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The 6 Best Dog Foods For Kidney Disease

Every dog parent dreads the thought of their dog being ill, and renal illness is no laughing matter for dogs. As with people, this condition is not curable, although it is treatable. All we can do is adjust the dog's lifestyle to halt the progression of the harm and allow them to enjoy their best lives for as long as possible! This includes feeding them food designed specifically for dogs with renal issues.

Finding the ideal meals for your dog with this health problem might be difficult. We have, however, done some of the legwork for you! Here are the BestForPets (bestfortpets.org) best dog foods for kidney disease.

After reading our product reviews, speak with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your dog's individual needs. The food requirements of your dog will be primarily determined by the state and progression of his ailment.

Because nutrition is such an important aspect of managing this illness, regular samples and diet and therapy modifications will be required. As a general rule, your dog needs to keep adequate hydration levels, so fresh or wet food is preferred over kibble.

Because protein levels in the diet are limited, a high-quality protein source is critical in renal patients to minimize muscle atrophy and to get the most of this crucial nutrient.

The amount of protein to lower is determined by the degree of advancement of your dog's renal condition; therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Because eating is such an important part of managing this condition, it is done on a case-by-case basis.

Reviews

Grain-Free Blue Buffalo Kidney Support Wet Dog Food

  • 12.5 oz can container weight
  • Flavor: Chicken
  • What Type of Food: Wet
  • Other Types of Special Diets: Sensitive Digestion, There will be no corn, wheat, or soy.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Wet Dog Food is a high-quality kidney-specific wet dog food that is produced from natural components. This cuisine has a low protein content because chicken is the first component.

The low protein content minimizes the burden of the kidneys, so conserving your dog’s renal function by reducing the course of kidney disease. This formulation contains no highly processed meat meals or by-products. Sodium and potassium levels are likewise kept under control, as is necessary in renal disease diets.

This meal also contains antioxidants from blueberries and cranberries, which help to preserve your dog’s general health and decrease free radical oxidation. This meal has no artificial flavors or preservatives and is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs due to its restricted ingredient list.

The downside of this product is that the only available formula is chicken so it is not a suitable product for dogs that have kidney disease alongside chicken allergies.

Pros

  • The first component is chicken flesh.
  • Protein deficient
  • Phosphorus deficiency
  • Antioxidants found in nature

Cons

  • Only one chicken recipe is provided.

 

Wet Dog Food Hill’s Prescription Kidney Care

  • 12.5 oz can container weight
  • Beef and vegetables flavor
  • What Type of Food: Wet
  • Other Dietary Restrictions: No soy, wheat, or maize.

Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food is yet another specially formulated dog food for dogs who require a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet.

This prescription diet is designed for dogs with special needs and does not contain rendered meat meals. Hills offers a comprehensive renal range of products to meet your dog’s individual needs, regardless of dietary choice.

This product offers critical amino acids as well as vitamins and minerals that your dog requires to flourish despite renal disease.

The ingredients list caramel color, and we prefer to eliminate coloring substances that have no nutritional benefit. While it is not mentioned in the product name, this formula contains chicken and pork, thus it is not ideal for dogs who are allergic to chicken.

Pros

  • Protein deficient
  • Meals without meat are prohibited.
  • Phosphorus deficiency
  • Various varieties are available.
  • Essential amino acids are present.

Cons

  • Colorant is present.
  • There is no one source of protein.

 

Low Phosphorus SquarePet VFS

  • Weight of the container: 4.22 pounds
  • Flavor: Turkey
  • Kibble is the type of food.
  • Other special diet types include: no corn, wheat, or soy.

For dogs with renal problems, SquarePet VFS Low Phosphorus Formula is a dry food choice. This meal has a low protein level as well as a low phosphorus content, which is ideal for relieving stress on your pup’s kidneys. This recipe also contains increased omega-3 to help safeguard your dog’s renal function!

