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Understanding Kidney Disease in Dogs

Kidney disease can be acute (sudden and potentially reversible) or chronic (progressive and irreversible). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common and involves a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Because the kidneys have a large reserve capacity, symptoms are often not noticed until a large portion of kidney function has been lost.

**Common symptoms include:**

• Increased thirst and urination
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Bad breath (uremia)
• Muscle loss

Diagnosis is made by a veterinarian through blood tests (creatinine, urea, SDMA, phosphorus), urine tests, blood pressure measurement and ultrasound. Early diagnosis is crucial to be able to start treatment and slow down the progression of the disease with the help of the right food for kidney disease in dogs .

How Special Foods Support the Kidneys

Kidney disease diets are specifically designed to:

• **Reduced Phosphorus Content:** This is one of the most important factors. High phosphorus levels are harmful to the kidneys and contribute to the progression of the disease. Renal foods have significantly lower phosphorus content to protect the kidneys.
• **Controlled High Quality Protein Level:** The amount of protein is reduced to reduce the production of nitrogenous waste products that the kidneys have to filter. However, the proteins are of very high quality to ensure that the dog gets enough essential amino acids without unnecessary strain.
• **Reduced Sodium Content:** Helps control high blood pressure and reduce fluid retention (edema, ascites), which is common in kidney disease and often linked to heart disease .
• **High Calorie Content:** Since dogs with kidney disease often have poor appetites, the food is high in energy (from fat and carbohydrates) to ensure they get enough energy and prevent weight loss. Weight control for dogs may also be relevant in kidney disease.
• **Added Omega-3 Fatty Acids:** Have anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit kidney health and blood flow.
• **Enriched with B vitamins:** Compensates for losses of water-soluble vitamins that are flushed out due to increased urination.
• **pH-regulating properties:** Helps counteract metabolic acidosis, a common complication of kidney disease.

These veterinary foods are designed to provide maximum support for kidney function.

Important Complementary Measures

In addition to diet, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential for kidney disease:

1. **Fluid Therapy:** Maintaining good hydration is important. Many dogs with CNS require regular subcutaneous fluids at home to compensate for the increased fluid loss through urine and to help the kidneys clear waste products.
2. **Medication:** The veterinarian may prescribe:
   • Phosphate binders: To control phosphorus levels in the blood.
   • Antihypertensives: To manage hypertension and protect kidneys and other organs.
   • Antiemetics: To relieve nausea and vomiting.
   • Appetite stimulants: To encourage the dog to eat.
   • Medication for anemia: If the dog develops anemia.
3. **Regular Monitoring:** Frequent veterinary visits with blood and urine samples are essential to adjust the treatment plan and monitor the course of the disease.
4. **Hygiene & Complications:** Good dental health is important, as bad teeth can contribute to kidney disease. Monitor for other complications that may be related to kidney disease, such as diabetes , liver disease , gastrointestinal disease , and urinary tract problems (which can cause kidney damage). Joint and movement health , skin health (allergies, see also hypoallergenic dog food ) and food for stress and nervousness in dogs may also be aspects to consider.

Managing a dog with kidney disease requires commitment and patience. By combining a customized dog food for kidney disease from Zoostar.se with careful veterinary care, you can help your dog live as comfortable and joyful a life as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Food for Kidney Disease

Here we answer some of the most frequent questions we receive regarding food for dogs with kidney disease.

What is kidney disease in dogs and what are the most common causes?

