Canine Renal Failure Diet Recommendations

In case of canine renal failure it is important to keep your pet on a strict diet in order to help improve this medical condition. Usually, the diet recommended by the veterinarian for dogs suffering from kidney disease or failure is low in phosphorus, low in proteins (but high quality proteins) and non acid. Respecting the diet will reduce the workload of the kidneys considerably, slowing down the progress of the disease.

Canine Renal Failure

Canine renal failure is a disease that occurs when kidneys fail to filter the toxins from the bloodstream and won’t eliminate the waste products from the blood.

Canine kidney failure can manifest as an acute or a chronic disease.

Acute renal failure is a serious condition that can be fatal to the dog, but if the dog survives, he can fully recover.

Chronic renal failure occurs especially in older dogs and is caused by the kidney’s incapacity to function properly. It is irreversible, but proper diet, proper administration of fluids and supplements can delay total kidney failure and prolong the dog’s life.

Canine Renal Failure Diet Recommendations

Respecting proper diet recommendations is very important for the wellbeing of your pet. The recommended diet consists of:

  • Low amount of high quality proteins
  • Low amounts of phosphorus
  • Carbohydrates
  • Medium to high amounts of fat
  • High amounts of fresh filtered water
  • Wet food

Diet Based on Prescription Dog Food

Prescription food is manufactured based on a formula which respects the requirements for proper nourishment of dogs affected by renal failure. It provides the substances that a dog needs and it does not result in high amounts of waste products which the kidneys would have to process.

A dog suffering from renal failure might have to stay on this diet for the rest of his life.

Diet Based on Homemade Food

The home prepared food can contain some of the following ingredients:

  • Egg whites
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • White bread
  • Boiled vegetables

Carbohydrates are also recommended since they add calories and help keep phosphorus levels low. High fat meats can also be consumed in moderate amounts, but low-fat meat is only to be fed in small amounts since it is rich in phosphorus.

Green tripe is also a good choice: it is rich high quality proteins and enzymes, low in phosphorus and usually dogs like it.

Oils (coconut oil, fish body oil) can also be used, but avoid cod liver oil, polyunsaturated vegetable oils and all other oils rich in omega-6 because they are inflamatory and bad for dogs with kidney disease.

However, in order to make sure that you feed your dog properly, consult your veterinarian regularly. Senior dogs might suffer from other different diseases that require special ingredients and under these circumstances you will have to adapt your dog’s diet.

Foods that have to be positively avoided include:

  • Bones
  • Egg yolks
  • Dairies
  • Acidic fruits such as oranges
  • Organ meats since all these are contain high amounts of phosphorus.
 

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