Many dogs with kidney disease benefit from being fed a special therapeutic diet tailored specifically for them, typically one low in proteins, sodium and phosphorus.
Your veterinarian may recommend hydration supplements, canned food, subcutaneous fluids (like doggy IVs ), or even a kidney diet plan to support optimal kidney function. In addition, homemade treats high in antioxidants but low in phosphorus and salt may also be an option.
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Protein
The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and excrete them through urine. These wastes come from old cells, the digestive process, medications and certain foods; as chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses your dog may require lower protein diets to avoid excess build-up of waste products and lessen kidney work requirements. Your veterinarian may also suggest decreasing sodium consumption while increasing Omega 3s consumption for added kidney protection.
As dogs with CKD lose fluid through increased urination, it is crucial that they always have access to plenty of fresh water at all times. Furthermore, adopting a moisture rich diet such as adding water to their kibbled food or switching over to canned or homemade diet may be helpful; just make sure they receive regular check-ups!
Vegetables
Kidneys play an essential role in filtering toxins out of the body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), however, occurs when kidneys gradually lose their capacity to filter properly. As this condition worsens and accumulates toxins into bloodstream, therapeutic diet prescribed by veterinarian can provide assistance during this difficult period.
This diet usually consists of low protein levels to limit waste accumulation from protein breakdown. Additionally, sodium and phosphorus levels should also be reduced in order to lower build-ups of these compounds, as well as omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Furthermore, your vet may suggest providing your pup with a high moisture diet in order to help him or her remain hydrated.
Fruits
Dogs with kidney disease can be picky eaters, and appetite stimulation is crucial in making sure they get all of their essential nutrients. Freeze-dried beef kidney treats are highly palatable and serve several functions from a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective including warming and tonifying kidneys.
Therapeutic diets designed to alleviate CKD involve restricting protein consumption to reduce strain on the kidneys. Veterinarians create these diets through scientific research and an evidence-based approach. Some manufacturers, like Hill’s Prescription Diet, also produce treats with reduced protein.
Mattie’s Treats offer another solution designed specifically to address kidney disease in dogs, without using meat-based fillers or byproducts. Furthermore, their family-run company donates part of sales towards funding research into kidney disease research.
Herbs
Modern Western veterinary medicine does not provide a cure for renal failure in pets; however, using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), herbs and food therapy techniques as part of treatment plans, pets can live long and healthy lives with this condition.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located just behind the ribcage that play an essential role in blood processing, waste removal and water balance regulation, producing key hormones as well as overall health and vitality maintenance.
They produce erythropoietin, which tells bone marrow to create more red blood cells and helps balance water intake by holding onto fluid when intake drops while expelling it when fluid intake increases. Herbal remedies such as dandelion, nettle and stone root (a native North American herb) may help relieve symptoms while flushing toxins out of kidneys.
Bone Broth
Dogs suffering from kidney disease must remain properly hydrated at all times to avoid becoming dehydrated quickly and require immediate veterinary attention. One method for doing so involves mixing low-sodium chicken or beef broth with their water.
Bone broth is an excellent source of protein and collagen, as well as being low in sodium and phosphorus levels. You can easily make your own at home using bones from parts of an animal that would typically go uneaten – such as feet, knuckles and joints.
Pre-packaged options come in pouch or powder format. When selecting a product for use on your canine friend, ensure it has undergone human-grade testing to ensure it’s free from lead contamination, as this will not interfere with any medications they may be on. A TCVM-trained veterinarian can provide personalized recipes tailored specifically to each stage of kidney disease.
