Kidney failure in dogs, also known as kidney disease, is a relatively common pathology in domestic dogs. We can observe that this pathology is common in elderly dogs or those that are already sick and develop kidney problems due to their illness.
It is vital to learn to recognize the signs of this pathology, as well as what will be the best feed for dogs with kidney failure problemsIn this article on our site we will delve into this complex topic that, in addition, will require the professional guidance of our trusted veterinarian
Kidney failure in dogs and its impact on feeding
Kidney failure in dogs can be acute or chronic, the acute one can carry a high risk of mortality, although it is reversible, in On the other hand, chronic kidney failure involves damage to kidney tissue that is irreversible.
Under normal conditions, the toxins that circulate in the blood are dissolved in water through the kidney, duly filtered and subsequently excreted through the urine, but when there is kidney failure, the kidney needs a greater amount of water in order to excrete the same amount of toxins. Even so, there comes a point where the increased hydration is not enough for the kidney to withstand the normal workload and these toxins rise in the blood.
Many of these toxins come from the environment, while others come from the metabolism of some nutrients, for example, from proteins, whose metabolism generates ammonia, a toxic substance that must be converted into urea in order to be excreted through the urine.
In conditions of renal insufficiency in dogs, feeding takes on special importance, since we must avoid certain foods and maintain a caloric load that allows our friend to maintain his body weight. As is always the case, diet is one of the factors with the greatest influence on he alth.
Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs
If our dog is suffering kidney damage, it is important to be able to identify it in order to Go to the vet as soon as possible The symptoms Symptoms of kidney failure in dogs will vary depending on whether the kidney failure is acute or chronic:
Symptoms of acute renal failure:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- No urine
- Disorientation
- Lack of coordination
- Physical weakness
Symptoms of chronic renal failure:
- No urine
- Bloody urine
- Bad coat
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hunched posture
- Bad breath
- Mouth ulcers
- Dehydration
- Weakness
- Swelling
Kidney failure in dogs is a serious pathology as it affects a vital organ and therefore requires urgent treatment that includes changes in our pet's diet.
Tips for feeding dogs with kidney failure
The main objective of feeding a dog with kidney damage is to reduce the workload of the kidney, since it can no longer filter all toxins in the proper way, and keep the dog at a proper weight, thus preventing a state of malnutrition. A good diet for a dog with kidney failure should be based on the following bases:
- Must be a low sodium and phosphorus diet.
- Proteins of high biological value (rich in essential amino acids) must be provided, but in a moderate amount, lower than the normal amount required in he althy adult dogs.
- Hydration must be optimal, for this the dog must always have fresh and clean water available and wet food should be preferred.
A diet that respects these principles can be provided through high-quality balanced feed (feed) such as the Special Care range from NFNatcane, which is specially formulated for dogs that require a specific diet due to various he alth problems such as the aforementioned chronic or temporary kidney failure.
Is dry food or homemade food better for dogs with kidney failure?
There are feeds for dogs with kidney failure that are perfectly adapted to the nutritional requirements of a dog with kidney disease, however, some Experts consider that the best diet in these cases is the homemade diet for dogs with renal insufficiency and that only offers balanced food as a complement. The veterinarian should advise us on this aspect.
Some recommended foods for dogs with kidney problems are:
- Boiled rice
- Olive oil
- Sunflower oil
- Eggshell
- Unflavored gelatin
- Cabbage
- Zucchini
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Pork
- Lamb
- Anchovies
- Salmon
On the contrary, the foods to avoid in a case of kidney failure are:
- Milk
- Dairy Products
- Nuts
- Legumes
In any case, the veterinary will be the only one who can prescribe one type of diet or another for dogs suffering from kidney failure. Likewise, it should also be the specialist who guides us regarding ingredients, amounts, intakes or supplements
