Let’s take a look at the best foods for dogs with kidney disease, approved by the vets:
If your dog suffers from kidney issues, then you know that its diet plays a huge role in keeping it healthy. Dogs with kidney disease may experience nausea and develop stomach or mouth ulcers, which can make eating uncomfortable.
Once the pooch receives the proper treatment for its condition, you can focus on giving your dog more optimal nutrition. Dog kidney diets must meet many requirements, so before anything else, it’s important to talk to the vet and see what they recommend.
While the foods for dogs with kidney disease may differ from the regular food, they will change a bit throughout the years. For example, after the first diagnosis, you might be advised to feed your dog meals with more protein. When the illness worsens, it’s recommended to opt for a diet lower in phosphorus and protein.
Below you will find some of the best food brands for dogs with kidney disease, starting with some ingredients you should look for on the food’s label.
Water, lots of water
Water should also be a major component of all kidney diets. And for dogs who suffer from this illness, it’s difficult to stay hydrated. Bowls of fresh, clean water should always be available to all dogs, but when a pet has kidney disease, a high-water diet is a great way to increase their water intake.
In almost all cases, wet foods are the best foods for dogs with kidney disease. Speak with your vet about how you can help your dog increase the water intake. Some dogs prefer kibble instead of wet food, so in case your pooch is a picky one, then adding a bit of water over the kibble might be a good idea.
It’s also critical to pay attention to the sodium content of dog kidney diets. If your dog eats too much sodium, they are more likely to become dehydrated.
Foods rich in Omega-3
Among the best ingredients you should look out for when you’re buying your sick pooch food is Omega-3. Why? Because omega-3 fatty acids help in lowering blood pressure and inflammation in certain kidney regions. Additionally, it also supports better kidney function.
Foods rich in protein
Protein is necessary for dogs with kidney disease, but not in excess. Dogs suffering from kidney disease often feel “yucky” due to the breakdown products of protein digestion.
Because there’s a trick! The goal is to provide your dog with just enough protein to support immune system function, muscle maintenance, and other essential functions of proteins in the body without going overboard. Calories from excess protein will only be converted to fats and carbohydrates, which are safer sources of energy.
The quality of the protein is also crucial. Dogs who suffer from kidney disease should eat proteins that are easy to digest and provide all of the essential amino acids they require.
Foods with low phosphorus levels
Blood phosphorus levels and protein consumption are connected, and this is because phosphorus backs up in the bloodstream in dogs with kidney disease as they gradually lose the ability to eliminate it in their urine.
Dogs’ kidney disease can be slowed down and their lifespan extended by lowering their phosphorus intake, so if this is one of the ingredients found on the product label you want to buy, don’t hesitate.
Foods with potassium citrate
And last but not least, one key ingredient you’ll want in dog food for kidney health is potassium citrate. It can really make a difference for our furry friends! According to veterinarians, your dog’s blood becomes more acidic due to impaired kidney function, which lowers the blood bicarbonate level. Therefore, a balanced amount of this supplement can raise blood bicarbonate levels easily.
Now let’s explore some of the best dog food options for kidney disease, as veterinarians recommend.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Dog Food
Isn’t it great and reassuring when vets approve of the food we intend to buy for our four-legged friends? This was the case with Forza10, a Italian small company founded in 1995 to create dog food recipes that have nutritional advantages supported by research.
We included this one on the list of best foods for dogs with kidney disease since the recipe is one of the most sustainable, made of only natural ingredients to help the pooch get its necessary nutrients from just one can.
The food has reduced phosphorus and sodium levels to make it safer for dogs with kidney damage. Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support also contains cranberries, dried dandelion, and clover to help support kidney function.
Remember that this product is slightly more expensive and also smaller in quantity than other dog food for dogs with kidney disease. Therefore, ask your veterinarian for a reasonably priced substitute if this food is not an option for you.
Dave’s Pet Food Veterinarian Formulated Restricted Phosphorus & Protein Kidney Support
If you’re looking for an affordable way to feed your sick dog, then the answer is Dave’s Pet Food. Why do we recommend this product in particular? Well, besides being backed by vets, it also contains the balanced amount of protein necessary for dogs, and the protein comes only from tuna and chicken, as you can see featured in the ingredients list.
We also appreciate that it contains plenty of vitamins and minerals to make up for those lost through frequent urination, along with very little phosphorus. For dehydrated dogs, the high moisture content from this can is also beneficial.
Besides feeding your pooch the right type of food-specific for its condition, you can also make sure they have one or two snacks per day. And what else to give them to munch on rather than some tasty cranberries?
The Oimmal Cranberry Bladder Health Supplements are available on Amazon for $17.99, and they’re highly recommended by 4 out of 5 customers who say this product is a lifesaver for all dogs who have trouble with the urinary tract and digestive system.
Dr Harvey’s Advanced Nutrition for Canine Kidney Health
Since the ill kidneys may have trouble processing large amounts of excess protein waste, owners should monitor how much protein their pooch eats.
One choice when looking for dog food is to choose a food with a recipe that has a significantly lower protein content. That’s why we highly recommend Dr. Harvey’s Advanced Nutrition for Canine Kidney Health, which contains only minimally processed ingredients. Since this is just a base mix and not food per se, to serve it to your pets, simply add fresh meat, hot water, and a little oil.
In case you have doubts because the brand isn’t as popular as others on the list, the formula has been created with the assistance of veterinary consultants, so it’s 100% safe for your dog to consume it.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Wet Dog Food Kidney Support
When it comes to feeding your dog, Blue Buffalo is a reliable source. It’s even better that it’s available everywhere, including online retailers like Amazon! The very first two ingredients listed, real chicken meat and chicken broth, provide a carefully regulated amount of protein.
Fish oil and flaxseed provide additional Omega-3 fatty acids, and the cranberries and blueberries will offer your pet the necessary antioxidants per one meal.
What do you feed your dog?
You may also want to check out: 10 Foods That are Poisonous for Dogs.
