What Foods Are High In Phosphorus For Dogs

Moderate To High Protein

Most American veterinarians prescribe a low-protein diet for all dogs with kidney disease. They believe that protein harms the kidneys and that reducing protein consumption slows the progress of kidney degeneration.

This was based on early research done on rats. Rats are omnivores but dogs are carnivores. That is why in 1975, the theory of low-protein diets for dogs was debunked by David Kronfeld, PhD, who was at the time a veterinary researcher at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr Kronfelds advice was to feed higher-quality protein as low-quality protein can harm a dogs kidneys. Thus, the solution was to discontinue feeding inferior-quality ingredients. Studies disproving the prevalent low-protein prescription have been widely published in veterinary journals and textbooks.

Feedback from dog owners is that kidney disease prescription food is not very palatable. Some dogs with the ailment eat only enough of it to survive, or stop eating entirely if that is all they are fed.

This is not a good thing. When protein levels are very low, the body will cannibalize itself to get the protein it needs. Furthermore, older dogs actually need 50% more protein to maintain their body stores of protein than do younger adult dogs.

Depending on the quality of the protein, it should make up 20 to 30 percent of total calories ingested.

What Is The Best Diet For Dogs With Kidney Disease

Providing that you feed your pet dog a special diet, they can live comfortably for many years with kidney disease kidney disease. In fact, the latest research suggests that a dog can live for twice as long as they should if they adhere to a strict diet that is specially designed for dogs with kidney disease kidney disease. This diet should be low in sodium, protein, phosphorus, and supplemented via the inclusion of fish oils that give your dog the essential fatty omega 3. Feeding your dog a diet that is low in phosphorous will help to keep their blood phosphorus level low, which in turn slows the advancement of kidney disease kidney disease and thus improve their chance of survival.

Because the function of your pet dogs kidneys is to remove any parts from protein that are a waste product, it is important to minimize the amount of strain that is put on these organs by feeding them a diet that is low in protein. This includes not giving them treats such as pig ears, rawhides, cheese, jerky, or meat that are all really high in protein. Similarly, diets that are high in sodium can increase blood pressure and so further worsen any kidney disease that may be present. For this reason, it is important to feed your dog a diet that is low in sodium.

Can Proper Diet Help Heal Kidney Disease In Dogs

A proper diet can slow down the progression of kidney disease in dogs and ward off kidney failure. Some foods are proven to be great for the kidneys, such as foods containing many Omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements like fish oil are beneficial to canines.

Ask your vet about proper herbal supplements for dogs. There are many out there, and its best to get a professional opinion when starting an herbal supplement regimen for any reason. Herbs may interact with other drugs or mediation your dog is taking. In some cases, it might prove beneficial.

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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney Support For Dogs

• Controlled levels of phosphorus and sodium
• Enhanced with antioxidants

Blue Buffalo KS Kidney Natural Veterinary Diet food is made with the best natural ingredients and controlled chicken protein levels to aid in maintaining your dogs kidney functions.

Beside from being a low phosphorus dog food, Blue Buffalo Kidney diet contains controlled levels of minerals and all the essential nutrients such as antioxidants, L-carnitine, and omega-3 fatty acids.

This kibble is totally free from grain like corn, soy, or wheat, its very balanced and can be given to dogs of all breeds and ages.

What Causes Kidney Disease In Dogs

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is widespread in aging dogs. In many cases, this condition can be inherited.

There are two types of this condition. Acute kidney disease develops suddenly with symptoms and chronic over a longer period of time.

Apart from aging and heredity, there are other causes of kidney disease. These are usually other diseases. Examples are:

• Inflammation

• Incorrect and hunched posture
• Towed motion

If you notice any of the above symptoms, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately. An accurate diagnosis can only be made after appropriate tests have been performed. The test can be a physical or blood or urine test or an X-ray.

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. In almost all cases, a change of diet is essential.

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Phosphorous In The Blood

Phosphorous is a mineral absorbed into the blood and filtered through the kidneys. A damaged or weakened kidney is unable to properly filter it, leading to a build up of phosphorous in the blood. This can be dangerous, as the level of phosphorous is tied directly to the level of calcium in the blood. The ratio is roughly 2:1. Too much phosphorous will cause the parathyroid gland to attempt to increase the level of calcium present, taking calcium from the bones and placing it in the blood. This weakens the bones and makes them more easily broken.