Kidney disease in dogs means that the kidneys lose their ability to filter the blood effectively, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, produce hormones and eliminate waste products from the body. Kidney disease can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (slowly progressive). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common and usually affects older dogs. The kidneys have a large reserve capacity, which means that symptoms often do not become apparent until a large part of the kidney function has been lost (often over 75%). Common types and causes of kidney disease in dogs: 1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The most common form, often progressive and irreversible. Causes can be: - Age: Kidney function naturally decreases with age. - Genetic predisposition: Some breeds are more likely to develop CKD (e.g. Cocker Spaniel, Bull Terrier, German Shepherd). - Dental problems: Bacteria from the oral cavity can spread via the bloodstream and damage the kidneys (see also food for dental health dogs). - Chronic infections: E.g. leptospirosis or pyelonephritis (inflammation of the renal pelvis). - Kidney stones or urinary tract obstruction: Can lead to hydronephrosis (enlarged kidneys) and damage kidney tissue (see also food for urinary tract problems in dogs). - Tumors: In the kidneys or urinary tract. - Autoimmune diseases: Where the immune system attacks the kidneys. - Long-term use of certain medications: E.g. certain NSAIDs. - High blood pressure (hypertension): Can be both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease. 2. Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A sudden and often severe loss of kidney function. Potentially reversible if treated quickly. Causes can be: - Toxins: Ingestion of toxic substances (e.g. glycol, certain medications, heavy metals, certain fungi). - Severe infections: E.g. leptospirosis. - Severe dehydration or shock: Reduced blood supply to the kidneys. - Acute pancreatitis: Severe inflammation of the pancreas can affect the kidneys. - Heart problems: Failing heart function can affect blood flow to the kidneys (see also food for heart disease dogs). Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: The symptoms are often non-specific at first and develop gradually. The most common are: - Increased thirst (polydipsia): An early and common sign. - Increased urination (polyuria): The urine becomes diluted because the kidneys cannot concentrate it properly. - Decreased appetite (anorexia) and weight loss. - Vomiting and nausea: The accumulation of toxins in the blood (uremia) irritates the stomach. - Lethargy and weakness. - Bad breath (ammonia odor): Due to the accumulation of waste products. - Mouth ulcers or gingivitis. - Pale mucous membranes: Anemia can develop because the kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. - Muscle loss: Due to protein loss and poor metabolism. - High blood pressure: Can cause blindness or neurological symptoms. Diagnosis of kidney disease in dogs: The diagnosis is made by a veterinarian through a combination of: - Clinical examination: Assessment of symptoms and general condition. - Blood tests: Elevated levels of creatinine and urea (indicators of kidney function), altered phosphorus and calcium levels, anemia, altered electrolytes. SDMA is an early marker of kidney disease. - Urine test: Low urine density (dilute urine), protein in the urine, signs of infection. - Blood pressure measurement: To check for hypertension. - Ultrasound of the kidneys: To assess size, shape and possible structural changes (e.g. cysts, stones, tumors). - Urine culture: If infection is suspected. A dog kidney disease food is a cornerstone of treatment and is essential to support kidney function and slow down the progression of the disease. It is included in the veterinary food category and is specially adapted for dogs with kidney problems.

What nutrients are crucial in dog food for kidney disease, and why?

A customized diet for kidney disease dogs is the most important component in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs. The goal of the diet is to reduce the burden on the remaining, functioning kidney cells, reduce the accumulation of toxic waste products, compensate for nutritional losses and slow the progression of the disease. The composition of the diet differs significantly from a regular dog food. Here are the most important nutrients and why they are crucial: 1. Controlled, High-Quality Protein: - Why: When protein is broken down, urea and other nitrogenous waste products are formed that the kidneys must filter out. In cases of impaired kidney function, these substances accumulate and cause uremic symptoms. Giving too much protein puts unnecessary strain on the kidneys. - Solution: Kidney foods have a reduced, but not too low, level of protein. It is crucial that the protein is of very high quality (high biological availability) to ensure that the dog receives enough essential amino acids to maintain muscle mass without producing too many waste products. This helps to reduce uremic symptoms such as nausea and loss of appetite. 2. Low Phosphorus: - Why: Phosphorus is a mineral that is normally regulated by the kidneys. In kidney disease, the kidneys cannot excrete phosphorus effectively, leading to elevated phosphorus levels in the blood (hyperphosphatemia). This can in turn contribute to kidney damage, affect calcium balance, cause secondary hyperparathyroidism (overproduction of parathyroid hormone) and contribute to the dog feeling unwell. - Solution: Renal food has a significantly reduced phosphorus content. This is one of the most important factors in slowing the progression of the disease and extending the life span of dogs with CNS. 3. Controlled Sodium: - Why: Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) and fluid retention (edema, ascites), which are common complications of kidney disease and heart disease. - Solution: The sodium content is moderately reduced. This helps to control blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, which is especially important if the dog also has heart disease. 4. Increased Calorie Density / High Energy from Fat and Carbohydrates: - Why: Dogs with kidney disease often have a reduced appetite and may lose weight. Since protein intake is limited, energy must come from other sources to prevent the body from breaking down its own proteins for energy. - Solution: Kidney foods are energy dense, often with a higher proportion of fat and easily digestible carbohydrates. This ensures that the dog gets enough calories despite a possible reduced food intake. 5. Added Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA): - Why: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the kidneys and improve blood flow to the kidneys. - Solution: Kidney foods are often fortified with fish oil (a source of EPA and DHA). 6. Added B vitamins: - Why: Since kidney dogs often drink and urinate more, water-soluble vitamins (such as B vitamins) can be flushed out of the body to a greater extent. In addition, decreased appetite and nausea can contribute to deficiencies. - Solution: Kidney foods are enriched with B vitamins to compensate for these losses. 7. pH regulation: - Why: The kidneys are important for maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. In case of kidney failure, the dog can develop metabolic acidosis (acidification). - Solution: Kidney foods often have an alkalizing effect to counteract acidosis. A food for kidney disease dogs is part of veterinary food and should always be prescribed and followed up by a veterinarian. Switching to a kidney diet is a long-term commitment that can have a dramatically positive effect on the dog's health and lifespan. At Zoostar.se you will find quality food that supports your dog through its kidney disease.

