Getting your dog the right food will be a big part of treating and managing their kidney failure after it happens. Our Greensboro vets may suggest a therapeutic diet for dogs with kidney failure or disease that is low in phosphorus, high in sodium, and low in protein, but high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common health issues affecting older dogs As a dog owner, you want to do everything you can to support your pup’s kidney health That’s why many pet parents wonder is salmon good for dogs with kidney disease?
The short answer is yes Salmon can be an excellent addition to a therapeutic kidney diet for dogs The high omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon offer specific benefits for kidney health.
In this article, learn why salmon is a recommended fish for dogs with kidney disease and the best ways to incorporate it into your dog’s diet.
An Overview of Kidney Disease in Dogs
Before diving into diet, let’s briefly go over what kidney disease is. Kidney disease refers to a gradual loss of kidney function over time.
The kidneys are responsible for:
- Removing waste products and toxins from the blood
- Balancing minerals and fluid levels
- Producing hormones
As the kidneys decline, they are less able to perform these crucial jobs. Toxins and waste build up in the body, leading to symptoms like increased thirst, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea and more.
Kidney disease is irreversible and progressive. But dogs can live happily for months or even years after being diagnosed if they get treatment early and make changes to their diet.
Why Salmon is Beneficial for Dogs with Kidney Issues
Salmon has nutrients that make it a great addition to a dog’s kidney diet for treatment. Here are some of the main benefits:
High-Quality Protein
Dogs with kidney disease need high-quality protein to help avoid muscle wasting. Salmon provides an abundant protein source that is easy for dogs to digest and absorb.
Compared to red meat, salmon protein puts less strain on the kidneys to metabolize. Yet it still supplies essential amino acids for maintaining muscle mass in dogs.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Salmon is one of the best sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA.
Omega-3s are shown to help slow the progression of kidney disease in dogs. They do this by:
- Reducing inflammatory compounds that cause oxidative damage to the kidneys
- Improving kidney blood flow
- Lowering high blood pressure associated with kidney disease
The omega-3s in salmon deliver powerful protective effects for your dog’s kidney health.
Low Sodium
Fresh salmon is very low in sodium content. This makes it ideal for dogs on a kidney diet, since excess sodium puts added strain on the kidneys.
You do need to watch out for canned salmon packed in brine, which can be high in sodium. Opt for salmon canned in water instead.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Salmon provides an array of important vitamins and minerals dogs need. These include:
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin D
- Selenium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Iron
For dogs with kidney disease, phosphorus and potassium levels may need to be moderated through diet. Talk to your vet about the appropriate amounts for your dog.
How to Add Salmon to Your Dog’s Kidney Diet
Now that you know why salmon is beneficial, here are some tips for incorporating it into your dog’s therapeutic kidney diet:
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Buy wild-caught salmon. It has a better omega-3 content than farmed salmon. Canned wild salmon is a convenient option.
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Serve salmon cooked. Raw salmon may contain parasites, which can be harmful to dogs with compromised immune systems.
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Remove skin and bones first. This lowers the phosphorus content.
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Mix with kidney-friendly carbs. Cooked salmon can be served over brown rice, quinoa, or pasta.
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Add salmon oil. Supplementing with a omega-3 rich salmon oil helps boost the kidney benefits.
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Limit to 2-3 times per week. Vary with other kidney-friendly proteins like eggs, chicken, and turkey.
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Cut back if diarrhea develops. Too much rich fish at once can cause stomach upset in some dogs.
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Check with your vet first. Make sure salmon suits your dog’s stage of kidney disease and current labwork.
Kidney-Friendly Salmon Recipes for Dogs
Here are a couple tasty salmon recipes to try for dogs with kidney problems:
Poached Salmon and Sweet Potatoes
- Poached salmon filet, skinned and deboned
- Diced sweet potato
- Chopped spinach
- Olive oil
- Salmon oil
Cook sweet potato until soft. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Flake salmon over top and drizzle with olive oil and salmon oil. The sweet potato provides potassium, vitamin A, and fiber.
Brown Rice Salmon Patties
- Cooked salmon, flaked
- Cooked brown rice
- Shredded carrot
- Egg
- Salmon oil
Mash ingredients together and form into small patties. Cook in olive oil until browned on both sides. Chopped parsley adds a bright, fresh garnish. These are easy to freeze and reheat later.
