Diets and supplements for dogs with kidney problems

Veterinary diets and supplements for dogs with kidney failure problems

Kidney failure in dogs is a very common condition, usually affecting dogs in old age but sometimes it can also affect young dogs when it is caused by congenital problems (already present at birth) such as renal dysplasia or by infectious problems such as Leishmaniasis.

The most recurrent symptomsare increased thirst, increased urine output and weight loss. Dietary management is the only tool that can increase the life expectancy of dogs with renal failure, so it must be implemented early and correctly.

Discover the best products to solve your dog's kidney problems: Prolife Veterinary Formula, NBF Lanes and Royal Canin V-Diet.

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Key factors in the management of kidney failure in dogs

1. phosphoruscontainment: phosphorus, in a dog with poorly functioning kidneys, is the mineral that needs to be kept at low levels, and phosphorus containment is the nutritional element that most prolongs our pet's life. It is not possible to avoid its intake altogether because it is a mineral contained in all foods, and therefore it will be necessary to choose foods that contain low levels of phosphorus. In cases where dietary phosphorus containment is not sufficient to keep circulating phosphorus levels under control, a supplement that binds dietary phosphorus (e.g., calcium carbonate, lanthanum carbonate, aluminum hydroxide) will need to be added to the food
2. protein containment: avoid decreasing protein too much even if protein sources contain phosphorus; a dog with kidney problems tends to lose protein through urine, so it is advisable not to decrease it too much. It is essential to use protein sources of high biological value, so it is recommended to prefer animal protein sources while avoiding vegetable protein sources.
3. Increase in omega-3 series fatty acids: omega-3 series fatty acids (especially EPA contained in fish oil and krill oil) prevent worsening of the renal situation and therefore have a protective function.
4. increase inwater-soluble vitamins: B-complex vitamins are to be increased during renal failure because high urine production results in a loss of these vitamins, which are essential for keeping the nervous system functioning and for good skin and coat quality