Are you seeking a healthier diet for your dog with kidney disease? At Mersey Raw, we provide tasty and nutritious raw food for dogs to benefit their health. While we understand that raw feeding doesn't cure kidney disease, we certainly believe that it can have a positive effect on your dog's well-being. To learn more about raw dog food for kidney disease, read our blog today.
What is Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Kidney disease in dogs (also known as renal disease) is a serious condition that prevents the kidneys from functioning normally. The kidneys perform essential functions to keep your dog's body working properly, such as removing toxins from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and supporting your dog’s overall health. When affected by kidney disease, normal kidney function is heavily impacted, with the condition varying in severity depending on its acute or chronic status.
Acute
Acute kidney disease in dogs is a rapid decline in kidney function that may be caused by toxins, infections, severe dehydration, or underlying health conditions. Immediate veterinary care is required to prevent severe damage. Depending on specific circumstances, dogs can be treated and recover from acute kidney disease.
Chronic
Chronic kidney failure in dogs is an ongoing and irreversible condition that develops slowly, causing the kidneys to stop functioning progressively over time. Treatment is often available to improve the quality of life, as there’s unfortunately no cure.
The Causes of Kidney Disease in Dogs
The cause for kidney disease in dogs widely varies, but may potentially be caused by:
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Age
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Underlying health conditions
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Environmental factors
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Breed
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Genetics
While these are the most common causes, it’s important to understand that kidney disease can develop in dogs regardless of the usual or known risk factors.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs
Kidney disease symptoms in dogs often include:
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Increased thirst
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Frequent urination
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Incontinence
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Bad breath
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Decreased appetite
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Weight loss
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Tiredness
However, it’s important to note that kidney disease symptoms in dogs may present differently depending on the severity of the condition (acute or chronic). If your dog is showing potential signs of kidney disease, consult with a veterinary professional as soon as possible.
Foods Dogs Should Eat With Kidney Disease
If your dog is suffering from kidney disease, several types of food are commonly recommended:
Hydrating Foods or Supplements
When dogs have kidney disease, their kidneys fail to concentrate urine as they should. Feeding hydrating foods and supplements to dogs with kidney disease is greatly beneficial, helping keep them hydrated for longer to prevent losing fluid as quickly. Raw dog food is one of the most moisture-rich diet choices, providing great hydration.
Equally, bone broth for dogs has proven a tasty addition to mealtime for pups requiring more hydration at mealtime.
Low-Phosphorus Foods
Phosphorus is a mineral that many dogs with kidney disease have difficulty processing. Therefore, it’s often advised to feed low-phosphorus foods to dogs facing the disease. Phosphorus buildup can be harmful to dogs experiencing kidney issues, potentially causing lethargy and lack of appetite. Common low-phosphorus foods for dogs contain lean proteins, such as white fish or chicken.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, are potentially beneficial to dogs with kidney disease. They provide a dense source of energy without putting too much burden on the kidneys.
Note: It's important to consult with a veterinary professional if you have any concerns or questions about introducing new foods to your dog with kidney disease.
Foods Dogs Should Avoid With Kidney Disease
While it’s important to know what you should be feeding your dog with kidney disease, it’s equally important to understand what not to feed them.
Dry Food
Kibble has a low moisture content, considerably less than raw dog food. This often contributes to poor hydration, which can be a common issue in dogs with kidney disease. Additionally, ultra-processed dry foods are made with low-quality ingredients, which again offer no benefits to dogs, especially those suffering from kidney disease.
Fatty Protein
Fatty or poor-quality protein sources may potentially increase the workload for the kidneys. If your dog has kidney disease, they may benefit from higher-quality meats that are easily digestible with a more controlled fat content.
High-Sodium Food or Snacks
We understand how tempting it can be to offer scraps of your food to your dog. While it may taste amazing to them, your dog won’t benefit from eating your salty snacks - in fact, you’ll likely be doing damage to their body, especially their kidneys. The safest option is to avoid feeding your dog both processed dog treats and human snacks (no matter how much they beg!).
Can Dogs With Kidney Disease Eat Treats?
Yes, dogs with kidney disease can still eat treats, but they should be chosen carefully. No dog should miss out on tasty treats, even those with health conditions.
The best treats for dogs with kidney disease should be:
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100% natural
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Low-phosphorus
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Easily digestible
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Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
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Hydrating
At Mersey Raw, we offer a wide range of natural, species-appropriate treats for dogs. Our selection provides something for all dogs, including those with kidney disease. From dried to raw goodies, we have plenty of natural treats to consider for dogs with kidney disease.
5 Reasons Why Raw Dog Food is Good for Kidney Disease
Raw dog food is a great option for dogs with kidney disease, but why? Follow along to find out the top 5 reasons why raw dog food is good for kidney disease.
1 - Quality Protein
Raw dog food provides high-quality protein, which is an essential part of all dogs' diet. Unlike lower-quality commercial dog food or dry kibble, raw food is made with fresher ingredients to benefit your dog's health and well-being.
2 - Low in Phosphorus
Generally, most raw dog food contains lower levels of added or unnatural phosphates compared to other worse lower-quality foods, as it's made with better ingredients. As we know, it's recommended to feed low-phosphate food to dogs with kidney disease to prevent rapid progression.
3 - No Artificial Additives
Raw dog food contains zero preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fillers. Unfortunately, additives are found in most dog food and treats, making it almost unavoidable. Choosing a raw diet that's free from artificial substances is the safest and healthiest option to benefit your dog's health.
4 - Nutritious
Raw meat is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients, including essential vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants - all of which are necessary to support your dog's kidney health.
5 - Hydrating
Raw dog food has a much higher moisture content compared to dry food, as it doesn’t undergo the harmful cooking process that cooked dog food faces. In fact, according to the Pet Food Institute, dry pet food typically has just 10 to 12% moisture content - crazy, right?
Raw Dog Food for Kidney Disease at Mersey Raw
Does your dog have kidney disease? If so, we understand that you may be seeking a healthier diet to benefit their health. While finding out your beloved pooch has kidney disease is extremely challenging, you’re taking the right steps in providing a better diet. At Mersey Raw, we have a wide variety of raw minces for dogs, with plenty of protein options to consider.
Whether you prefer to select raw minces individually or let us handle your dog's needs through our convenient subscription service, your dog will no doubt enjoy the benefits of our tasty meals being delivered to your door!
If you need help getting started on raw, don’t hesitate to get in touch today!