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Understanding Renal Disease in Dogs
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, is a common and serious condition in dogs that impairs their ability to filter waste from the bloodstream.The kidneys are essential for maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure, and processing waste products from metabolism. When a dog’s kidneys fail or become compromised, these functions are impaired, leading to a range of health issues.
For dogs with renal disease, a specialized diet is crucial.Their kidneys lose the ability to filter waste effectively, meaning their diet should be carefully managed to ease the burden on these stressed organs.In addition to regular meals, kidney-friendly dog treats are an important part of the equation. These treats can offer a break from the usual diet while still supporting the dog’s overall health and well-being.
Why Specialized Treats Matter
When a dog has kidney disease, they typically need a diet lower in protein and phosphorus because too much of these nutrients can overstress their kidneys. Dog treats designed for kidney disease play a vital role by offering safe, enjoyable rewards that don’t compromise their health. These renal-friendly treats help manage the condition, providing pleasure and comfort while adhering to the dog’s specific dietary requirements.
Specialized renal dog treats are made to cater to the specific nutritional needs of dogs with kidney disease. They use low-protein and low-phosphorus ingredients to help prevent waste buildup in the bloodstream and reduce the risk of further kidney damage. By offering kidney-safe dog treats, owners can support their dog’s kidney health without worrying about exacerbating the disease.
Types of Renal-Friendly Dog Treats
Renal-friendly treats come in various forms, each providing specific benefits for dogs with kidney issues
Low-Protein Treats for Kidney Health
The kidneys play a key role in processing protein, so it’s crucial for dogs with kidney disease to avoid high-protein foods that could strain these organs. Low-protein dog treats are crafted with kidney-friendly ingredients that provide flavor and texture without causing stress. These treats help maintain a balanced diet and prevent excess protein from building up in the blood.
Treats with Balanced Vitamins and Minerals
Treats rich in essential vitamins and minerals, yet low in harmful substances like phosphorus and sodium, are perfect for managing kidney disease. Renal-friendly dog treats often contain ingredients such as omega-3 fatty acids to support kidney function and reduce inflammation. These treats are also frequently fortified with antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C, which help protect kidney tissues and bolster immune health.
Sweet Potato Treats: A Natural Option
Sweet potato treats for dogs with kidney disease are a popular natural alternative.Sweet potatoes are an excellent snack choice for dogs with kidney issues because they are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Additionally, their low-fat content means they provide a healthy treat option that is gentle on the kidneys.Additionally, sweet potatoes can help maintain digestive health, which is important for dogs suffering from renal disease.
Kidney Safe and Kidney Care Treats
These treats are usually made with reduced protein and phosphorus levels and are free from harmful additives that could stress or irritate the kidneys. They serve as a supplemental snack for dogs that are already on a specialized renal diet, offering a safe and healthy reward option.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Kidney Diet Treats
When selecting treats for dogs with kidney disease, it’s important to choose products with the right ingredients. The following nutrients and components can be beneficial for kidney health:
- Limited Protein Sources: Treats containing a controlled amount of high-quality protein, like chicken or lamb, are gentler on the kidneys and help avoid protein overload.
- Low Phosphorus Content: Since phosphorus can contribute to the progression of kidney disease, renal-friendly treats should contain very low or minimal amounts of phosphorus.
- Healthy Fats and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These fats are anti-inflammatory and help support kidney health. Omega-3 fatty acids, often found in fish oil or flaxseed, can reduce kidney inflammation and improve kidney function.
- Antioxidants: Fruits like blueberries and cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants, can help protect the kidneys from oxidative stress and potential further damage. These ingredients are beneficial in supporting overall kidney health.
Homemade Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Preparing treats at home allows you to select the freshest, most kidney-safe ingredients for your pet.
Simple, Nutritious Recipes for Renal Health
A great homemade treat for dogs with kidney disease can be made using ingredients like sweet potatoes, carrots, or pumpkin. These foods are low in protein but rich in nutrients that can support kidney function.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (a low-phosphorus option)
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (rich in Omega-3 for inflammation)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for breath and toxin flushing)
- 1/2 cup low-protein flour (like chickpea flour or rice flour)
- A splash of water or unsalted broth, as needed for dough consistency
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, blend the sweet potato, flaxseed meal, parsley, and flour. Gradually add water or unsalted broth to achieve a rollable dough consistency.
- Shape Treats: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter. For Max, Jordan chose shapes that would remind him of their outdoor adventures together.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are firm and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the treats cool completely before offering them to your dog. Witness the joy as they savor the homemade goodness.
—https://bullystickscentral.com/blogs/tips-for-dog-owners/homemade-dog-treats-for-kidney-disease
Cheddar cheese treats for dogs with kidney disease
Ingredients:
- 115 grams plain flour
- 55 grams grated full fat cheddar cheese 55 grams grated full fat cheddar cheese (the cheese needs to have 33g fat/100g, so use ‘Coon’ Tasty cheese in Australia, or ‘Mainland’ Colby cheese in NZ)
- 55 grams butter
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Preparation instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180 C.
