Proper nutrition is essential for dogs suffering from chronic kidney disease, as it ensures they receive the necessary calories and nutrients. If your vet suggests a specialized diet to manage your dog’s kidney condition, consider slowly integrating this new diet while phasing out the old one.
At the onset of kidney disease diagnosis, some dogs might exhibit a diminished appetite. In such instances, your vet may propose initiating alternative treatments to enhance your dog’s well-being before transitioning to a specialized diet.
Monitoring your dog’s eating habits throughout the treatment process is crucial. If your dog resists the special kidney diet, consult your vet. They might recommend switching food brands or adding an appetite stimulant to encourage eating.
Commercial Diets
Several commercial diets are specifically designed for dogs with kidney disease. These therapeutic diets, such as Hill’s Prescription Diets, Royal Canin Veterinary Diets, and Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets, are typically only available through veterinarians. Your vet can likely assist you in setting up food orders via a website that sells these specialized foods, saving both time and money.
Homemade Diets
Some dog owners prefer preparing homemade meals, particularly if their dog is picky or has additional dietary restrictions. Recipes often include lower amounts of protein sources like beef, chicken, and eggs. However, raw diets are not ideal as they usually contain excessive protein. Always discuss potential recipes and ingredients with your vet before attempting a homemade diet to ensure it is complete, balanced, and properly formulated for dogs with kidney disease.
Foods to Avoid
Since dogs with kidney disease need to maintain regular eating habits, your veterinarian may approve offering special snacks or food toppers to entice them to eat. However, certain foods can overburden the kidneys or cause illness in dogs.
Regular Dog Food and Treats
Food and treats designed for healthy dogs may not be suitable for those with chronic kidney disease. Ask your vet about safe foods and treats. Your vet might even recommend therapeutic kidney-formula dog treats.
Human Food
Table scraps are generally not recommended for dogs. Some human foods can be unhealthy or even toxic to dogs. While healthy dogs can safely enjoy table scraps like lean meats, bland rice or pasta, and some fruits and vegetables, these may not be suitable for dogs with kidney disease due to their high sodium and/or protein content. Consult your vet about any human foods that can be safely fed to your dog without negatively affecting the kidneys.
Ensure your dog does not accidentally consume harmful foods. You may need to feed other pets separately to keep their food out of reach. Cat food, being high in protein and potentially causing stomach upset, leading to diarrhea and dehydration, can be particularly dangerous for dogs with kidney disease.