Kidney Disease, Diet and Supplements

Question:

Hello Dr. Smith,

My mini dashchund has been diagnosed (1 yr ago) though blood work as being in the beginning stages of kidney disease.  The vet has suggested she be on a strict diet of Science Diet Kidney Disease formula only.  She is 14 yrs old. I have had (2) other mini dashchunds in the past who were fed Science Diet their whole lives and in their 14th yr of age the vet stated they had kidney disease and prescribed Science Diet KD for them.  The end result in 1-2 is euthanization.  I do not wish to repeat the process with my current dog and I am looking for a holistic means to assist her to have a quality life as long as possible with natural medicine. What holistic therapy do you suggest? Thank you for your kind assistance in this matter. N. H.

Response:

Hello N.H.,
Thank you for your inquiry to Holistic Pet Info. There are three major reasons for kidney disease and failure – poor quality nutrition, chronic disease and toxic insult. Commercial foods primarily have inadequate and improper protiens, toxic preservatives/dyes, too many carbohydrates and low moisture content. Environmental toxins, overvaccinating and stress are also incredible burdens placed on kidneys as well as the liver and heart.

Proper nutrition, hydration and supplementation are important in lessening the decline and failure of the kidneys. Several supplements I recommend are Small Animal Antioxidant by Thorne to decrease oxidative stress, Cell Advance 440 by Vetri-Science with B and C vitamins to help replenish the vitamins lost due to the inability of the kidneys to recycle and retain these nutrients in the body. B vitamins also improve the appetite and attitude. Super EPA by Thorne is also an excellent supplement to help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the kidneys.

I highly advise changing your dog's diet from his commercial food to a fresh home cooked diet. You can improve the quality of his protein, increase the water content, and maintain a balanced diet free of preservatives and by products. An excellent resource for kidney diets is Home-Prepared Dog and Cat Diets: The Healthful Alternative by Donald Strombeck, DVM, PhD. Acupuncture is also a great tool to stimulate kidney and immune function. Working in conjunction with a holistic veterinarian should greatly help you with balanced and alternative choices for your dog. Best of luck.
Sincerely, 
Colleen Smith DVM, CVA