Low protein dog food may be appropriate for some dogs, though the difference doesn't simply depend on a dog's breed. Usually, a low protein diet is recommended for dogs with kidney problems, though certain other problems may call for a low protein diet as well.
Knowing When Low Protein Dog Food Is Needed
If your dog needs low protein dog food, your vet will prescribe it. Low protein dog food is usually only available by prescription, because healthy dogs need at least 25% protein in their diets. If you put your dog on a low protein diet without veterinary supervision, he could get very sick.
Conditions That Call For A Low Protein Diet
Certain conditions necessitate a low protein diet. They include:
- Acute or chronic kidney failure
- Congenital kidney disease
- Genetic kidney problems
- Glomerulonephritis
- Kidney failure due to parasitic illness
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney stones
How A Low Protein Diet Can Help
Healthy dogs produce uremic toxins when digesting protein, and these toxins are excreted in the urine. If your dog has a kidney problem, his kidneys may not be able to process these toxins at normals levels. A low protein diet lowers the levels of uremic toxins in your dog's body, so his damaged kidneys don't have to work so hard.