Many Dogs are suffering from Kidney disease, but this isn’t the end of the world. Your dog can live happily ever after with the right diet and some considerations to keep his health in the right way. You just need to know the Best Dog Foods for Kidney Disease and monitor your dog’s health. 

If you feel lost and don’t know how you should start, then keep reading and don’t worry in this article you will find all the data you are searching for in detail and we will tell you the right steps to improve your dog’s health and keep him safe.

Best Dog Foods for Kidney Disease

What Is The Ideal Diet for Dogs with Kidney Diseases?

There are many kidney diseases that can affect your pet, and each disease has different stages of severity. Depending on the diagnosis of your vet you will change your dog’s diet to give him all the essential vitamins without harming its health. To solve this difficult situation, you should know some information.

Protein:

Protein is a critical item in your dog’s diet, as the ratio of protein depends on your pet’s disease severity. In the early stage of kidney disease, you give your dog slightly higher protein than in severe cases, because very low-protein diets can lead to muscle loss in this case. In advanced stages, you should restrict protein, as the kidney of your pet becomes unable to remove waste products from its blood and a high protein diet will be very dangerous in his life.

Water:

Canned dog foods are recommended for canines with kidney diseases because canned dog foods contain more water than dry ones. For dogs suffering from kidney disease, it is very important to increase their water consumption to help them to get rid of toxins and waste products. You can also mix your dog’s food with water or different wet foods to help him get enough water in his diet. In some severe cases of kidney disease, your vet will recommend a specific amount of water for your dog. consult your vet before making any changes in your dog’s diet.

Minerals:

You should reduce sodium and phosphorus in your pet meals, as high levels of sodium and phosphorus may make your dog’s condition worse. Hyperphosphatemia is the increase of phosphorus concentration in your pet blood due to the failure of the kidney to excrete it. Consuming low sodium and phosphorus foods will help your dog.

Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 is considered a great anti-inflammatory agent that has an important role in your dog’s diet. Make sure that your dog food contains that important element particularly, as it is responsible for improving your pet’s kidney function and reducing inflammation. Dog Foods made with fish oil is the best for canines with kidney diseases.

10 Best Dog Foods for Kidney Disease in 2023

RankPictureNameWhere to Buy
1Royal Canin Canine Renal Support SRoyal Canin Canine Renal Support SBuy on Amazon
2Hill’s Diet 7Hill’s Diet 7+ Beef & Barley EntréeBuy on Amazon
3Blue Natural Veterinary Diet KSBlue Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney SupportBuy on Amazon
4Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SORoyal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SOBuy on Amazon
5Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney FunctionPurina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF KidneyBuy on Amazon
6Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets NF KidneyPurina ProPlan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney FunctionBuy on Amazon
7Royal Canin Health Nutrition Mature 8Royal Canin Health Nutrition Mature 8+ CannedBuy on Amazon
8Hill’s Prescription DietHill’s Prescription Diet K/D Renal HealthBuy on Amazon
9Royal Canin Veterinary Diet HepaticRoyal Canin Veterinary Diet HepaticBuy on Amazon
10Hill’s Prescription Diet K-D BeefHill’s Prescription Diet K/D Beef & Vegetable StewBuy on Amazon

Dog Foods For Kidney Disease in 2023 Reviews

There are many options of dog foods that make the decision more difficult but don’t worry we will recommend a list of Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Kidney Disease to choose the best for your dog safely, let’s start.

1. Royal Canin Canine Renal Support S Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin is a product with great specifications, as it is considered a dog food with the lowest amount of protein on our list today. It contains only 10.5% protein and low phosphorus & sodium levels but is rich in antioxidants and omega 3.

The Top four ingredients of this product are brown and white rice, corn, and chicken, which give your dog the optimal nutrients he needs daily and support his kidney health.

Royal Canin Canine Renal Support S Dry Dog Food

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Canines with kidney problems may suffer from loss of appetite, However Royal Canin solves this problem by formulating the product with natural flavors that are necessary for dogs with kidney diseases.

Omega 3 fatty acids will improve your dog’s overall health. Also, the food is built up with all essential vitamins and minerals, which makes it become a complete and balanced diet.

2. Hill’s Diet 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food

Hill’s Diet contains high-quality ingredients, making it a great choice for dogs suffering from kidney diseases. It is a canned food that contains a sufficient amount of water to support your dog’s overall health. Water is listed as the first ingredient of this product, it is an essential issue for your canine’s urinary health.

For dogs with severe kidney disease and who need a low protein diet, Hill’s offers 4% protein only. The product protein comes from good quality animal protein sourced from beef, fish meal, and pork liver.

Hill’s Diet 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food

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To increase the nutritional value of the product it also contains some whole grain corn, dried whey, and cracked pearled barley.

The formulation of the product rich in minerals and vitamins which are essential for supporting your dog kidney to overcome this condition.

3. Blue Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support

For dogs who prefer dry food, this product is a great option for your pet. The kibble of Blue Natural dog food is low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus, but rich in other micronutrients, so it is considered as safe and tasty dog food for dogs suffering from kidney disease.

