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Food help/advice for a dog with kidney issues.
2/18/2012 9:36:43 PM
So apparently my dog has jacked up kidneys. The vet isn't 100% sure what's wrong, but it's not just a bacterial infection or something that can be fixed with some drugs. Protein and creatinine levels in his urine are high for a dog his age (4 years). They've done three tests over a period of 4 months, and all show the same. They suggested feeding him Hill's Prescription K/D food from now on. If he needs a lower protein food that's fine, I'll feed him whatever is best, but I want to make sure there isn't a better food out there for dogs with kidney issues. Up until this point I've been feeding him TotW grain free. Science diet foods are loaded with rice and corn. Obviously if there's less sources of protein in a food, something else has to fill that gap, but wouldn't veggie based foods be better than grains? If that K/D stuff is the best, that's what he'll get, but I want to know if there are other/healthier options. (This particular vet sells only Science Diet food at their office, which I'm guessing is why they suggested Hill's K/D.)
Here's a picture of the vicious beast of which I speak, 4yo GSD
2/18/2012 10:30:47 PM
I don't mean to knock on regular vets... but I've found that sometimes, going to a specialist is quite beneficial. Ask around if there's a vet that specializes in that in your area, and see what they think. Or, try another vet.
2/21/2012 8:20:02 AM
I know a good bit about it. My previous pet passed after renal issues, although it was after her being quite advanced in age (almost 17).
She was also on Hills K/D but I can tell you it is bland to a dog. I have a link saved on how to create your own renal food at home, and I'm virtually sure this was what kept my pet alive for as long as she went. There were a solid 5 days straight she went without food before I started her home made "gruel".
Find you a salmon oil with CQ10. Studies show CQ10 can restore renal function to some extent. I'd been using Lifespan brand and noticed a difference almost immediately. Dose according to weight. The Omegas in the fish oil also help the kidney function. To be honest, there is NO way I'd ever own another dog I didn't dose DAILY with fish oil period. The stuff works like magic. My Madison is as slick as a button and her skin is top notch and I know there are heart benefits as well.
When I get into the office I'll come back and update this thread with the information I have on creating meals. I'm on my phone right now.
Edit: This is the site I used
More Here
She was also on Hills K/D but I can tell you it is bland to a dog. I have a link saved on how to create your own renal food at home, and I'm virtually sure this was what kept my pet alive for as long as she went. There were a solid 5 days straight she went without food before I started her home made "gruel".
Find you a salmon oil with CQ10. Studies show CQ10 can restore renal function to some extent. I'd been using Lifespan brand and noticed a difference almost immediately. Dose according to weight. The Omegas in the fish oil also help the kidney function. To be honest, there is NO way I'd ever own another dog I didn't dose DAILY with fish oil period. The stuff works like magic. My Madison is as slick as a button and her skin is top notch and I know there are heart benefits as well.
When I get into the office I'll come back and update this thread with the information I have on creating meals. I'm on my phone right now.
Edit: This is the site I used
More Here
2/21/2012 11:00:09 AM
Originally Posted By GlutealCleft:
I don't mean to knock on regular vets... but I've found that sometimes, going to a specialist is quite beneficial. Ask around if there's a vet that specializes in that in your area, and see what they think. Or, try another vet.
I don't mean to knock on regular vets... but I've found that sometimes, going to a specialist is quite beneficial. Ask around if there's a vet that specializes in that in your area, and see what they think. Or, try another vet.
This is what I would do. Get a second opinion.
2/21/2012 7:58:12 PM
Originally Posted By TwistedSister:
I know a good bit about it. My previous pet passed after renal issues, although it was after her being quite advanced in age (almost 17).
She was also on Hills K/D but I can tell you it is bland to a dog. I have a link saved on how to create your own renal food at home, and I'm virtually sure this was what kept my pet alive for as long as she went. There were a solid 5 days straight she went without food before I started her home made "gruel".
Find you a salmon oil with CQ10. Studies show CQ10 can restore renal function to some extent. I'd been using Lifespan brand and noticed a difference almost immediately. Dose according to weight. The Omegas in the fish oil also help the kidney function. To be honest, there is NO way I'd ever own another dog I didn't dose DAILY with fish oil period. The stuff works like magic. My Madison is as slick as a button and her skin is top notch and I know there are heart benefits as well.
