How Nutrition Extends Life for Dogs with Kidney Issues

Kristina Voltin
Mar 27
5 min read

Updated: Mar 27

Key diet changes: Focus on high-quality proteins, lower phosphorus levels, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Food options: Choose between veterinary prescription diets, home-prepared meals, or freeze-dried raw food like Loyal Saints, which uses natural, human-grade ingredients.
Signs to watch for: Increased thirst, appetite changes, weight loss, lethargy, and bad breath may signal kidney issues.
Supplements: Phosphorus binders like calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide can help manage phosphorus levels.
Vet collaboration: Regular check-ups and blood tests are essential to adjust your dog’s diet as needed.

Start making small, gradual changes to their diet and work closely with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.

Veterinary Nutrition: The Nutritional Management Of Chronic ...

Kidney Disease Basics in Dogs

Kidney disease affects your dog's ability to process nutrients and eliminate waste. Knowing the basics can help you identify early warning signs and make dietary changes that might improve your dog's quality of life.

Signs and Testing

Catching kidney disease early can make a big difference. Look out for these signs:

Increased thirst and urination: Your dog may drink more water and need to go outside more often.
Changes in appetite: A noticeable drop in interest in food or a complete loss of appetite.
Weight loss: A slow or sudden decrease in body weight.
Lethargy: Your dog might seem tired or less interested in usual activities.
Bad breath: A strong, ammonia-like smell coming from your dog's mouth.

If you notice any of these symptoms, your veterinarian will likely recommend tests to evaluate kidney health:

Test Type	What It Measures	Why It Matters
Blood Work	BUN and creatinine levels	Checks how well the kidneys are filtering waste
Urinalysis	Protein levels and concentration	Identifies kidney function and potential damage
SDMA Test	Early kidney damage markers	Detects issues earlier than standard tests

Spotting these signs early often means making quick dietary changes to help your dog's kidneys work more efficiently.

Diet Changes Needed

Adjusting your dog's diet can ease the workload on their kidneys while maintaining proper nutrition. Focus on these changes:

High-quality proteins: These produce less waste, which is easier on the kidneys.
Lower phosphorus levels: Helps prevent harmful mineral buildup.
More moisture and omega-3s: Improves hydration and may reduce inflammation.

As kidney disease advances, regular check-ups and ongoing dietary tweaks are crucial. These changes set the stage for more detailed nutritional strategies later on.

Core Nutrition Guidelines

Good nutrition plays a critical role in slowing kidney damage and maintaining a better quality of life for dogs with kidney issues. This requires careful control of certain nutrients to help support kidney health.

Reducing Phosphorus Intake

Phosphorus is a key nutrient to monitor. Controlling its levels in your dog's diet can help slow the progression of kidney disease. Too much phosphorus can speed up kidney damage and upset the balance of minerals in the body. Since the ideal amount depends on the stage of the disease and your dog's overall health, it's important to work with your veterinarian to determine the right phosphorus levels for your pet.

Selecting Food for Kidney Disease

Picking the right diet for dogs with kidney disease requires careful attention to nutrients. The goal is to align their food with the treatment plan for the best results.

Medical vs. Home-Prepared Diets

When deciding between veterinary prescription diets and home-prepared meals, consider the following:

Diet Type	Advantages	Things to Keep in Mind
Veterinary Prescription	• Precisely balanced nutrients • Consistent quality • Meets AAFCO standards	• Requires a prescription • Can be expensive • Limited variety
Home-Prepared	• Fresh ingredients • Full control over ingredients • Fully customizable	• Needs veterinary supervision • Time-consuming to prepare • Requires detailed planning

Talk to your veterinarian before making a decision. They can help you choose the best option based on your dog's condition and needs.

Freeze-Dried Raw Food Options

Freeze-dried raw food can offer better control over protein and phosphorus levels, which is critical for dogs with kidney issues. Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw food is made with human-grade ingredients, meets AAFCO standards, and avoids any additives or fillers.

Benefits of freeze-dried raw food include:

Retaining natural nutrients
Minimal processing
Free from unnecessary additives

Switching to New Food

Transitioning to a new diet should be done gradually to avoid upsetting your dog's digestion. Follow this timeline:

Days 1-3: Mix 25% of the new food with 75% of the current food.
Days 4-6: Increase to a 50/50 mix of new and current food.
Days 7-9: Shift to 75% new food and 25% current food.
Day 10 and beyond: Fully transition to the new food.

Keep an eye out for any signs of digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite. If problems occur, slow down the transition and consult your veterinarian for advice.

Helpful Supplements

Phosphorus binders can help manage dietary phosphorus levels in dogs with kidney problems. These binders work by attaching to dietary phosphorus in the gut, which limits its absorption. It's important to give them alongside meals for effectiveness and always follow veterinary guidance.

Here are some commonly used phosphorus binders:

Binder Type	When to Give	Suggested Starting Dose
Calcium Carbonate	With meals	500–1,000 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily
Aluminum Hydroxide	20 minutes before meals	30–100 mg per lb of body weight daily
Calcium Acetate	With meals	500–750 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily

Talk to your veterinarian about incorporating these binders into your dog's overall nutritional plan. Proper use can make a big difference in managing kidney health.

Diet Management and Updates

Keeping your dog's kidney health on track requires regular monitoring and fine-tuning of their diet. Consistently updating their nutritional plan ensures it stays effective as their needs evolve.

Vet Check Schedule

Routine blood tests and urinalysis play a key role in assessing kidney function and determining how well the diet is working. Your veterinarian will recommend a testing schedule to monitor these functions and guide any necessary dietary changes. These tests help pinpoint adjustments needed in your dog's nutrient intake.

Adjusting Nutrient Levels

As kidney disease advances, your dog's dietary needs may shift. Based on test results, your vet may recommend modifying protein and phosphorus levels. Make these changes gradually and always under veterinary supervision to avoid upsetting your dog’s digestion.

Collaborating with Your Vet

Updating your dog's diet is a team effort with your veterinarian. Share any noticeable changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits. Keeping a simple log of food intake, water consumption, weight, and energy levels can help your vet make precise adjustments to support your dog's kidney health.

Conclusion

Managing kidney disease in dogs with the right diet can greatly improve their quality of life and even extend their lifespan. Prioritizing whole, natural ingredients helps support their health without adding unnecessary strain on their kidneys.

Loyal Saints' freeze-dried raw food offers human-grade, AAFCO-approved meals specifically designed to support kidney care, building on the core principles of nutrition discussed earlier.

To ensure the best results, work closely with your vet to make any necessary adjustments based on regular check-ups and your dog's specific needs. With the right nutrition and consistent monitoring, many dogs with kidney disease can enjoy a healthier and longer life.