Today I got a question via my website Best Dog Food Guide of a desperate dog owner.
I have a 5 yr. old Doberman that is in Renal failure. I need to buy the best dog food for him. I also want the best meds I can put him on OR make it for him…Will he die???????
HELP me….
Donna
I have explained before that I’m not a veterinarian, and even if I was.. I cannot judge a dog’s condition by mail. As a dog lover with an interest in dog health I’ve started researching dog nutrition when I had trouble finding dog food my dog liked. This is how my website started. I have followed a course in dog and cat nutrition and I’m sharing my knowledge ever since.
When I get questions like this one, I can only advice to consult a vet. It may not seem much, but I really believe it’s the best advice I can give. I do feel sorry for the dog and the owner since renal failure is a very sad diagnosis to hear.
Hi Donna,
I’m sorry to hear about your Dobermann. Such a young dog suffering from renal failure. This is a disease that cannot be cured. It can only be managed to relief your dog’s pain (since he must be feeling sick).
Obviously I cannot judge his condition, as I cannot see him and I’m not a vet! My advice is to consult a veterinarian. He or she can also give you prescription dog food, that is not always available in regular pet shops.
I have written about therapeutic dog food for dogs with renal failure on my website. Perhaps you already found that page, but I’m copying in the URL anyway: http://www.best-dog-food-guide.com/kidney-disease-dog-food.html
Key is to find dog food that is highly nutritious but not high in protein. It must have a low amount of protein of very high quality in order to provide the necessary amino acids in the lowest amount possible (high bio-availability).
One dog food manufacturer that makes this kind of dog food is Hill’s (Hill’s k/d). Another one is Iams Veterinary Formula Renal Early Stage Dry Dog Food (I hope your dog is still in early stage). These kinds of foods require a prescription from your vet.
Progression will be dependent on the amount of functioning nephrons in your dog’s kidneys and whether the renal failure is acute or chronic.
People with renal failure are treated with medicine, dialysis and kidney transplantation. These treatments are expensive and time consuming and stressful for the patient. These methods can be employed in treating dogs though the disadvantages are eminent: stress, a high price tag and no guarantee. You should really consult your vet and discuss treatment of your dog and up until what stage you’ll continue. When your dog is suffering too much and there’s no hope of getting better (only worse) than it’s better to say goodbye to each other. Sad to see a friend go.. but also sad to see a friend suffer.
I wish you the best of luck and hope you find a vet to talk too and discuss treatment.
All the best,
Barbara
