harm kidney health. Adequate levels of potassium are vital to renal function. And low levels may contribute to kidney failure.
Calcium
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Useful Tips For A Quality Life With Kidney Disease
Provide your dog with clear and filtered water, and be sure it does not contain any toxins. Water from your tap is not always chemically correct.
A kidney diet often requires a lot of water because your dog is often thirsty. It is recommended to purchase a slow water feeder. You can find this in your local pet shop or online.
It is recommended to feed your dog with his homemade diet in several smaller portions during the day. Combine this with a lot of exercise to get the best results in kidney function.
Do not forget to include supplements in pet food kibble. A Prescription diet for kidney failure does not cover all the nutritional needs of a dog. No matter how much of a high-quality, homemade meal you make, your doggo still needs a few more vitamins and minerals.
Senior dogs with kidney failure need meat that contains a lot of fat. Their kidney diet should be a low protein diet. This means you should use ground meat with less protein and more fat.
If you are often short on time, it is good to prepare meals in advance. Make bigger amounts of food, and separate it into portions. Put the portions in the freezer, and take them out when you need them.
Invest in a kitchen scale. This is an essential thing for cooking homemade recipes. There are a lot of choices online, on sites such as Amazon, along with going to your local supermarket.
How These Low Phosphors Diets Can Help
These special diets are not so old in the pet food industry. Previously, lower phosphorus intake was achieved by limiting protein and other useful nutrients. This, of course, was not expedient.
Today, more and more solutions are being developed to treat kidney disease. The goal of good low-phosphorus dog food is to provide the right amount and quality of protein and fatty acid in addition to the level of phosphorus in question.
A solution may be to use certain ingredients that offset the phosphorus in the diet. But there are meats and other sources of protein that prove to be a low-phosphorus alternative. Thus, all dietary requirements are met for a dog with kidney disease.
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Natural Balance Original Ultra Reduced
- Key Feature: Weight Control, With Grain
Reasons to suggest
- Natural Balance Ultra Original Canned Dog Food has a low phosphorus content of only 0.25% and the protein level also stays at around 8%.
- Contains real fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, cranberries, seaweed, and spinach, which provide many important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, which will help regulate your pets digestive system. Salmon contains powerful omega fats and additional vitamins.
- One of our biggest problems with Natural Balance Original is that the can doesnt have an easy lifting mechanism, so youre forced to use a can opener.
- The food inside the can is very mushy and requires effort to remove. Also, leave your dog with bad breath.
Should I Change The Treats I Give A Dog With Kidney Disease
Yes.
Dogs with kidney disease are often fat and have high cholesterol, but your dog can still enjoy a few treats every now and then.
Just keep the amount at a minimum, and make sure to observe which treat youre considering feeding for signs of any issues like inflammation or vomiting. If theres no concern, there should be nothing wrong with treating them from time to time!
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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support For Dogs
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support is both low in phosphorus and has a controlled amount of protein. Although the minerals in this food are restricted to reduce interference with the disease, the food is nutritious and healthy for dogs with kidney disease. Water can be added to the dry food, enhancing the smell and providing additional hydration.
Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Jump to RecipeMy easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs
***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian’s careful supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when considering transitioning to a 100% human-grade food diet for your pup. This post was updated with video August 16, 2020, updated with additional recipe links 9/14/2020, updated 1/7/2021 with metric measurements, updated 1/3/2022 with recipe links for hydrating meals.***
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Daves Pet Food Restricted Bland Chicken And Rice Canned Dog Food
Buy at Amazon
This low-phosphorus dog food was made with your dogs ultimate digestion needs in mind, with a real focus on sensitivities and allergies. This is a good non-prescription option, but you should speak to your veterinarian if youre interested in trying this food.
Highlights
- Single-source of animal proteinreal chickenand easily-digestible rice should help satiate even the most sensitive stomach
- Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to provide a balanced diet, while still excluding artificial flavors and colors, wheat, and wheat-gluten
- You dont need veterinarian approval to order this food
What to consider:
- The bland taste might not be for every dog
Why Is Calcium Important For Dogs With Kidney Disease
Unfortunately, calcium is more than just an essential mineral for humans. Its also necessary for dogs with kidney disease. Calcium is used to control the acid-base balance in a dogs blood by entering cells that store bicarbonate and helping neutralize these acids.
This assistance allows hydrogen ions to exit the cell. They would otherwise accumulate and produce too much acidity inside the cell .
In short, low calcium levels put tremendous stress on your dogs kidneys since they have to work harder without it, which can lead to their health being negatively impacted.
With this in mind, it becomes imperative that you ensure adequate intake of dietary calcium from food or supplementsnow more than
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Chronic Kidney Disease Diet Checklist
The button above will take you to a list of foods that tick these boxes but the list is not exhaustive so you may also want to ask your favourite dog food manufacturers if they have something that would also fit the bill.
Why You Should Trust Me
Whether youre experienced in dog and other pet topics or not, Im sure youre in the right place. I do my best to provide the best and most reliable information possible to my readers.My name is Peter Laskay, and I have been a pet lover since I was a child. One of the most important places in my life is to gain as much knowledge as possible about pet care. And I want to pass this knowledge on to my blog visitors.Should you have any questions at any time, feel free to contact me using the contact information on the website.
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The Best Low Phosphorus Dog Foods Faqs
How can I tell if dog food is low phosphorus?
Most dog foods labeled kidney support will be low in phosphorus and calcium. The best way to know is to read the label and get the exact percentages.
What is considered low phosphorus in dog food?
If a food has less than 1% phosphorus, it can be considered low phosphorus. Ideally, it should also have less than 1% calcium.
What percentage is considered low phosphorus in dog food?
Its important to know how to calculate the amount of phosphorus a dog needs.
A dog whos growing needs a diet that is 1.0% to 1.8% calcium and 0.8% to 1.6% phosphorus. Once your dog reaches early adulthood, that ratio should drop to 0.8% to 1.5% calcium and 0.6% to 1.2% phosphorus.
For an adult dog, the ratio should be 0.5% to 0.9% calcium and 0.4% to 0.8% phosphorus. For older dogs and dogs with kidney conditions, the ratios should be even lower.
Which foods contain the least amount of phosphorus?
If youre wondering how to calculate the levels of phosphorus, just read the ingredients. These foods list the levels of phosphorus, calcium, and protein on their labels.
What foods should a dog with kidney disease eat?
A dog with kidney disease should avoid high-protein foods and foods high in phosphorus. Avoid giving your dog organ meats, dairy products, bones, and processed meats.
How can I lower my dogs phosphorus levels?
Is Green Tripe Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease
Green tripe is the raw, unprocessed stomachs of cud-chewing animals like cows, goats or sheep. Supermarket tripe is white because it has been bleached and deodorized, which destroys fragile nutrients.
Green tripe contains easily digestible protein, beneficial bacteria, abundant enzymes, and relatively low phosphorus levels. Its rich chlorophyll content is good for detoxifying your dogs blood and lymph systems.
When the lymphatic system is free of toxins, dogs enjoy stronger immune responses to invading pathogens and increased energy due to lymph fluid promoting absorption of digested fats in the intestines.
Raw green tripe is considered by veterinarians and canine experts to be one of the most nutritional foods available for dogs. It contains the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 , proteins, fats and an ideal phosphorus to calcium ratio necessary to facilitate absorption of either nutrient.
Never cook raw green tripe. Heating tripe will destroy the beneficial digestive enzymes found in tripe.
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