Foods Causing Kidney Failure in Dogs

Some foods your dog might eat, even in small amounts, can cause kidney failure. Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as grapes, tomatoes, and mushrooms, can cause kidney failure; even commercial dog food can sometimes do so. Here are some foods to avoid when feeding your dog.

  1. Grapes and Raisins

    • Dogs are attracted to the sweet taste of both grapes and raisins, making them particularly dangerous food items. According to veterinarian Charlotte Means, the toxin in grapes and raisins is unknown; however, toxicity can occur within a couple of hours after eating these foods. The quantity needed for toxicity to occur also varies from case to case, so it is impossible to know how many, if any, grapes or raisins it is safe for a dog to ingest (see Reference 1).

    Tomatoes, Potatoes, Rhubarb

    • Dogs are poisoned primarily by eating the plants, such as the vines and leaves, of tomatoes, potatoes, and rhubarb, due to the oxalates they contain. However, both unripened and ripened tomatoes can still be toxic to dogs. In addition, although mature, cooked potatoes are nutritious for dogs to eat, immature ̶0;green̶1; potatoes can cause kidney failure (see Resource 1).

    Mushrooms

    • Dogs may experience kidney failure after eating certain types of wild mushrooms, due to the presence of phalloidin, psilocybin, psilocynand, or other toxins (see Resource 2). Some of these mushrooms will grow even in cultivated grass, so backyard mushrooms should be removed when seen.

    Iron Toxicity

    • Dogs cannot excrete excess iron from their systems; therefore, they should not be given human vitamin supplements containing iron. According to the veterinarians at PetPlace.com, there is no home remedy for iron toxicity. An affected dog must be treated by a veterinarian, possibly requiring lifetime treatment and medication to survive (See References 2).

    Commercial Dog Food: Phosphorus and Protein

    • Neither phosphorus nor protein is considered a toxin; they are not responsible for kidney failure themselves. However, restricting these nutrients can slow the advancement of kidney failure once it has begun. Commercial foods are available with reduced quantities of both phosphorus and protein (see Reference 3). In addition, some prescription foods are available from veterinarians for dogs needing a highly restricted diet.