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Home // Kidney Issues: Renal Cat Food & Renal Dog Food
Learn about kidney issues in cats and dogs, and how to safely manage their conditions…
If your furry friend has been diagnosed with kidney issues, it can be scary and hard to know how to treat them best. Alongside a care plan/medication from veterinary professionals, paying attention to what you’re feeding your companion is key to helping them manage their kidney conditions. With the abundance of renal cat food and dog food on the market, it’s hard to know where to start, but worry not, we’re here to help!
Learn about kidney issues in cats and dogs, and how...Read more
Learn about kidney issues in cats and dogs, and how to safely manage their conditions…
If your furry friend has been diagnosed with kidney issues, it can be scary and hard to know how to treat them best. Alongside a care plan/medication from veterinary professionals, paying attention to what you’re feeding your companion is key to helping them manage their kidney conditions. With the abundance of renal cat food and dog food on the market, it’s hard to know where to start, but worry not, we’re here to help!
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Premix for making homemade pet food
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NUTRIENT MIX FOR MAKING HOMEMADE DOG FOOD
Kidney issues in our furry friends materialize as conditions such as chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney infections, which are especially common in older animals. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and balancing fluids in the body. ‘CKD affects up to 10% of dogs and 35% of cats’ and often goes undiagnosed, when the kidneys are damaged, toxins accumulate, and if they are left untreated, it leads to a range of serious health issues.
There are many contributing factors to kidney issues in dogs and cats, some of which are common knowledge, such as age or poor diet, and others that are less known, and often more dangerous. Some factors you may want to consider are…
Age: As our pets age, their kidney function deteriorates and they become more susceptible to conditions as their kidneys aren’t filtering out all of the bad stuff.
Poor Diet: A diet high in processed ingredients, additives, or low-quality protein can strain the kidneys, leading to long-term damage.
Dehydration: Chronic dehydration puts stress on the kidneys, as they rely on adequate fresh water intake to filter waste effectively.
Toxins: When it comes to dogs, exposure to toxins such as antifreeze, or foods like grapes, and raisins can cause acute kidney failure. Whereas with cats, things like plants, cleaning fluids, and human medications are regular causes of kidney failure.
Infections: Bacterial infections, such as leptospirosis and pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys, which if left untreated, can lead to renal failure.
Genetics: Certain breeds are genetically predisposed to kidney issues, cat breeds such as Persians or Russian Blues, and dog breeds such as Bull Terriers and Boxers tend to suffer from CKD at a younger age due to genetics.
Unfortunately, most renal cases go undiagnosed, and due to this, they aren’t treated properly, which then progresses into more serious issues that can shorten their lifespan. Some conditions associated with kidney disease include dehydration, anemia, and weight loss. If you spot some of the common signs and treat them early on, you can ensure that your furry companion lives a longer and healthier life.
As kidney issues often go undiagnosed, it’s important to raise awareness of the common signs that your pup may be suffering from a kidney condition. Some of the early signs of kidney disease include:
In more severe cases, when their kidneys are shutting down, you may see:
If you have spotted any of these symptoms, please seek professional advice from your veterinarian.
Similar to dogs, it can be hard to identify kidney issues in our feline friends, let alone get it diagnosed and treated. There are a few symptoms of kidney disease that you can look out for and be aware of:
If you think your cat is suffering from one or multiple of these symptoms, arrange an appointment with your veterinarian urgently.
Feeding your pet a nutrient-dense, species-appropriate renal diet can help reduce the strain on their kidneys. We offer 100% natural premixes that you can add to a cooked or raw diet, it’s completely up to you, so if you choose a less protein-rich diet for your furry companion, to slow the progression of CKD, you absolutely can!
(Our diets can be modified to be lower protein with the addition of pure canned pumpkin or steamed squash)
One of the major conditions associated with kidney issues is dehydration, and in order for kidneys to flush out toxins in our beloved pets, hydration is key. Offering wet food, adding moisture-rich ingredients like bone broth, or encouraging more water intake through pet water fountains can help keep your pet hydrated.
In addition to a natural, balanced diet, it’s important to factor in the right supplements and probiotics to encourage gut health to help flush toxins. Herbal supplements such as dandelion root and nettle can help to support overall renal function as they are diuretics (encourage the elimination of waste). Investing in high-quality probiotics encourages the natural detoxification process, which in turn supports overall renal health.
It goes without saying, that regular check-ups with your veterinarian are essential for monitoring kidney function, especially in older pets. Early detection of kidney problems can lead to better management and more effective treatment options.
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20 years of experience Helping pets eat better
Healthier skin & coat Holistic vet approved
If your companion is suffering from kidney problems, and you want to switch their diet to a more natural and renal-supportive one, reach out to our friendly customer service team, we’d be happy to help!
Q: What is renal dog food and renal cat food?
A: Renal dog food and renal cat food are specialized diets designed to support the health of pets with kidney disease. These foods typically have reduced levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium, and higher amounts of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to help manage the disease and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Q: Why is renal food necessary for pets with kidney disease?
A: Kidney disease impairs the kidneys' ability to filter toxins and waste from the bloodstream. Renal diets help manage these challenges by:
Reducing protein: Lower protein levels reduce the waste products that the kidneys need to filter out, easing the burden on the kidneys.
Limiting phosphorus: High phosphorus levels can contribute to kidney damage and mineral imbalances. Renal foods have controlled phosphorus levels to protect the kidneys.
Supporting hydration: Renal foods often include higher moisture content (in wet food) to help keep the pet hydrated, as kidney disease can lead to dehydration.
Balancing electrolytes and vitamins: Renal diets are often enriched with certain vitamins and minerals to support overall health, including B vitamins, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
Q: Can renal food cure kidney disease in pets?
A: No, renal diets are not a cure for kidney disease, but they can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve the pet’s quality of life. They work best when combined with regular veterinary monitoring and care.
Q: Can my dog or cat with kidney disease consume a regular diet?
A: It’s not advised to feed your dog or cat a regular diet, as this can only exacerbate their kidney issues. Grocery-bought pet foods often contain higher levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium, which can stress the kidneys and accelerate disease progression. Renal-specific food is designed to minimize these risks and offer the nutrients needed to support kidney function.
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