Studies Show That Even With Their Kidney Function Reduced By 90% Dogs Do Better On Higher Protein Diets
Somewhat unsurprisingly, as meat eaters, studies show dogs thrive on high protein diets 33612-7/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> Robertson et al. 1986, Bovée 1991, Finco et al. 1994, Hansen et al. 1992, Laflamme et al. 2008). Moreover, their ability to process the protein is so efficient that before feeding them the high-dose protein diets, many of the studies authors cited above actually removed 75% of the kidney function in healthy dogs , to replicate chronic kidney failure. All these studies unequivocally prove that dogs with CKF can safely deal with and do better on higher protein diets than on low protein dog food.
renal function and biochemical responses to dietary changes were studied in four dogs with stable chronic renal failure. The objective was to determine if dogs with moderate stable failure adjust to diets with varied protein and electrolyte content. These dogs were found to have the capacity to adapt to a wide range of dietary protein and electrolyte intake. The only exception was found in dogs fed a reduced-protein diet, which failed to appropriately adjust renal tubular excretion of sodium and phosphate. The only advantage of reduced dietary protein in this study was a reduction in blood urea nitrogen . The disadvantages of reduced-protein diets were reduced glomerular filtration rate and renal plasma flow.
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Q: What Dog Food Has Low Phosphorus
Prescription dog food diets that have been specifically formulated for dogs with kidney and liver disease will have low levels of phosphorous. This will have been carefully balanced with the content of other minerals and with the low protein content.
It is now thought that the levels of phosphorous are just as important for supporting failing kidneys as the protein content.
Are Certain Breeds More Prone To Liver Disease
Certain breeds are more predisposed to liver diseases than others. For example, chronic hepatitis is common in Bedlington Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Skye Terriers, Standard Poodles, Springer Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Maltese, and several others. While the cause can be found in some cases, not all cases of canine hepatitis are understood.
Other conditions that may lead to chronic hepatitis include viral infections, exposure to poisons, and drug toxicity. Another liver disease, glycogen storage disease, is more common in German Shepherds and Curly Coated Retrievers.
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The Question Many Pet Parents Would Like To Know Is How Low Is Low
According to experts, any dry dog food that has a minimum crude protein content of 18 percent can be considered low-protein dog food. In our list of the best low-protein dog foods, you may have noticed that only 2 products, with the exception of Matties Treats, actually comply with the 18%-minimum requirement. The thing is that there is now a paradigm shift in the management of kidney problems in dogs.
Many vets today focus more on phosphorus levels rather than on the amount of protein in a dogs diet. This paradigm shift is based on the observation that dogs with mild to moderate kidney impairments fared better when their intake of phosphorus was restricted.
However, if your dog has already been diagnosed with severe kidney problem, sufficiently high levels of protein in the urine , abnormally high levels of blood urea nitrogen , or even hepatic encephalopathy which is the accumulation of nitrogenous wastes in the brain, then low-protein diet is a must.
How Does Low Protein Dog Food Work
Low protein dog food has a lower percentage of protein than the average commercial dog food. It is designed for dogs with health problems related to protein metabolisms, such as renal disease, liver disease, and pancreatitis. Low protein dog food is also recommended for older dogs because their ability to digest and use proteins diminishes as they age.
Some low protein dog foods are also grain-free, benefiting dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grains. However, its important to note that not all low-protein foods are grain-free some contain corn or other grains as their main carbohydrate source.
Low protein dog food is food that has a low protein content. This means that the food contains a lower percentage of protein than most other foods. Therefore, foods considered low protein dog foods typically contain less protein. There are a few different reasons why someone might choose to feed their dog a low protein diet, including if the dog has health problems such as kidney disease, liver disease, or diabetes. Additionally, some people believe that feeding their dog a low protein diet can help to extend their life span.
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How Is Diabetes In Dogs Treated
Most often, diabetic dogs will require regular blood testing and insulin injections to remain healthy. This will ensure that your dogs blood contains enough insulin to properly process the glucose present.
Dont worry: These procedures are easier than they sound, and your vet will help teach you how to do them safely.
Some dogs can get by with oral medications, which are obviously easier to administer.
Your vet will probably also encourage you to ensure your pup remains active, as exercise can provide important benefits for diabetic dogs.
The amount of exercise youll need to provide your pet with will vary from one dog to the next. Some may only need regular walks around the neighborhood, while others will require more intense exercise to remain healthy.
Top 7 Low Protein Dog Food
Here we willow-protein top 6 brands of low protein dog food.