Ask Your Vet About Salmon for Your Dog
As you can see, salmon offers significant benefits for dogs with kidney disease. The omega-3 fatty acids protect kidney function while the protein helps maintain muscle.
Be sure to consult your vet before introducing salmon, to make sure it suits your individual dog’s needs. They can provide tips for preparing salmon to best support your pup’s kidney health.
While kidney disease can’t be reversed, the right diet helps dogs stay happy and healthy for as long as possible. Incorporating salmon into a therapeutic kidney diet helps give your dog the best nutrition to thrive despite kidney issues.
How is kidney failure or disease treated in dogs?
If a serious illness is suspected, your vet will give your dog a full physical exam, which may include nutritional advice. If your dog has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, the vet will look at how bad the disease is as well as your dog’s health and age before recommending the best way to treat it. Treatment for kidney disease often includes a number of dietary changes or restrictions, combined with medications. A therapeutic diet will help slow the progression of the disease and make it easier on your dog’s kidneys. Medication is mostly used to ease the symptoms of the disease.
What should I feed my dog with kidney disease?
For dogs with chronic kidney disease, the best food is usually a therapeutic diet with less sodium, protein, and phosphorus and more omega-3 fatty acids. In some cases, your vet may also recommend potassium.
Cutting down on a dog’s protein intake is still up for debate, but there are two main reasons for doing it. The first is to help lower the amount of waste made when proteins are broken down, and the second is to lower the amount of protein that gets into the kidneys’ filtering system.
These findings suggest that giving your dog a diet low in protein might help to ease the strain on its kidneys, which could help protect its kidney function.
As your dogs kidneys begin to fail, the concentration of phosphorus in their blood becomes elevated. High levels of phosphorus have been linked to a number of bad effects, including not getting enough vitamin D and making it harder for your dog’s body to break down calcium. Dogs with chronic kidney disease may be able to slow the progression of the disease by lowering the amount of phosphorus in their blood.
There is a direct link between the amount of protein in dog food and the amount of phosphorus in the food. To cut down on the phosphorus in your dog’s food, you will also need to limit their protein intake. Also, keep in mind that adjusting your dog’s diet to normal levels of phosphorus will usually only work if the kidney disease is found and treated quickly. In later stages of the disease, medications will also be needed.
Reducing sodium in the diet of dogs with chronic kidney disease may also be beneficial. Getting rid of extra salt in your dog’s food can help his kidneys work less hard and keep his blood pressure normal. In addition to giving your dog a therapeutic diet, you will need to be extra careful about the treats you give it if you want to lower its sodium intake. Jerky and cheese slices are typically very high in sodium and should be avoided.
It has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease in dogs. They do this by stopping the production of inflammatory compounds that damage the kidneys through oxidative stress. Omega-3-rich foods often include salmon and other fish that dogs like, or they can be supplemented with flaxseed oil or fish oil.
Is salmon OK for dogs with kidney disease?
FAQ
Is salmon OK for kidney disease?
What should dogs with kidney disease not eat?
What meat is good for dogs with kidney disease?
Can a dog eat salt if he has kidney disease?
Sodium (salt) is dangerous for dogs with kidney disease, and many vets recommend a low-sodium diet and generally carefully monitor your pet’s salt intake. However, removing salt from the dog’s diet is also harmful to your Fido.
Is salmon good for kidney disease?
Salmon is rich in omega-3 and is considered a good food not only for kidney disease but also for preventing other problems and maintaining health. A diet with roasted or raw salmon can slow the development of hypertension and protect against kidney damage.
Can dogs eat salmon?
Along with some other types of fish, salmon is also a good protein source. In fact, salmon is a common ingredient in high-quality dog foods. If your dog is allergic to more common sources of protein like chicken, salmon may be a good alternative. How Should I Prepare Salmon for My Dog? Do not ever give your dog raw or undercooked salmon.
Can dogs with kidney disease eat a low sodium diet?
Dogs with CKD should eat low-sodium diets to reduce the risk of hypertension or to lower already high blood pressure. Therapeutic kidney diets are low in sodium for this reason. Omega 3 Fatty acids—specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—are sometimes added to kidney diets or supplemented separately.