Specific Diets For Dogs Suffering From Kidney Disease
As with us, our pet’s diet must be adapted to its needs and characteristics. This means that, when you suffer from some type of pathology, your diet has to be as adjusted as possible to it. In this article we will give you some tips for feeding dogs with kidney disease.
Signs of kidney disease in dogs
The kidneys are one of the most important organs in all living things. Their function is vital, since they are in charge of eliminating toxins and waste products that are produced during internal metabolic processes. Due to various factors – age, infections and others – kidney function in dogs can be affected or decreased.
There are several types of kidney disease, depending on the clinical signs and the affected area. Kidney failure is perhaps the most common kidney disease in dogs, and is caused by a progressive loss of kidney function.
It usually affects older dogs to a greater degree. Due to the alteration in the kidneys, the balance of nutrients-waste begins to decompensate, and they are not released through the urine properly.
Other examples of kidney disease in dogs are urinary tract infections or kidney failure, which can be very serious if not caught early. Be that as it may, it is evident that feeding in dogs suffering from kidney disease should be one of the pillars to control the balance of toxins and nutrients.
Fatty acids, great allies
If your pet suffers from some type of kidney disease, surely your veterinarian will recommend a feed –or a special homemade diet– specific for this type of situation. One of the components that help the most are fats, especially foods rich in omega 3, since they help filter the blood and improve kidney function.
A diet that includes oily fish will be ideal, since the omega 3 content in this type of fish is high: salmon, tuna and mackerel are good options. Currently, there are feed specifically designed for this type of pathologies, and they usually include fish oils or omega 3 supplements.
Control the contribution of phosphorus and sodium
Despite being a vital mineral for the formation of bones and teeth, the contribution of phosphorus in cases of kidney failure can be excessive. This causes the phosphorus to not be processed; it begins to accumulate and causes cardiovascular and kidney risks. Therefore, a diet low in phosphorus is ideal to avoid overworking the kidneys.
In the case of sodium, the balance must be tighter. While it is true that too much sodium can cause additional blood pressure problems, total restriction is also harmful.
Protein intake in dogs suffering from kidney failure
Proteins are an essential part of the nutrients that the body needs to develop its normal functions. But in the case of dogs with kidney disease, you have to be careful. The breakdown of proteins releases nitrogen compounds and phosphorus, which must be processed by the kidneys.
Therefore, the protein intake must come from a high-quality protein of animal origin. Choosing a good feed that provides you with this type of protein in moderate amounts is now within our grasp. Or, if we opt for a homemade diet, we can include chicken among the main ingredients.
Finally, and as we always recommend from My Animals, the professional advice of your veterinarian is the best cure you can give your pet.