Best Low Phosphorus Dog Food

As dogs get older, the renal tissues can be damaged, thus, affecting kidneys roles such as filtering toxins and waste products from the blood.

Low phosphorus dog food is relatively new since all meat is naturally phosphorous, which its one of the essential components for the growth of all animals, and humans too.

Furthermore, low phosphorus dog foods must contain adequate levels of proteins and must be supplemented with both fatty acids, vitamins, and other minerals.

Fortunately, many choices on the market are available, and some are notably delicious for your four-legged companion.

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Changing Your Dogs Diet Effectively

Your dog will be more receptive to the new food if the change is made gradually. The new food should be mixed with the old food, beginning with smaller ratios and increasing until the old food can be eliminated completely.

If your dog does not seem to be taking to the new food, you may need to slow the process down. If all else fails and your dog still does not want to eat it, you may need to try a different flavor or add a liquid that has been approved by your vet.

Some dogs may have less appetite in general due to nausea. It is important to remember to encourage your dog and not be discouraged if they are not eating as they should. You can communicate with your vet to find out what additional foods you could use to encourage your dog to eat, then add those to the new food.

The Best Diy Dog Food With Turkey And Veggies

Ever since we published our first Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe we have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have told us that they have already made the leap and are preparing fresh meals for their pups at home! Ditching processed kibble once and for all is one of the best things you can do for your dog. We learned this ourselves this last year after our 11-year old dog had an incredibly positive change to his health once we moved to a healthy dog food! Recently, I developed a new 100% human grade homemade dog food recipe that utilizes some of the best fall produce for your dog like sweet potatoes, cranberries, rosemary, and sage! Our dogs love it so much I decided to share it here too so you and your pup can celebrate the best the season has to offer.

***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 veterinarians 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.*** Updated with video 9/4/2021

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In Addition To Meal Adjustments Should I Change The Treats I Give A Dog With Kidney Disease

Yes. Dogs with kidney disease should have their treats modified. Avoid giving them high-protein treats and human foods like cheese and processed meats. Carrots or green beans are healthier treat choices for dogs with kidney disease. Generally, dairy and salty foods should not be given to dogs with kidney disease.

Potassium And Canine Kidney Disease

For dogs with kidney disease, potassium is another important electrolyte to consider. Because dogs with kidney disease may have potassium levels that are too low, many prescription low-phosphorus diets contain a higher level of potassium to offset that deficit.

However, in some cases, this higher level of potassium may be harmful to the dog. Although this is more likely to occur in dogs with acute kidney injury, dogs with chronic kidney disease may also end up with hyperkalemia . Thus, it is very important to work with your vet to find out how much potassium your dogs food should have.

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Why Is Phosphorus Important To You

Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. When you have chronic kidney disease , your kidneys cannot remove phosphorus very well. High phosphorus levels can cause damage to your body. Extra phosphorus causes body changes that pull calcium out of your bones, making them weak. High phosphorus and calcium levels also lead to dangerous calcium deposits in blood vessels, lungs, eyes, and heart. Over time this can lead to increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death. Phosphorus and calcium control are very important for your overall health.

What Dog Food Is Low In Phosphorus

All of the dog foods that featured in the above list of Our Top Picks are all low in phosphorus and so would be ideal to feed to a dog that has kidney disease kidney disease. However, this is just a small selection of our favorites and there are, in fact, many more different low protein foods for dogs that are currently available on the market that have low phosphorus levels. These include the Purina Pro Plan Vetarinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula Dry Dog Food, the Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Dog Renal Food, the HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET Pet Nutrition K/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food, and the Hill’s Prescription Diet K/D Canine Renal Dog Food.

Before you switch up your pet dogs diet it is important that you always seek the advice of their vet as they know the specifics of their condition and will be able to shed more light onto what specific ingredients to look out for when selecting a new food to feed to your dog.

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How Do I Get My Dog To Adjust To Their New Low Phosphorus Dog Food

The easiest way to transition a dog off of a higher phosphorus food is by slowing the process down. Change their diet at just one meal per day, and go from there.

Some people may start off feeding raw foods with lower phosphorus content than what theyre used to in commercial dog food. In other words, you cant just change their entire diet overnight that would likely promote digestive distress or toxification symptoms in your pet.

