Dog Food for Renal Failure

A healthy diet could help your dog's kidneys recover.

If your dog is in renal failure, a proper diet could help its kidneys recover. Look for foods with low phosphorus and low protein but ample carbohydrates, fatty acids, calcitrol herbs and vitamins.

Phosphorus

Food for a dog with renal failure should contain low amounts of phosphorous. This has been proven to slow down kidney decay and improve the survival rate.

Protein

Dogs in renal failure or with kidney disease should eat less protein. High amounts of protein can be hard for a failing kidney to process. Replace proteins with fats from carbohydrates.

Fatty Acids

Some research has shown that adding omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to a dog's diet can help with kidney disease, according to doghealthguide.org. These are present in safflower and corn oil.

Calcitrol

Studies have shown that calcitrol also could help dogs in renal failure. Calcitrol is a hormone that aids dogs in absorbing calcium.

Herbs and Vitamins

Natural dietary supplements should not be overlooked when designing a diet for a dog in renal failure. Some herbs to look for are burdock, dandelion and cleaver, which provide vitamin D. Vitamin D is normally produced by ahealthy kidney to help absorb calcium. Supplemental vitamin D can help a failing kidney by preventing calcium buildup.

References

• Vetinfo
• Dog Health Guide