Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Kidney Disease

As a dog owner, we want nothing but the best for our furry friends. This is especially true if they have health conditions like kidney disease.

Fortunately, there are some delicious and healthy kidney-friendly recipes that you can make at home for your pup. Making homemade dog food for your pooch ensures that their diet is healthy and free from harmful additives.

If you’re looking for vet-approved homemade dog food recipes for kidney disease, you’ve come to the right place! This post will explore some tasty and nutritious recipes that your dog will love!

4 Homemade Dog Food Recipes for Kidney Disease

Dogs with kidney disease have certain diet restrictions, such as limiting phosphorus and salt. All the recipes below are vet-approved and designed to help manage kidney disease in dogs through their diet.

Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup carrots (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup green beans (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Directions:

1. Place the olive oil in a pan and heat it on medium heat. Add the carrots and green beans and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the cooked rice, chicken, and thyme and mix until everything is evenly distributed. Let it cool, and serve it to your dog.

---

Beef and Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1/4 cup green beans (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup carrots (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the green beans and carrots and stir. Mix the cooked beef mixture with the mashed sweet potato and dried basil in a separate bowl. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Scoop the mixture into the baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Allow to cool completely before serving it to your dog.

---

Turkey and Sweet Potato Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked mashed sweet potato
• ½ lb ground turkey
• 1/4 cup carrots (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup green beans (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Directions:

In a pan, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Add the chopped carrots and green beans. After a few minutes, add the cooked sweet potato and dried thyme. Mix well and let it cool before serving.

---

Salmon and Quinoa Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup cooked salmon
• 1/4 cup peas
• 1/4 cup carrots (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add the chopped carrots and peas and sauté for a few minutes. Add the cooked quinoa and salmon and mix well. Add dried rosemary to the mixture before serving it to your dog.

Kidney Disease Diet for Dogs

Dogs with kidney disease require a specific diet for several important reasons. Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste products and maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in a dog’s body. When a dog has kidney disease, their kidneys may not function optimally, leading to a buildup of toxins and imbalances in the body. Here’s why a specialized diet is crucial for dogs with kidney disease:

1. Reducing Protein Intake: The kidneys are responsible for processing and eliminating waste products from protein metabolism. In dogs with kidney disease, the impaired kidneys struggle to process excess protein efficiently. A diet with controlled protein levels helps reduce the workload on the kidneys and minimizes the accumulation of waste products.
2. Managing Phosphorus Levels: Kidneys also regulate phosphorus levels in the body. Elevated phosphorus levels are common in kidney disease and can contribute to further kidney damage. A specialized diet restricts phosphorus intake, helping slow the disease’s progression and maintain better kidney function.
3. Balancing Electrolytes and Fluids: Dogs with kidney disease can experience electrolyte imbalances and fluid retention. A diet tailored for kidney disease often contains controlled sodium and potassium levels to help maintain proper electrolyte balance and manage fluid retention.
4. Supporting Appetite and Nutritional Intake: Kidney disease can decrease appetite, which may result in weight loss and malnutrition. A specialized diet for kidney disease is formulated to be palatable and appealing to encourage eating. It also provides essential nutrients in a balanced manner to support the dog’s overall health.
5. Minimizing Acidity: Kidney disease can lead to an acidic imbalance in the body, affecting various bodily functions. A specialized diet helps maintain a more neutral pH balance to support the dog’s well-being.
6. Providing Essential Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids in certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties and can support kidney health. A diet rich in these fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support the kidneys’ function.
7. Maintaining Energy Levels: Dogs with kidney disease may experience lethargy and decreased energy levels. A specialized diet ensures the dog receives appropriate calories to maintain their energy and prevent excessive weight loss.

It’s important to note that the specific dietary recommendations can vary based on the stage of kidney disease, the dog’s individual health status, and the advice of a veterinarian. Consulting your personal veterinarian is essential to determine the most appropriate diet for a dog with kidney disease.

A tailored diet and regular veterinary care can significantly improve the quality of life and overall health of a dog battling kidney disease.

