Treats For Dogs With Kidney Disease
Treats For Dogs With Kidney Disease:- Kidney failure in dogs is a serious condition where the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream effectively. This leads to the accumulation of toxins in the body, causing various health problems. Kidney failure can occur suddenly (acute) or develop gradually over time (chronic).
Acute kidney failure may be reversible if detected early and treated promptly. In contrast, chronic kidney failure is a progressive condition with no cure, requiring ongoing management to slow its progression and relieve symptoms. Common signs include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting.
Regular veterinary check-ups and early detection are key to managing kidney failure, and helping to improve your dog’s quality of life.
The Transition to Homemade Dog Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease
When managing kidney disease in dogs, diet plays a crucial role in supporting their health. Jordan, dedicated to Max’s well-being, took a deep dive into research on how nutrition could improve Max’s condition. The result? A shift to homemade dog treats tailored for kidney disease—low in phosphorus, moderate in protein, and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. These treats became an integral part of Max’s care, providing not only the nutritional support he needed but also the joy of indulging in tasty, homemade snacks.
To ease the strain on a dog’s failing kidneys, it’s crucial to eliminate common triggers. The primary culprits are anything that causes an immune response, as the debris from these reactions clogs the kidney’s pathways. This is often overlooked, second only to dental issues in dogs with kidney failure. Here’s what to remove:
– Wheat gluten (found in dry dog food, store-bought treats, bread, pasta, and dental chews)
– Dairy products
– Cooked meats
– Commercial pet store treats, including dental sticks and rawhide chews
– Unnecessary chemicals (e.g., chemical flea and worm treatments, kennel cough treatments, and annual boosters for already vaccinated dogs)
By removing these, you help reduce the kidney’s workload and support your dog’s health.
Crafting the Perfect Kidney-Friendly Treats
Jordan’s quest to create homemade dog treats suitable for kidney disease resulted in a recipe that was both safe for Max and irresistible to his taste buds. Here’s a peek at the treat they perfected together:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (a low-phosphorus choice)
– 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (packed with Omega-3s to help with inflammation)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (aids in fresh breath and toxin elimination)
– 1/2 cup low-protein flour (such as chickpea flour or rice flour)
– A splash of water or unsalted broth (adjust as needed for dough consistency)
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, mix together the sweet potato, flaxseed meal, parsley, and flour. Gradually incorporate water or unsalted broth until you achieve a dough that can be rolled out.
3. Shape Treats: On a floured surface, roll out the dough and cut it into shapes using a cookie cutter. Choose shapes that evoke fond memories of outdoor adventures with your dog.
4. Bake to Perfection: Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until they are firm and lightly golden.
5. Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool completely before giving them to your dog. Enjoy watching them relish the homemade delight!
What Are Some Kidney-Friendly Dog Treats?
When selecting commercial dog treats for kidney health, options like those from Hills stand out. Their treats feature chicken and potatoes as primary ingredients, offer 9% crude protein, and are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. They are also low in sodium, which supports heart and kidney function.
Given the high cost of meat, many commercial kidney-friendly treats minimize or omit meat altogether. Instead, they often rely on vegetables such as sweet potatoes or apples. For example, an American brand offers oven-baked biscuits that are grain-free and contain only 8% crude protein. These treats come in various flavors like pumpkin, banana, crispy bacon, and apple sweet potato.
However, if you’re considering feeding your dog vegetables, it might make sense to offer them directly rather than purchasing vegetable-based treats. Meat-based treats often require special drying processes to ensure safety and stability, while fresh or dried vegetables can be given directly by owners. Purchasing all-vegetable commercial treats might simply be a matter of convenience rather than necessity.
Creating Kidney-Friendly Treats for Charlie
Dedicated to ensuring Charlie’s health and happiness, we set out to find or make dog treats that suited his dietary needs while still lighting up his eyes with joy.
Homemade Kidney Care Treats
In our kitchen, filled with the warm aromas of home cooking, we experimented with crafting homemade treats. Ingredients like cooked egg whites, pureed vegetables, and rice became our go-to staples, providing Charlie with safe and delightful options.
Vet-Approved Commercial Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease
When managing kidney disease in dogs, precision in their diet is crucial. We focused on finding vet-recommended commercial treats specifically designed for dogs with kidney concerns, ensuring they meet dietary guidelines without compromising on taste.
Key Considerations When Choosing Treats for Dogs with Kidney Disease
Ingredients: Always check the ingredients in treats for dogs with kidney issues. Safe treats should be low in protein, sodium, and phosphorus. Since kidney disease can lead to low potassium levels, treats might also be supplemented with extra potassium. Omega-3 fatty acids are sometimes included to help reduce inflammation and alleviate stress on the kidneys.
Flavor: Options may be limited, but dogs will still enjoy treats. While meat-based treats are typically too high in protein, alternatives with meat flavors like chicken or beef can be suitable. Sweet potato is another popular flavor that appeals to many dogs.
Cost: Therapeutic diets for chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be more expensive than regular dog food. This applies to treats as well. Investing in these specialized treats is essential for managing kidney disease effectively, and the cost reflects the importance of supporting your dog’s health.
Also Read:-
