
What foods should a dog with kidney disease eat?
This includes:
- Cured meats
- Cheese
- Bread
- High sodium commercial dog treats
- Tap water
- Polyunsaturated vegetable oils (soy, canola, sunflower, etc.)
- Phosphorus-high foods
What treats can I give my Dog with kidney disease?
- In addition to fluids, treatment (which is often antibiotics, or even antacids) will begin to tackle the underlying cause.
- Very high blood pressure could develop, causing blood vessels in the eye or brain to burst. ...
- Dialysis, if available in your area, may be an option for dogs that don’t respond to other treatments.
What is the best kidney diet for dogs?
These ingredients include:
- Red/white meats, cleaned of excess fat.
- Brown, whole grain rice.
- Organ meat.
- Starchy veggies and green veggies.
- Certain fruits.
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.)
How do you make homemade dog food for kidney disease?
Make sure battery terminals are clean and tightened -- you may even want to clean around terminals with an old toothbrush and a homemade mixture ... fatal bleeding or kidney failure in your ...

What foods should a dog with kidney disease eat?
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.
What foods should dogs avoid with kidney disease?
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. You should also avoid feeding high salt treats such as cheese, bread, deli meat, and many commercial dog and cat treats.
Are eggs good for dogs with kidney disease?
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.
What can I give my dog to improve kidney function?
Dog Food For Kidney Disease Recommended dog food for pups suffering from chronic kidney disease typically includes a therapeutic diet containing reduced amounts of sodium, protein and phosphorus, combined with increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids. In some cases, your vet may also recommend potassium.
Is chicken OK for dogs with kidney disease?
Ideally, Dr. Mahaney says, you would be feeding your dog "fresh, cooked, moisture-rich, lean protein sources, including chicken or turkey breast, or defatted beef."
Is canned tuna good for dogs with kidney disease?
Tuna canned in springwater can be a good addition to renal diets. It is low in phosphorus, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has a strong flavour, which can be used to increase the appeal of the carbohydrate component of the diet.
Is white rice good for dogs with kidney disease?
OK IN LARGE AMOUNTS: cream of wheat, cream of rice, malt-o-meal, glutinous rice (sticky), white rice, barley, white bread. Grains should be cooked and boiling veggies may reduce their phosphorus levels.
Are sweet potatoes good for dogs with kidney disease?
Sweet potatoes are a great treat for all dogs, even those living with kidney disease!
Are white potatoes good for dogs 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.
How can I heal my dogs kidneys naturally?
“A low protein diet is recommended to slow the progression of renal disease in pets,” says Dr. Grzyb, as is a diet that is low in phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. Diets lower in protein and these minerals can help stabilize and even improve kidney enzymes—leading to a healthier pet with a longer life span.
What vegetables can I feed my dog with kidney disease?
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.
What homemade food is good for dogs with kidney failure?
Ingredients1 cup boiled chicken (chopped)1 hard boiled egg (mashed)2 tbsp. plain yogurt.1/4 cup cooked brown rice.1/4 cup steamed carrots.1/4 cup steamed green beans.
What are the best supplements for dogs to prevent kidney failure?
Powerful antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are great for preventing cell damage and combat free radicals. These antioxidants play an important role in contributing to the overall health of your pooch and slow down the progression of failing kidneys.
Why are kidneys important for dogs?
Just like humans, kidneys are the most important organs of a dog’s body. They contribute to your pooch’s overall optimal health by maintain ing normal concentrations of salt, water, and phosphorus levels. Also, kidneys help with calcium metabolism and help control blood pressure. And that’s not all the reasons why these bean-shaped organs are so crucial. They also play a vital role in getting rid of toxins and waste from the body.
Why is it important to give your dog reduced protein?
Kidneys work to remove the toxins produced from protein breakdown. When kidneys are not functioning well, this can lead to a buildup of these toxins and put stress on the organ. Therefore, it is crucial to offer your dog food with reduced levels of protein.
What are the ingredients in a dog's diet?
Other primary ingredients include sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, pea protein, and other holistic vegetables. The diet is also rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids along with a variety of minerals and vitamins to also support good digestion, skin, and fur quality.
