This might help: http://www.dogfoodscoop.com/kd-dog-food-brands.html
Reduced protein food?
Our vet is recommending we switch our elderly eskie Gromit to a reduced protein food as he has congestive heart failure and his kidneys are starting to be affected. The food the vet sells(medi cal) is really expensive. Does anyone know of other reduced protein foods out there?
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My first golden, Casey, had kidney problems and was put on Science Diet KD. He refused to eat it, so my vet gave me a recipe for home-made meals for him: rice, vegetables, ground turkey or beef, and seasonings. She got the recipe from a vet med book.
what did your vet say is considered low protein? California Natural Herring and Sweet Potato has a protein level of 21%. The other formulas also have lower protein levels.
But it really depends on what low protein is to you and your vet.
But it really depends on what low protein is to you and your vet.
Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sure what she considers low protein but the food she recommends is 12 percent crude protein. I've also been reading that reduced protein food is not necesarily the best thing for a dog with kidney issues so I'm in a bit of a quandry. The vet said it would improve his quality of life.
The prescription renal diets (medi-cal, hills) are made to have protien that is easier to digest so that the kidneys have less work to do. If you can't afford the prescription diet than I would ask your vet what the next best alternative is to help your dog not feel sick.
I have read that it depends on what "type" of kidney problem it is as to wether a reduced protein diet is helpful. That probably involves some very specific testing.Thanks for the suggestions. I'm not sure what she considers low protein but the food she recommends is 12 percent crude protein. I've also been reading that reduced protein food is not necesarily the best thing for a dog with kidney issues so I'm in a bit of a quandry. The vet said it would improve his quality of life.
The OP says congestive heart failure is the primary problem. Typically, somewhat lower protein and lower sodium intake is recommended for congestive heart problems
I agree with Bock that the California Natural adult formulas have among the lower protein levels among kibbles. I'm not sure if their sodium levels are in line for what you need. As JacksonsMom said in her post, there are a number of books and sources available now for home-cooking for specific canine health problems. . . sounds like a good option but not one that everyone can fit into their schedule.
I agree with MyBentley-you will need to watch the sodium levels as well. It may be hard for you to find a "regular"-easily available, inexpensive-food that will meet his needs right now.
The idea of a home made diet is not a bad one-just make sure that it is developed for your dog's specific problems, and that it was developed by a canine nutritionist.
The idea of a home made diet is not a bad one-just make sure that it is developed for your dog's specific problems, and that it was developed by a canine nutritionist.
There's good information about diet for dogs with kidney disease on dogaware.com and probably some good information on feeding dogs with heart failure. Information on commercial diets as well as home cooked. I believe low protein does depend on what kidney issues the dog is dealing with, and what their blood values are. Low phosphorous is very important, and usually to get a low phosphorous food it means low protein.
My Maddie has juvenile renal diease and high blood pressure and she's doing well on a diet of k/d food mixed with home cooked. Her BUN is still in the normal range though, so we haven't restricted protein, just providing more bioavailable forms (egg whites, ground beef).
I'm sorry you are going through this with your senior dog, and hope you find a diet that works for you and for Gromit.
My Maddie has juvenile renal diease and high blood pressure and she's doing well on a diet of k/d food mixed with home cooked. Her BUN is still in the normal range though, so we haven't restricted protein, just providing more bioavailable forms (egg whites, ground beef).
I'm sorry you are going through this with your senior dog, and hope you find a diet that works for you and for Gromit.
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