Raw feeding a newf with kidney failure?

Capri

New member
My friend went to vet with an abscess on her newf's paw and came home with a note on the signs of early kidney failure (blood tests showed this). He is around 7 years now (not exactly sure but around this). My friend feeds him (and her other newf) raw food. However with this news, she is very unsure to continue and unfortunately I do not have any advice as I don't have any experience with kidney failure on newfs.

Do you have any advice?

-what to feed
-what NOT to feed

?

(even if it is kibble-related, that advice would be appreciated also)

She will be visiting her vet in the next few days to discuss this too, but newf-advice would be great.
 
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R Taft

Active member
I can only relate it to humans right now

It usually mens reducing salt, potassium and such. Also low protein and high carbohydrate. And we usually only give as much fluid as is measured out.......Which is difficult in dogs. It also depends on what type/level of kidney failure. Is it where they are thinking they have to use dialysis or just the renal function test is somewhat out of wack. In humans if it is just a slight change in renal function tests, the diet doesn't change much at all
Human version copied.......
"Protein: You will need to limit the amount of protein in your diet. This will help decrease the wastes in your blood, helping your kidneys to work better. Foods that are high in protein are meat, poultry (chicken), fish, eggs, and dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt). Your caregiver will tell you how much protein to eat each day.

Phosphorus: You will need to limit the amount of phosphorus in your diet. When you have kidney failure, your kidneys cannot get rid of extra phosphorus that builds up in your blood. This may cause calcium to leave your bones and make them weak. Foods that are high in phosphorus are dairy products, beans, peas and nuts. It is also found in liquids such as cocoa, beer and cola drinks. Your caregiver will tell you how much phosphorus you should have in your diet each day.

Sodium: You may have to limit the amount of sodium in your diet if you have certain health problems. These may include high blood pressure or extra fluid in your body. Your caregiver will tell you how much sodium you should have each day. Table salt, canned foods, processed meats like deli meats and sausage, soups and salted snacks are high in sodium. You may have to limit high sodium foods and table salt in your diet.

Potassium: Usually, you do not need to limit the amount of potassium in your diet. However, you may need to limit potassium if you have too much potassium in your blood. Your caregiver will tell you if your blood levels of potassium are too high. Potassium is found in fruits and vegetables. You may have to limit fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium."
It would be quite difficult if this a serious renal failure. Food that would be alright: fruits, grains, and vegetables. These foods provide energy, as well as fiber, minerals, and vitamins.
CAnned fish is actually one on top of the list to stop...Phosphorus and sodium being the big uglies there.

Like I said I am only relating back to human kidney failure
 

Capri

New member
Thanks, I'll give her a link to this and get her to read it. It would though basically mean stopping raw feeding and starting to "home feed" ie base the diet on fibre = carbohydrates = grains rather than on meat or fish (fish oils would still be ok though, right). How about tripe? That would be OK? I mean it barely has any protein, mostly just energy.

So diet based on: tripe & grains ?
 

R Taft

Active member
Yes tripe is low in protein....maybe cooked rice/oats with small amount of meat for taste and veggies/fruit RAW. maybe change the oils to flax or krill oil ( ? spelling), but you would have to check sodium levels in the Krill......Ring the companies, they are often very helpful
 

mrsnamsherf

Member
I have found the Yahoo rawfeeding group to be tremendously helpful whenever I have a rawfeeding question. There are folks on there who feed their dogs with kidney problems a raw diet. If you search the archives for "kidney failure", you will find a bit of info. (You have to be a member to search the archives, but it's simple and free. And I am not in any way affiliated with yahoo, but I find this group a great place to get opinions from a large group of rawfeeders. :D) I did see green tripe sugggested on there for a kidney diet, and there are discussions on why being on raw is not too much protein.

I hope your friend finds the answers she needs to help her dog. :nod:
Marie
 

R Taft

Active member
I think it depends as to wether dialysis is invloved or not...........i would not stop my RAW meat if it was only out of wack Urea & Electrlytes.....I think levels are relevant.
But if the dog has to have peritoneal dialysis I would be very strict..........
I am in that yahoo group (not very often) and yes they are very helpful
 

Capri

New member
I am in the raw breeder group, but not in the raw feeding group. I might ask it there. I posted her a link to this thread and she can tell you more about the diagnosis. I really don't know enough to comment!
 

nowhavethreebears

New member
I believe there may be a yahoo group devoted to owners of pets with kidney issues. I will see if I can find it for you.....I don't think I'm just imagining it exists.
 

Capri

New member
When Roger had his kidney failure, I was told tripe was one of the best things to feed him. It actually was what got him to eat again.

Great! She had a talk with the vet tech who said low protein, but she'll go in to talk with the vet in a few days.
 

R Taft

Active member
And I hate tripe, but it's good :)

Maybe they should feed the dog Haggis (?spelling)

Seriously isn't it mainly oats and tripe (stomach)
 

Clyde

New member
K9KIDNEYS is the yahoo group. You will learn everything you need to there. Tripe is excellent. Fish oils are excellent, Vitamin Q10, and plenty of water. And also, try getting some phospherous BINDER, it pulls it out of the body before it is absorbed. This makes the dog feel less nausea if feeling it. Please, please get your friend to join this yahoo group K9KIDNEYS. I hope it is an early stage, it can be managed a long time in the first stages. GOOD LUCK. -Michelle
 
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