Firstly, it’s important to speak to your vet before making any changes to the diet of your family member. Once diagnosed your vet will be able to recommend the best type of food, along with accompanying medication.
Once we found out that Harry had CKD, we were faced with looking for specialist foods to help with the condition. It’s inevitable that their diet will need to change to help accommodate the challenges their health is facing. I searched the internet constantly looking for new foods for him, as it is common for them to lose a bit of weight, as part of the condition.
Some people prefer to make their own homemade organic meals, which we tried. But as our vet explained, it’s not always easy to measure ingredients exactly. This is where kidney support and renal foods from veterinary websites can help. You are easily able to see the compositions of ingredients, such as sodium, phosphorus, and protein levels, along with increased omega 3 fatty-acids.
The link below helps give some solid advice about a dog’s dietary requirements;
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Our little Harry loved the best things in life and food was no exception. We had to stop giving his favourite ‘duck chew’ treats, which can be high in sodium and protein content. Not good for poorly kidneys. Renal support food is notoriously bland in flavour, compared to the usual shop bought foods, BUT they are full of high-quality meats and ingredients.
There are many sites out there that offer a selection of Kidney/Renal Support foods both wet and dry and there are even a few select treats available, so they needn’t miss out completely!
Here are some sites below that we used to order Harry’s food. It is more expensive than regular dog food, but we would rather pay more for his food, knowing that this would help him and his quality of life. Known brands such as Hills, Royal Canin and Integra Protect, were ones we found to be very good, and more importantly, Harry liked the best.
Veterinary renal support foods - ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE;
Pet Food Expert Kidney Support
Useful websites with home-cooked recipes for renal support foods (please check with your vet first before making them);
Dog Aware – Homemade diet for dogs with early to moderate kidney disease
Dog Cat Home Prepared Diet – Chronic Renal Disease
Dog Lovely – All natural renal treat
Eats Writes Shoots – Recipes for renal failure
Top Dog Tips – Homemade dog food for renal disease
Some further sites with advice and help about a CKD diet;
Dogs First – The Nutrient Profile of Popular Dog Food Ingredients
Mayo Clinic – Low-phosphorus diet
Most of these foods bought online can only be purchased in packs of six, or large bags of dry biscuits. But as you will be using them regularly going forward, it does make it easier to buy a couple of packs as a time, so you always have some ready. Always stick to the recommended feeding guidelines on the packaging.
I also found that storing any opened food was best kept with some foil covering the open top (or a plastic lid when tins are opened) and keeping them in the fridge, to avoid them going ‘off’ sooner if not ate straight away. It looked like the food wouldn’t keep just stored at room temperature, so saves wasting food, which is expensive! Be warned that some biscuits are quite large, especially if you have smaller dogs.
Harry particularly liked the Royal Canin chicken slices in gravy, which comes in pouches and the Integra Protect chicken food in foil packs or Integra Protect beef in a can. On his days when he was feeling poorly and not wanting to eat, we found that giving some Specific Heart and Kidney Support food went down well. We found that Harry would have days where he didn’t want to eat, so we would take small pieces and try to hand feed him bit by bit, until he got his appetite back properly.
I hope you find these helpful, and it gives you a starting point on where to go for foods that help your beloved family member.
Remember to ALWAYS give plenty of fresh, clean, and filtered/boiled water. It is also useful to keep an eye on water levels once they are diagnosed so you can pick up on any excess water consumption. Also make sure the water isn’t too cold, that makes the kidneys work harder.
If you find any great renal/kidney support food out there, please send us an email. This would be really helpful to others out there that are also searching for the best they can to help their loved one.
Sending love and comfort to you x
