How Do You Feed Dogs With Liver Disease
The best way to feed your dog is to give it frequent small meals. The digestive system and liver can cope better with smaller amounts of food.
You can mix dry and wet food if your dog with liver problems loses appetite. However, if this does not work, bringing the dog to the veterinarian is in his/her best interests.
Maintaining Proper Mineral And Vitamin Levels
Diagnosing & Treating Kidney Disease In Dogs
Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination for your dog if a serious illness is suspected. If your pooch is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, the severity of your dog’s case and a number of individual factors such as their health and age will be assessed before the vet recommends appropriate treatment. Treatment for kidney disease often includes a number of dietary changes or restrictions, combined with medications. While medications are used primarily to reduce symptoms of the disease, a therapeutic diet will help slow the progression of the disease and help to reduce the work your dog’s kidneys need to perform.
Also Check: Can You Buy Freeze Dried Food With Food Stamps
Dog With Renal Disease Refusing To Eat
Loss of appetite is a very common symptom and side effect of kidney disease, but it important for your dogs health to make sure they are eating enough per day.
Dogs with kidney disease who refuse to eat are probably feeling nauseous. Changing up the food is an option, but it might be that they need to have some IV fluids at the vets to filter out the excess waste products which are causing the nausea, or they might need an anti-emetic to reduce the nausea.
If your dog is refusing to eat, or is continuing to eat a worryingly low amount of food, it is recommended that you speak to your vet first, just to make sure that there is no medical reason for this. They may also be able to offer some advice on how to encourage your dog to eat, as well as some kinds of food they may like.
Changing what kind of food you give your dog suddenly could be the reason for why they are not eating, so it is advised to transition them to a renal pet food over the course of a few days . If your dog doesnt like the taste of the food, you can try out different brands and flavours of renal dog food, or even add tasty low-sodium treats such as fish oil.
Some animals even like the change-up in foods, with their appetite changing per day. You wouldnt like to eat the same food every day, so make sure you have different options for food ready in case your dog turns its nose up at their usual food.
Choosing The Right Food For Your Dog
Your dog’s vet will recommend the best food to help your pooch fight the progression of kidney failure or disease. Like people, every dog is different and the food your vet recommends for your dog will depend on the severity and progression of the condition, in addition to your dog’s general health and age.
Most store-bought dog foods likely contain phosphorus and protein levels that are too high for dogs with chronic kidney disease. That said, your vet may be able to offer prescription therapeutic foods. Specially formulated prescription diets are designed to meet all your dog’s dietary requirements while also offering restricted sodium, phosphorus and protein. Speak to your vet about which food is best for your dog.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Read Also: Can I Get Dog Food With Food Stamps
What Breeds Are More Prone To Kidney Failures
According to a recent study, purebred canines are more prone to chronic renal failure than crossbred brethren. They account for more than 83% of all cases of renal failure.
Based on the study, the breeds most susceptible to kidney failure are:
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Rottweiler
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Here is a list of common genetic kidney problems among breeds that can lead to renal failure by the age of 5.
Characteristics Of Foods For Dogs With Kidney Disease
There are a couple of key guidelines to keep in mind when finding food for a dog with kidney issues. Keep in mind that all foods designed to treat kidney disease that are currently on the market require veterinary authorization.
Here are a couple of characteristics of foods for dogs with kidney disease.
- Theyre typically lower in protein. These foods are usually lower in protein content which reduces the strain on the kidneys, which must filter out protein waste products. This can help preserve kidney function and prevent further damage. The recommended protein range for dogs with kidney disease is less than or equal to 14 to 20 percent on a dry-matter basis.
- Kidney-supporting foods feature reduced salt content. Sodium and salt levels are reduced in foods specialized for kidney issues as this reduces the workload on the kidneys. In addition, it can help affected doggos maintain a reasonable blood pressure level.
- Kidney-supporting foods feature reduced phosphorus. Though its reasoning is unclear, limiting the amount of phosphorus along with protein in a dogs diet can help delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. The recommended phosphorus content for dogs suffering kidney disease is somewhere between 0.2 and 0.5 percent on a dry-matter basis.
- The best kidney-friendly foods contain plenty of omega-3s. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation which can ease the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Recommended Reading: How To Soften Dog Food
Q: What Should I Expect If My Dog Has Kidney Disease
A: While your dog can live a long and good life with kidney disease, it doesnt come without certain problems. You will most definitely have to change your pets lifestyle, including her food and water consumption. However, you should also expect a different mood and behavior from your furry friend dogs with kidney disease often have a poor appetite and may feel tired and lethargic. For this reason, to help your dog keep his weight on and maintain his muscle mass and energy levels, consider spicing up his food .
