For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3's or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.
In addition to feeding a lower protein diet, you also need to avoid giving high protein treats such as meat, jerky treats, cheese, rawhides, pig ears, etc. High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium.
When choosing human food to feed your dog with kidney disease, remember to avoid sodium and phosphorus and stick to lower quantities of protein. Good options include green beans, baby carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, broccoli, blueberries, watermelon, and air-popped popcorn.
Limit protein in all stages of kidney disease. Limit the portion sizes of protein you eat to limit the amount of work your kidneys have to do. Foods that are high in protein are meat, poultry (chicken and turkey), fish, eggs, and dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt).
“A low protein diet is recommended to slow the progression of renal disease in pets,” says Dr. Grzyb, as is a diet that is low in phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. Diets lower in protein and these minerals can help stabilize and even improve kidney enzymes—leading to a healthier pet with a longer life span.
For dogs with kidney failure, this protein should be fed in moderation and with care as the yolk has high amounts of phosphorus. Unless your vet tells you that an occasional egg is okay to feed your dog, it is best to avoid giving eggs to dogs with kidney disease, to be on the safe side.
But, can dogs eat sweet potatoes? Sweet potatoes are a great treat for all dogs, even those living with kidney disease!
Peanut butter contains fat so isn't ideal for dogs who are – or should be – on a diet. Leaner alternatives for training treats include chicken, ham and tuna. Dogs with kidney problems. Peanut butter can have a high salt content to isn't suitable for dogs with kidney issues.
It is a must! Kidney is fantastic organ meat for dogs with kidney disease.
PROGNOSIS. Prognosis is associated with severity of disease. Studies have shown shorter median survival times in dogs with higher IRIS stages. Median survival time for IRIS Stage 1 dogs was over 400 days, Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days, Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days, and Stage 4 ranged from 14 to 80 days.
For example, diets for kidney disease must be lower in phosphorus. White rice, and especially the glutinous variety is extremely low in this mineral (and a great source of manganese) which allows some diets to include small amounts of other foods which would be impossible otherwise.
Ideally, your dog can eat butternut squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin or yams. This provides some added calories and fiber. But if your kidney dog will not eat them or is sensitive, then you have to turn to other sources of carbohydrates.
Feeding your dog pumpkin in any of the ways mentioned above can cause problems like excess diarrhea, indigestion, or toxicity. 🚨 Some canned pumpkin brands contain salt, nearly 600 milligram of sodium per cup which would be harmful to a dog that has a heart condition or kidney disease.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Often they just don't want to drink, especially when they are feeling bad. However, you can encourage your dog to drink more by mixing low-sodium chicken or beef broth with your dog's water. At certain stages of kidney disease, vets often recommend giving subcutaneous fluids.
In dogs, dietary phosphorus restriction has been shown to slow the progression of renal failure. One goal in the management of renal disease is to normalize blood phosphorus concentrations.
Chronic kidney failure cannot be reversed or cured. The kidneys will continue to worsen. Damage to the kidneys has been happening for more than 3 months (as opposed to acute failure, which occurs much more rapidly). Chronic kidney failure is the most common type of kidney disease in dogs, occurring in 0.5-1% of dogs.
That said, if caught early and treated aggressively some dogs are able to recover from acute kidney failure. Your vet will be able to provide you with a realistic prognosis for your pet's recovery following a complete examination and testing.
Some good protein options include: Skinless chicken or turkey. Fish or seafood. Lean beef like sirloin or tenderloin.
For example, processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham are the worst for your kidneys because they contain high levels of sodium. Red meat such as beef, pork, and lamb is also bad for your kidneys, but to a lesser extent than processed meats.
Hydration is key to relieving pain in the kidneys since water will help flush bacteria out of the body. Plus, staying hydrated will help clear out the urinary tract as a whole and work to eliminate any possible infections. Many specialists recommend the 8×8 rule, meaning you should drink eight 8 oz.
Fruit juices
Citrate, or citric acid, is found in lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar, beet juice, and melon juices. These are also great for flushing your kidneys and to help increase your fluid intake. Citrate prevents calcium in the urine from forming kidney stones by binding to it.