6 Foods to Help Combat Kidney Disease in Dogs

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Kidney disease is a progressive health condition in dogs, but it does not have to be a definitive sentence. When identified early and treated appropriately, many dogs suffering from this ailment can extend their lives with the aid of supportive nutrition.

Choosing the right food options for dogs with kidney disease promotes mineral and fluid balance in their bodies and aids in hindering the progression of the illness while providing enough nourishment to keep them strong and active.

Let us look into the necessary nutritional adjustments in the diets of dogs with kidney disease to learn how to figure out which types of human foods are safe and highly beneficial additions to their meals.

Ideal Nutrition for Dogs with Kidney Disease

The compromised kidney function of dogs with kidney disease requires special attention. Making specific alterations to their nutritional needs is vital in enabling their damaged organs to recuperate and heal.

The most important aspects of nutrition to focus on are as follows:

1. Phosphorus Levels

As kidney disease in dogs progresses, the kidneys fail to properly filter out waste products from the blood such as excessive amounts of phosphorus.

The buildup of this mineral in their system can herald a domino of harmful side effects. Phosphorus interacts with calcium, which inhibits its proper absorption into the body and may eventually cause brittle bones.

To counteract the loss of calcium, dogs’ parathyroid glands will be forced to work harder to maintain normal calcium levels.

Thus, parathyroid health complications such as parathyroid gland hyperplasia and subsequent hyperparathyroidism can develop in canines with kidney disease.

According to a 2009 study, the development of these ailments leads to an unfavorable prognosis.

However, by minimizing dogs’ phosphorus intake and using intestinal phosphate binders, these life-threatening conditions can be averted.

Research shows that a reduction in dietary phosphorus consumption prevented secondary hyperparathyroidism from taking place and slow the progression of kidney disease.

2. Protein Needs

The implementation of protein restrictions in dogs with kidney disease remains a topic of debate. On one hand, a study suggests that low-protein diets can reduce morbidity and mortality rates in dogs with chronic renal failure by reducing protein waste and lightening the workload on the kidneys. According to the recommendation of the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS), a renal diet should be implemented for dogs or cats with stage two chronic kidney disease.

On the other hand, there is insufficient evidence to support the positive effects of protein restrictions fully, and some experts caution that reduced protein intake may lead to muscle wasting, malnutrition, and other health complications, particularly in older dogs.

Currently, decisions regarding protein restrictions for dogs with kidney disease are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration IRIS staging. It is recommended to consult with a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate choice for your dog.

It is important to note that the digestibility of proteins plays a significant role in managing kidney disease in dogs. Highly bioavailable proteins, commonly found in animal meat, result in fewer protein by-products and less strain on the kidneys.

Monitoring for protein malnutrition and adjusting nutritional management is crucial, with a recommended protein range of 14-20% (DMB) for dogs with kidney disease, focusing on high-quality protein sources.

3. Water Supplementation

When kidney function is impaired, the toxin filtration process becomes more difficult. Over time, the blood flow to the affected organ gradually increases in an attempt to improve filtration.

It causes more urine production in affected dogs, leading them to urinate and drink frequently. Keeping them well-hydrated is critical because they are very susceptible to dehydration, which can cause severe organ damage.

Be sure they have access to unlimited quantities of fresh water 24 hours a day. Their meals should also consist of ingredients containing high moisture or water content to further increase water intake.

In addition, another way to encourage water intake is by flavoring the water with fish cooking water or canned natural tuna. Furthermore, using pet water fountains can also stimulate a dog’s water consumption.

4. Sodium Intake

Kidney disease in dogs comes hand in hand with hypertension. It is one of the leading causes of this medical condition.

Excessive sodium consumption increases fluid retention in the system, triggering a sudden spike in blood pressure.

Thus, dog owners must monitor the salt intake of their four-legged friends to avoid this problem from taking place.

