Patrick Oconnell
Dogs with kidney disease often experience nausea and a loss of appetite, so it is important to find food that they will eat. While cheese is not toxic to dogs with kidney disease, it is high in phosphorus and sodium, which can be harmful to dogs with kidney disease. However, some cheeses are lower in phosphorus and sodium and may be suitable for dogs with kidney disease in moderation. There are also recipes for homemade cheddar cheese treats for dogs with kidney disease that are low in protein and phosphorus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese for dogs with kidney disease | Should be low in protein and phosphorus |
| Should be low in sodium | |
| Should be part of a calorie- and nutrient-dense diet | |
| Should be part of a diet with high water content | |
| Should be introduced slowly | |
| Cheddar cheese treats for dogs with kidney disease | Should be low in protein (11% on an ME basis) |
| Should be low in phosphorus (0.45 mg per 1000 kcal ME) | |
| Should be similar in fat content to commercial renal diets (55.3% fat ME) | |
| Cottage cheese for dogs with kidney disease | Should be limited to 1-2 tablespoons per meal |
| Should be whole milk |
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What You'll Learn
Dogs with kidney disease need protein, but not too much
Dogs with kidney disease need protein, but it's important to not overdo it. The metabolic changes that come with kidney disease can reduce a dog's appetite, so kidney diets need to be tasty and calorie-dense. The goal is to feed just enough protein to meet a dog's needs for muscle maintenance and immune function. Extra protein will only be turned into calories, which can be more safely provided by carbohydrates and fats.
Protein quality is also important. Proteins should be highly digestible and supply all the essential amino acids dogs need. There is a close relationship between protein intake and blood phosphorus levels. Dogs with kidney disease gradually lose the ability to excrete phosphorus, so it builds up in the bloodstream. This is why it's important to monitor the amount of phosphorus in a dog's diet.
While cheese contains high levels of phosphorus and sodium, some types of cheese are suitable for dogs with kidney disease in moderation. For example, cottage cheese is a good source of high-quality protein and can be fed to dogs in small amounts. However, it should be noted that not all dogs can handle the lactose, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
There are also recipes for homemade cheddar cheese treats for dogs with kidney disease. These biscuits are low in protein and phosphorus, but they are high in fat, so they may not be suitable for dogs on a low-fat diet. It is important to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure that homemade dog food contains the proper amount of proteins, carbohydrates, and other nutrients.
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Cheese is high in phosphorus and sodium
Cheese is a tasty treat for dogs, but it can be problematic for those with kidney disease. This is because cheese is high in phosphorus and sodium. Phosphorus is a mineral that is essential for bone health, but it can become elevated in the blood of dogs with kidney disease, as they gradually lose the ability to excrete it in their urine. As such, it is recommended that dogs with kidney disease follow a low-phosphate diet.
Sodium is another mineral that can be problematic for dogs with kidney disease. Kidney disease can cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body, and as sodium is an electrolyte, too much can be harmful. Therefore, it is important to choose low-sodium cheese options for dogs with kidney disease.
Some cheeses are lower in phosphorus and sodium than others, and these may be more suitable for dogs with kidney disease. For example, Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, cheddar, and cottage cheese are all lower in phosphorus. Cottage cheese is also recommended by some veterinarians as a suitable treat for dogs with kidney disease, constituting up to 20% of their diet, or 1-2 tablespoons per meal.
However, it is important to note that cheese is also high in protein, which can be difficult for dogs with kidney disease to digest. As such, it may be best to limit the amount of cheese given to dogs with kidney disease, or to choose a low-protein variety.
There are many commercial renal diets available that are designed to provide all the necessary nutrients for dogs with kidney disease, and these may be a better option than cheese, which can be high in phosphorus, sodium, and protein.
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There are low-phosphorus and low-sodium cheeses
While cheese is generally not recommended for dogs with kidney disease due to its high protein, phosphorus, and sodium content, there are ways to include it in their diet in moderation. The key is to opt for low-phosphorus and low-sodium cheeses, and to ensure that cheese treats for dogs with kidney disease are low in protein.
