Best Diet for Dog with Kidney Problems

Hi Gina,

What a sad situation for such a young dog! You are wonderful for adopting her and trying to help!

My suggestions for Kidney Problems:

1. Feed a diet that is high in easily available protein. Feeding K/D to a dog that is already skinny, and is losing protein through her kidneys will doom her to losing even more weight. Check out Raw diet Or consider some home prepared foods, such as the recipes in Dr Richard Pitcairn’s book, Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, he has specific diets for dogs with Kidney Problems.

2. Giving Sub-cutaneous fluids one to two times per week to increase fluid flow through the kidneys, (sort of like ‘dialysis’) and decrease the BUN levels. BUN stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen. Nitrogen is a by-product or break down from protein. When the body takes in protein, the kidneys filter out the nitrogen portion, and excrete it in the urine as ammonia.

When the kidneys are not working, that ammonia by-product backs up in the blood stream, and that is what is making her sick, and vomit. Sub cutaneous fluids can be given at home. Your veterinarian can instruct you how to give them to her.

3. Give Azodyl one to two capsules in her food, (can be opened and sprinkled into the food) two times daily. Azodyl is composed of nitrogen absorbing bacteria. These bacteria are sent down into the intestine, and will absorb the excess nitrogen from the blood stream to help decrease the BUN. Sort of taking the load off the kidneys.

4. Give Renafood– This is a glandular supplement made by Standard Process, available from. It will provide Kidney support for her failing kidneys. Give 1/2 tablet crumbled into food two times daily, for a dog under 40 lbs. and one tablet crumbled into food two times daily for 40 lbs and up.

5. Give her B-12 plus B-complex vitamin injections one time per week to help prevent anemia, and ‘perk’ up her appetite.

And seek the help of a holistic veterinarian for more specific details on homeopathic treatments and other alternative therapies!

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

Related Pages:
– Alternative Medicine for Dogs

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.