Homemade Renal Diets for Dogs
What does the research say?
We’ve covered the issues with prescription diets in detail in previous posts. Today we will share what the research says about renal care in dogs. The data might surprise you. Before that, a disclaimer and this weeks recipes.
We are not vets nor do we play them on the internet. None of our posts should be considered medical advice. We are sharing our experience and interpretation of the scientific literature. Consult a reputable professional for individual veterinary advice.
Here are this week’s recipes:
Low Phosphate Meal
Real food diets are challenging to make with very low phosphorous because it’s in everything. With this recipe we reduced organ meat, used white rice, and added psyllium husk fiber. If you want to add some L. casei the research suggests that this probiotic can help with kidney disease.
Salmon Dinner
This doggie dinner is so easy to make, healthy and delicious. Plus, you can make a version for yourself with the leftover ingredients.
Chicken Dogka Pawsta
This Dogka Pawsta is our take on the creamy and delicious Vodka pasta! Obviously no Vodka is used here. The sauce is made with beet or pumpkin puree and kefir for creamines!
Phosphorous, not protein, drives renal failure
According multiple studies on the effect of protein and phosphorous on dogs with renal defects, the literature overwhelmingly shows that reducing phosphorous had the greatest affect on preventing adverse responses while protein restriction did not. One controlled study from 1991 tested 48 dogs after surgical reduction of renal tumors. These dogs were fed for 24 months after surgery and were split into four groups (low protein, low phosphorous / low protein, high phosphorous / high protein, low phosphorous / high protein, high phosphorous). Researchers concluded that reduction in phosphorous prevented adverse responses, while protein had no effect.
Why do we need phosphorous?
Phosphorous is an essential electrolyte needed by every living creature. It’s part of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that powers living organisms. ATP is so important that every action and every biological process that occurs in plants, animals and fungi is fueled by it. But when kidneys start to fail phosphorous accumulates in the blood and causes a cascade of issues.
Excess phosphorous binds with calcium and forms hard crystals that damages tissues and blood vessels. When calcium is removed from the blood, the body senses this deficiency and starts to break down calcium from bones. The result is brittle bones, stiff blood vessels, and eventually, organ failure.
For the kidneys, not only does reduced blood flow starve the organ of critical nutrients and oxygen. A vicious negative feedback loop ensues in advanced kidney disease where calcium-phosphate deposits form inside the kidneys. This clogs and damages the kidneys causing more accumulation of phosphorous and increasing calcium-phosphate deposits leading to increased damage.
What can we do about renal disease?
Unfortunately, aging causes organ function to degrade over time. Many scientists are working on interventions to slow aging, but currently there are few meaningful interventions outside of diet and exercise. Reduced body weight and increased movement reduces blood pressure and blood sugar while increasing blood flow and vascular elasticity. These things are good for pretty much every chronic disease. For kidney disease specifically, there are a number of actions that can slow progression.
Things to avoid or reduce:
Kibble: Many brands uses phosphate salts as preservatives and texture enhancers. Furthermore, these additives, like sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, and calcium phosphate get into the blood stream quickly. Kibble renal diets are formulated to reduce these phosphates, but are often too low in protein which can cause muscle wasting.
Whole grains: although we love to feed quinoa, oats and farrow, ironically, whole grains are higher in phosphates than white rice.
Organ meat: Similar to whole grains, organ meat is very nutritious and contains high amounts of phosphorous.
Things to add:
Omega-3 fatty acids: Evidence in animals and humans suggests that increasing omega-3 intake can help improve vascular function and reduce oxidative stress. This can help improve blood flow to kidneys.
Hydration: Though our dogtails are silly, they can be a great way to encourage dogs to drink more. If your dog doesn’t like to drink plain water, broths and flavors (fruit, coconut water, etc) can help them to get more fluids.
Probiotics: some strains of lactobacillus are shown in studies to help in slowing the progression of kidney disease. Plain yogurt and kefir are a great source of these for your pup.
Fiber: review studies suggest that dietary fiber can help slow the progression of kidney disease in dogs and cats
Vets often prescribe low protein diets for renal issues, but the evidence suggests that this isn’t needed. For mild cases of renal issues, reducing phosphorous, adding probiotics, omega-3s and fiber can help. However, for severe cases of kidney disease the above remedies are unlikely to be effective. Prescription drugs and synthetic phosphate binders are needed for cases where diet and exercise are unable to resolve symptoms. Please consult your vet and second opinions are always good.
That’s all for this week.
All the best,
Joelle and The Precious Creatures Team