Dogs with advanced kidney failure have strict dietary requirements. These can be met using a variety of diets. However, whether the dog is fed a natural/raw diet, a homemade diet or a commercially prepared prescription diet, it is important to avoid foods that are high in low-quality protein or that are high in phosphorous.
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Advanced Kidney Failure
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The term "kidney failure" refers to the increasing inability of a dog's system to filter impurities and toxins from its bloodstream. Urine continues to be produced; however, the volume increases while the quantity of waste products being excreted decreases. According to the Pointer Veterinary Clinic's Web site, symptoms of advanced kidney failure include anorexia, depression, bad breath and mouth ulcers (see Reference 1). Other symptoms include weakness, a stilted gait and an arched back (see Resource 1).
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) Levels and Other Indicators
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The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level is the degree to which certain toxins are present in the dog's system due to its kidneys' inability to filter them. According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center's Web site, a normal canine BUN would be approximately 25 (see Reference 2). At diagnosis, a dog might have a BUN that exceeds this ideal by 10 times or more. The site states that a good BUN for a dog when it is in kidney failure would be 60 to 80 (see Reference 2). Creatinine and specific gravity are two other sources of information in the treatment of advanced kidney failure (see References 1 and 2), because they also reference the types of waste products being excreted and the amount of waste products being excreted in relation to the volume of urine being produced. Dogs that produce a lot of urine without excreting a proportionally high amount of waste products are often in or approaching advanced kidney failure.
Natural/Raw Diets
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Despite previous recommendations that a dog with kidney failure should have a low-protein diet, it is still possible to feed your dog a raw diet. The Windy Holly Veterinary Clinic's Web site indicates that a diet containing "moderate amounts of high-quality protein" and "moderate to high amounts of fat" in conjunction with low-phosphorus content is suitable for a dog with kidney failure. Green tripe, egg whites (with a limited amount of egg yolks) and raw poultry with the skin still on are all suitable for dogs experiencing kidney failure.
Homemade Diets
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A homemade diet for a dog with kidney failure should consist of equal amounts of fat, protein and carbohydrates (see Reference 3). Milk and eggs are excellent sources of ready protein, while yams, farina-based cereals and barley provide carbohydrates with low-to-moderate phosphorous levels. According to the Windy Holly Veterinary Clinic diet sheet, the dog's access to raw meaty bones, including chicken necks, should be limited, if not prohibited (see Reference 3).
Prescription Diets
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Feeding your dog a raw or homemade diet might not be the best alternative for everybody. A wide variety of prescription diets is available from most veterinarians, who will help you select one that is most appropriate to your dog's needs.
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