Allowing your dog to snack on table scraps is a habit that you must slowly unlearn. When it comes to choosing dog treats, opt for low-sodium varieties. Ideally, those that contain only 1 milligram of salt per calorie. Using fresh fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, apples, baby carrots, broccoli, and blueberries can be a good treat option to consider.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A number of studies suggest that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids can potentially slow down the progression of kidney disease in dogs.

These healthy fats exhibited the ability to mitigate many signs of kidney problems such as:

• Easing hypertension and improving blood flow
• Reducing renal inflammation
• Preventing the occurrence of chronic renal failure
• Reducing hypercholesterolemia

Do note that there are different types of omega-3 fatty acids. The most bioavailable to dogs are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both of them are abundant in fish and seafood.

Plant oils such as hemp seed oil are rich in omega-3s but in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is not easily metabolized in the canine body.

Ideal Dog Food for Dogs with Kidney Disease

For many dogs with kidney disease, nutritional adjustments involve switching to a new dog food that is specially formulated for their medical issue. Kidney support diets for canines typically consist of the following:

Dog owners that prefer to prepare homemade meals for their dogs should watch out for nutritional imbalance and deficiencies.

In a 2012 research, all 39 home-prepared meals for canines with chronic kidney disease that are sourced from books and the internet failed to meet the National Research Council’s nutrient recommended allowances (RA) for adult animals.

When formulating homemade food for your dog, always seek the expertise of a certified vet nutritionist to create recipes that meet all of your furry pal’s nutritional needs.

6 Human Foods for Dogs with Kidney Disease

With the vet’s approval, making these human foods a part of your dog’s meals can significantly help in managing his condition.

1. Chicken Breast

100 grams of skinless cooked chicken breast contains:

• 65% water
• 32 grams of protein
• 241 milligrams of phosphorus
• 47 milligrams of sodium

Chicken is one of the most affordable sources of high-quality animal proteins for dogs with kidney disease. According to a 2018 study, it is considered the most bioavailable when cooked in different methods.

In the experiment, grilled and microwaved chicken showed more than 90% protein bioaccessibility. On the other hand, chicken baked in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes have 79% and 53% protein bioaccessibility respectively.

Always choose lean chicken meats such as chicken breast as they have low-fat content. Additionally, opt for organic or grass-fed sources.

A 2019 study shows that grass-fed meat has higher levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants while in a different study, results show that organic meat produces more healthy omega-3 fats.

2. Salmon

100 grams of cooked farmed Atlantic salmon contains:

• 64% water
• 22 grams of protein
• 252 milligrams of phosphorus
• 61 milligrams of sodium

Salmon is a natural source of high-quality EPA and DHA omega-3 fats for dogs with kidney disease.

Between the farmed and wild varieties, go for the former since it provides equal amounts of EPA and DHA according to studies. 200 grams of filleted farmed Atlantic salmon provides around 2 grams of these healthy fats.

On average, farmed salmon only has 0.05 micrograms of mercury per gram. Thus, pawrents do not have to worry about mercury toxicity when feeding this type of fish to their canine companions.

3. Blueberries

100 grams of raw blueberries contain:

• 84% water
• 74 grams of protein
• 12 milligrams of phosphorus
• 1 milligram of sodium

In a 2008 study, renal oxidative stress is highlighted as a contributing factor in the development of kidney disease in dogs.

Feeding your pooch fresh food loaded with antioxidants improves his body’s resistance against free radicals that cause oxidative damage.

Blueberries are some of the best high-antioxidant fruits for dogs with kidney disease. They are said to provide more antioxidants compared to 40 other well-known fruits and vegetables.

We suggest buying wild blueberries for Fido instead of regular ones since they contain higher concentrations of antioxidants. A cup of wild blueberries house over 13,000 antioxidants, while regular ones only have around 9,000.

Avoid foraging wild blueberries if you do not have sufficient knowledge in identifying edible and poisonous berries.

