Kidney Disease in Dogs: What You Need to Know
Kidneys in dogs (just like in humans) filter waste from the blood, regulate minerals, and help maintain fluid balance in the body. When the kidneys don’t function properly, waste products and toxins build up, leading to serious health problems.
Renal disease is the medical term for any condition that damages the kidneys.
👉 Click here for treats that could be safe for dogs with kidney issues.
As always, please consult your vet about your dog's diet if they have been diagnosed with kidney or liver issues.
Changes should never be made without professional guidance.
Types of Kidney Disease in Dogs
Kidney disease is typically classified as acute or chronic:
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Acute Kidney Disease
This type develops suddenly, often due to another problem such as toxin ingestion, kidney stones, infections, or even cancer.
Symptoms can appear quickly and be severe—but with early veterinary treatment, acute cases can sometimes be reversed. -
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
This is long-term, progressive, and usually irreversible. It’s often age-related, though genetics and diet can also play a role.
Dogs with CKD may not show signs until significant kidney damage has already occurred. While the condition cannot be cured, its progression can often be slowed with the right care.
The main issue with prescription dog foods is that they are usually very low in protein which leads to your dog then having muscle waste. It’s a very fine balance to figure out. Phosphorus seems to be the major issue with my dog, if we keep that low as possible it seems to do the trick.
Please read Fifi Beaumont’s article on prescription dog food for kidney issues. Very interesting, I have followed the advice and my dog is on one of the suggested dog foods.
Anything is possible—be there and fight with them!! 💪🐾
I keep 4 different types of prescription foods on hand: Royal Canin E/T, Hill’s chicken pâté, and Purina chicken (all prescription). I serve my baby small portions, warmed in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Then I add just a tiny splash of Carus chicken bone broth (no salt, onion, or unsafe ingredients) and warm it for about 6 seconds, just enough to release the aroma and entice him to eat.
After that, I chop the food into small bites and hand-feed until he eats. If he refuses one type, I move to the next, and then the next—whatever it takes. The important thing is to show them you’re right there fighting alongside them, and to never give up! ❤️
Try food topper like chicken or beef bone broth Carus brand is the one I’m using.
I’ve always made my dog’s food, but now that she has early kidney disease, I have to alter her diet. I refuse to give her the crappy expensive prescription food, so I’m researching foods she can and can’t have and will continue to make it myself. We need to do all we can to keep them healthy, and I know that processed food just isn’t the way to go.