Hi anyone out there using food for dogs in renal failure? I only interested in reviews of moist food as she's got problems with her mouth and teeth. Any suggestions gratefully received.
I just used what the vet had in for Belle - Royal Canin Renal Diet tins. She wasn't keen on them, but then she was going off her food anyway. There doesn't seem to be much available.
Yep what I'm reading Is saying it's not vital in the early stages and that the lack of protein can cause malnutrition in some dogs. So I feeding moist at the moment as the hydration it provides is good for her. The vets ok with that and Moo thinks it's heaven
On my raw feeding Facebook group, people are feeding raw food to dogs with kidney disease with no problems. Raw food is generally low in sodium if not soaked in brine, and obviously has high moisture content compared to kibble.
Its not the sodium that's too much of a problem. She's not at the stage were the diet has to be too speciaised yet so I do have different options. so im staying on one she likes if you cut too much protein too early they can get malnutrition. I have been thinking about Raw as I do feed it occasionally but at the moment she still has open wounds in her mouth so I don't want to risk any infection. ' also I am a bit at risk to infection myself at the moment. I use a high quality wet food which is helping keep her hydrated and she's still eating well so I'm just trying to relax and get used to the idea that she is unwell. She eating well but the anaemia is making her breathless and tired. She is also getting the classic back end muscle wastage. I've got lot of questions for my vet at our next meeting and to discuss prognosis. I've also been doing lots of massage on her back and hip area which seems to help as she is uncomfortable. Since I started the body rubs and massage she's been a lot more relaxed and less restless
So pleased your massage is helping her. While dogs don’t like hugs, pressure (massage) is good for the nervous system. I find tinned fish in water is a great way to get liquids in. I hope you have a decent night - I saw your other post. So sorry.
Its really hit me now. I'll just to untangle my knickers and get on with it it's going incredibly difficult few months
Can the vet give IV iron to help with anaemia? Also, look for low phosphate diets, or if Moo doesn't like those you can always see if the vet will prescribe a phosphate binder. Re: diet a really good quality wet food should be fine, slightly lower in protein will help, and you can always moisten the wet food a little.
It sounds like a good idea to give her the moist food that she enjoys if she doesn't need something more specialised yet. The relaxing massage will help her feel more comfortable too. I hope you both manage to sleep well and get some rest.
I got in touch with the company who produce the food she likes and they have kindly supplied details of the sodium levels of their food. I've also got her some omega 3 suppliments. Any ideas gratefully recieved thanks
When my old Bones was suffering from kidney problems, my vet issued him devil's claw supplements. Not sure how much good this really did mind you, but it is a herb traditionally used for kidney issues.
Things seem to be going ok. She's sleeping a lot more and tires quicker but I wonder if that more her age than the actual disease. She went off her food again but I got some really tasty tinned raw food and poured warm water on it to make it smell yum. Oh that worked . shes very happy beating up her toy boy and cheeky and playful. I can see she's fading but its slow. Her coats shiney and she looks remarkably well. Its easy to pretend nothing is wrong at the moment. She still got that Moo sparkle in her eyes.we've got a vet visit in 2 weeks so we will find out how she's doing. Fingers crossed she's not deteriorated, i think she's doing ok. Her poo's are weird though
difficult times for you all love and best wishes,we have all had difficult times, but, everybody here is with you,with help and lots of love and care. ruth