When I get into the office I'll come back and update this thread with the information I have on creating meals. I'm on my phone right now.
Edit: This is the site I used
More Here
I know a good bit about it. My previous pet passed after renal issues, although it was after her being quite advanced in age (almost 17).
She was also on Hills K/D but I can tell you it is bland to a dog. I have a link saved on how to create your own renal food at home, and I'm virtually sure this was what kept my pet alive for as long as she went. There were a solid 5 days straight she went without food before I started her home made "gruel".
Find you a salmon oil with CQ10. Studies show CQ10 can restore renal function to some extent. I'd been using Lifespan brand and noticed a difference almost immediately. Dose according to weight. The Omegas in the fish oil also help the kidney function. To be honest, there is NO way I'd ever own another dog I didn't dose DAILY with fish oil period. The stuff works like magic. My Madison is as slick as a button and her skin is top notch and I know there are heart benefits as well.
When I get into the office I'll come back and update this thread with the information I have on creating meals. I'm on my phone right now.
Edit: This is the site I used
More Here
Great links, thanks for the info. I already give him fish oil, I'll make sure he's getting the right amount daily. The links that you sent combined with other reading I've been doing in the past week or so since I got the news from the vet, is that low protein isn't the answer, if anything, the protein type can make a difference.
I think the next step will be second opinion, but for now I'll keep him on the same food until I do some more research and hear from another vet.
2/22/2012 8:52:16 PM
In controlled clinical studies of dogs with kidney disease, those that eat KD live the longest. I am not knocking any other diets, including home made, and I don't work for Hill's. We have started giving Azodyl to dogs and cats with increased creatinine. Make sure you also check your pups phosphorus and potassium levels when rechecking BUN, creatinine, urine protein and urine specific gravity. An ultrasound of the kidneys may aid in diagnosis. Email me any time, as I rarely visit the pet forum or check I'm. Pacesvet@aol.com
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2/27/2012 6:11:12 PM
Originally Posted By petvet:
In controlled clinical studies of dogs with kidney disease, those that eat KD live the longest. I am not knocking any other diets, including home made, and I don't work for Hill's. We have started giving Azodyl to dogs and cats with increased creatinine. Make sure you also check your pups phosphorus and potassium levels when rechecking BUN, creatinine, urine protein and urine specific gravity. An ultrasound of the kidneys may aid in diagnosis. Email me any time, as I rarely visit the pet forum or check I'm. Pacesvet@aol.com
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
In controlled clinical studies of dogs with kidney disease, those that eat KD live the longest. I am not knocking any other diets, including home made, and I don't work for Hill's. We have started giving Azodyl to dogs and cats with increased creatinine. Make sure you also check your pups phosphorus and potassium levels when rechecking BUN, creatinine, urine protein and urine specific gravity. An ultrasound of the kidneys may aid in diagnosis. Email me any time, as I rarely visit the pet forum or check I'm. Pacesvet@aol.com
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile
Thanks, I might hit you up after we get a second opinion from a different vet.
3/4/2012 9:17:03 AM
Yeah, Omega 3's (as in fish oil that someone stated upstream) is big, a 'low protein' diet is a good SHORT term thing, but long term it's a very bad idea, IMO. Had more experience w/ cats, but most things translate between the 2. Also the uber cheap pet foods are cheap for a reason, they are crap no one really should feed to anyone/anything. Might wanna see if dog is diabetic. I mean that young w/ problems.... sounds suspect.
Edited to add:Also, you might want to research out if Alpha lipoic acid is ok to give to dogs, in humans it has been shown to regenerate organs by stimulating stem cell release, so they form new 'kidney' or 'liver' or whatever is needed cells... at least in humans. but lots of stuff we can use/take animals cannot... tylenol, asprin....etc....
But I've not looked into the animal aspect/applications yet, still really searching out the human applications.
Edited to add:Also, you might want to research out if Alpha lipoic acid is ok to give to dogs, in humans it has been shown to regenerate organs by stimulating stem cell release, so they form new 'kidney' or 'liver' or whatever is needed cells... at least in humans. but lots of stuff we can use/take animals cannot... tylenol, asprin....etc....
But I've not looked into the animal aspect/applications yet, still really searching out the human applications.