Another perspective you should keep in mind is if you are transitioning to a lower phosphorus diet, then your pet will find it easier digesting due to the slower breakdown times for protein synthesis and absorption when cell turnover slows down going into old age (e.g., because

Rethink What Treats You Give Or Eliminate Them Altogether

Many dog treats contain high levels of protein, phosphorus and sodium, so youll want to rethink what treats you offer your dog with CKD. Treats that are high in protein and, subsequently, phosphorus include treats such as jerky, deli meats, cheese, rawhides, pig ears and others made predominantly with meat or meat meals. High-salt-containing treats to avoid include cheese, deli meat, bread and many commercial dog treats.

While forgoing treats altogether is always an option, it isnt necessarily a practice that most dog owners want to stop. So instead, you can substitute low-protein and -sodium options such as baby carrots, green beans, broccoli, apple slices, banana or air-popped popcorn without salt or butter. You can also use a canned kidney diet to make homemade treats.

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What Foods Should A Dog With Kidney Disease Eat

Nutrition is the primary factor in the treatment of your dogs kidney failure. Overall, dogs require less calcium, phosphorus, and sodium but should increase their omega-3 fatty acids intake.

This diet can help reduce contaminants that the kidneys usually filter out and alleviate fluid and mineral balance problems.

A well-balanced diet, including new and high-quality foods, is recommended for dogs with kidney disease. It is recommended that you use filtered water, as tap water can contain minerals that place unnecessary stress on your kidneys.

Your dogs kidney failure diet aims to minimize phosphorus by feeding moderate to high fat, reasonable quantities of high-quality protein, and low phosphorus.

Dogs with kidney problems also do better when they are served multiple small meals during the day rather than just one or two big meals.

Rice is the most recommended grain when it comes to kidney-friendly dog diets. Many high-quality dog foods contain rice because grains are difficult to digest and cause allergies in many dogs. Rice is also a grain with a lower phosphorus content, which damaged kidneys wont filter out of the dogs system. Or you can opt-in for potatoes too. After all, its grain free.

Ammonia Smell On Breath

Kidney disease. Dogs with kidney disease do not properly filter breakdown products of protein into the urine. As a result, those breakdown products build up in the blood. One of them is blood urea nitrogen. A dog with high levels of blood urea nitrogen resulting from compromised kidneys enables a person to smell ammonia on his pets breath. Ammonia, a breakdown product of urea, contains nitrogen.

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Which Dogs Need A Low Phosphorus Diet

Phosphorus restriction tends to be recommended for those with compromised kidney function .

It may also be indicated if a dog has had repeated or uncontrolled vomiting and diarrhea, certain endocrine gland diseases, or underweight. Researchers have theorized that phosphorus restriction may help with suspected, but not yet diagnosed, chronic kidney disease.

What Food Can You Give A Dog With Renal Disease

Overall, you should make sure that your dog with renal disease eats a diet with lower sodium, protein, and phosphorus levels. Omega-3 fatty acids can also protect the kidneys somewhat. Some safe treats and snacks include carrots, green beans, broccoli, apples, and watermelon.

Try to increase your dogs consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B complex, calcium, antacids, and Q10 coenzyme. At the same time, reduce or avoid omega-6 fats and vitamin D.

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A Low Phosphorous Diet

Another method to prevent too much phosphorous from entering the system is to control your dog’s diet. Most highly nutritional foods are also fairly high in phosphorous levels. Such foods include:

• Dairy products
• Whole grains
• Organ meats

That does not mean not to feed your dog these foods, but to do so with caution and moderation. Always check the nutrition information if you are feeding your dog regular dog food. Most companies will be able to readily provide you with this. Many guidelines suggest that you should not feed your dog more than 22.25 mg/kg phosphorous daily, but it is always important to check with your veterinarian what the ideal amount is for your dog.

Hills Prescription Diet K/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food

Your dogs kidneys are failing, and the only way to delay their decline is by feeding them a low-protein diet.

You love your pet, but you dont want to have to feed him or her bland food for the rest of his life. How can you make this easier on both of you?

Hills Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food helps control phosphorus levels in your dog so that he or she can eat more like an average dog without feeling deprived.

This dry kidney care food has extra vitamins and minerals that your pet needs during this difficult time in his or her life.

It also contains prebiotics that help keep the good bacteria in your puppys gut health and omega fatty acids. It supports joint health while reducing inflammation and pain for added comfort.

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