Low Protein Stews for Dogs

In general, low protein or restricted protein diets are prescribed for dogs with kidney disease; diets for liver disease are similar, but with less fat. As with everything related to your dog's health and training, there are differing opinions. Some professionals do not believe that a lower protein diet is necessary. Once these diseases are diagnosed, however, the treatment strategy is to slow the progress of the disease and promote optimum function of the disintegrating organs. This can be accomplished through homeopathic, herbal and nutritional treatment. To reduce or eliminate the toxic metabolic waste, or urea, derived primarily from protein as well as phosphorous and sodium, one accepted treatment diet does consist of the minimal level of protein of maximally usable quality.

  1. Kidney Failure

    • The kidneys provide a cleansing function, filtering blood and waste out of the body through a network of tiny structures called nephrons. Aging or trauma can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys; the nephrons stop working and the result is kidney failure. Waste that was formerly filtered through the kidneys starts entering the blood stream. Early signs of kidney problems are increased thirst, frequent urination, large quantities of pale urine and weakness of the bladder. As soon as you suspect a kidney problem, take your dog to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis before embarking on any dietary treatments.

    Liver Malfunction

    • The liver is known as the hardest working organ in the body. It plays a central role in the whole process of breaking down and using foods. Viral infections or the ingestion of poisonous substances may cause liver malfunction. See your veterinarian immediately if your dog is experiencing nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite or passing light-colored stools with a fatty appearance. You may also see jaundice, a yellowing of the tissues, noticed in the whites of a dog̵7;s eyes, as well as a swelling of the abdomen caused by fluid accumulation.

    Components of the Low Protein or Restricted Protein Diet

    • A low protein or restricted protein diet will provide about 16 percent of high-quality protein, according to Dr. Richard Pitcairn, author of ̶0;Dr. Pitcairn̵7;s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.̶1; Enriched white rice is used for its easier digestion than brown rice and its high levels of iron and major B vitamins. Vitamin A, known to be particularly good for the kidneys, is added to the diet in addition to other water-soluble vitamins such as vitamins B and C. The diet must be also low in ash and phosphorous. The meats used in a kidney failure diet should be fatty, such as chicken with the skin and regular ground beef, according to holistic practitioner, Wendy Volhard and Kerry Brown, D.V.M., authors of ̶0;Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog.̶1; Lean, less fatty meats should be substituted for the liver malfunction diet.

    Low Protein Stew Recipe

    • This recipe gives you a general idea of the types of ingredients and proportions used in a home-prepared lower protein diet. It is adapted from a recipe developed by Dr. Richard Pitcairn called Canine Diet for Kidney Problems, and found in his book, ̶0;Dr. Pitcairn̵7;s Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats.̶1; Consult your dog's veterinarian for advice about diet and for a complete diagnosis of any conditions that may warrant a change of diet. Only follow treatment and dietary recommendations customized for your dog̵7;s unique diagnosis.

      The following recipe is for one meal for a 40-pound dog or a 10-pound toy breed for three days. Triple the proportions to feed a 60-pound dog for two days.

      Mix ½ cup or ¼ pound of regular fat ground beef (substitute extra-lean ground beef for liver problems) or chicken; 1 egg; 2 tbsp. cold-pressed safflower, soy or corn oil; 600 mg calcium; 1/8 tsp. iodized salt; 2 tbsp. parsley, finely grated carrot or other vegetables (optional and for stew variations); ½ to 1 clove of minced garlic (optional, for flavor, omit for toy breeds or seek advice from your dog's veterinarian); dog vitamins (as recommended on the label for medium-size dogs); 20-milligram-level-B complex; 5,000 IU vitamin A; 1,000 milligrams vitamin C (1/4 tsp. sodium ascorbate) together and serve raw, or bake for 20 minutes in a moderate oven. Add the vitamins to the mixture when it has cooled. You may add filtered or bottled water as required for a more stew-like consistency.