Kidney disease stage 3

[KarenB1956]

On the plus side she has just absolutely demolished a bowl of carrot and turnip mash so hoping this is ok for her?

[KarenB1956]

I'm really losing the will to live now. I was under the impression that fish and chicken are good for ckd but I have just read the following on another site. .......Fish is high in phosphorus which will be fatal to your dog given the damaged liver. The same applies to chicken and turkey. You should consider foods with low levels of phosphorus such as minced beef, pork, and lamb......also sweet potato has been recommended in this site but I have just read it is unsuitable as it is high in potassium? ?? I am really confused now

[Dottie]

Please try not to worry. Your primary problem was that your dog was anorexic and you needed to get something that she would eat. You have achieved that so she must at least be feeling better in herself. IMHO it is good that she is at least eating something and enjoying her food.

The protein is 40% dry weight so is on the high side but it is derived from meat and we know that dogs digest this better than protein from other sources. Perhaps you could see your vet and if it will help, consider asking for another blood test. You could also take a urine sample in a clean bottle so that it can be tested for protein etc.

I’m sorry that I can’t give you more specific advice about the foods you mentioned. I think you might be helped by asking the vet for a referral to a specialist if he or she cannot help you. Otherwise, perhaps you could think about trying the Royal Canin Renal Diet again.

[KarenB1956]

Thanks Dottie you always make me feel so much better. Just checked the ingredients of the Harringtons wet food that she has been enjoying and it is 10% she has also just finished a bowl of carrot and turnip mash and also has had about 6 small pieces of shin beef so definitely eating a lot better. There was also a mention on here of Nutriments low purine and phosphorus raw diet and I have found a local stockist so may try her with that too. She has a follow up appointment with the vet next week and I will take a urine sample in with me to see if there has been any improvement. I have also ordered some Pronefra so see how she goes with that

[Dottie]

Karen - I think you are really going to struggle finding a commercial food that meets all these requirements. For instance, wet food is usually higher in protein. You can get lower protein food but it would need to be dry food which you don’t want. Grain free foods frequently contain some sweet potato so you would have to filter that out. Phosphorus is not usually listed so you would have to contact the manufacturer. It is a tough call.

I feel your anxiety and know that you want to do what’s right for your best pal. When I’ve been in this situation with my elderly dogs I have tried to make what is left of the their life as happy as possible. You can only do this once. Food is really important to dogs and they should get pleasure from it. These may not be the ideal products in terms of the exact nutritional requirements for organ failure but she is enjoying them so I would say well done for persevering and giving her a better quality of life.

[Petmum]

I echo what Dottie has said; your priority is keeping your dog happy and eating, I know it’s difficult but do try not to stress about the type of food too much.

When my cat was diagnosed with ckd 2 years ago veterinary diets were suggested. I tried pretty much all of them but she didn’t like any of them. I returned to my vet and she agreed that the most important thing was to keep her eating and enjoying a varied diet. She has Benazecare medication daily and eats what she wants, when she wants, she’s now 19 years old and a happy little lady.

Also remember that if your girl tolerates the Pronefra on her food this in itself acts as a phosphate binder - ie: my understanding is that this, added to her regular food, almost makes the food equivalent to a prescription diet (which is why it’s an either/or-prescription food OR adding a phosphate binder).

Try not to worry too much, try not to read and research too much (you’ll only end up more worried and confused) just keep feeding her well, whatever she enjoys and above all enjoy her for as long as you can.

[KarenB1956]

Thanks so much Petmum and Dottie I really appreciate your comments and will try not to stress out too much. I tend to overthink the situation too much for instance I get annoyed when my sister in law gives her half a sausage or a digestive biscuit but I know she loves it and it makes her happy then I feel like the bad cop when I say no. She seems so healthy and happy now such a difference from what she was like a few weeks ago so I will continue to give her beef and veg with a biscuit and sausage thrown in now and again. Hopefully the Pronefra will help too. Thanks again xx

[KarenB1956]

Mind you think I am going to have to put a stop to the digestive biscuits as have just checked the ingredients and they seem to have a high salt content. Anyone know of any low salt human biscuits? 

[Dottie]

I am sorry but I don't know of any human biscuits that don't include salt. I have just checked Rich Tea and they contain it. I suspect most biscuits will have salt because it makes them more palatable for humans.  Just wondering if you could look online for some dog biscuit recipes. We have some links on the Home cooked food section that might be a good starting point. 

[Tinyplanets]

I make a simple biscuit with just oats, rapeseed oil and a little honey.  They are quite crumbly but my dog isn't fussy what they look like. She seems to like them.

[Dottie]

Hello Karen. I hope that you are still following your thread. David has now completed the article on dietary management of renal disease in dogs. It can be found here. I hope that you find it useful.