If your furry friend has kidney disease, what you feed them has a tremendous effect on their quality of life. They need a diet that’s low in phosphorus and sodium, rich in omega-3, and contains controlled quantities of high-quality protein. Keeping them hydrated is also key. How do we achieve all this? Let’s find out together!
What is kidney disease in dogs?
To understand what makes the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease, it’s helpful to know more about the condition.
There are two forms of kidney disease: acute and chronic. Acute kidney disease develops rapidly as the result of a single cause, like an infection or ingesting something toxic. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops more slowly and is most prevalent in older pooches. The cause of CKD is often unclear. While there’s currently no cure, early treatment and the correct diet can slow its progression and ease its symptoms.
CKD is a serious condition because your pup’s kidneys play several important roles in keeping them healthy. The organs filter out waste products and toxins from the blood and excrete them via urine. They also control the body’s hydration levels, help manage blood pressure, and keep electrolytes like potassium in balance. Some of the most common signs of the disease include:
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Drinking excessive amounts
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Organic Chia Seed Oil
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Organic Jerusalem Artichoke Powder
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Organic Milk Thistle Powder
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More frequent urination
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Weakness and lethargy
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Pale gums
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Weight loss
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Vomiting
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Diarrhoea or constipation
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Appetite loss
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Mouth ulcers
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Bad breath
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your pup to the vet immediately. The sooner you get a diagnosis and begin treatment, the better the prognosis is likely to be.
What is the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease?
Feeding your pet an appropriate diet is crucial when they have kidney disease. Your first option is to buy a specialist dog food prescribed by your vet. Producers create these with premium ingredients and carefully formulate them for pooches with the condition. Alternatively, you can get specific non-prescription foods for pups with CKD that are equally high in quality.
Although it’s possible to make your own homemade dog food, it’s tricky to ensure that it’s nutritionally complete.(1) As such, we strongly recommend purchasing commercial or prescription renal food for your mutt.
It’s impossible for us to single out one brand as the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease. There are plenty of great choices out there, and you need to consider issues like your pup’s flavour preferences too. What we can do is highlight the main things to look for when deciding what grub to give your pet.
Key factors of a renal diet for dogs
When you’re searching for the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease, the most important areas to focus on are mineral content, protein content, and moisture content. Here are the details:
Minerals matter
When an animal has CKD, their kidneys gradually lose the ability to filter phosphorus from the blood and excrete it. And when phosphorus levels get too high, it causes a buildup of toxins and leaches calcium from the bones. Conversely, reducing the amount of phosphorus your pup consumes in their diet can slow the progression of CKD.(2) It should also improve their quality of life and may extend their lifespan.
Another mineral to watch out for is sodium (salt). Because the kidneys help regulate blood pressure, hypertension is common in animals with CKD. Lowering your pup’s sodium intake should assist with managing both this and fluid balance. What’s more, it lessens the kidney’s workload and can protect the organs from further damage.
As a rough guideline, the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease ought to contain 0.2%-0.8% phosphorus. For sodium, the level should be no more than 0.4%. Renal dog foods often include less calcium as well, to achieve the correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus. You don’t want to eliminate these minerals from your pet’s diet completely, as they still have important roles to play.
The protein problem
Do dogs with kidney disease need low-protein food? It’s not quite that straightforward. It’s true that the macronutrient creates waste products that are tricky for the kidneys to deal with, which can leave animals with CKD feeling unwell. However, our pooches still need sufficient protein for things like muscle maintenance and supporting the immune system. So, you should try to feed them the precise amount they require and no more. Generally speaking, the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease will contain 31-41g of protein per 1000 kcal.
Quality is critical here. We want to give our poorly pups high-end protein that’s easy for them to digest. Plant sources of protein can be a good choice, as they contain less phosphorus than meat. Other suitable options include egg whites, chicken, and turkey. Consuming smaller amounts of top-notch protein helps reduce nitrogenous waste, easing symptoms like nausea. It also makes the kidneys’ job easier, decreasing damage to the organs and slowing the progression of CKD.
The specific quantity of both protein and minerals your pooch should be eating will vary depending on the severity of their condition. As such, it’s best to speak to your vet for personalised advice.
Hydration, hydration, hydration
Ensuring your pup drinks enough water is important for many reasons, but is even more crucial if they have CKD. It’s harder for damaged kidneys to concentrate urine, which means they produce a greater quantity of more diluted urine. This leads to more frequent urination and excessive water loss. So to avoid dehydration and flush out toxins, pups with kidney disease have to consume more water.
You can encourage your pooch to drink more H2O by leaving lots of bowls of fresh water around the house. This need for hydration is also why the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease is likely to be wet food rather than kibble. If your furry friend prefers dry biscuits, you could try soaking the kibble first to boost its moisture content.
What supplements can you give a dog with kidney disease?
