Caring for a dog with kidney disease can be challenging. Not only is it difficult to know what to feed a dog with kidney disease, but it can be even harder to get the dog to eat. When a dog with kidney disease refuses to eat, it can become a serious problem, leading to further health issues and exacerbating the kidney disease. In this article, we’ll look at what to feed a dog with kidney disease who won’t eat, how to encourage a dog with kidney disease to eat, and how to make sure a dog with kidney disease is getting the nutrients it needs.
What to Feed a Dog With Kidney Disease Who Won't Eat
When a dog with kidney disease won’t eat, it is important to try to find a food that is both nutritious and tasty. The food should also contain low levels of phosphorus and sodium, which can aggravate kidney disease. Some good choices for a dog with kidney disease who won’t eat include:
- Canned dog food that is specifically designed for kidney disease
- Prescription diets that are formulated for dogs with kidney disease
- Homemade diets that are low in sodium and phosphorus
- Low-sodium meat, such as turkey or chicken
- Low-sodium canned fish, such as tuna or wild salmon
- Low-sodium vegetables, such as carrots, squash, and green beans
- Rice, oatmeal, and other grains
It is important to speak to a veterinarian before feeding a dog with kidney disease any of these foods. The veterinarian can advise on which foods are best for the individual dog and how much of each food should be given.
How to Encourage a Dog With Kidney Disease to Eat
When a dog with kidney disease won’t eat, it is important to try to find ways to encourage them to eat. Here are some tips for encouraging a dog with kidney disease to eat:
- Make sure the food is at a comfortable temperature. Food that is too cold or too hot may not be appealing to the dog.
- Offer small meals throughout the day, rather than one large meal. This may be more appealing to the dog and make it easier for them to eat.
- Add flavor to the food. Adding a bit of canned fish, meat, or broth to the food may make it more appealing to the dog.
- Switch up the food. If the dog is getting tired of the same food, try offering something different each day.
- Make sure the food is easily accessible. If the dog has difficulty getting to the food, they may not eat it.
- Play with the dog before mealtime. Exercise can help to stimulate the appetite.
- Encourage the dog to eat by hand-feeding. During hand-feeding, give small amounts of food, and reward the dog when they eat.
- Offer a variety of treats. Offer a variety of treats throughout the day, such as small pieces of cheese, cooked chicken, boiled eggs, or yogurt.
How to Make Sure a Dog With Kidney Disease Is Getting the Nutrients It Needs
It is important to make sure a dog with kidney disease is getting the nutrients it needs. Here are some tips for making sure a dog with kidney disease is getting the nutrients it needs:
- Make sure the food contains the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Speak to a veterinarian about which foods are best for the individual dog.
- Feed small meals throughout the day. This can help to ensure the dog is getting the nutrients it needs, even if they are not eating large amounts of food.
- Monitor the dog's weight. If the dog is losing weight, it may be a sign that they are not getting enough nutrients.
- Limit treats. Treats should only be given in moderation, as they may be high in fat and calories.
- Encourage the dog to drink water. Drinking plenty of water can help to keep the dog hydrated and help the kidneys to function properly.
- Provide supplements. Speak to a veterinarian about which supplements may be beneficial for the individual dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my dog with kidney disease?
When feeding a dog with kidney disease, it is important to choose foods that are low in sodium and phosphorus. Some good choices include canned food specifically designed for kidney disease, prescription diets formulated for dogs with kidney disease, homemade diets, low-sodium meats, low-sodium canned fish, low-sodium vegetables, and grains. Speak to a veterinarian before feeding any of these foods.
How do I get my dog with kidney disease to eat?
When a dog with kidney disease won’t eat, it can be difficult to get them to eat. Some tips for encouraging the dog to eat include making sure the food is at a comfortable temperature, offering small meals throughout the day, adding flavor to the food, switching up the food, making sure the food is easily accessible, playing with the dog before mealtime, encouraging the dog to eat by hand-feeding, and offering a variety of treats.
How do I make sure my dog with kidney disease is getting the nutrients it needs?
To make sure a dog with kidney disease is getting the nutrients it needs, it is important to feed foods that contain the right amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It can also help to feed small meals throughout the day, monitor the dog’s weight, limit treats, encourage the dog to drink water, and provide supplements. Speak to a veterinarian about which foods and supplements are best for the individual dog.
What are some good treats for a dog with kidney disease?
Good treats for a dog with kidney disease include small pieces of cheese, cooked chicken, boiled eggs, and yogurt. It is important to only give treats in moderation, as they may be high in fat and calories. Speak to a veterinarian before giving any treats to a dog with kidney disease.
What kinds of canned food are good for a dog with kidney disease?
Canned foods that are specifically designed for dogs with kidney disease are a good choice for a dog with kidney disease. It is important to speak to a veterinarian before feeding any canned foods to a dog with kidney disease, as they can advise on the best food for the individual dog.
Are grains good for a dog with kidney disease?
Grains can be good for a dog with kidney disease, as long as they are low in sodium and phosphorus. Some good choices include rice, oatmeal, and other grains. Speak to a veterinarian before feeding any grains to a dog with kidney disease.
What vegetables are good for a dog with kidney disease?
Low-sodium vegetables that are good for a dog with kidney disease include carrots, squash, and green beans. It is important to speak to a veterinarian before feeding any vegetables to a dog with kidney disease.
Can a dog with kidney disease eat canned fish?
Canned fish can be a good choice for a dog with kidney disease, as long as it is low in sodium. Some good choices include tuna and wild salmon. Speak to a veterinarian before feeding any canned fish to a dog with kidney disease.
What kinds of meat are good for a dog with kidney disease?
Low-sodium meats that are good for a dog with kidney disease include turkey and chicken. It is important to speak to a veterinarian before feeding any meats to a dog with kidney disease.
Are homemade diets good for a dog with kidney disease?
Homemade diets can be a good choice for a dog with kidney disease, as long as they are low in sodium and phosphorus. Speak to a veterinarian before feeding any homemade diets to a dog with kidney disease.
Should I give my dog with kidney disease supplements?
Supplements can be beneficial for a dog with kidney disease. Speak to a veterinarian about which supplements may be beneficial for the individual dog.