In dogs, renal failure, also known as kidney disease, kidney failure and kidney impairment, can be a serious health problem leading to death, according to Vet Info. Kidneys filter and clean the blood, return salts to the blood and remove excess water from urine. Canine renal failure can be sudden or progressive and is often caused by bacterial infections, blockages in the urinary tract, chemical poisoning or injury.
-
Symptoms
-
Symptoms of canine renal failure are frequent urination, including accidents in housebroken dogs; loss of appetite; pain; weight loss; pale urine; diarrhea; decreased coat quality; vomiting; and an enlarged abdomen.
Canine kidneys can function relatively well with up to 25 percent of the organ sustaining damage, so symptoms may start mildly and worsen as the organ becomes progressively dysfunctional.
Later stages of renal failure may include blood poisoning due to the kidneys' inability to filter the waste product urea. Symptoms of urea poisoning include low energy, vomiting, swelling of the limbs and mouth, and oral abscesses, according to Vet Info.
Importance of Diet
-
According to experts at Vet Info, regular commercial dog food can worsen kidney problems in canines. Commercial foods made for healthy dogs often are high in protein, which breaks down into amino acids. In turn, the amino acids break down into the waste product urea, a substance difficult for dogs with damaged kidneys to process. Food that is overprocessed and/or filled with fillers, preservatives and allergens also may aggravate canine kidney disease.
Dietary Basics
-
Food made for dogs with renal failure should be high-quality (free of fillers, preservatives, allergens, corn, wheat and soy), high in protein, calcium, vitamin D3 and bio-available ingredients, or ingredients that make nutrients easier to assimilate, according to Vet Info. They should also be low in phosphorus.
Prescription foods that meet these requirements are available through veterinary offices, or an owner may choose a high-quality commercial food or make special meals at home with prepared ingredients. Vet Info recommends giving small, frequent meals and maintaining a constant supply of fresh, filtered water.
Homemade Diet
-
A variety of simple ingredients can be used to prepare homemade meals, including white rice, cooked ground beef or chicken, chicken fat, boiled eggs, vegetable oil, cooked kidney beans, parsley, potatoes, parsnips and cottage cheese.
If a dog has trouble digesting lactose, Vet Info recommends freezing the cottage cheese, defrosting it and skimming off the separated liquid, as this liquid contains most of the lactose. According to experts at Vet Info, owners should consult a veterinarian before constructing a homemade diet for their dogs.
Dietary Supplements
-
Vet Info recommends supplementing the diet of a dog with renal failure with 300 mg of fish oil per 10 pounds of body weight, divided into two servings; vitamin E every day in increments of 50 IUs for dogs 5 to 25 lbs., 100 IUs for 25 to 50 lbs., 200 IUs for 50 to 75 lbs., and 400 IUs above 75 lbs.; and coenzyme Q-10, vitamin C, B-complex, iron, salt supplements and a prescription multivitamin under the supervision of a vet.
-