What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
Anemia can result from kidney failure and has symptoms such as depression, weakness, rapid breathing, apathy, weight loss, fatigue, or heart rate. Treatment for kidney failure also usually include hormone therapy and medications to reduce the symptoms of anemia.
Does specialized nutrition help dogs with kidney disease?
Also, specialized nutrition has low levels of magnesium to maintain the urinary system health of your pooch. The recipe has low levels of protein extracted from animal-base sources, which makes it a good solution for most dogs with kidney disease.
Does minced kidneys help dogs?
This specifically formulated diet in minced consistency is great for minimizing further damage to your dog’s kidneys, which helps to slow the progression of the disease. The formula has reduced protein and is low in sodium and phosphorus to avoid stressing the kidneys and improves your dog’s health.
What is the best food for dogs with kidney disease?
Canned Formulation. Wet food is considered as the best for dogs with kidneys disease because water will join in the process of filtration of toxins; meanwhile, canned food consists of a large amount of water. So, it is the most excellent option for providing water for your dog. However, you also need to give him another freshwater.
What are some good foods for dogs?
Next, chicken and pork-bu products are considered as the primary sources of protein. Other ingredients such as dried beet pulp, rice, corn, and fish oil can help to provide your dog with minerals and all necessary vitamins. These nutrients also support good skin as well as a shiny coat.
Why is my dog's food low in protein?
This is because the kidneys always remove the poisonous byproducts of protein breakdown. Thus, that kidneys are failing, means that protein is built-up.
What is a dog's food made of?
This recipe is made of a variety of materials, including brewers, rice, eggs, pork, barley, chicken, and whole-grain sorghum. These ingredients make it more nutritious, digestible, and delicious. Mainly, with fish oil, this food includes omega-3 fatty acid content that helps to develop your dog’s coat and skin health.
Can a dog with kidney disease have a high phosphorus level?
Decreased Phosphorus. You can know that phosphorus helps to maintain your dog’ s teeth and bone; however, if your puppy is with kidney disease, it can be harmful. This is because the kidneys get rich of the extra phosphorus in the bloodstream so that the high phosphorus content can increase the pressure on the kidney.
Does dog food help with phosphorus?
With the limited levels of animal-based protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids, this recipe allows maintaining the filtration function of the kidney. By using this food, your dog can nutritionally control the level of phosphorus in the blood.
Is Purina Pro good for dogs?
Coming with the high quality, this Purina Pro Plan has been popular recently with many dog lovers. Moreover, the recipe is also considered suitable for dogs suffering from kidney disease.
The Deal with Kidney Failure
Kidney issues in dogs are quite common. As they age, some of their organs fail to perform at optimal function.
Why Does A Dog With Kidney Failure Stop Eating?
One of the symptoms of both kidney disease and kidney failure is loss of appetite.
How to Get a Dog with Kidney Disease to Eat
Watching your sick doggie push his plate away breaks your heart into a million pieces.
What Treats Can You Give A Dog With Kidney Failure?
Treats have always been big in the canine world. No dog can say no to a bowl of delicious yogurt or chicken flavored greenies.
What Human Food Can Dogs With Kidney Disease Eat?
Dogs suffering from CKD can consume most of our foods provided they don’t have salt and seasonings.
Is chicken OK for dogs with kidney disease?
According to PetMD, high-quality chicken is certainly a good protein source for a dog with CKD.
Are Eggs Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease?
Eggs, like chicken, are equally good for a dog suffering from kidney disease.
What to do if your dog has kidney disease?
Commercial dog food formulated specifically for dogs with kidney disease are available. You could also prepare a homemade diet for your dog.
How to care for an older dog with kidney disease?
Adequate hydration is essential to caring for an older dog with kidney disease. Give your dog a constant supply of fresh, clean water. As your dog's kidney disease progresses, your dog may be unable to drink enough water on its own to stay hydrated.
Why does my dog not eat?
Your vet may need to place a feeding tube in your dog, which will allow your dog to receive nutrients directly into its gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Kidney disease can cause digestive upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) that will make a dog not feel like eating.
Why is my dog's potassium low?
