Choosing A Low-Phosphorus Dog Food: 5 Recommendations
Many important things about a dog’s kidneys make them healthy. Unfortunately, research shows that about 10% of older dogs have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can cause a lot of weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, and more. It would help if you were always concerned about your dog’s kidney health, and there are various things you can do to support them to stay healthy. You can do many things to make sure your dog is getting enough phosphorus, and some veterinarians might recommend a low phosphorus dog food.
Phosphorus: What Is It?
Phosphorus is a vital mineral for solid skeleton and teeth to be made. Because of this, it’s often found in economically produced dog food. It also helps keep the body’s pH level stable and keep it hydrated. People who work for the AKC say that phosphorus is often found “in combination with either sodium or calcium. This can be in the form of phosphates made of calcium or sodium.
What is a Dog Food with Low Phosphorus?
Dog food that doesn’t have a lot of phosphorus will have less than 0.4% phosphorus in it. On the other hand, regular dog food may have as much as 3% phosphorus. Dr. Klein says that if you feed your dog a lot of phosphorus, it can cause kidney problems or bladder stones in the long run. As for dog food, young dogs and small breeds need between 0.6% and 1.3% phosphorus, the doctor said.
Larger breeds of dogs want between 0.7 and 1 percent phosphorus, depending on their age and how active they are, says the author of this text. If a veterinarian has told you to feed your pet a low-phosphorus diet, that resources that your pet must keep below a certain amount of phosphorus every day. ‘The Motor City Pet Doc’ says that this includes food and treats. It would be counterintuitive to feed your dog a low-phosphorus food and give it treats that are high in phosphorus, so you should not do this.
Why Do Dogs Require Low-Phosphorus Food?
Your dog’s kidneys want to keep healthy to eat low-phosphorus dog food.
How Can Dog Food With Low Phosphorus Help Dogs With Kidney Disease?
Veterinarians often suggest that a pet change their diet as the first thing to do when they have problems with their kidneys. When a veterinarian looks at your blood or urine, they are more likely to notice changes in your kidneys.
Research has shown that changing certain things in a dog’s food can significantly impact their health by easing the strain on their kidneys and lowering the levels of toxins in their bloodstream. Dogs with kidney problems have had a significant and positive change in their health and quality of life because there are now specialized foods. Veterinarians almost always say that changing a pet’s diet is essential for the treatment plan.
k/d Kidney Care is on the Hill’s Prescription Diet
Veterinarians made this prescription dog food option with your pet’s kidney needs in mind.
Dog Foods With Low Phosphorus
Your veterinarian should tell you not to change your dog’s diet, especially to a low-phosphorus food, before you make any changes to their food. In this case, you and your dog might want to talk about a low-phosphorus diet together.
Restricted Chicken and Rice Canned Dog Food from Dave’s Pet Food
This low-phosphorus dog food was done with your dog’s ultimate digestion needs in mind. It was also made with attention paid to allergies and sensitivities. Make sure you talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet this food.
Renal Support A Dry Dog Food
Aromatic in this food. If you wish to assist your dog in being more alert and having a better appetite, you should feed them this food.
NF Kidney Function Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Nutrition Dog Food
There is also a limited protein in this low-phosphorus dog food from Purina. This helps keep dogs’ kidneys healthy. It was made by veterinarians, nutritionists, and researchers. It has less than 0.4% phosphorus. One of the best natural pet foods is Blue Buffalo’s Natural Pet Food.
Dog food that helps the kidneys is called KS Dry Dog Food. You can easily switch your dog’s diet to low-phosphorus dog food with this grain-free Blue Buffalo food because it comes in both wet and dry forms. It is a prescription diet, so you’ll need your veterinarian’s permission to buy it.
How to Buy Low Phosphorus Dog Food
When you think about giving your dog low-phosphorus food, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first. Remember that most dogs don’t need to eat a lot of phosphorus, even if they are puppies. Many foods with moderate protein, sodium, and phosphorus can help your kidneys work well. These foods also have antioxidants like vitamin C and E and omega-3 fatty acids to help your kidneys work well.
Feeding Low-Phosphorus Dog Food With Caution
Some over-the-counter foods may help dogs with mild kidney problems. Dogs with more severe problems, like kidney failure, may need to eat a prescription diet. Some dog owners also cook for their pets, but this should only be done with the help of a board-certified veterinarian nutritionist and your veterinarian to make sure the diet is balanced and doesn’t have side effects.