raw diet for dogs with renal insuffiency

barbarawilder · 05-02-2010, 10:40 AM

I'm considering trying a raw diet for my dogs. (Though I have to admit that I'm very worried that the bones will hurt them somehow!) My question however is about my 8 year old with kidney problems. I know that meat is high in phosphorous but I'm wondering if the bones would be high enough in calcium to offset this? I haven't been able to find anything specifically about this online. I will talk to my vet of course but I would like to be prepared to have an intelligent discussion. If anyone has any info about this: personal experience, links or whatever, I'd love to hear it!

pawzaddict · 05-02-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbarawilder

I'm considering trying a raw diet for my dogs. (Though I have to admit that I'm very worried that the bones will hurt them somehow!) My question however is about my 8 year old with kidney problems. I know that meat is high in phosphorous but I'm wondering if the bones would be high enough in calcium to offset this? I haven't been able to find anything specifically about this online. I will talk to my vet of course but I would like to be prepared to have an intelligent discussion. If anyone has any info about this: personal experience, links or whatever, I'd love to hear it!

IMO just because your dog does have a medical set back I think asking your vet is the only way to go. Or ask your vet to recommend you to a vet who specializes in raw feeding. I am afraid if someone on here gives you an idea of what to do and your vet does not agree with this sort of practice that you may give up and just give your dog what others give theirs. Better to just find an expert vet who can give your dog the proper diet

**fawkese1** · 05-02-2010, 03:01 PM

ditto pawz 100%... you need to discuss this with your vet or a vet that is knowledgeable in feeding raw...

barbarawilder · 05-03-2010, 10:19 AM

Thank you both for the very good advice! I hadn't thought of talking to a vet who specializes in feeding raw. Any idea how I could locate one? Maybe a holistic vet but I'm not even sure how to find one. Don't get me wrong, my vet is a great guy and a very good vet but he is sort of traditional. I would absolutely talk to him. I'd just like to be able to tell him something about raw feeding and kidney problems he might not be aware of.

barbarawilder · 05-03-2010, 10:22 AM

Sorry just saw that you said to ask my vet, Pawz. I would probably rather find someone on my own if I can. So any ideas would be appreciated. If I can't find someone, I will ask him. Still interested in personal experience or urls related to raw feeding and kidney issues if anyone has them. I'm looking for info but only as info. I would definitely clear it with a medical professional. Thanks again! Barbara

pawzaddict · 05-03-2010, 12:48 PM

Understandable. I would suggest searching around online or in the phone book for maybe holistic vets, or even just call around and ask if the vets located there specialize in raw diet feeding. I know here where I am there is a local guy who makes a raw diet and sells it, maybe you could research local raw dealers (stay away from large chains) and ask them questions, ask if they have research they can share with you, etc. Its gonna take some time so GL

Im sure youll find something somewhere

Mikey · 05-03-2010, 06:24 PM

I'm really concerned about changing a diet on a dog who has renal issues. Like really concerned!! High protein from a raw diet could be way too much to process, and putting the dog at risk for salmonella and other food bourne illness (don't believe the websites that dogs can't get these parasites/illnesses-they can and their are studies that prove it) when the dog already has renal problems-well I think your asking for BIG health problems... Why is it you want to change diet?

What is the diagnosis, cause, prognosis and treatment for the renal problems? Did the vet suggest this diet change?

I definitely didn't catch your reason to switch to raw-so that's why I'm asking-it may be a good thing-I'm concerned about it though. I would definitely see a veterinary nutritionist. Your vet can refer you to one. If you don't balance the raw diet completely -you can be in big trouble so you do need professional help. And Ca-P levels need to be balanced as well.

pawzaddict · 05-03-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

High protein from a raw diet could be way too much to process, and putting the dog at risk for salmonella and other food bourne illness

Mikey could you provide adequate links to studies showing this? It seems to be a big controversial subject and true hard facts are always good to read.

TegansMyBoy · 05-04-2010, 12:02 AM

no to sound rude, but what mikey said about that being hard on the kidneys is just common sense. kidney's process protien. i have kidney problems myself and if I were to eat steak every day I'd have WAY too much phosphorus and be using too much of my body's precious water sources to be digesting that much meat. I am always in trouble for drinking too much milk, too...

I think Mikey has a very excellent point. While it's not impossible, if you are just doing it to switch to raw I wouldn't. Put the dog on the best kibble you can afford and keep water flowing for the little pup!

essentially, in lay man's terms, your body can't process protein with kidney problems, you begin to spill protien in your urine (which is usually what gives vets an idea dogs even HAVE kidney problems). Then, as the body becomes less and less able to filter out protein, by products in our blood, and other toxins that aren't needed the creatine level will rise more and more... which increases the severity of kidney disease.

pawzaddict · 05-04-2010, 12:10 AM

Quote:

no to sound rude, but what mikey said about that being hard on the kidneys is just common sense

Sorry I do not agree...i do not have kidney issues, nor have any of my dogs, so I do not know what renal disease does and I would not think to pay attention to protein levels unless told. Maybe the OP was not told by her vet to watch protein levels in the dogs diet.