Firstly, it is important to understand the nutritional requirements of dogs with kidney disease. These dogs need a diet that is calorie- and nutrient-dense, as they may eat less due to a reduced appetite caused by the disease. The food should also be tasty and smell appealing to encourage consumption. Additionally, a kidney-friendly diet should be high in water content to help with hydration, and it should be introduced slowly to allow the dog's digestive system to adapt.
Phosphorus and sodium are two key nutrients to consider when feeding cheese to dogs with kidney disease. Dogs with kidney disease gradually lose the ability to excrete phosphorus, leading to a buildup in the bloodstream. High phosphorus levels can be detrimental to kidney health, so it is important to monitor phosphorus intake. Similarly, sodium intake should be limited for dogs with kidney disease to help control fluid levels and maintain healthy blood pressure.
When selecting cheese for dogs with kidney disease, look for varieties that are naturally lower in phosphorus and sodium. Some examples include Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, and cottage cheese. It is also important to check the ingredient labels and avoid cheeses with added phosphorus, often indicated by ingredients containing "phos". Processed cheese sauces, canned spray cheese, pasteurized cheese products, and processed American cheese often contain added phosphorus.
In addition to choosing low-phosphorus and low-sodium cheeses, it is crucial to control the portion size. Cheese should be given as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of the diet. This is because cheese is typically high in fat and calories, which can be detrimental to dogs with kidney disease if consumed in excess.
There are recipes available for homemade cheddar cheese treats specifically designed for dogs with kidney disease. These treats are low in protein and phosphorus, making them a suitable option when fed in moderation. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinary nutritionist or a kidney dietitian to determine the appropriate amount and type of cheese to include in your dog's diet.
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Dogs with kidney disease struggle to maintain hydration
Kidney disease can cause nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration in dogs. Dehydration can also be a cause of acute kidney failure. Dogs with kidney disease struggle to maintain hydration, so it is important to ensure they have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Wet foods are usually a better option than dry foods for dogs with kidney disease, as they have a higher water content and can help boost a dog's water intake.
It is important to note that the nutritional needs of dogs with kidney disease may vary, and some dogs may require a low-protein diet, while others may benefit from a higher-protein diet, especially in the early stages of the disease. It is always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your dog's specific needs.
While cheese can be a good source of protein and other nutrients, it is typically high in phosphorus and sodium, which may not be suitable for dogs with kidney disease. Some low-phosphorus and low-sodium cheeses may be more appropriate, but it is important to read the labels and consult with a veterinary nutritionist or kidney dietitian to determine the best options.
Some sources suggest that cottage cheese can be given to dogs with kidney disease in small amounts, as it is considered a high-quality protein source. However, it is important to monitor the dog's reaction, as some animals may have difficulty handling the lactose, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
Overall, while cheese may be an occasional treat for dogs with kidney disease, it is important to prioritize hydration, provide a balanced and veterinarian-approved diet, and ensure regular access to fresh water to support the management of the condition.
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Kidney disease can make dogs nauseous
It is important to coax your dog to eat when they are unwell, and vitamin B complex can help stimulate their appetite. A broad-spectrum, daily multi-mineral and multi-vitamin supplement is recommended. A highly digestible, good-quality animal protein is also important, especially when the animal is losing weight.
The metabolic and physical changes associated with kidney disease can reduce a dog's appetite. To counteract this, kidney diets need to smell and taste appealing. They should also be calorie- and nutrient-dense, so dogs can eat less and still get the nutrition they need. Wet foods are usually better than dry foods for dogs with kidney disease.
A dog with kidney disease in the early stages might thrive on a kidney diet with more protein, but as the disease progresses, a diet with less protein is recommended. A veterinarian can advise on the best diet for your dog's condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, dogs with kidney disease can eat small amounts of cheese, but it should be a low-sodium, low-phosphorus variety. Cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and vitamin A.
Cheeses that are typically lower in phosphorus and sodium include Swiss, Gouda, Gruyere, cheddar, and cottage cheese.
The amount of cheese will depend on the stage of kidney disease and the type of dialysis the dog is receiving. It is recommended that dogs with kidney disease eat a diet that is low in protein, so the amount of cheese should be limited.
Yes, it is important to introduce new foods slowly to a dog with kidney disease, as they may associate their symptoms with the new food and refuse to eat it. It is also important to provide a diet that is calorie- and nutrient-dense, as well as high in water content, to ensure proper nutrition and hydration.