Many pup parents choose to use supplements in addition to the best dog food for kidney disease. Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA are among the most popular, as they help reduce inflammation and support kidney function. Is fish oil good for dogs with kidney disease? Yes, it’s a fantastic source of omega-3 and could lower blood pressure and decrease unwanted protein loss in urine. Alternatively, you could try a plant-based source of omega-3 (ALA), such as chia seed oil.
Another great choice is a form of fermentable fibre, such as Jerusalem artichoke powder. Because it supports gut and digestive health, it may help the body eliminate more protein digestion waste products.
Remember that supplements like these are not a replacement for professional veterinary treatment or a prescribed diet for CKD. Instead, think of them as complementary ingredients to support your pup’s kidney health. And always check with your vet before adding a new supplement to your dog’s diet.
Is milk thistle safe for dogs with kidney disease?
Although milk thistle is best known for protecting liver health, it can also help to care for the kidneys and aid detoxification. The ingredient is rich in silymarin, a group of active compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These defend kidney cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress. Plus, by supporting liver function, milk thistle could reduce the kidneys’ workload.
To add milk thistle powder to your pet’s diet, you simply mix it into their meals. For ours, we recommend between a quarter and half a teaspoon per 5kg of their body weight. However, you must consult your vet before using it to verify that it’s suitable for your pup’s individual needs. This is especially important if they’re already on medication.
What treats can I give a dog with kidney disease
If you’re anything like us, you love giving your canine friend treats! And the good news is that you don’t have to stop doing this because they have CKD. It just means that you need to change the type of treats you provide.
Sadly, most commercial treats are likely to be too high in sodium and phosphorus to be safe. Instead, you can offer your dog fresh fruit like watermelon, apples, blueberries, and strawberries. Veggies such as carrots and cucumbers are fine to put on the menu too. You could also try small pieces of egg white, plain cooked chicken, or unsalted white rice cakes.
Foods that dogs with kidney disease should avoid
Choosing the best dog food for CKD isn’t the end of the story. Knowing what not to feed a dog with kidney disease is equally important.
Foods that are high in protein, salt, or phosphorus can exacerbate the symptoms of the condition. This is because damaged kidneys can’t efficiently filter these, and eating them may overload the organs and cause toxin accumulation.
Ingredients that are rich in phosphorus include tuna, bones, organ meats like liver, and dairy products such as cheese. Meanwhile, most processed foods are high in salt (so no table scraps, sorry!). In terms of protein, it’s advisable for your pooch to avoid red meat, deli meats, jerky treats, and rawhide.
If you have any questions about what your pet can and can’t eat when they have CKD, ask your vet.
Beyond diet: tips for caring for a dog with kidney disease
Feeding your pup the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease is critical if your pet has CKD. However, there are other steps you can take to help manage the condition and keep your furry friend comfortable.
For instance, you want to try and minimise the amount of stress and discomfort in your pup’s life. Ensure they have a cosy bed in a quiet place for napping, and your home is warm enough for them. Also, bear in mind that because your dog will be drinking more, there’s a higher chance of them having an accident in the house. If this happens, don’t get angry at your pooch – they can’t help it.
You might also want to consult your vet about alternative treatments (e.g. acupuncture) or medication to ease side effects like nausea.
How effective is diet for managing kidney disease in dogs?
If your pup has CKD, offering them the best non-prescription dog food for kidney disease can make a huge difference. In fact, diet is probably the most effective tool that we pet parents have to help manage the condition. One study found that dogs fed a renal diet lived thirteen months longer than those given normal food, so it’s not a trivial matter.(3) We recommend chatting to your vet to devise a diet plan that meets your pooch’s individual needs. And it’s a good idea to switch foods slowly, to enable your mutt’s body to adjust to the new grub. Taken together, all this should ensure your beloved pup has the best possible quality of life.
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney disease in dogs be reversed?
It is sometimes possible to treat and resolve acute kidney disease if you catch it early. However, there is no cure for chronic kidney disease in dogs. Although it is irreversible, you can manage it and slow its progression. With the right treatment, a dog with kidney disease may live for months or even years after diagnosis.
Are eggs good for dogs with kidney disease?
Yes, egg whites are a great source of high-quality protein for dogs with kidney disease. However, it’s best not to give your pup egg yolk if they have CKD, because it’s rich in phosphorus.
Can a dog with kidney disease eat chicken?
Yes, dogs with kidney disease can eat chicken in moderation, as long as it’s high quality and unseasoned. Chicken is lower in phosphorus than other types of meat and is easily digestible.
Is rice good for dogs with kidney disease?
Yes, cooked rice can be a beneficial source of energy for dogs with kidney disease. White rice is better than brown rice because of its lower phosphorus content.
Which vegetables are safe for a dog with kidney disease?
There are lots of vegetables that are safe for dogs with kidney disease to eat in moderation. These include cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage. They can also have small amounts of sweet potato and pumpkin. Fruits like blueberries, strawberries, watermelon, and apples are good choices too.
