Reducing Kidney Failure in Dogs With a Low Phosphorous Diet

One method of reducing kidney failure in a dog is to restrict the phosphorous intake. Phosphorous is a vital mineral for your dog's well being, but one that is also dangerous when the kidney has been damaged and has become unable to efficiently filter it from the blood. By reducing the amount of phosphorous present, you reduce the amount of filtering the kidney must do, easing its workload and allowing it to filter other toxins from your pet's blood.

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.

Dietary Options to Reduce Kidney Failure

Dietary restriction can be a significant way to reduce kidney failure. It can be administered in two ways, either through controlling the animal's diet directly, or by administering a phosphate binder, usually through medication.

Phosphate Binders

A phosphate binder prevents the intestinal tract from absorbing the mineral into the blood. Excess phosphorous is expelled in the feces, effectively preventing a mineral imbalance. This method may allow you to feed your dog certain foods high in many nutrients, but that are also higher in phosphorous as well.

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
  • Egg yolks
  • Bones
  • 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.

Food Alternatives

There are a number of foods available to keep your dog on a healthy, low phosphorous diet:

  • Beef, or the highest fat ground hamburger meat.
  • Egg whites
  • Yams or sweet potatoes
  • Cream of wheat
  • White Rice
  • Barley
  • White Bread
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Raw Honey

These readily available foods can be prepared in several ways, and it is easy to find recipes or other preparation ideas.

By minimizing the phosphorous intake of your dog, you can reduce the amount of work the kidneys must do to keep the blood free of excess toxins. This can help to keep your dog healthy and significantly reduce kidney failure.

 

 

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