[BlackPuppy]

My friend has a very old dog that has had some kidney problems, so the vet said only low protein foods. She told me less than 4%.

She's been giving him Innova Senior formula, but now the little guy won't eat it. He's rather eat the other dogs' food, with is probably part of the problem.

Does anybody else feed a low protein kibble? If so, what brand?

Thanks.

 

[Elaine]

The only way to feed a protein level that low for a dog with kidney problems is to go with a prescription diet or feed a home prepared diet.

 

[rjvamp]

Here is some information on the Iams formula. Science Diet has one too as well Purina for renal issues. All depends on what the Doctor feels is best for kidney condition.

Home Page <---- Iams Renal Formula

There are specific theraputic results they are looking for with the prescription diets.

 

[LisaT]

A lot of vets prematurely put dogs with mild kidney dysfunction on low protein food. I would have your friend evaluate the extent of the damage - too low protein can do more harm than good if the disease process is not advanced.

In the Health Index, in the kidney sticky in the forums here: germanshepherdhome.net is more information on this.

 

[BowWowMeow]

A lot of vets prematurely put dogs with mild kidney dysfunction on low protein food. I would have your friend evaluate the extent of the damage - too low protein can do more harm than good if the disease process is not advanced.

In the Health Index, in the kidney sticky in the forums here: germanshepherdhome.net is more information on this.

They are now reconsidering the advice to use a low protein diet. For kidney disease it is much more important that the animal is on a low phosphorous food than a low protein food. In fact, a low protein food (especially that low!) is potentially going to cause problems, especially if the dog is older.

There are a number of supplements that are also helpful. There used to be a person on this board (I think she's just on the other board now) with a dog who was diagnosed with advanced renal failure as a puppy. Her dog is now on 100% raw food and supplements and all of his levels have improved. Same with my 18 yo cat with CRF. I do not feed her low protein food but I add probiotics and barley grass to her food. Her BUN and Creatine and phosphorous have all gone down in the last year.

 

[LisaT]

Here are the links:
Kidney Health and Disease - GermanShepherdHome.net

They will complement the info that Ruth has posted.