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Diabetes & Your Dogs Diet
Your dogs diet may require some tweaking upon receiving a diagnosis of diabetes.
It will be important to monitor his caloric intake carefully, and many vets will recommend a low-carb, high-fiber food.
Dr. Jeff Werber, chief veterinarian of the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, California, recommends that owners pick a food that has 20 25% carbohydrate content on a dry matter basis.
This will help prevent blood sugar spikes, which is imperative when caring for a diabetic pooch. Foods that do not trigger a blood sugar spike are said to have a low glycemic index.
High fiber content also helps in this regard, as it reduces the rate at which glucose is released into the blood stream. It also takes up space in the digestive tract, making your pooch feel full for longer.
There are a few prescription diets made for diabetic dogs, but many diabetic dogs will be fine with a regular, high-quality dog food. Youll need to discuss the issue with your vet to know for sure.
Why Dogs Might Need A Low Protein Diet
As we mentioned at the start of this review, protein is an essential part of a dogs diet its an essential part of any living beings diet, as a matter of fact. Thats because protein is a building block for various essential components of the body, such as muscles. However, while protein is an important nutrient, some dogs have difficulty processing it.
When protein is digested, it produces waste products, which need to be processed and excreted by other organs, like the liver and kidneys. If these organs cannot properly process and remove the byproducts that are created by protein, a dogs health can suffer. Canines that suffer from liver or renal failure are often prescribed a low protein diet.
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What Should Consumers Look For In A Low Protein Dog Food
If your dog has a chronic medical condition, its important to talk to your vet before introducing any new food into their diet. Often times, a prescription dog food is recommended to effectively treat their condition and support their overall health. Prescription veterinary diets intended for the health condition for which the low protein food is needed are the best options available, says Brooks.
But if your vet gives you the green light to shop for dog food thats low in protein on your own, its important to know what to look for on the label.
Low protein dog food, as it is typically needed for management of kidney and liver disease, should also have added omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C in it, says Brooks. These help decrease the amount of free radicals and inflammation within the body and affected organs, and can improve quality of life.
Aside from these characteristics, you should look for a dog food made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients. The more natural your dogs food, the more digestible it will be and the more nutrients his body will absorb. A dog food loaded with fillers and artificial additives simply wont provide the quality nutrition your dog deserves.
What To Look For In A Low Protein Dog Food
If you are looking for a low-protein dog food, there are a few things you should look for:
- First, make sure that the food is made with high-quality ingredients.
- You should also look for a food that is grain-free and has no artificial flavors or colors.
- Look for a food with a protein content of around 20% or less if your vet hasnt given you a specific recommendation.
- The fat content should be 12% or less.
- The food should have 360 calories or less per cup.
- Check the ingredient list to make sure that the first few ingredients are meat, poultry, or fish.
- Avoid foods with fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy.
- Finally, make sure that the food is appropriate for your dogs specific needs. If you are unsure about what food is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.
Now that you know a little bit more about low protein dog food, you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for your dog.
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Things To Consider When Buying Low Protein Dog Food
Quality
Always read the ingredient list. Good quality is better than quantity, especially since your dog will be having limited protein in his diet. As you reduce his protein intake, the selected protein must be of high quality.
Phosphorus Level
The high levels of phosphorus are known to cause serious complications in dogs that are suffering from a variety of ailments such as liver disease, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease.
Always check whether your choice of low-protein dog food contains omega 3, B-complex vitamins, amino acids, as well as antioxidants because these nutrients compensate for the low levels of phosphorus in the blood.
Age Appropriateness
Make an extra note to see if the food is appropriate for your dog’s age. It would be such a terrible mistake to give your pup dry dog food or canned food that is not intended for his life stage.
Amount of Protein
Dietary guidance states canine meals should contain 18% of protein. When your dog has no health problems that need fewer proteins, a non-prescription diet may provide a suitable solution.
Animals at high risk for kidney disease or renal failure may require a prescription dog food that has fewer proteins. Veterinary low-protein diets may contain as little as 10% of total protein.
Choosing the appropriate formula assures that low-protein diets are veterinarian-approved. Wet foods have a low nutrient percentage because they contain high moisture. Wet food low protein formulas contain about 4% crude protein.
Hills Prescription Diet K/d Kidney Care With Chicken Dry Dog Food
Dogs damaged kidneys are a common problem as they age and can lead to further kidney function loss.
