Pets with diseases need to be given extra care and attention to their diet, ensuring they are eating the right foods for their bodies. This is especially true for "kidney disease," where diet is an important part of treatment and can prolong the life of dogs and cats with this disease.
First of all, you must understand that kidney disease is divided into: 2 types That isAcute thrombophlebitis and chronic renal failure
chronic renal failureThis is a common condition in dogs and cats, especially in older individuals. Once diagnosed, there is no cure or the kidneys cannot be restored to normal function. Current treatment is therefore only symptomatic treatment along withTake care of foodSuitable for animals with kidney disease
Dietary care for animals with chronic kidney disease
1. Limit protein and certain minerals.
Since protein, when digested by the body, creates waste products in the bloodstream, the kidneys' main function is to excrete it through urine. Certain minerals, such as phosphorus and sodium, are also primarily excreted by the kidneys. Therefore, certain minerals should be restricted in animals with kidney disease.
2. Supplement with essential vitamins and fatty acids.
Certain vitamins, such as B vitamins and vitamin C, are essential, but animals with kidney disease lose a lot of these vitamins in their urine. Therefore, it is important to supplement with essential fatty acids, such as the omega-3s EPA and DHA. These vitamins and fatty acids can be supplemented in animals with kidney disease because they help maintain good kidney function.
3. Control the amount of certain minerals that affect the kidneys.
Animals with kidney disease often accumulate certain minerals in their bodies at excessive levels, such as phosphorus, sodium, potassium, etc. Therefore, their diet should be controlled to limit the amount of these minerals. Potassium may need to be checked on a case-by-case basis, as some animals may have potassium deficiency or potassium accumulation, depending on the stage of the disease.
4. Give food that has the right amount of protein, not too much or too little.
Protein intake should be restricted because the kidneys' primary function is to eliminate waste products from the bloodstream from protein digestion. However, depriving animals of protein can lead to malnutrition and weakness.
Nowadays, there are specific formulas of food that are suitable for kidney disease for the convenience of pet owners. Or if the owner wants to cook the food for the pet himself, he can do so but must be under the supervision of a veterinarian.
The appropriate amount of food can be based on both the animal's weight and body proportions. Weight should be assessed once or twice a week for appropriateness. The animal's weight should not change by more than 0.5% of its total body weight per week. If the animal's weight increases or decreases too quickly, it can have negative effects on its health.
In addition to managing the diet of animals with kidney disease, it's important to have regular physical examinations, blood tests, and assessments at the animal hospital. This allows the veterinarian to recommend and adjust the animal's diet.
Caring for dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease: If owners notice symptoms early and immediately take them to see a veterinarian, they can help slow the progression of the disease. Furthermore, providing a diet appropriate for their physical condition and symptoms can help them stay with us longer. So don't neglect food for animals with kidney disease.
Information from
Dr. Thitikorn Eksiritrairat (Dr. Sun), Talingchan Animal Hospital
“What's new in dietary therapy for renal disease”. World small animal veterinary association (WSAVA 2019)
English