The paragraphs below are from Clinical article on Juvenile renal disease (JRD) in standard poodles by Susan L. Fleisher

Treatments for the symptoms of JRD (juvenile renal disease) have long included a low protein prescription diet. It seems clear, however, from the research done by Kenneth C. Bovee, DVM, MMedSc, "Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function", and Delmar R. Finco, DVM, Ph.D., "Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Renal Functions", that low protein diets do not extend the life of dogs with renal disease. The predominant effect of the low protein diet is to minimize production of uremic toxins so that the patient feels better. Phosphorus is more important in extending the life and well being of a dog with renal disease, since high phosphorus accelerates renal failure, and restricted phosphorus slows it down. Prescription diets for dogs with renal failure are low in phosphorus, so they remain a good foods for dogs in this condition. Low phosphorus diets allow management of secondary hyperparathyroidism by restricting phosphorus intake and reducing phosphorus absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. (5, 6)

Serum phosphorus levels are often not elevated in cases of juvenile renal disease. Where the reduction in renal function progresses slowly, the puppy compensates and the serum phosphorus levels can remain normal. In the cases I have followed, although BUN and creatinine levels were often greatly elevated, serum phosphorus levels were increased in only about 50% of cases.

Feeding three or four small meals a day lessens the chance of vomiting. The protein fed should be of a high quality

5.. Polzin, D.J.; Osborne, C.A.: Update - Conservative Medical Management of Chronic Renal Failure. Current Therapy IX (R.W. Kirk, ed.) W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA., 1986 pp 1167-1173.
6. Finco, D.R.: The Role of Phosphorus Restriction in the Management of Chronic Renal Failure of the Dog and Cat; Proc. 7th Kal Kan Sypm. . Veterinary Learning Systems, Lawrenceville, NJ 1983; pp 131-133

Several books contain recipes for homemade meals for dogs on low phosphorus and low protein diets. Among them are:

"Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657. www.isupress.edu (ISBN: 0813821495)

"Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.", Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000 .

Articles on Effects of Dietary Protein on Renal Function, and Dietary Lipids

Nutrition Support Service of Ohio State University

Mythology of Protein Restriction in Dogs With Reduced Renal Function

Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Renal Functions Effects of Dietary Lipids on Renal Function in Dogs and Cats\  

Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Management of Dogs With Renal Disease

Commercial Prescription Diets for Dogs with Renal Disease

Among the petfood companies that make commercial prescription diets for dogs with kidney failure are:

Central Site for Information On and Links to Companies That Make Prescription Diets for Dogs and Cats

Hills Petfood

Iams Eukanuba Early Stage Renal Disease Petfood

Iams Eukanuba Advanced Stage Renal Disease Petfood

Purina Canine Diets

Triumph Petfood

Food Science & Human Nutrition Department University of Illinois: easy to use and complete nutrient analysis tool. Design a menu or obtain food values for foods you are feeding

USDA Searchable Food Values Database:

Recipes for Home-Made Meals for Dogs with Renal Disease

Several books contain recipes for homemade meals for dogs on low phosphorus and low protein diets. Among them are:

  "Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657. www.isupress.edu (ISBN: 0813821495)

  "Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.", Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000 .

The following two recipes are from "Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, The Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657.

Egg & Potato Diet (low-protein, low-phosphorous, high-potassium, normal sodium)

1 egg, large, cooked3 cups potato, boiled with skin1 tablespoon chicken fat1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)1/2 mulitple-mineral tablet

Provides 600 kilocalories, 15.1 grams protein, 18.5 grams fat.Supports caloric needs of an 18-pound dogProvides phosphorus at 53 percent, potassium at 322 percent, sodium at 114 percent of dogs daily needs. To feed this diet with a normal amount of phosphorus, substitute 3 bonemeal tablets for the 1 1/2 carbonate tablets.

Chicken and Potato diet (low protein low phosphorus, high potassium, low sodium)

1/4 cup cooked chicken breast3 cups potato, boiled with skin2 tablespoons chicken fat1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)1/2 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet

  Provides 689 kilocalories, 18.9 grams protein, 26.8 grams fat.Supports caloric needs of a 21-22 pound dogProvides phosphorus at 45 percent, potassium at 301 percent, sodium at 54 percent of a dog's daily needs. To feed this diet with a normal amount ofphosphorus, substitute 4 bonemeal tablets for the 1 1/2 calcium carbonatetablets.