How to manage kidney disease in dogs beyond diet?

Managing kidney disease in dogs, especially chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a lifelong challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. While it is impossible to cure CKD, proper management can slow the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and significantly improve your dog’s quality of life. A customized diet for dogs with kidney disease is the cornerstone of treatment, but there are several other important measures that your veterinarian will recommend: 1. Fluid therapy: - Why: Dogs with kidney disease urinate more to try to compensate for the kidneys’ reduced ability to concentrate, which can easily lead to dehydration. - Solution: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. In many cases, regular subcutaneous (under the skin) fluid administration at home is an important part of treatment to keep your dog hydrated and help the kidneys flush out waste products. In acute crises, intravenous fluid therapy at the veterinarian may be necessary. 2. Medications to Control Phosphorus and Calcium: - Why: Elevated phosphorus levels are harmful to the kidneys and cause discomfort. - Solution: Phosphate binders: Medications that bind phosphorus in the intestine so that it is not absorbed. Given with meals. Calcitriol (active vitamin D): Can be given to regulate calcium and phosphorus balance and inhibit the overproduction of parathyroid hormone, but must be monitored closely. 3. Medications to Control Blood Pressure (Hypertension): - Why: High blood pressure is common in kidney disease and can further damage the kidneys and other organs such as the eyes and brain. - Solution: Blood pressure-lowering medications (e.g. ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers). Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential. 4. Medications to Control Nausea and Vomiting: - Why: The buildup of waste products (uremia) can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. - Solution: Antiemetics (e.g. maropitant, ondansetron) and stomach protectants (e.g. famotidine, omeprazole). 5. Drugs to stimulate appetite: - Why: Decreased appetite is a common and serious problem in kidney disease. - Solution: Appetite stimulants (e.g. mirtazapine, capromorelin). 6. Drugs to treat anemia: - Why: The kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. In kidney failure, a lack of this hormone can lead to anemia (anemia). - Solution: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) or darbepoietin can be used, but with the risk of side effects. Iron supplements may also be needed. 7. Supplementary dietary supplements (always in consultation with a veterinarian): - Omega-3 fatty acids: Continue to be important for their anti-inflammatory effects. - B-vitamin complex: To compensate for increased urine excretion. - Antioxidants: To reduce oxidative stress. 8. Regular Follow-up: - Close monitoring: Blood tests (creatinine, urea, SDMA, phosphorus, calcium, electrolytes, blood counts), urine tests (urine specific gravity, protein/creatinine ratio, urine culture) and blood pressure measurements should be performed regularly, often every 1-3 months, depending on the stage of the disease. 9. Other related health problems: The veterinarian will also monitor for other related health problems. Kidney disease can affect or be affected by, among other things, diabetes, liver disease, gastrointestinal disease, urinary tract problems (can cause kidney damage), heart disease (linked to fluid and blood pressure balance), and weight control for dogs (weight loss is common). Joint and movement health, skin health, hypoallergenic dog food, dog food for stress and nervousness, and dog food for dental health may also be relevant. Living with a dog with kidney disease requires commitment and patience. By carefully following your veterinarian's treatment plan and using a customized dog food for kidney disease from Zoostar.se, you can help your dog live as comfortable and happy a life as possible, despite his illness.