It’s very possible that a renal (kidney) diet is in your dog’s future. Kidney disease is one of the most common illnesses of aging canines, with more than one in 10 pets developing it at some point, usually when they’re older.
The good news is that while high-tech treatments like kidney transplants and dialysis are generally unavailable to dogs (cost generally precludes them), your ability to keep your pet feeling well for as long as possible is greater than for many other diseases of aging. Specifically, your role as in-house nutritionist is critical because by making the right food choices, you can extend your dog’s life, and quality of life, significantly.
The veterinarian will almost invariably prescribe a therapeutic (prescription) diet as soon as kidney disease is diagnosed. It will be relatively low in phosphorus, protein, and sodium. Such a diet can actually help slow the progression of the illness, in part by putting less stress on the kidneys to filter various byproducts of the digestion process.
We can’t stress enough how important it is for the diet to be followed to the letter. An eight-year-old beagle we treated for kidney disease at our Foster Hospital for Small Animals had been doing fine on the prescribed food we recommended, but one weekend he suddenly developed life-threatening symptoms: vomiting and dehydration. Friends of the owners’ children had been feeding him potato chips and other junk food, which served to stress his kidneys unduly. The crisis had become so bad within just two days that the owners were on the verge of putting the dog to sleep, but we were able to get him back to where he had been with the administration of IV fluids.
The thing is, even sick dogs need treats. They’re part of the quality of life, and they’re currency for the bond between the two of you. So what treats can you give a dog with chronic kidney disease?
Some companies that make therapeutic diets also manufacture treats specifically formulated for dogs with kidney disease. You can ask your vet about them, but like the prescribed diets, they will tend to be on the expensive side.
Another option is to feed people food, as long as it has fewer than 150 milligrams of phosphorus per 100 calories and fewer than 100 milligrams of sodium. You can obtain the phosphorus, sodium, and calorie content of foods by looking up the USDA Food Composition Database at https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/. (Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s calories whether he is sick or healthy.) Treats should also be relatively low in protein. High-protein foods include beef and poultry and also dairy products (which are also sometimes high in sodium).
So what’s left? For one thing, produce. Watermelon, apples, bananas, green beans, baby carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and blueberries all make the cut. (But don’t feed grapes, raisins, or onions, which are toxic to dogs.)
You can also add sweet items like maple syrup or honey to your pet’s kibble. Many dogs lose their appetite as their kidney disease progresses, and that only worsens their condition. But these high-sugar foods (which are devoid of protein, sodium, and phosphorus) often work as appetite stimulants, allowing your dog both to get the nutrition he needs and enjoy his meals as well.
If you stick with treats of produce and sugary condiments while feeding your dog the prescribed kibble for kidney disease, you’ll keep him feeling comfortable as long as possible.
Hill’s Nutrition Dog Treats for Kidney Disease Crude Protein: 0%
When it comes to veterinarian-recommended dog treats for kidney disease, Hills Science Diet is often at the top of the list because it invests a lot into scientific research and designing their foods and treats following an evidence-based approach.
These low protein dog treats are a good example of that, where they allow pets with kidney problems to enjoy an occasional snack while also providing support for their kidneys, heart, and joints.
They might go best with a prescription dog food brand from Hills, but its not essential.
Developed by veterinarians and measuring at 35 calories per treat, theyre healthy but fairly calorie-dense, so be careful not to overfeed your pet.
This makes them delicious (along with the chewy texture) and means you cant give too many. At 9% crude protein, the main ingredients are chicken and potatoes.
There are added omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, another benefit for senior or arthritic pets.
The good news is that while high-tech treatments like kidney transplants and dialysis are generally unavailable to dogs (cost generally precludes them), your ability to keep your pet feeling well for as long as possible is greater than for many other diseases of aging. Specifically, your role as in-house nutritionist is critical because by making the right food choices, you can extend your dog’s life, and quality of life, significantly.
So what’s left? For one thing, produce. Watermelon, apples, bananas, green beans, baby carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and blueberries all make the cut. (But don’t feed grapes, raisins, or onions, which are toxic to dogs.)
The veterinarian will almost invariably prescribe a therapeutic (prescription) diet as soon as kidney disease is diagnosed. It will be relatively low in phosphorus, protein, and sodium. Such a diet can actually help slow the progression of the illness, in part by putting less stress on the kidneys to filter various byproducts of the digestion process.
Another option is to feed people food, as long as it has fewer than 150 milligrams of phosphorus per 100 calories and fewer than 100 milligrams of sodium. You can obtain the phosphorus, sodium, and calorie content of foods by looking up the USDA Food Composition Database at https://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/. (Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s calories whether he is sick or healthy.) Treats should also be relatively low in protein. High-protein foods include beef and poultry and also dairy products (which are also sometimes high in sodium).
Some companies that make therapeutic diets also manufacture treats specifically formulated for dogs with kidney disease. You can ask your vet about them, but like the prescribed diets, they will tend to be on the expensive side.
Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites, 90-Count
Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites will taste like a treat for your dog but they act more like a supplement that helps kidney function, the immune system, and offers urinary tract support. The soft chews each contain 200 milligrams of cranberry concentrate, which promotes urinary and kidney health, as well as renal function in both dogs and humans. Other ingredients that also promote healthy urination, inflammation relief, and detoxification include marshmallow root, licorice root, nettle seed, and astragalus. The chicken or bacon-flavored soft chews come in a 90-treat jar.
FAQ
What treats are OK for dogs with kidney disease?
What snacks are low in phosphorus?
Can dogs with kidney disease eat dog treats?
Are sweet potato treats good for dogs with kidney disease?