Kidney Failure in Dogs & a Holistic Diet

The function of the kidney is to rid the body of waste produced during metabolism. Removal of waste takes place within the kidneys through a system of nephrons. Contained in each nephron is a glomerulus (sieve-like filtering structure). As a dog ages, the kidneys lose the ability to filter the blood due to the destruction of the glomeruli. Implementing a holistic, low phosphorus diet can aid dogs with kidney failure.

  1. Raw Meat

    • High quality protein is a key component for a holistic diet.

      Feed high quality protein such as poultry, pork and beef. High quality protein should be fed at a level of 2.0 to 2.8 grams/kilograms/day. Raw meat based diets produce less protein(nitrogen) waste. Higher quality protein is more digestible which leads to less waste and is therefore less taxing on the kidneys. In addition, meat-based diets contain more water to assist in flushing the kidneys.

    Calcitrol

    • Supplement with Calcitrol. Phosphorus is normally filtered through the kidneys. When filtration is impaired, phosphorus levels rise in the bloodstream and calcium may be extracted from bone to correct the calcium:phosphorus ratio, which should be 2:1. Supplementing Calcitrol may help restore an imbalanced ratio.

    Soluble Fiber

    • Add soluble fiber. Dogs suffering from decreased appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and bad breath (uremia) may benefit from adding soluble fiber to help manage excess urea.

    B Vitamins

    • Adding B-vitamins to the dog's diet will stimulate appetite. Supplementing iron will help offset the loss of red blood cell production.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Supplementing Omega-3 through fish oil slows kidney destruction.

      Omega-3 fatty acids from sources such as fish oil slow kidney destruction. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the kidney. Vitamin E can be added as it acts synergistically with Omega-3. Kidney damage can not be reversed but careful management can rejuvenate functioning kidney cells and slow their scarring.

    Green Foods

    • Blue green algae, spirulina, freeze-dried chlorella or other powders considered a green type food can be sprinkled over the dog's meal. Green foods detoxify the blood and decrease assist kidney function.