Overall, we find a raw meat diet with 60-80% raw meat, and a combination of cereal/vegetable and vitamin/mineral/trace element, low in sodium and phosphate and high in Omega 3 fatty acids forms the perfect diet for managing early to mid-stage renal failure, together with plenty of drinking water on hand.
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.
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.
Beef has less phosphorus than chicken, lamb and turkey are in between. whole-milk yogurt), cottage cheese, ricotta, etc. Use kinds with the most fat when fed but feed in moderation because they are high in phosphorus.
Tuna might be a favourite fishy snack for some dogs, but for dogs with kidney disease it's a big no-go. Tuna contains high levels of phosphorus, which is damaging for a dog that needs to be on a renal diet.
Healthy dogs can safely enjoy some table scraps like lean meats, bland rice or pasta, and some fruits and vegetables.
Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Foods with higher levels of omega-3 often contain salmon and other fish which many dogs enjoy, or your pup's food can be supplemented with fish oil, or flaxseed oil.
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.
Sweet potatoes are a great treat for all dogs, even those living with kidney disease!
I recommend using white potatoes and yams because they provide a lot of calories without adding much phosphorus, unlike many of the low-cal veggies.” Dogs with high blood pressure, which can be related to kidney disease, may need reduced salt in their food.
A nutritional supplement extracted from shrimp and crab shells called Epakitin® contains chitosan and calcium carbonate and has been recommended for use as a phosphorus binder in dogs and cats; it may also exert non-selective adsorbent properties.
Supplement your dog's vitamin intake with pet-safe fresh produce; carrots, green beans and broccoli are some of the best vegetables for dogs with kidney disease.
Yes! Rice and chicken go great together, and they go great in your dog's diet, too. In general, the amount of grains in your dog's diet should be lower than the amount of protein.
Are eggs good for dogs with kidney disease? Eggs are a great source of protein for dogs, but make sure they are cooked. For dogs with kidney failure, this protein should be fed in moderation and with care as the yolk has high amounts of phosphorus.
Plain yoghurt can be given. Many dogs tolerate milk products but some cannot. You want to prevent dehydration so dry food is probably best avoided unless soaked first. Usually low protein is suggested but just as import is the quality and digestibility of the protein source.
Fish oil is frequently recommended to dogs with kidney disease to fight symptoms like excessive loss of protein. According to the Pet Health Network and The Department of Internal Medicines, fish oil can have a protective effect against acute injury to the kidneys.
Avoid foods that have more than 300mg sodium per serving (or 600mg for a complete frozen dinner). Avoid foods that have salt in the first four or five items in the ingredient list. Don't eat ham, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, lunch meats, chicken tenders or nuggets, or regular canned soup.