How to Get a Dog With Kidney Disease to Eat Food

Canine kidney disease can be the result of many things, including exposure to toxic chemicals, bacterial or fungal infections, or prolonged use of certain medications. Loss of appetite is a common symptom associated with canine kidney disease. However, it is very important that your dog continue to eat regularly to maintain good kidney health. If your dog has kidney disease, enticing him to eat may seem impossible, but with a little trial and error and some help from your veterinarian, you can help your dog on his way to a healthy appetite.

Things You'll Need

  • Prescription appetite stimulating medication
  • Nutrition supplement (Nutrical, etc.)
  • Foods to tempt your dog
  • All bones from a roast chicken (and giblets if possible)
  • 4 qts cold filtered or spring water
  • 2-4 chicken feet or legs
  • 2-5 carrots (chopped)
  • 1/2 bunch celery (chopped)
  • Any added vegetables your dog enjoys (excluding onions)
  • Kelp
  • Cleaver/hammer
  • Stainless steel stock pot
Show More

Instructions

  1. Improving the Appetite of a Dog with Kidney Disease

    • 1

      Speak to your veterinarian about putting your dog on medication to stimulate his appetite. These include Meclizine, Mirtazapine, Ondansetron, Cerenia and Cyproheptadine. Also ask about a nutrition replacement supplement such as Nutrical, a paste which contains nutrients for pets who refuse to eat.

    • 2

      Begin a trial and error process by offering your dog any food you think he may eat. Make a note of foods that work so you know to try offering them again. If your dog has a favorite food, use it to tempt him to eat.

    • 3

      Cook up a nutritious broth containing both nutritious and palatable ingredients for your dog. Offer the broth througout the day to keep up your dog's strength.

    Nutritious Dog Broth

    • 4

      Chop bones (and feet, if using) into several pieces using a cleaver or break the bones using a hammer.

    • 5

      Place all meat and bones into a stainless steel stock pot, add vegetables and enough water to cover the ingredients.

    • 6

      Bring ingredients to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. If frothy "scum" rises to the top of the pot, remove it,

    • 7

      Allow the broth to reduce. As it reduces,the pot will be only half full. Add enough water to fill the pot once more. Cover and simmer broth for 12 to 24 hours, adding more water as needed.

    • 8

      Refrigerate. Once cold, fat in the broth rises to the top. Skim this off as well. Use broth within one week.