13 nearly 14 - Kidney Failure - Food Advice

[Dimples]

Good Morning All. Gosh haven't been on here for years.  Lots of lovely cockers still here 

My boy Robbie is 14 in Jan and has had been a happy healthy dog for all these years.  We have been lucky.  He started to have some bouts of diarrhoea and was getting us up in the night frequently. I thought it was due to the first time ever bout of fleas he got.  Anyway cleared those  but he just didn't seem 100% and his breath was vile.  I put this down to bad teeth so off we went to Vets.  Sadly nothing wrong with his teeth, but more sadly his blood test showed kidney failure.  Nothing they can do to fix. But we can do our best to make sure Robbie is looked after.  He was so poorly at the weekend we thought it was time to say goodbye.  Miraculously he turned it around and sprung back to his usual self.

Robbie is eating / drinking as normal. Still likes his small walks 3 times a day.  He is happy. I know this can very quickly change and will do what's best for him ultimately.

So Vet has told us to change his food naturally to a Kidney / Renal type one.  He has suggested 'Hills KD' or 'Purina NF Renal'. We could only get the Purina one yesterday quickly and he loves it.

I was wondering though what others have done and if you could please guide on treats / fresh food / renal food.

In addition - what lies ahead and what can I expect.  He gets me up in the night some nights, not every night.  He is pooing ok but it does have a bit of blood in it. Not loads.  He is weeing normally, not too often or little.  He doesn't drink more often but when he does its loads.

Thanks in advance
Robbie and Robbie's mum xxx

[Finvarra]

Dylan is 9, and at his last six monthly check his kidney result blood test was a little raised, and we were advised to cut protein. He was already on a senior diet. I checked all the treat packets and was horrified to see how high in protein most of them were. We took them all up to the animal shelter. Now I read the ingredient list on everything. Have replaced most of the treats with raw carrot or sweet potato, he loves raw veg, so hasn't really been an issue. We also make treat time a game by hiding them so he has to sniff them out, which he loves to do.
Best wishes to Robbie and yourself.

[Dimples]

Dylan is 9, and at his last six monthly check his kidney result blood test was a little raised, and we were advised to cut protein. He was already on a senior diet. I checked all the treat packets and was horrified to see how high in protein most of them were. We took them all up to the animal shelter. Now I read the ingredient list on everything. Have replaced most of the treats with raw carrot or sweet potato, he loves raw veg, so hasn't really been an issue. We also make treat time a game by hiding them so he has to sniff them out, which he loves to do.
Best wishes to Robbie and yourself.

Thank you.  yes Robbie was on a senior diet but all of that food will be given away locally now.  Loves veg anyway so going to introduce those on a recommended list.  As you say so much is high in protein.  He had an upset tummy and we gave him Chicken - little did we know this was aggravating. (We obviously was not aware of the KD at this point). xx

[Mudmagnets]

No advice sadly, but  for you and Robbie.

[Dimples]

 

[MIN]

Pooch and Mutt do a renal grain free kibble. Their customer service is brilliant and very helpful

[lilliegez]

hi ive just had the same news with my girl maisie.  im just trying to find a suitable food, ive ordered a renal trial pack from a site called vetsend, it has 5 types of renal wet food to try to see what ones my dog will eat, from royal canin, hills and a few others.  ive been giving maisie veg and a little rice also.  she isnt wanting to eat anything unless its soft so im really struggling to find a treat for her.  she had kibble before and now is eating wet food but seems hungry more.  it would be good to share any any ideas on food or general advice, as i too dont know what to expect.

[Dimples]

hi ive just had the same news with my girl maisie.  im just trying to find a suitable food, ive ordered a renal trial pack from a site called vetsend, it has 5 types of renal wet food to try to see what ones my dog will eat, from royal canin, hills and a few others.  ive been giving maisie veg and a little rice also.  she isnt wanting to eat anything unless its soft so im really struggling to find a treat for her.  she had kibble before and now is eating wet food but seems hungry more.  it would be good to share any any ideas on food or general advice, as i too dont know what to expect.

Hi - I have Robbie on the Purina NF renal kibble which I add a little water to and some fresh veg.  Cut out all the usual treats.  Got some of the SOOPA treats which are kidney safe.  He has made a miraculous turn around. He is lively, happy, no blood in poo and back to his usual self.  I am under no illusion that the problem's gone away but the fact we thought we would lose him 2 weeks ago is such a blessing.  Hope your little one is ok xx

[Finvarra]

Good news!  👍🤞

[Mudmagnets]

Lovely news, so pleased for you. 

[MIN]

can vouch for Soopa treats aswell   

[rubyduby]

My girl had Renal problems she had Glomular Nephritis and needed a special diet , I rejected any Hills or Canine foods as it is not healthy food despite being pushed by vets, my girl had a low purine raw diet, raw diet is easier to digest

[phoenix]

What a wonderful age!
   I used an online home cooked recipe because Bob wouldn’t touch Hills but.  Pasta is ok so you could use that for treats.