Potassium levels are usually low in older dogs with kidney disease, in part because a lot of potassium is lost through the urine. If your dog’s potassium levels are too low, your vet will recommend giving your dog a potassium supplement. Low potassium is more common in cats with kidney disease than dogs with the disease.
What happens if my dog eats a low protein diet?
When your dog eats a low-protein diet, your vet will need to keep a close watch on your dog’s blood protein levels. If your dog’s blood protein levels are too low, the protein restriction may be too severe. If they’re too high, you may need to feed your dog a diet containing even less protein.
How to keep kidneys from working hard?
Feeding less protein will keep the kidneys from working so hard. Look for diets that have a high-quality protein source, such as chicken. Kidney diets usually have about 1/3 to 1/2 less protein than normal dog diets. Low-protein diets tend to be less flavorful and more expensive than normal dog diets. [7]
How do dogs' kidneys work?
The kidneys perform many important functions that keep a dog healthy, including removing waste products from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and preventing dehydration. As a dog gets older, the kidneys can stop functioning properly, causing kidney disease. Although kidney disease cannot be cured and worsens over time, ...
What is the best diet for dogs with CKD?
Commercial diets for dogs with CKD are developed to prioritize these key goals. When compared with normal maintenance adult dog food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus , and increased omega-3 fatty acids. These diets are formulated to help dogs with CKD avoid metabolic ...
What is the most common kidney disease in dogs?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common kidney-based disease in dogs. Waste products are normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, but dogs with CKD will end up with an accumulation of these waste products in the bloodstream as the filtering process breaks down. For more information on this condition ...
What is the recommended phosphorus level for dogs with CKD?
The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for dogs with CKD is 0.2-0.5%. Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content. Sodium. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys.
What is the best supplement for CKD?
This in turn helps to maintain a reasonable blood pressure. Omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD.
How to get my dog to drink more water?
Canned food can help increase your dog's intake of moisture. To encourage more water intake, change your pet’s water several times a day and clean your pet ’s water bowl daily. Protein.
Does protein help with CKD?
Protein. Decreased dietary protein appears to slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products. Less protein also means less need for the excretion of protein itself through the filtration mechanism of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function.
Does kidney disease cause urine to be dilute?
Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst.
How to help a dog with kidney disease?
Ensure plenty of fresh water: Kidney disease can often increase your dog’s thirst, so make sure they always have access to clean, fresh water at all times , refilling their bowl when you notice it is getting a bit low. Because of this, feeding your dog moist or wet food can also help to quench their thirst.
How to get my dog used to new food?
If your dog is unused to a new type of dog food, try hand-feeding your dog small portions of food, warmed to just below body temperature. Over the few days you do this, they will become used to the new taste and be happy to eat out of their bowl.
Why is my dog refusing to eat?
Dog with renal disease refusing to eat. Loss of appetite is a very common symptom and side effect of kidney disease, but it important for your dog’s health to make sure they are eating enough per day. Dogs with kidney disease who refuse to eat are probably feeling nauseous. Changing up the food is an option, but it might be ...
What to do if my dog doesn't like the taste of the food?
If your dog doesn’t like the taste of the food, you can try out different brands and flavours of renal dog food, or even add tasty low-sodium treats such as fish oil. Some animals even like the change-up in foods, with their appetite changing per day.
Why is my dog not eating?
Dogs with kidney disease who refuse to eat are probably feeling nauseous. Changing up the food is an option, but it might be that they need to have some IV fluids at the vets to filter out the excess waste products which are causing the nausea, or they might need an anti-emetic to reduce the nausea. If your dog is refusing to eat, ...
How to tell your dog that food is good?
A positive attitude can also do wonders, with positive encouragement telling your dog that the food is good and nice to eat. Acting anxious or concerned about the food may give your dog reason to worry about the contents of the food. Warm food is usually better than cold, but every animal has different tastes.
Can dogs live with kidney disease?
However, the bad news is that there is no way to repair the damage done to the kidneys, they don’t regenerate like some organs like the liver can; but further damage can be prevented with a few relatively easy lifestyle changes.
How does potassium affect dogs heart?
