Diet for a Horse With Kidney Failure

Kidney failure, or renal failure, is significantly rare in horses and usually occurs in horses older than 30 years old. The prognosis varies and often depends on what caused the condition in the first place. Diet is an important key to supporting a horse in renal failure.

  1. Symptoms

    • Renal failure is when the horse suffers loss of kidney function. Waste products will accumulate in the horse's system, poisoning him. It can be the result of dehydration, (perhaps after a colic episode), blood loss or show up in horses with increased creatinine levels. The condition may go undetected for years and symptoms may not show up until the disease is in the advanced stages. Symptoms include general lethargy or the horse may just seem "off" or depressed. He may drink abnormally large amounts of water (a normal horse will drink about 5 to 7 gallons of water a day, and produce 1 to 3 gallons of urine a day). His urine may be discolored or strong-smelling. He may experience weight loss and inflammation of the gums, too.
      Acute renal failure (a sudden onset of the disease) is often curable with immediate treatment. It is possible to manage chronic renal failure (a progressive disease) successfully, especially when detected in the early stages, and give your horse quality of life. But sometimes the condition will continue to deteriorate, usually until euthanasia becomes the best option. Your vet may take blood and urine samples to diagnose kidney failure, or he may even perform an ultrasound. Some horses may require dialysis.

    Diet

    • A horse in renal failure needs mainly supportive care. He will need electrolytes and possibly IV fluids in the beginning of treatment. He will need access to salt and electrolytes and unlimited water. A vitamin B supplement may help combat anemia. A diet consisting of low carbohydrates and low starch is easy to digest. Beet pulp, low-protein corn and bran are good choices. A grass hay, such a timothy is less stressful to your horse's system than hays such as alfalfa and clover. Your horse should be on a low protein, low phosphorus and low calcium diet if he is in renal failure. Your vet may also recommend diuretics for your horse.