Kidney health for dogs

Kidney health for dogs

What is kidney failure in dogs?

 

Kidney failure is a condition that damages your dog’s kidneys, leading to kidney or renal disease. The most common form is known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which affects about 1 in every 10 dogs.1 

 

Your dog’s kidneys are vital to removing waste substances from the bloodstream and maintaining the balance of fluid and minerals within the body. But if the kidneys can’t do their job, the result could be life-threatening for your dog.

What causes kidney disease in dogs?

There are two main categories of kidney failure in dogs: acute and chronic. Signs of acute renal failure usually manifest over a week or month’s time, while chronic renal failure is present for a longer period. Several factors may be involved that could increase your dog’s risk of developing kidney disease:

What are the signs of kidney disease in dogs?


The signs of early-stage kidney disease are not visible. On diagnosis, CKD has already been present for some time but may be managed with the help of vet-approved dog food for kidney disease. Signs of late-stage kidney disease tend to be similar but are far more noticeable to pet parents.

Signs of kidney disease
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Increased thirst
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Frequent or no urination
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Decreased appetite
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Weight loss
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Poor coat appearance
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Constipation
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Lethargy or weakness
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Bad breath or a sore mouth
Signs of kidney disease
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Increased thirst
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Frequent or no urination
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Decreased appetite
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Weight loss
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Poor coat appearance
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Constipation
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Vomiting and diarrhea
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Lethargy or weakness
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Bad breath or a sore mouth
Dog looking up at a bowl of dog food

Nutrition for dogs with kidney disease

If your dog has kidney disease, the nutrition formulated for them can help make an impact on their lives. Specially formulated nutrition for dogs with kidney disease can be beneficial by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while controlled, high-quality proteins can help restore normal acid-base levels.

What about nutritional yeast for dogs with kidney disease?

 

While it has gained some popularity online, yeast is relatively high in phosphorus, which could be a concern for dogs with CKD. Similarly, many websites now propose creating a raw food for dogs with kidney disease but fail to mention the range of factors to consider, such as contamination risks, providing the right balance of nutrients, and the overall cost. When looking into nutritional options for dogs with kidney disease, it’s always best to get a specific recommendation from your veterinarian.

Nutrition for dogs with kidney disease

If your dog has kidney disease, the nutrition formulated for them can help make an impact on their lives. Specially formulated nutrition for dogs with kidney disease can be beneficial by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while controlled, high-quality proteins can help restore normal acid-base levels.

What about nutritional yeast for dogs with kidney disease?

 

While it has gained some popularity online, yeast is relatively high in phosphorus, which could be a concern for dogs with CKD. Similarly, many websites now propose creating a raw food for dogs with kidney disease but fail to mention the range of factors to consider, such as contamination risks, providing the right balance of nutrients, and the overall cost. When looking into nutritional options for dogs with kidney disease, it’s always best to get a specific recommendation from your veterinarian.

References:
1Lulich JP, Osborne CA, O’Brien TD, Polzin DJ. Feline renal failure: questions, answers, questions. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1992;14(2):127–153. Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website.