The best treats for a dog with kidney disease are low in phosphorus, low in sodium and low-to-moderate in protein, and every treat should be approved by your vet. Fresh produce such as apple slices, blueberries, baby carrots, cucumber and green beans are common choices, while cheese, jerky, rawhide and most commercial meat treats are usually on the avoid list.
General information, not veterinary advice. Kidney disease varies by dog. Your veterinarian should tailor the diet and treat list to your dog’s bloodwork, especially potassium and phosphorus.
Why treats matter more with kidney disease
Healthy kidneys filter waste and balance minerals. When they fail, extra protein, phosphorus and sodium can build up and make your dog feel worse. Most vets recommend a prescription kidney diet, and treats should not undo its benefits. Treats should stay under about 10 percent of daily calories, and often less for a dog with kidney disease.
Treats that are often kidney-friendly
- Apple slices (no seeds or core): crunchy and low in phosphorus.
- Blueberries: small, sweet and rich in antioxidants.
- Baby carrots or carrot sticks: low in sodium and good for chewing.
- Cucumber slices: mostly water, which helps with hydration.
- Green beans: plain, fresh or frozen without salt.
- Seedless watermelon: mostly water, offered in small pieces.
- Unsalted, plain rice cakes or puffed rice: light and low in protein.
- Kidney-formulated commercial treats: some prescription diet makers sell low-protein, low-phosphorus treats. Ask your vet which brands they trust.
Note that some dogs with kidney disease have high potassium and need certain foods limited, while others have low potassium and need more. Do not guess. Share your dog’s bloodwork results with your vet.
Treats to avoid
- Cheese, bacon, jerky, sausage and most deli meats (high in salt and phosphorus)
- Most rawhide, bully sticks and meaty chews (high in protein and phosphorus)
- Processed biscuits with added salt or meat meals
- Grapes and raisins, which are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure
- Onions, garlic, chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol
Making treats appealing for picky eaters
Dogs with kidney disease often feel nauseated and eat less. Warming food slightly, adding a splash of water or low-sodium broth, and offering small portions can help. Ask your vet about anti-nausea medicine if your dog refuses food, since poor appetite is a common problem in CKD. We have recipes in homemade treats for dogs with kidney disease and notes on low purine dog food.
Water is the best “treat”
Dogs with kidney disease drink and urinate more. Keep fresh water available at all times and talk to your vet about adding moisture with wet food. For a review of one prescription diet, see our Royal Canin Renal dog food review.
Bottom Line
Stick to small amounts of fresh, low-phosphorus, low-salt produce, avoid salty meats and chews, and confirm every treat with your vet. A kidney-friendly treat plan works best when paired with the right prescription diet and regular bloodwork.
