Best Dog Food and Preventative Tips For Kidney Disease

As our beloved furry friends grow older, they become susceptible to various diseases and health issues. Kidney disease is one of the most common health issues in senior dogs. In this blog, we'll discuss the causes of kidney disease and how you can take care of your dog's health.

What Is Kidney Disease

Kidneys are incredibly vital organs in most living things. Our dogs' kidneys function very similarly to our kidneys, being used to balance nutrients and filter out waste. Like ours, our dog's kidneys perform a wide range of functions:

• Control blood pressure
• Help calcium metabolize
• Remove waste products from the blood
• Regulate the levels of essential minerals
• Produce urine
• Increase red blood cell production

When something is wrong with a dog's kidneys, the pup will be diagnosed with kidney disease or kidney failure in extreme cases. This condition describes the gradual loss of kidney function. When the loss of kidney function is sudden, this is called acute kidney failure, which can be much harder to treat.

Kidneys work as the body's filter- if they were to stop working, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste can build up and cause further health issues. 

Signs Your Dog May Have Kidney Failure

As dog parents, we must keep a close eye on our pup's behavior. Doing so is crucial in recognizing any health concerns that may arise. Keep watch for these behaviors since they are signs of kidney disease in your dog:

• Drinking more or less water than usual
• Changes in the frequency of urination
• Loss of interest and interaction
• Blood in urine or stool
• Significant and unexplained weight loss
• Pale gums or mouth ulcers

If you notice your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is paramount that you seek veterinary help immediately. We recommend a holistic veterinarian because they will prescribe medicine and give recommendations for natural remedies to help over time.

How Do Dogs Get Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is a chronic, gradual process. Because of its incremental nature, it is much more common for older dogs to be diagnosed. However, if a dog ingests a toxin, acute cases of kidney failure are possible. Dogs are most likely to come into contact with these toxins through a household cleaner or low-quality dog food.

Poor Diet

Our sweet pups can be susceptible to kidney disease if they eat a diet of kibble all of their life. Kibble is low in protein, which is full of essential amino acids for proper kidney maintenance. Kibble is also highly processed and results in dangerous carcinogens in the food.

Ingredients like corn and wheat cause metabolically stressful insulin levels to spike throughout the day, which can damage a dog's nutrition. Low-moisture kibble dehydrates dogs and increases the risk of bacterias entering the system through their teeth.

Best Food For Preventing Kidney Disease

It is our responsibility as pet owners to monitor what our dog is eating. We recommend buying treats, chews, and foods that are certified and made from a single ingredient. This way, you know your dog isn't ingesting anything harmful that could be added during processing. 

Your dog will receive the necessary amino and fatty acids to keep their kidneys working in excellent condition by feeding raw dog food.

At Cali Raw Nutrition, our natural food is human-grade with only naturally sourced ingredients. Besides improved kidney health, some of the benefits of raw feeding include: 

• Increased energy
• Healthier skin
• Shinier coat
• A leaner build 
• Better gut and oral health

Dangerous Treats

Some of the most popular chews, like rawhide, are very dangerous to your dog's kidneys. Rawhide chews are made from leftover animal hides from the leather industry. Hydroperoxide is used to bleach them white, and some artificial flavorings may even be added to make dogs find it appetizing.

Rawhide chews are a by-product of the leather industry and offer no nutritional value. They can cause health problems separate from the kidneys if they break off and cause intestinal blockage. As rawhides are made of harsh chemicals and leftover animal products, it's best to keep them out of your pup's diet.

At Cali Raw Nutrition, we are relentless in our effort to see that our wet-nosed friends only receive treats and meals that will support their health and well-being. For this reason, we offer all-natural, single-ingredient dog treats so that you don't have to resort to rawhide.

Our Beef Bully Sticks, offered through our Sister Store, Crafted Dog Treats, are a great way to avoid rawhide while giving your dog something good to chew on. They are a product that will benefit your dog's growth and give your pup all the proper nutrients. Feeding healthy snacks, like select fruits and vegetables, are another way to ensure that your dog only gets the best.

Overall Kidney Disease Prevention Tips

As frightening as kidney disease may seem, it's possible to prevent it with proper care for your pup. Feeding a raw diet is the best preventative method because of its natural protein and nutrients. Here are a few more tips to help prevent kidney disease:

• Make sure your dog is hydrated and drinking water, especially when active.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian routinely.
• Only feed your dog the best dog food, restricting treats or foods that negatively impact their health.
• Watch and prevent your dog from chewing and swallowing bits that may get lodged in their intestinal tract.
• Restrict access to toxins in your home, and only use pet-safe cleaning sprays.

Above all, a raw diet and single-ingredient treats are the best way to prevent kidney failure, as well as many other diseases, in your dog. Cali Raw Nutrition is determined to make every dog happy and healthy through optimal nutrition and healthy treats, reducing the risk of a wide variety of dog diet-related health conditions.

Cali Raw Nutrition is always here to provide you with the information and products to give your pup a good quality of life. We deliver raw dog food right to your door and are here to help with any questions you may have about healthy living- just give us a call!