Blue Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support

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It is suitable for large, medium, and small dogs, the kibble is easily digested and with good flavor to match your dog taste.

The protein content in this product is about 14%. comes with high-quality animal protein sources.

This product can be used for dogs with sensitive stomachs, as its formulation includes deboned chicken, peas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pea protein, and other veggies. In addition, it contains flaxseed for omega 3& 6 fatty acids.

If your dog suffers from kidney disease and has a sensitive stomach we recommend this product to solve this problem and feed your pet safely.

4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin is a royal dog food formulated from premium ingredients and built up with low amounts of protein as well as reduced magnesium levels to feed your dog a tasty food without harming its kidney.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Dry Dog Food

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It is considered a great choice for dogs with kidney disease, its formulation includes animal-based protein, corn, and brewers rice to provide your dog with essential vitamins and minerals.

Eggs, chicken fats, and fish oil play an important role in improving your dog’s coat and skin.

You can mix Royal Canin with water or other wet dog foods to match your dog taste. This recipe is added with vitamins and minerals as well. They are necessary for an adult dog to be healthy.

5. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula Canned Dog Food

This is another canned dog food for dogs with kidney disease, the first ingredient in its formula is water to help your dog to remove toxins from its blood. 

The low protein content of this product makes it suitable for most dogs with kidney disease, the protein comes from real beef and chicken. The product is rich in essential micronutrients that are very important for your dog’s urinary health.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula Canned Dog Food

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Omega 3 and fish oil will protect your pet coat and support its overall health. The formula is also fortified with antioxidants, vitamin D3, Vitamin B, Zinc, and calcium to support the kidney functions of your dog. 

Veterinarians recommend this dog food as it has reduced levels of sodium and phosphorus to protect the kidney from these harmful minerals. 

Rice and corn are also found in the formulation of the product the nutrient and the fiber content and provide optimal nutrition for adult dogs.

This food can be used as a topper to increase the appetite of your dog.

6. Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function dry food

Some dogs are not very keen on canned food, Purina offers a dry form of dog food for kidney disease. This dog food is made with no meat-based protein sources. It contains whole grains, including eggs, corn, rice, as well as dried whey. Moreover, it supplies omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for your pet’s overall health.

Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function dry food

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Your dog will love to eat this kibble which is formulated with the right amount of protein and phosphorus to help support your dog’s renal health. It ensures to give him optimal nutrition.

This product is considered as complete nutrition for your pet, it contains all the minerals and vitamins essential for its health. You can mix this recipe with water as well as different kidney-friendly wet dog food.

7. Royal Canin Health Nutrition Mature 8+ Canned Food

Another wet dog food for your four-legged friend, it will give your pet a healthy skin and shiny coat due to its content of rice, fish oil, corn, and dried beef.

Water is the first ingredient of this product, as we mentioned above it is essential for kidney diseased dogs. For kidney problems, you should pay more attention to wet dog foods in place of dry formulations because they have much more water.

Royal Canin Health Nutrition Mature 8+ Canned Food

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It is a budget-friendly option for any dog owner, it is also a low protein dog food with a reduced amount of phosphorus, which makes it suitable for dogs with kidney problems. 

The main source of protein is chicken. Plus, the food is formulated with the necessary vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition your dog needs every day.

8. Hill’s Prescription Diet K/D Renal Health Dog Food

It is a unique product with low in protein but high in fat levels, and this helps to give your dog high-energy levels without harming its kidney. 

This product is specifically formulated to improve canine kidney function as well as improve the quality of their life, with high-quality ingredients such as pork fat, brown and brewers rice, whole grain sorghum, barley, and chicken.

Hill’s Prescription Diet K-D Renal Health Dog Food

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Hill’s dog food is easily digested, so it can be used for dogs with sensitive stomachs. It also contains fish oil for omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for your dog’s skin and coat.

This product is a great kidney care diet for your dog thanks to its sodium and phosphorus content. Plus, there are additional supplements to build a balanced daily diet for your pet.

9. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hepatic Dry Dog Food

When your dog is diagnosed with any kidney disease, you should immediately stop feeding him meat-based dog foods. Royal Canin contains high-quality vegetable-based protein instead of meat protein,  and its formula features a precise blend of nutrients to give your dog a complete balanced meal every day.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hepatic Dry Dog Food

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It is a good choice for sensitive stomach dogs, as it contains corn, brewers, and brown rice which make the recipe with high fiber content, which makes the digestion process easier for your pet.

This formula provides your dog with complete and balanced nutrients that all adult dogs need. you can mix Royal Canin with water or other canned dog food.

Your dog can also get L-carnitine with sufficient amounts to maintain a healthy weight. There are also added vitamins and minerals for a complete nutrition

Other ingredients such as fish oil, vegetables, and chicken fat. Also, it offers omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for your pet’s coat and skin health.

10. Hill’s Prescription Diet K/D Beef & Vegetable Stew

Hill’s Formula will give your dog all he needs daily with low protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels to ensure the safety of your pet. On the other side, it’s high in fiber and healthy fats that offer a high energy level and healthy life for your dog.