Foods Dogs With Kidney Disease Should Avoid

Dogs with kidney disease should avoid certain foods that can exacerbate their condition and put additional strain on their kidneys. These foods can contribute to increased levels of waste products, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications. Here are some foods that dogs with kidney disease should generally avoid:

1. High-Phosphorus Foods: Foods high in phosphorus should be limited or avoided, as elevated phosphorus levels can worsen kidney disease. This includes organ meats (liver, kidney), dairy products, and some grains like wheat bran.
2. High-Protein Foods: While some protein is necessary for dogs, excessive protein intake can be taxing on compromised kidneys. Avoid high-protein diets, including foods like red meat, eggs, and certain types of fish.
3. Salty Foods: Sodium (salt) can contribute to fluid retention and high blood pressure in dogs with kidney disease. Avoid salty foods, processed meats, and high-sodium snacks.
4. Foods High in Potassium: Elevated potassium levels can be harmful to dogs with kidney disease. Limit foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and potatoes.
5. Foods with Added Phosphates: Many processed foods contain additives with high phosphate content, which should be avoided. Check labels for phosphate additives like phosphoric acid.
6. Foods High in Oxalates: Oxalates can contribute to kidney stone formation, which is a concern for dogs with kidney disease. Foods high in oxalates include spinach, beet greens, and certain nuts.
7. High-Fat Foods: Foods that are high in fat content can worsen inflammation and pancreatitis, which can further stress the kidneys. Avoid fatty cuts of meat and greasy foods.
8. Caffeine and Chocolate: These contain compounds that are toxic to dogs and can lead to additional kidney stress.
9. Grapes and Raisins: These foods can cause kidney damage in dogs, even in small amounts.
10. Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can lead to kidney damage and other serious health issues in dogs.
11. Onions and Garlic: These contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs and affect their red blood cells.

Working closely with a veterinarian is important to create a suitable diet plan for a dog with kidney disease. The veterinarian can provide specific dietary guidelines based on the dog’s stage of kidney disease, individual health status, and nutritional needs. In many cases, prescription kidney diets formulated by veterinarians are recommended, as these diets are designed to support kidney health while providing balanced nutrition. Always consult a veterinarian before making any dietary changes for a dog with kidney disease.

Summary

Feeding your dog with homemade food can be a great way to control kidney disease symptoms. These four vet-approved recipes are easy to make, filled with important nutrients, and tasty.

However, it is always vital to consult your veterinarian before trying any diets or recipes for your furry friend, especially if they have kidney disease or any other health condition. A balanced diet, regular vet checkups, and a lot of love and attention will help your doggie live a long and healthy life!

My German Shepherd has kidney disease, so we try to make his own special food by using the kidney-friendly recipes above. I can tell he really enjoys eating his customized meals! It’s also reassuring to know that we’re taking extra measures to promote better kidney health and support his well-being.

It’s been a great experience for us to learn more about canine nutrition and how to adjust our dog’s diet accordingly. I’m confident that with proper nutrition and love, our dog will be happy and healthy for years to come.

Resources

• American Kennel Club – Kidney Disease in Dogs
• Pet MD – Renal Failure in Dogs

FAQS

Q. How often should I feed my dog with kidney disease?

The frequency of meals for a dog with kidney disease depends on the severity of their condition and should be discussed with the veterinarian.

Generally, dogs with mild to moderate kidney disease can do fine eating two or three meals a day. However, in more severe cases, feeding smaller, more frequent meals may be recommended.

Q. Are store bought dog foods safe for dogs with kidney disease?

Store-bought food labeled “kidney-friendly” or “renal support” is often formulated according to the specific nutritional needs of a dog with kidney disease.

However, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new food to your pet’s diet. Your vet can provide advice on the best food for your pup’s individual needs.

Q. Are there any supplements I should give my dog with kidney disease?

Veterinarians often recommend supplements for dogs with kidney disease to help support and protect their kidneys and improve their overall health.

Common supplements used in kidney disease include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

However, speaking with your veterinarian before starting any new supplements for your pup is important. They can provide personalized advice on the right supplement regimen for your dog’s needs.

Q. What other things can I do to help my dog with kidney disease?

In addition to diet and supplements, you can do other important things to help your pup manage their kidney disease. Regular vet checkups should be scheduled to monitor the progression of the illness and any changes in symptoms that may arise.

Adequate hydration is also crucial for pets with kidney disease, so ensuring your pup has access to plenty of fresh, clean water is important. Lastly, providing lots of love and attention can help keep your pup’s spirits up and promote overall well-being.

If you found this article helpful and are interested in learning more about caring for your four-legged friend, I highly recommend diving into our other dog care articles. We cover a variety of topics, from nutrition to behavior, health conditions, and more – all designed to ensure you’re providing the best care for your furry companion.

After all, our pups give us so much love and joy, it’s only fair we do our best for their wellbeing. So why wait? Fetch more knowledge now and become the best pet parent you can be in these dog care related articles on House Fur.

• The Best Healthy Dog Treats 2023
• Peanut Butter Air Fryer Dog Treats: Delicious and Nutritious
• Bee Pollen Benefits for Dogs: A Comprehensive Health Guide
• 10 Houseplants That Are Safe for Dogs