This meal is especially ideal for dog owners who prefer that their dog’s food be created in the United States, as it is made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients that your dog will like! It also contains antioxidants and vitamins, which help your dog age gracefully.

Pros

  • Phosphorus and protein levels are low.
  • Made in the United States from responsibly sourced ingredients

Cons

  • For dog owners who want to buy in bulk, the bag weight may be low.

Buyer's Guide: How to Select the Best Kidney Disease Dog Foods

What Nutritional Requirements Do Dogs with Kidney Disease Have?

Canines with renal failure have different dietary requirements than healthy dogs. Because the kidneys are in charge of extracting and disposing of waste from digestion, some dietary and nutrient profiles place additional strain on the kidneys, which can be hazardous when the kidneys are already failing to function properly. Changing the macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral quantities your dog consumes can help protect renal function for as long as feasible.

Here are the dietary guidelines for feeding a kidney-failed dog:

Protein Deficiency

While decreasing the protein composition of a dog’s food is a contentious issue, there is little question that a high protein diet places unnecessary strain on the kidneys. Some veterinarians may recommend a low-protein diet to protect your dog’s renal function for as long as possible in order to relieve some of the pressure on the kidneys.

Protein level in dog food has long been a topic of debate among dog owners and vets. When left to their own devices in observation, dogs prefer an omnivorous diet than an exclusively carnivorous one. Transitioning a dog to a lower-protein diet should not be hazardous if done properly.

Low in sodium

Another mineral that causes tremendous stress on the kidneys when digested is sodium. Sodium is not just harmful to the kidneys; it is also harmful to dogs in general. High sodium levels in the bloodstream can cause illness and even death in dogs.

While it’s doubtful that your dog may kill itself by eating salty foods, doing so puts a lot of strain on the kidneys, and if your dog’s kidneys are already ailing, this might be the end of their renal function.

Phosphorus deficiency

Extremely high phosphorus amounts in meals are already harmful because phosphorus reduces bone density. Phosphorus, on the other hand, is extremely difficult for the kidneys to handle. As a result, lowering the phosphorus level of your dog’s food will assist keep their renal function as long as feasible.

Increased Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids have been demonstrated to increase renal function and support, regardless of whether your dog has kidney problems. They’re an excellent supplement to any diet, but dogs with kidney problems require even more omega-3 fatty acids than the normal dog in order to halt the course of their renal illness.

Moisture

Moisture is another important factor in the treatment of renal disease. Acute renal failure is often treated with intravenous fluids to help dilute the toxins in the kidneys and relieve stress on them in order to avoid additional kidney damage.

Increasing the quantity of moisture in your dog’s diet will assist their kidneys work for a longer period of time. It is critical to constantly have fresh water available for your dog, since they will most likely have an increased thirst as a result of the sickness. You may also assist them get more moisture in their diet by giving them canned food and mixing water into their kibble.

Dehydrated meals are a wonderful alternative for dogs that want extra moisture in their diets since you can manage the humidity added to them and rehydrate the food with more water if your dog tolerates it!

Conclusion

Nutrition is essential for dogs with kidney disease. If you need to make sure your dog is getting all its nutritional needs met, try our choice for the overall best dog food for kidney disease, JustFoodForDogs Renal Support Fresh Frozen. Pet parents on a budget can look at our best dog food for kidney disease for the money, Forza10 Nutraceutic Renal Support Wet Dog Food. But remember, it is always essential to discuss your dog’s diet with your vet before making any changes.

BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes our evaluations and guide assist you in finding the best dog foods for kidney disease.

Author Image

Dr. Deborah Fletcher

Deborah R. Fletcher, DVM, is a skilled veterinarian with more than 15 years of experience dealing with companion and exotic animals. She has experience caring for a variety of animals, including household cats and dogs, reptiles, birds of prey, and even primates. Dr. Fletcher is a valuable part of the BestForPets team, where she contributes to their aim of providing pets and their owners with the finest possible treatment and services.

Veterinarian (DVM) Dr. Deborah Fletcher

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