Instead, visit your local grocery store and check the frozen produce section. If you find packaged blueberries labeled with the word wild, they are what you are looking for.

4. Bell Peppers

100 grams of bell peppers contain:

• 92% water
• 99 grams of protein
• 26 milligrams of phosphorus
• 4 milligrams of sodium

Bell peppers are another excellent provider of potent antioxidants to dogs with kidney disease such as beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C, and zeaxanthin.

It is worth noting that different colored bell peppers have varying concentrations of antioxidants. Red bell peppers provide more lycopene and have 1 ½ times more vitamin C and nearly 11 times more beta-carotene than green peppers.

On the other hand, yellow bell peppers are richer in lutein and zeaxanthin, while orange bell peppers contain higher levels of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene.

5. Cucumbers

100 grams of cucumbers contain:

• 95% water
• 65 grams of protein
• 24 milligrams of phosphorus
• 2 milligrams of sodium

Give dogs with kidney disease extra hydration by combining their meals with cucumber. Although the fruit is largely composed of water, it is rich in nutrients such as vitamins C and K, manganese, and potassium.

Do not peel the skin or remove the seeds of cucumbers. They are the most nutrient-dense parts of the fruit.

These parts are packed with high levels of fiber and the antioxidant beta-carotene. Cucumber seeds are also a good source of calcium.

Conventional cucumbers have high exposure to pesticide residues, thus it is considered a part of the Dirty Dozen vegetables.

Some of them are encased in wax to retain their moisture and freshness. However, it seals in the pesticide residue as well, making the chemical difficult to rinse off. Buy unwaxed, organic cucumbers since they are safer for your dog.

6. Radish

100 grams of radish contains:

• 95% water
• 68 grams of protein
• 20 milligrams of phosphorus
• 39 milligrams of sodium

Radish contains flavonoids called anthocyanins, which function as antioxidants. They promote enhanced cardiovascular function and help reduce the risk of hypertension stemming from kidney disease in dogs.

Avoid feeding radishes to your dog raw. They produce goitrogen, which interferes with thyroid function and inhibits the proper absorption of iodine in the body. It can lead to the development of hypothyroidism.

Cooking radishes is a simple way to get rid of their goitrogenic compounds.

FAQs About Foods for Kidney Disease in Dogs

1. What Food Is Best for a Dog with Kidney Disease?

Low-phosphorus and low-sodium foods with high levels of water, as well as EPA and DHA, are the best for a dog with kidney disease.

Protein content also matters. However, it is best to ask for the vet’s help to know if your dog requires protein restriction. Choose bioavailable animal proteins since they cause less strain on his kidneys.

2. What Fish Is Good for Dogs with Kidney Disease?

Salmon is a good fish for dogs with kidney disease due to its high concentrations of EPA and DHA. Easily digestible proteins can be found in it too.

Other omega-3-rich fishes that are healthy additions to your dog’s meals are anchovies, herring, and sardines.

3. Are Eggs Good for Dogs with Kidney Disease?

Yes, eggs are good for dogs with kidney disease as they provide high-quality proteins.

However, for pooches advised to be on a low-phosphorus diet, feeding them the yolks should be done with great moderation since these are rich in phosphorus.

4. What Not to Feed a Dog with Kidney Disease?

Do not feed dogs with kidney disease high-sodium foods and treats because they can cause hypertension and more renal issues. For the same reason, table scraps should be prohibited to them.

Summary

Providing supportive nutrition to dogs with kidney disease significantly increases their chances of living a good quality of life.

Foods with low phosphorus levels, easily digestible proteins, high water content, and healthy omega-3 fats are effective in preventing the progression of renal issues.

Certain aspects of kidney-supportive diets heavily require an expert’s input such as protein restrictions and formulation of homemade recipes. So do not hesitate to reach out to the vet or a vet nutritionist.

Gain more knowledge on how to keep your dog strong and healthy through his meals by checking our Diets & Recipes section.