What To Avoid When Choosing Dog Food For Kidney Disease
The kidneys have to work hard to filter a lot of things out of the blood, so some ingredients from your dogs diet need to be considerably reduced. You dont want your pet to ingest foods with toxins or additives.
You also dont want too much protein content, as this can be harmful to dogs with CKD. However, too little protein can upset your dogs overall health.
Talk with your vet about the perfect amount of protein for your canine, as this will differ from dog to dog.
Avoid feeding your dog high-protein treats, like meat, jerky, rawhides, chews, pig ears, and cheese.
Similarly, you should avoid treats with high sodium levels. This includes cheese and deli meats. Many types of commercial dog treats will be pretty high in sodium, so be sure to check.
High sodium diets can increase a dogs blood pressure, similar to people. High blood pressure can damage the kidneys. If your dogs kidneys are already damaged, high blood pressure is essential to avoid.
Also Check: How To Soften Dog Food Quickly
Can I Give Homemade Dog Treats To My Dog With Kidney Disease
Just because your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease doesnt mean you should stop rewarding or treating your dog. Avoid treats that contain high levels of phosphorus, protein, and sodium, so dont feed your dog things like cheese, dry meat, or bread. The best treats are natural vegetables and fruits but avoid grapes, raisins, garlic, and onion.
What Is Kidney Disease And Renal Failure
Kidneys are the two bean-shaped vital organs that have the primary tasks of taking waste out of your blood, balancing your body fluids, and making urine. In this manner, kidneys act as your bodys filter. Kidney disease occurs when kidneys have damage and cannot filter blood correctly. Over time, the damage accumulates and causes waste to build-up in the body, which can cause additional health problems, and eventually lead to kidney failure. In dogs, the kidneys use about 20 percent of their hearts blood to operate. Unlike the liver, kidneys cannot rejuvenate. Some other functions of the kidneys in the body are:
- Balancing the water level
- Regulating the red blood cells
- Regulating the acid level
Some causes of kidney problems, especially in acute kidney disease, are easy to diagnose and treat. The onset of CKD is slower, making the causes harder to diagnose and treat. Causes of acute kidney disease in dogs are the result of eating some type of toxins such as poisonous plants, antifreeze, certain medicines, or bad foods. Accidental ingestion of pesticides or the chemicals we use to rid our houses of pests is one of the top causes of acute kidney failure. Even natural human supplements, such as vitamin D, a supplement people take to help with a lack of sunshine can be very poisonous to your dogs organs.
These breeds are more predisposed to kidney disease and failure:
- Samoyed
- English Cocker Spaniel
Also Check: How To Soften Dog Food For Puppies
How Can I Convert My Dog To A Diet Supportive Of The Kidneys
Your pet dog should not feel any clear change in the diet, so the change should be gradual as follows:
First, add a little new kidney support with your dogs regular or wet food and serve it to your dog.
After that, gradually increase the required amount of the new food and continue in this manner for days until you find that your pet dog has begun to get used to this diet, and you can also add more small pieces of fish or fish oil so that the dog is comfortable with the food.
BEST DOG FOOD FOR DOGS WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
- Maximum fiber: 7%
The Doctors Opinion For Your Dogs Health
According to animal health specialists, dogs develop acute renal failure that arises as a result of ingesting toxins, including antifreeze, certain medications, tainted foods, stress, high blood pressure, kidney trauma, kidneys stones, etc.
Other conditions attributed to this type of kidney failure include decreased blood flow or oxygen delivery to the kidneys, infections and urinary obstruction. A dog with acute renal failure should receive intravenous fluids under the care of animal health specialist in early stages to prevent progression to chronic failure.
While some kidney problems have an immediate cause that can be treated, chronic kidney disease shows up over a period of time and it causes are harder to determine. This condition develops slowly and affects mostly other dogs.
Recommended Reading: How Long Does Dry Dog Food Stay Fresh Once Opened
Manipulating A Patients Diet Can Slow The Progression Of Ckd In Dogs Minimize Uremic Symptoms And Improve Quality Of Life
Dr. Angela Witzel Rollins performed her DVM, PhD, and residency training at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Witzel is a Diplomate and former President and Chair of the Board for the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Nutrition at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Medical Center. Her areas of research interest include adipose hormones, body composition, and obesity management.
Nutrition is arguably the most important aspect of chronic kidney disease management. Manipulating the composition of a patients diet can slow the progression of CKD, minimize uremic symptoms, and improve quality of life.
