Diet for a dog with kidney failure

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Hi everyone,

I’m posting here in the hope of finding some answers. My 15-year-old Jack Russell was diagnosed with kidney failure two weeks ago. The vet sold me some specialised dry food and wet food, but he’s turning his nose up at it.

However, he still loves having little bits of chicken as treats.

I’d like to try home-cooked meals for him. I know I can’t just go into this blindly, so I’m looking for advice from anyone who has done this. How did you set up the meals? Who should I ask? The vet? Or are there specialist canine nutritionists out there?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

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    Snaraellora17 Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi.

    Don't think that a home-cooked diet is so technical that it’s impossible to do.

    In my opinion, you should go and see a vet nutritionist and explain what you need.

    I make my dogs' food myself. I'll look into what I would do. Maybe home-cooking isn't the right thing for their health anymore... I'll have a look and get back to you with my thoughts.

    What kind of diet were you recommended? Can you give the details please?

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
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    Hi, I'm a vet student: a home-cooked renal diet is definitely an option, but it must be specifically formulated for your dog based on their stage of kidney disease and their test results.

    Ask your vet first; they will be able to refer you to a specialist veterinary nutritionist or the nutrition department at a vet school.

    Avoid recipes found online: the levels of phosphorus, protein, energy, calcium and vitamins must be precisely balanced and often require a specific vitamin and mineral supplement.

    Chicken can potentially be used occasionally to stimulate their appetite, but a diet consisting mainly of chicken would be unbalanced and is often too high in phosphorus.

    If they are eating very little, losing weight, vomiting or seem nauseous, get back in touch with your vet quickly to treat the cause of the poor appetite before starting the food transition.

    Kind regards,

    Romane

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    ProvetoJuniorConseil
    Provetojuniorconseil Icon representing the flag French
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    Hello, There are veterinary nutritionists who can draw up a home-cooked diet precisely calculated based on your dog's age, weight, the stage of their kidney failure, and their test results. With kidney failure, it’s not just a matter of protein: intake of phosphorus, calcium, sodium, energy, certain amino acids, etc., must be tailored. A balanced home-cooked diet for a healthy dog isn’t necessarily suitable for a dog with renal failure. The fact that he still enjoys chicken is worth mentioning to the vet or nutritionist; it could help in putting together a diet he'll accept without compromising his medical needs. Best of luck to you both, I hope you find a diet that suits him soon. Maëlla
    Translated from French

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