
What is the best dog food for dogs with kidney problems?
Dog Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease. If you want a healthy pet treat to give to your dog with kidney disease, an occasional carrot can be good for them, Dr. Bailey says. "Green beans can be good sometimes, too," she adds. The main reasons behind those foods are that carrots are low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins.
What treats can I give my Dog with kidney disease?
Your pooch gets all this in every bite:
- Cordyceps for a healthy inflammation response, to shield the kidneys against toxins, and balance blood sugar levels
- Acacia prebiotic fiber for toxin elimination and digestive health.
- Turmeric to support healthy inflammation response in the kidneys and whole body.
- Rehmannia to rejuvenate the kidneys, and reduce renal fatigue
What is the best diet for pets with kidney disease?
This includes:
- Cured meats
- Cheese
- Bread
- High sodium commercial dog treats
- Tap water
- Polyunsaturated vegetable oils (soy, canola, sunflower, etc.)
- Phosphorus-high foods
What can I Feed my Dog with inflammatory bowel disease?
What should a homemade diet for dogs with IBD contain?
- Energy dense meals. Diets for IBD dogs should be energy dense; this way, you can feed smaller meals to minimize GI secretions.
- Avoid too much fat. Avoid high fat diets as they contribute to osmotic diarrhea and further fluid loss. ...
- Protein. Constant diarrhea can lead to loss of protein. ...
- Fiber. ...
- Vitamins and minerals. ...
- Coconut oil and probiotics. ...

What foods are good for dogs with kidney problems?
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.
What is the best meat 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."
How do I feed my dog with kidney disease?
Egg and Potato Diet. 1 large egg, cooked. 3 cups potato, boiled with skin. ... Chicken and Potato Diet. ¼ cup cooked chicken breast. 3 cups potato (boiled with skin) or rice. ... Egg and Tapioca Diet. 3 eggs, large hard-boiled. 2 cups tapioca, cooked (125 grams before cooking) ... Chicken and Tapioca Diet. ½ cup cooked chicken breast.
Are eggs OK 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.
Are sweet potatoes good for dogs with kidney disease?
Sweet potatoes are a great treat for all dogs, even those living with kidney disease!
How can I improve my dogs kidney function?
5 ways to promote kidney health in your dog or catPrioritize hydration and circulation. ... Feed appropriate food. ... Provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support. ... Keep micronutrients in balance. ... Don't forget about the microbiome!
What vegetables are good for dogs kidneys?
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 meat is low in protein for dogs?
Chicken, Eggs and Potato Recipe for Dogs This is a simple low-protein diet that is appropriate for a dog with kidney disease. This should not be their complete overall diet, but can be used as one meal out of several prepared for your dog.
Is raw or cooked meat better for dogs with kidney disease?
As kidney disease progresses, your dog will need to have lower levels of phosphorus. Food with high moisture content is critical for your dog's renal diet. Raw diets, that feature high-quality protein, are the gold standard.
Is salmon good for dogs with kidney disease?
Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Dogs with Kidney Disease Foods with higher levels of omega-3 often contain salmon and other fish which many dogs enjoy, or your pup's food can be supplemented with fish oil, or flaxseed oil.
Is pork good for dogs with kidney disease?
Fatty meats like lamb and pork are one choice, as are whole milk products. A little bacon fat may revive your dog's interest in food and add extra calories. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may slow the progression of kidney disease, and supplements can be a helpful addition to dogs with a kidney disease diet.
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What to feed a dog with kidney disease?
A well-balanced diet, including new and high-quality foods, is recommended for dogs with kidney disease. It is recommended that you use filtered water, as tap water can contain minerals that place unnecessary stress on your kidneys.
What is the best food for a kidney dog?
E.g., it can include high-quality meat (such as chicken or beef), veggies (like potatoes and beets). And one ounce of liver or kidney meat per day, split into two meals.
How to help a dog with kidney failure?
A proper diet can slow down the progression of kidney disease in dogs and ward off kidney failure. Some foods are proven to be great for the kidneys, such as foods containing many Omega-3 fatty acids. Supplements like fish oil are beneficial to canines. Ask your vet about proper herbal supplements for dogs.
What to feed a dog to control weight?
This means that feeding your dog with high-calorie, nutrient-dense food will help control weight. One way to do this is to progressively increase the fat content of your dog’s diet. Little phosphorus is present in fats. Fatty meats such as lamb and pork are an option, as are whole milk products. A little bacon fat will restore your dog’s interest ...
Why is rice bad for dogs?
Many high-quality dog foods contain rice because grains are difficult to digest and cause allergies in many dogs. Rice is also a grain with a lower phosphorus content, which damaged kidneys won’t filter out of the dog’s system. Or you can opt-in for potatoes too. After all, it’s grain free.
What is the healthiest dog breed?
In fact, some of the healthiest large dog breeds include Doberman and German Shepherd. But whether your dog big or small, kidney disease is one of the conditions that still may affect your pet’s health. When your dog is diagnosed with kidney disease, it’s devastating news for the whole family. This organ performs a crucial function in dogs.
Can dogs with kidney disease eat raw food?
While a raw diet does not solely consist of proteins, it does include quite a fair amount of it, which might not always be an ideal food for dogs with kidney disease. Veterinary experts widely accepted that high protein diets are not in themselves the cause of either acute or chronic renal failure.
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 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 Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Just like in humans, your dog’s kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste, balancing nutrients, and increasing red blood cell production. They also play a vital role in helping regulate blood pressure and metabolize calcium.
Best Dog Food for Kidney Disease
First 5 Ingredients: Corn, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal
How Can Kidney Diseases in Dogs be Prevented?
Acute kidney failure can be prevented by taking a few steps in making sure your dog is protected from accidental ingestion of toxic substances. Make sure all medications, household cleaning chemicals, insecticides, antifreeze, and other chemicals are all properly resealed and stored in an area that they cannot reach.
What to Feed Dogs With Kidney Disease
The dietary changes that need to be made will depend on the severity of the dog’s kidney disease. In general, most vets would prescribe a diet that is lower in phosphorus, sodium, and protein.
Conclusion
Pets with renal failure no matter what stage can be quite challenging to treat, especially for chronic kidney disease which is irreversible.
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…