The following recipe was made available by Hills Petfood Prescription Diets

  The recipe is taken from:

  "Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.", Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000, 70 authors.

(use beef with regular fat content, NOT lean beef (note S. Fleisher))

  Rice, Beef and Egg Diet (Balanced low-protein, Low-phosphorus homemade formulas for adult dogs ***)

Daily food as fed formulation for a 18-kg dog

Ingredients Grams (To convert grams to ounces, multiply the grams by .0353)

Rice, white, cooked*** 237Beef, regular, cooked + 78Egg, large, boiled 20Bread, white 50Oil, vegetable 3Calcium carbonate 1.5Salt, iodized 0.5Total 390

Nutrient analysis (DM)++

  Dry matter (%) 41.0Energy (kcal/l 00 g) 445Protein (%) 21.1Fat (%) 13.7Linoleic acid % 1.8Crude fiber (%) 1.4Calcium (%) 0.43Phosphorus (%) 0.22Potassium (%) 0.26Sodium (%) 0.33Magnesium 0.091

*Also feed one human adult vitamin-mineral tablet daily to dogs to ensure all vitamins and trace minerals are included. **ESHA Research. Diet Analysis Software. Food Processor Plus, version 5.03, 1990 Salem, OR. Agricultural Software Consultants, Inc. Mixit 2+, version 3.0,1991, Kingsville, TX***May substitute rice baby cereal and flavor either selection with meat broth during cooking. +Retain the fat. ++Nutrients of concern are protein, phosphorus, and potassium.

The treat recipe is from Brad Luther. He and his veterinarian made the recipe for Brad's Boxer, Albi

I have adapted these ingredients to meet albi's needs. there are manyhealthy ingredients other dogs can eat but because of her situation thisrecipe is limited. with input from the vet, these ingredients have beenchosen for easy processing by the kidneys.

Albi's treats:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 6 Tblsps. low sodium, low fat chicken broth
• 1/2 cup cold water1 cup cooked vegetable (green beans, carrots or mixed)

Combine flour and garlic powder. mix in chicken broth and vegetable(s).add enough cold water to form a ball. pat dough to 1/2" and cut with adog biscuit cutter, cookie cutter or knife. place on a non-stick cookiesheet & bake in a preheated oven @ 350F for 25 minutes. cool on a wirerack. Since there are no preservatives, i recommend storing them in therefrigerator if they are not eaten within a week. they can also be madeahead and frozen.

This is a recipe for a homemade restricted-protein diet, similar to Hill's k/d in nutritional value and effect on compromised kidney function (the recipe comes from a sheet of such that Hill's provides for vets to give to their clients.

Canine Restricted Protein Diet

1/4 lb. ground beef (*do not* use lean round chuck)
2 cups cooked white rice (without salt)
1 hard-cooked egg, finely chopped
3 slices white bread, crumbled
1 teaspoon (5 grams) calcium carbonate*
(*--Calcium carbonate sources: Ground egg shells; Drug and Health food stores.)

Also add a balanced supplement which fulfills the canine MDR for all vitamins and trace minerals.

Cook beef in skillet, stirring until lightly browned. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. This mixture is somewhat dry and its palatability can be improved by adding a little water (not milk). Keep covered in refrigerator. Yield 1-1/4 lbs.

Analysis As Fed
Protein.........................................6.9%
Fat..............................................5.5%
Carbohydrate...............................21.1%
Moisture......................................65.5%
**Metabolizable energy..............750 Kcal/lb.
(**This diet supplies 17% protein calories, 30% fat calories and 53% carbohydrate calories.)

Feeding Guide:
Feed sufficient amount to maintain normal body weight.

Body Weight Approximate Daily Feeding
5 lbs. .................................................1/4 lb.
10 lbs. .................................................1/2 lb.
20 lbs. ................................................. 1 lb.
40 lbs. ...................................................1-1/2 lbs.
60 lbs. ....................................................2 lbs.
80 lbs. ..................................................2 -1/2 lbs.
100 lbs. .................................................3 lbs.
 

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Last edit: May 09, 2005