- Blend the flour, cheese and butter in a food processor until it looks like fine crumbs.
- Add the salt and egg yolk to the food processor, and mix until it forms a soft ball. You may need to add a little water to encourage the ball to form.
- Roll the mix on a lightly floured board to a thickness of about 8mm and cut the biscuits. You can make small circle-shaped biscuits, heart-shaped biscuits, bone-shaped biscuits … whatever you prefer.
- Place the biscuits on a non-stick tray and bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool, then enjoy!
–https://www.vngpets.com/post/cheddar-cheese-treats-for-dogs-with-renal-disease
Benefits of Homemade Kidney-Friendly Treats
You can avoid added sugars, salts, or preservatives that are often present in commercial treats. This way, you can ensure that your dog is only consuming ingredients that are safe and beneficial for their renal health.
Ingredient Ideas for Creating Renal-Safe Treats at Home
Ingredients such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, rice, and chicken (in small amounts) are ideal for making kidney-friendly treats. Be sure to avoid high-protein meats like beef or pork, as well as ingredients that are high in phosphorus or sodium.
Dog Treat Option and Ingredients
- Ingredients: whole grain wheat, hemp seed oil, hemp seed protein & fibre, peppermint flakes, salt, sugar, vanilla flavour, vitamins & minerals, calcium carbonate.
- Nutrition: protein 12%, fat 5%, me 3312 kcal/kg.
- BD also says “packed full of hugely healthy stuff like omega 3,6 and 9 fatty acids, protein, magnesium, amino acids, zinc, iron and small amounts of cbd.”
- Hemp seed oil is included as the second ingredient in these biscuits to give a high amount of Plant omega 3 to the treat. The protein level is acceptably low, and CKD dogs are recommended to have more omega 3 into their diet, so this dog treat is a highly acceptable option for them.
Mini Charcoal Biscuits Ingredients: Whole grain wheat, tallow, charcoal powder, sugar, salt, calcium carbonate, flax-seed meal, garlic powder, aniseed flavour, vitamins and minerals, colour.
- NUTRITION: PROTEIN 11%, FAT 6%, FIBRE <10%, SALT 0.75%
- It might surprise you that I have included mini charcoal biscuits so high on the list of best CKD options, but here is the thing, they are universally brilliant for ALL dogs to keep as a go to for upset stomachs, and even just daily treats.
- I have included a LOT of technical information about their value in removing toxins from your dogs stomach when they eat something they shouldn’t, but essentially its down to the activated charcoal that is beneficial to dogs and humans alike.
- With charcoal powder being the third largest ingredient in this treat behind Tallow (that provides most of the biscuits 6% fat (important for so many dog functions) – it has been one of my dogs staple treats over many years. Archie approved number 1 biscuit !
—https://www.healthydogtreats.com.au/dog-treats-kidney-disease/
Health Risks and Precautions When Giving Treats
When it comes to dogs with kidney failure, moderation is key. Kidney disease treats for dogs should always be given in small amounts. Treats should not replace meals but can be used as a supplement to make the dog feel better or as a reward for positive behavior. Overfeeding treats, even healthy ones, can lead to an imbalance in the dog’s diet and worsen kidney health.
The Risks of Overfeeding Treats in Kidney Disease
Overfeeding treats can cause a buildup of waste products in the bloodstream, which can further strain the kidneys. Always monitor the number of treats given and ensure that they do not exceed the recommended daily caloric intake.
Consulting a Vet Before Introducing New Treats
Before introducing any new treats to a dog with kidney disease, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. A vet can provide guidance on choosing the most suitable renal-friendly treats and ensure they won’t interfere with your dog’s medications or primary diet.
Monitoring Dog Health and Response to Treats
Monitor your dog closely when introducing new treats. Watch for any signs of discomfort, changes in urination patterns, or weight loss, and report these symptoms to your veterinarian promptly.
Faqs
Median survival time for IRIS Stage 1 dogs was over 400 days, Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days, Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days, and Stage 4 ranged from 14 to 80 days.
Prescription Diets: Many veterinarians recommend specialized commercial diets designed for dogs with kidney issues and urinary tract problems. Brands like Hill's Prescription Diet (k/d), Royal Canin Veterinary Diet (Renal Support), and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets (NF Kidney Function) are popular options.
The progression of CKD in dogs varies, taking weeks to years for symptoms to be noticeable. Once known, though, it is estimated that 75% loss of kidney function has already occurred, and the damage is irreversible. Depending on the underlying cause, some dogs will deteriorate much faster than others.
- High protein, high salt, high phosphorus levels for example.
- Red meat.
- Jerky (dried red meat skin)
- Bones.
- Pig's ears.
- Rawhide or any hide.
- Human food (I'd say this for all dogs, but I know lots of you like to give little treaties to your dogs).
It has been suggested by some studies that certain breeds of dogs and cats could be predisposed to CKD (Table 1). These include Shar Pei, Bull Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, West Highland White Terrier, and Boxer