Hill’s Prescription Diet K-D Beef-Vegetable Stew

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It contains a high-quality animal protein which makes it a great choice for dogs with kidney diseases

Ingredients such as fried eggs, rice, flaxseed, and dried beet pulp will raise the nutrient as well as antioxidant content of the product. 

The formula is accompanied by carrots, real beef to provide your dog with all important vitamins, minerals, and L-carnitine to support its urinary function.

There is also fish oil that helps to boost the fat content. Also, this ingredient is beneficial to your dog’s coat and skin health.

You can feed your pet this food alone, or mix it with other dog foods your pup loves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dogs with Kidney Disease

If you have a dog with kidney disease, you definitely have many questions in your mind. In this article, we will answer most of these questions in detail and guide you on your journey to save your dog.

Dogs with kidney diseases have a particular need that must be included in their diet to control symptoms of kidney disease. It will be hard to change your dog food but if you start step by step to change, it will be much easier and without any problems.

FAQs

1. What Breeds Are More Prone to Kidney Failures?

  • Chinese Shar-Pei
  • Yorkshire Terrier
  • Bull Terrier
  • Boxer
  • English Cocker Spaniel
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • West Highland White Terrier
  • German Shepherds
  • Lhasa Apso

2. What Are the Most Common Symptoms of Renal Failure?

  • Change in water consumption
  • Change in urination
  • Weakness
  • Disorientation and difficult coordination
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting

3. What Other Diseases Can Appear Alongside Kidney Problems?

  1. Congestive Heart Failure
  2. Liver Failure 
  3. Anemia
  4. Hypertension
  5. Acidosis

4. Which Foods You Should Avoid for Dog Kidney Health?

  • Food high in protein, such as recipes for active or working dogs, is strictly off-limits. The excess in protein will only strain your dog’s ailing kidneys.
  • You should also avoid formulas rich in phosphorus. While that mineral is vital for strong bones and teeth, excessive amounts only exacerbate the kidney problem.
  • Just to be safe, avoid food rich in sodium, as it raises your dog’s blood pressure, which further strains his kidneys.
  • Additionally, while it can be beneficial to feed him fruits and vegetables, you should avoid raisins, grapes, garlic, and onions, as they are toxic to dogs.
  • You should also try not to feed him anything containing wheat gluten.

5. How to Switch Your Dog to a Renal-Supportive Diet?

During the early stages of kidney failure, it may not be necessary to put your dog on a restricted diet. While some restrictions may be needed, a full renal diet is usually reserved for later stages. You can, however, switch him to a formula made for dogs with sensitivities, as those are generally easier on the digestion.

When your vet estimates it’s time to change to a renal diet, you should do it gradually, even slower than normal switching. As a renal diet doesn’t contain as much protein, it isn’t as tasty for your pup so he may reject it. You may need to rotate his formula to encourage him to eat, maybe add a home-cooked meal.

In the case your dog still refuses to eat, you can season the food with certain natural additives, such as flavors or aromas, to make it more appealing. You should, however, make sure not to put too much and ruin the benefits of a renal diet.

6. What homemade dog treats can I give them?

As your dog should avoid protein, phosphorus, and sodium, you should avoid giving him treats such as bread, dry meat, or cheese. The safest bet is Treats made from Fruits and vegetables that are not onions, garlic, raisins, or grapes.

Most dogs like carrots here and there, so that should be a good source of treats. Likewise, your dog may also like green beans.

7. What is the life expectancy of sufferers?

According to a recent study, the median life expectancy from diagnosis to death, including from euthanasia, was at 226 days. The vast majority was somewhere in the range between 112 to 326 days.

While that may seem bleak, with a proper diet to slow the advance of the disease, your dog can live even longer, some even years if the failure is caught on time.

8. Why should I go for a specific renal diet for my dog?

Renal diets are specifically made for dogs suffering from kidney failure. As such, they don’t contain ingredients known to make the problem worse. There are, however, other conditions that your dog may develop alongside kidney problems, and those may make food selection even more difficult.

As each dog is different, and they may display different symptoms or develop different diseases, you may need to tailor the formula to those requirements. That is why it’s best to consult your vet and together find the best food for your ailing pet.

9. What to feed a pooch who refuses to eat?

Diets with more calories can help with appetite loss, and their appetite may come in waves so you may need to feed them more than usual.

If nothing seems to work, however, you may need to prepare a home-cooked meal. Those have been known to inspire dogs to eat. Just make sure you don’t use ingredients that may further stress his kidneys.

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Conclusion

We have listed the Top 10 Dog Food for Kidney Disease to choose the best for your dog, the list includes both dry and wet dog foods. 

According to the diagnosis of your dog and its genera, your vet will recommend the best for your dog

Don’t forget to give your god enough water to help its kidney to remove toxins. 

Dogs with kidney problems need a special diet all of the products mentioned above are great, and the manufacturers promise to keep your dog live longer and healthier.

Dog Food for Kidney Disease

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