Kidney Disease Dog Food - Homemade and Commercial Diets

The kidneys are part of the filtering system of the dog's body. They filter certain chemicals and impurities from the blood in the production of urine, maintain chemical and hormonal balances, and assist in regulating the blood pressure. This system is essential to the proper functioning of the rest of the body. Without it, the rest of the body can become poisoned with its own waste, among other serious issues. For that reason, it is important that this system be maintained and well cared for.

Acute kidney failure is often fatal to the dog. It is brought on by trauma, infection, or poisoning. Some medications, such as antibiotics and some chemotherapy drugs can bring about acute kidney failure. One common cause of acute kidney failure is antifreeze poisoning. Dogs are attracted to the sweet smell and taste of antifreeze; however, even as little as one sixth of an ounce of antifreeze is enough to be fatal to a dog. Acute kidney failure is characterized by an arched back and stiff gait accompanied by lower than usual urine production.

Chronic kidney failure is common in dogs. Its symptoms often go unnoticed until the damage to the dog’s kidneys is irreversible. Fortunately, it is possible to treat chronic kidne failure once it has been discovered. Treatment, along with monitoring and proper diet will prolong an affected dog's life for up to several years. Chronic kidney failure is characterized by increased water intake and urine output, loss of weight, and an increased tendency to bruise or bleed.

Homemade Diets
When preparing a homemade diet for most dogs with chronic kidney failure, it is necessary to include adequate calories from non-protein ingredients. It is equally necessary to limit the amount of protein that the food contains, as well as the phosphorous and the sodium. With its stringent requirements, the homemade diet may be difficult for the average pet owner to prepare. In addition, the However, homemade food may be the best way to keep a dog with chronic kidney failure eating and drinking, preventing further kidney damage.

Commercial Diets
A variety of commercial diets are available to the pet owner in order to assist with his or her pet's care. These prescription foods range from about 8 percent protein to about 13% protein per can or cup serving of food. Commercial foods are often better for feeding over the long term. Low-protein diets can cause malnutrition if they are improperly formulated and commercial diets are often formulated and supplemented with this limitation in mind. A mixture of both canned and dry prescription foods can be used to improve the palatability of commercially prepared diet.

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