Canine Low Protein Diet

A low protein diet may be recommended for a dog who is suffering from health issues with the kidneys. However, both the Healthy Pet Journal and the Kidney Disease in Dogs website state that higher quality protein in a diet may be just as---if not more---beneficial as a low protein diet.

  1. Benefits

    • According to the Healthy Pet Journal, a low protein diet helps to generate less nitrogenous waste, which in turn helps to control vomiting and nausea in the affected dog.

    Side Effects

    • In dogs, diets that are low in protein can lead to malnutrition. Therefore, it is important for the owner to work together with their veterinarian to ensure that their dog is getting the proper amounts of nutrients while on a low protein diet.

    Misconceptions

    • Some owners are under the impression that a low protein diet will extend the life of a dog affected by kidney issues. Unfortunately, this is not always true and many veterinarians will recommend combining a low protein diet with a low phosphorus diet, which is believed to be more beneficial in extending the affected dog's lifespan.