If your dog is showing signs of damaged kidneys, its important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, this damage can worsen and lead to other health problems.
Hills Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Dog Food is a clinically proven nutrition that can help improve your pets kidney health and extend their life. This food has been specifically designed for dogs with renal failure or early-stage kidney disease and has improved the quality of life in 85% of cases.
Key Features:
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How Should Consumers Choose A Low Protein Dog Food
When looking for low-protein dog food, consumers should look for a food that is specifically labeled as low protein. Foods that are lower in protein are typically made with fewer animal-based ingredients and are therefore not as nutrient-rich as those containing more protein.
Additionally, consumers should look for food that has been certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials as being complete and balanced for all life stages. This means that the food has been tested and proven to meet all of the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages.
What Is Low Protein Dog Food
First, lets cover how this particular kind of dog food is categorized.
Normal dog food usually has at least 25 percent dietary protein on a dry matter basis, Brooks says. Low protein dog food is basically dog food that has lower protein content in it than standard adult dog food.
How much lower? Usually less than 20 percent dietary protein on a dry matter basis, says Brooks.
When evaluating the protein content of dog food, its important to know the difference between the as fed value you see listed on the guaranteed analysis and the dry matter basis mentioned by Brooks. If you want to make a direct comparison between two different products, the most accurate way to do it is to use the dry matter protein content.
The guaranteed analysis on a dog food label lists the values for crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber on an as fed basis, which includes the moisture in the product. To determine the dry matter value for these nutrients, you have to remove the moisturethe simplest way to do it is to use a dry matter calculator like this one from PawDiet.
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Justfoodfordogs Veterinary Diet Hepatic Support Low Fat Fresh Frozen Dog Food
Founded in 2010 by a team of veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists, JustFoodForDogs features fresh-frozen human grade ingredients in all of its foods. Its hepatic support formula is low in fat and contains about 17% protein, low amounts of copper, and very little sodium, as well as the antioxidants DHA and EPA. The company also offers a renal support option for dogs with kidney disease, which contains about 13% protein and low amounts of sodium and phosphorus. You can order the food directly from the manufacturer or through Petco, Chewy.com or Pet Food Express.
Hills Prescription Diet Heart Care
This chicken flavor dry food by Hills Prescription Diet is specially formulated by nutritionists and vets to support canine heart health in adult dogs of all sizes. The low sodium content helps to maintain normal blood pressure and minimize fluid retention.
It also has clinically proven nutrients and antioxidants like taurine and L-carnitine that support heart health and a strong immune system. It also has appropriate protein and phosphorus levels to help protect vital kidney function.
The product is available to buy in 8 kg and 12 kg bags and reviews are overwhelmingly positive. Although, some buyers say its not great for fussy eaters. It also contains soy, which some dogs are allergic to.
Pros
Another prescription item, Royal Canins early cardiac dry food is designed for adult dogs of all sizes in the early stages of heart disease or failure. It is nutritionally complete and balanced as well as low in sodium and contains key Omega-3 fatty acids from DHA and EPA, plus taurine and L-carnitine.
The food is chicken flavor and highly palatable and digestible, which is great for fussy eaters and sensitive stomachs. The preservation process is done naturally using tocopherols to preserve taste, and nutrients, and boost the immune system.
It comes in 7.7 lb and 17.6 lb bags and has almost no negative reviews. The brand has over 50 years of experience in making outstanding pet health products, and this food is no exception.
Pros
- It is expensive
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Are There Any Side Effects From Switching To Low
Yes, there are, because protein is one of the essential macronutrients in a dog’s diet. Hence, decreasing the amount of protein in the foods that they eat can cause health complications. It would be best not to use such a diet unless recommended by your veterinarian.
Choosing the cheapest low-protein pet food is a personal decision based on your dog and his specific needs, which are evaluated by your vet. Low protein diets have been shown to weaken the immune system, cause muscle loss, and weight loss. However, there are low-protein dog foods that are also packed with nutrients that help compensate for the effects of reduced protein.
Unfortunately, for dogs with kidney and liver disease, staying on low-protein dog food is necessary to prevent further damage to the affected organ, and ultimately prolong one’s life.
What Is The Best Dog Food Kidney Disease
Iâm sorry if Iâve confused you. My sympathies go out to you! Even yet, it is one of the most important decisions youâll ever make. If youre still unsure which type of best dog food kidney disease is best for you, I recommend comparing the characteristics and functionalities of the best dog food kidney disease listed above. Each has advantages and disadvantages.
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