A seminal study in dietary management of CKD demonstrated that dogs with spontaneous CKD lived an average of 13 months longer when fed a diet designed for renal disease compared with a maintenance diet.1 In addition, dogs eating the renal diet had a 3-fold reduction in relative risk of uremic crises compared with dogs eating the maintenance control diet. At the end of the 2-year study, only 33% of dogs receiving the renal diet died from renal-related causes, compared with 65% of dogs receiving the maintenance diet.
Most therapeutic diets designed for CKD use a combination of moderately restricted protein, phosphorus, and sodium, with moderately elevated concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids and potassium . This article explores the evidence behind these nutrient alterations.
Can You Give Homemade Food For Kidney Disease To Your Dog
Kidney disease requires a particular diet, which is challenging to do when cooking it at home. You can work with your vet to make great homemade food.
However, its usually better to go with a commercial diet that is designed for kidney disease.
Heres a recipe you can try at home:
What you need:
- One cup of chopped chicken
- One mashed boiled egg
- A quarter cup of steamed carrots
- Plain yogurt
- A quarter cup of green beans
- A quarter cup of cooked brown rice
All you need to do is combine all the ingredients in one bowl and its ready to serve to your pup. You may also add other vegetables like sweet potato or pumpkin.
Just make sure that the ingredients are chopped into bite-size pieces for your dog.
You May Like: Is Caesars Dog Food Good
Dietary Additions For Dogs With Renal Disease
On top of the main recommendations, there are several other dietary additions that you can consider as an owner looking to shape up your dogs diet because of kidney disease. One of these additions is eggs, which are a great source of easily digestible protein . Vitamin A and Vitamin C are also essential to lubricate kidneys and balance blood pH levels.
Organic turmeric is an excellent addition to a dog with kidney diseases diet because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Apple cider vinegar and herbs like green tea and alfalfa are known for helping to boost kidney function. Ginger extract can help protect kidney function and reduce inflammation. Both ginger and therapeutic grade peppermint oil reduce nausea in dogs with later stage kidney disease.
If youre worried that your dog is not getting everything they need you can find products like Standard Process Canine Renal Kidney Support to supplement with. In addition to supporting the function of the kidneys, this product helps with liver, cardiovascular system, and autonomic nervous system function.
Spirulina and food grade activated charcoal are other supplements that are sometimes used for dogs who have kidney failure due to their detoxification properties.
What Homemade Dog Treats Can I Give Them
As your dog should avoid protein, phosphorus, and sodium, you should avoid giving him treats such as bread, dry meat, or cheese. The safest bet is treats made from fruits and vegetables that are not onions, garlic, raisins, or grapes.
Most dogs like a carrot here and there, so that should be a good source of treats. Likewise, your dog may also like green beans.
Read Also: Softening Dry Dog Food
What Should I Do To Switch My Dogs Food To A More Renal
The key is taking a gradual approach to switching your dogs diet. To start with, mix only a bit of the new, renal-supportive food with the regular food your dog already loves. Increase gradually and let your dog take its time adjusting to the new diet. You can always add to the palatability of the new diet by adding delicious, healthy toppers.
Dog With Kidney Disease Life Expectancy
Kidney disease in dogs is more common in older dogs. The life expectancy for a dog with kidney disease will depend on whether the kidney disease is acute or chronic. Additionally, life expectancy for dogs with kidney failure will depend on the dog’s specific case, breed, size and treatment. Offering a dog with kidney failure the adequate diet will not cure the problem, but it can help your dog live a more comfortable life. For more on your dog with kidney disease life expectancy, consult your veterinarian.
If you want to read similar articles to What Foods Should A Dog With Kidney Disease Eat?, we recommend you visit our Homemade diets category.
Recommended Reading: Iams Dog Food Henderson Nc
Best Dog Food For Kidney Disease Guide
So there you have it our Top 10 list of best dog foods for kidney disease. As you can see, we included different brands with different price tags and both dry and wet dog foods, as we know many pet parents cannot afford to feed their dogs expensive foods solely and may be forced to mix kidney disease dog foods with regular kibbles. While its true KD dog foods are much more suitable for canines with kidney problems than regular dog foods, you definitely can make it work by mixing different foods and making sure your pet drinks enough water. Speaking of expensive dog foods, do you really need to spend a small fortune to keep your dogs disease under control? We talk about that and many more things down below, so check out our entire buying guide, as well as our FAQ section to learn more about kidney disease in dogs and what you can do to help your pet live healthier and longer.