Kidneys perform essential duties in canine bodies, including filtering the blood to maintain proper electrolyte and chemical balances, and eliminating waste through urine. They also regulate blood pressure and are important in the production of red blood cells. Dogs do not generally exhibit signs of kidney failure until it is almost too late, so preventing problems or keeping a kidney-impaired dog healthy through diet is important.
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Essential Role of Water
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Veterinarians on the website Vet Info recommend that you give your dog plenty of fresh water with his food, especially if he has kidney problems. Water helps the kidneys thoroughly flush toxins and wastes. If a dog's kidney function is impaired, any level of dehydration could prove harmful.
A lack of water (and lack of flushing) can cause the buildup of calcium and other nutrients, which can lead to kidney or bladder stones. Because of the special attention that must be given to the fluid intake of dogs with kidney problems, some vets recommend feeding these dogs only wet food, or a combination of wet and dry food.
Dog Food for Healthy Dogs
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Dog food that supports good kidney function will have healthy fats from whole, non-processed meats, such as turkey, lamb, chicken and beef. Low-phosphorus meats, such as beef, are preferred. Eggs and whole milk also are acceptable forms of protein.
Dog foods should be high in Omega-3 fatty acids, but low in Omega-6 fatty acids, as the latter can impair kidney function, according to Vet Info. Plenty of fiber is recommended in the form of fruits, vegetables and grains.
Protein Content
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Many experts at Vet Info recommend a diet low in protein for dogs with kidney problems, though this is not universally agreed upon and may depend on individual test results. The theory is that protein is difficult for the kidneys to process. By lowering protein content in food, less nitrogen waste and urea is produced while still supplying essential amino acids. Regular dog treats, in particular, should be avoided, as they consist almost entirely of protein.
Mineral Content
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Phosphorus, sodium and calcium levels are important in a dog food meant for those with kidney problems. Average dog food can have a poisonous effect on canines who have issues with this organ. Low levels of phosphorus help slow the deterioration of kidney function, decrease the level of mineral deposits, and help maintain the balance of phosphorus and potassium.
Dogs with kidney damage need to be fed decreased levels of sodium (or salt); it tends to build up, throwing off the balance of this mineral, as well as the body's fluids.
Calcium processing in a dog with kidney problems is not normal. Added calcium helps dogs maintain healthy levels of the mineral.
Vitamin D and Bioavailability
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Vitamin D3 should be added to food meant for dogs with kidney problems, according to Vet Info. Dogs with normal kidney function can convert vitamin D2 to vitamin D3, but this is difficult for dogs with kidney problems.
According to the same website, dog food that supports kidneys also should be made with ingredients that have high bioavailability, which makes the food's nutrients easier for the dog to assimilate. This provides the animal with the most nutrients and the least amount of waste products that the kidneys are having trouble filtering out.
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