When your furry friend gets diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the last thing you’re probably thinking about is their diet. But, you’d be surprised at how much diet can affect the kidneys—and ease the symptoms of CKD. 

With the right kidney dog food, you can manage:

  • Your dog’s nutrition level 
  • The symptoms of CKD
  • The progression of CKD
  • The balance of minerals and fluids

Keep reading to learn some major components of a kidney diet and how they’ll help your canine loved one. 

Why You Need to Add Water to Your Dog’s Kidney Diet Now

When a dog is dealing with kidney problems it’s crucial to keep them hydrated at all times. This is because when the kidneys start to malfunction, they struggle to get rid of the waste materials that build up in the bloodstream. 

To lessen the strain on the kidneys—and therefore on your best friend—you should give the kidneys more liquid to work with. 

You can do this by placing many bowls of water in easy-to-access places around your home. Also cut out dry kibble from your companion’s diet (as it’s dehydrating) and try whole food ingredients instead. 

How Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Slow the Progression of CKD

There is no way to cure CKD once a dog is diagnosed with it, but you can slow its progression by increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your dog’s kidney food. 

Chronic kidney disease creates inflammation that starts to erode the kidneys. Omega-3 fatty acids actually reduce inflammation and slow the wearing away of the kidneys. Plus it will make your dog feel better, given that inflammation is the source of a variety of CKD symptoms. 

Why Limiting Phosphorus Is Important with Kidney Dog Food 

Usually, the kidneys keep the phosphorus in the body at the appropriate level. Unfortunately, when they start losing their level of functioning, that level starts to rise. Too much phosphorus can cause calcium deposits to appear on the kidneys—as well as a vitamin D deficiency. 

By limiting the amount of phosphorus in your dog’s food, you ease the strain on their kidneys. 

Focus on Diet to Manage Your Dog’s Chronic Kidney Disease

While you may feel helpless when your fur baby is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, there is something you can do to help them. Start changing their diet slowly to increase water and omega-3 fatty acid intake. 

Be careful when changing your dog’s diet. Making large changes too quickly can cause digestive problems and stress which could make the CKD even worse.