Potassium is usually eliminated from the blood by the kidneys. Since your dog’s kidneys are now impaired, a higher than normal concentration of po tassium leads to increased acidity in the blood affecting the heart’s function .
Why do dogs like mushrooms?
Your dog may be attracted to wild mushrooms because they smell like fish. Some mushrooms may not be hazardous to your dog, but it will be good to keep an eye on what your dog ingests to be sure. The first two days after your dog consumes mushrooms may seem okay, but eventually leads to the destruction of kidney cells which is fatal to already damaged kidneys.
Can dogs eat bacon?
A high intake of fatty foods such as bacon may be fatal in the long run. This, however, does not mean that you do not give your dog foods with fats, you should because they are important , but you need to reduce the in take.
Can kidney disease be reversed in dogs?
Acute kidney disease can be reversed whereas chronic kidney disease cannot. Studies have shown that when dogs with kidney disease are subjected to the right diet, they survive twice as long compared to those that are not. However, it’s important to note that each dog will require a different diet based on how severe its kidney condition is.
Is Xylitol safe for dogs?
Xylitol is often used as a substitute of sugar and it is hazardous to dogs even when taken in small amounts. It causes low blood pressure which limits the blood flow to your dog’s kidneys causing further damage.
Can dogs have egg yolks?
Egg yolk contains high levels of phosphorus which your dog’s kidneys will not be able to filter from the blood once taken in large amounts. A high concentration of phosphorus in the blood will lead to weak bones since phosphorus pulls calcium from the bones.
Can grapes cause kidney failure in dogs?
Although what causes the reaction is not yet known, grapes have been reported to be toxic to dogs. In a study ran from April 2003 to April 2004, in a sample of 140 dogs, 50 were reported to show symptoms of kidney failure while 7 died.

The Best Dog Foods For Kidney Disease
- 1. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Potato Starch, 3. Pea Starch, 4. Peas, 5. Potatoes The digestible kibble features perfectly balanced nutrition for dogs suffering from kidney disease. Formulated under expert guidance, this recipe by Blue Natural Veterinary Diet is one of the best … - 2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula Canned Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Water Sufficient for Processing, 2. Meat By-Products, 3. Rice, 4. Corn Grits, 5. Beef Dietary management is crucial for proper treatment of your dog, and if you’re looking for a wet-food blend that offers everything your dog needs for improved kidney function, you cannot g…
Bonus Foods For Kidney Disease
- 9. Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients:1. Water, 2. Beef, 3. Carrots, 4. Rice, 5. Chicken Fat The limited level of protein in this savory meal is extracted from supreme-quality animal-based protein and stands out as a great food choice for dogs with kidney disease. The holistic combination of high-quality ingredie… - 10. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support S Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Corn, 2. Brewers Rice, 3. Chicken Fat, 4. Chicken By-Product Meal, 5. Dried Plain Beet Pulp Kidney problems can significantly reduce a dog’s appetite. To tackle this problem, Royal Canin has created a Veterinary Diet Renal Support Dog Food with a special savory and aro…
Buyer’s Guide
- Just like humans, kidneys are the most important organs of a dog’s body. They contribute to your pooch’s overall optimal health by maintaining normal concentrations of salt, water, and phosphorus levels. Also, kidneys help with calcium metabolism and help control blood pressure. And that’s not all the reasons why these bean-shaped organs are so crucial. They also play a vita…
FAQs
- Is it important that I change the diet of my dog suffering from kidney disease?
Yes, it is important to switch to a diet that supports kidney care. The food you feed needs to provide proper nutrition, absent the ingredients that can worsen the condition. Changing your dog’s diet not only supports better organ function but helps control symptoms and prevent othe… - Can I give homemade dog treats to my dog with kidney disease?
Just because your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease doesn’t mean you should stop rewarding or treating your dog. Avoid treats that contain high levels of phosphorus, protein, and sodium, so don’t feed your dog things like cheese, dry meat, or bread. The best treats are natura…
Final Thoughts
- While kidney disease is not reversible, with proper diet and management, your dog can live years past diagnosis. If you suspect your dog is experiencing problems related to their kidneys, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian. With a little help, you can provide a happy life to your dog despite the disease. And when it comes to picking the best dog foods for kidney dis…