Royal Canin Renal Support is a veterinary prescription diet for dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is built around lower phosphorus, controlled high-quality protein and added omega-3 fatty acids, and it is designed to be tasty for dogs that have lost their appetite. It is only for dogs your vet has diagnosed, and you need a prescription to buy it.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Kidney disease needs a vet’s diagnosis and monitoring, so talk to your vet before changing your dog’s food.
What Is a Renal Diet?
When a dog’s kidneys are not working well, they have trouble clearing waste and balancing minerals. A renal diet helps by easing that workload. Most renal diets share the same basic goals:
- Lower phosphorus: too much phosphorus in the blood can speed up kidney damage, so restricting it is the most important feature.
- Controlled, high-quality protein: enough to keep muscle on, but not so much that waste products build up.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA): used to help reduce inflammation.
- Controlled sodium: to help with blood pressure.
- High palatability: dogs with CKD often feel nauseous and eat less, so aroma, texture and flavor matter.
The Royal Canin Renal Range
Royal Canin offers its renal diets in several forms, and what is sold varies by country and changes over time. In the US you will typically see:
- Renal Support dry formulas in different flavors and kibble shapes, so you can find one your dog accepts.
- Renal Support wet formulas (loaf or pouch style) for dogs that prefer moist food or need extra water.
Ask your vet which formula fits your dog’s stage of disease. Some versions are tuned for early kidney disease, while others are tuned for dogs that are eating poorly.
Who It Is For
It suits dogs with a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, usually after bloodwork and a urine test. It is not a general “kidney support” food for healthy dogs, and it is not right for puppies, pregnant or nursing dogs, or dogs with some other conditions. Feeding a renal diet to a dog that does not need it can mean too little protein.
Pros
- Backed by veterinary nutrition research, which is Royal Canin’s main selling point.
- Several flavors and textures, which helps with picky eaters.
- Widely available through vets and online pharmacies.
Cons
- Expensive, especially for large dogs.
- Requires a prescription.
- Some dogs still turn it down, and appetite drops are a medical issue in themselves.
If Your Dog Won’t Eat It
Do not just wait it out. A dog with kidney disease that is not eating needs a vet call. Your vet may suggest switching to another prescription brand (Hill’s k/d and Purina Pro Plan NF are common alternatives), warming the food, adding a vet-approved topper, or an appetite or anti-nausea medication.
Treats and Extras
Ordinary treats are often high in phosphorus and sodium. Ask your vet before giving any, and see our guide to homemade treats for dogs with kidney disease and treats for dogs with kidney disease. For other Royal Canin veterinary diets, see our reviews of the Royal Canin Urinary SO and Royal Canin Senior.
Bottom Line
Royal Canin Renal Support is a well-regarded prescription food for dogs with diagnosed kidney disease. It is pricey, but the low-phosphorus, controlled-protein design is exactly what vets look for. Use it only under your vet’s direction, and recheck bloodwork on the schedule they recommend.
