Feeding a dog with Kidney disease

There are some times when animals may unfortunately develop a medical disorder. Diet can play a huge part in the health of our pets, and research has shown that the correct type of nutrition can help to maintain an animal's condition and help prevent it from getting worse or to help make that condition better. There are some nutrition companies who have invested a large amount of time and money into developing specific diets for medical disorders and problems, as it would be incredibly difficult to devise a diet yourself to feed your pet for a specific condition and actually get it right. These prescription diets are nutritionally balanced, high quality, and complete so can be fed exclusively.

What is Kidney Disease in dogs?

Kidney failure or Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) refers to any type of kidney disease or problem, which results in the kidneys’ reduced ability to function adequately. As a kidney's job is to filter wastes from the blood, to preserve electrolytes and to concentrate urine, it can be very serious if the kidney stops working as it should. Damage to the kidneys can be caused by injury, tumours, infection, and poisoning. Unfortunately kidney damage is irreversible and in some cases is progressive, but if diagnosed early enough, and with the right treatment and diet, progression can be slowed, and many pets can live on for many years. The early stages of CRF progress slowly and so there are often little or no symptoms; signs of serious kidney damage may only be seen if 75% of the kidney is no longer functioning. Age is a factor which may lead to kidney failure; chances can double after the age of 10, and some diets may also increase the chances (high phosphorus & protein).

Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs include;

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea
   
• Weight Loss
   
• Halitosis
   
• Decreased Appetite
   
• Weakness & lack of energy – sleeping more often
   
• Sore mouth
  

If your pet is displaying any of these signs then make an appointment to see your veterinary surgeon.

What diet should be fed to a dog with kidney failure?

Due to the excess urea in the blood the animal will often feel very nauseous, this quite often will make them less inclined to eat, so the diet must be highly palatable to tempt the pet to eat. The diet should contain restricted levels of Phosphorus which helps slow the progression of the disease, the amount of protein in the diet should be reduced, this is because of the product produced (urea) when the protein is broken down; this is a toxin and when the kidneys are not working properly it cannot be excreted. The protein used in the diet should be of high quality so a lower amount can be used but still delivering the essential requirements needed by the body. The diet should also be energy dense, so the pet can gain the required amount of energy from its diet in the small amount of food it may eat due to in-appetence.

Diets recommended for Kidney Failure:

Hills™ K/D and G/D & Royal Canin Waltham® Renal diet
(These are veterinary prescription diets and so should only be fed following recommendation by your veterinary surgeon)