Homemade Dog Food for Your Canine with Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a common health issue affecting our beloved canine companions, and proper nutrition plays a significant role in managing this condition. In this blog post, we’ll explore vet-approved homemade dog food recipes designed to support dogs with chronic renal failure. These recipes are formulated to provide the essential nutrients your dog needs while considering the restrictions necessary to ease the burden on their kidneys. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can provide wholesome, homemade dog food for renal disease for your furry friend straight from your kitchen!
What is Kidney Failure in Dogs?
Kidney disease is a severe condition affecting humans and animals, including dogs. It occurs when the kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, which can lead to a buildup of toxins and a range of health issues. Kidney disease can be acute or chronic, with acute kidney disease often reversible if caught early and treated promptly.
Chronic kidney disease, however, is a progressive condition with no cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Common signs of kidney disease in dogs include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Therefore, regular veterinary check-ups, early detection, and appropriate treatment are essential in managing kidney disease and ensuring your dog’s best possible quality of life.
Homemade Dog Food For Kidney Disease
When preparing food for a dog with kidney disease, it’s essential to consider the dietary requirements needed to support its kidney function and overall health. A diet tailored for a dog with kidney disease should typically have low protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, as they can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific needs.
Below are simple vet-approved homemade recipes for kidney disease in dogs:

Recipe 1: Low-Phosphorus Chicken and Rice Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast (shredded)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed carrots
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed green beans
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Recipe 2: Kidney-Friendly Turkey and Quinoa Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed zucchini
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed cauliflower
- 1/4 cup low-sodium turkey or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Recipe 3: Low-Protein Beef and Sweet Potato Stew Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked lean ground beef
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed peas
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed bell peppers
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Recipe 4: Fish and Potato Medley Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and flaked white fish (e.g., cod, haddock, or tilapia)
- 1 cup cooked and mashed potatoes
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed broccoli
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed yellow squash
- 1/4 cup low-sodium fish or vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Recipe 5: Low-Phosphorus Egg and Rice Casserole Ingredients:
- four large eggs, scrambled
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed pumpkin
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed asparagus
- 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Recipe 6: Kidney-Friendly Salmon and Barley Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and flaked salmon
- 1 cup cooked barley
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed spinach
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed Brussels sprouts
- 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable or fish broth
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Recipe 7: Low-Protein Venison and Millet Stew Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked ground venison
- 1 cup cooked millet
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed beets
- 1/4 cup steamed and mashed kale
- 1/4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
- Divide the mixture into appropriate serving sizes for your dog.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

What are Appropriate Food Options for Kidney Disease in Dogs?
When feeding a dog with renal (kidney) disease, it’s crucial to provide a diet that supports kidney function and overall health. A diet for dogs with kidney disease should typically have low protein, phosphorus, and sodium levels and increased omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet, as they can provide guidance based on your dog’s specific needs.
Here are some examples of food options for a dog with renal disease:
- Prescription renal diets: Your veterinarian may recommend a specific prescription renal diet tailored to your dog’s needs. These diets are specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of dogs with kidney disease.
- Low-phosphorus protein sources: Choose low-phosphorus protein options such as egg whites, chicken breast, or tofu. Avoid high-phosphorus proteins like organ meats and red meat.
- Vegetables: Offer low-phosphorus vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, or zucchini. Avoid high-phosphorus vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.
- Carbohydrates: Provide easily digestible carbohydrate sources such as white rice, potatoes, or pasta.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Supplement your dog’s diet with omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flaxseed oils to help reduce inflammation and support kidney function.
- Fresh Water: Make sure your dog can access clean water to maintain hydration.
Remember to ask your vet before changing your dog’s diet. Your veterinarian can guide you on the right food and portion sizes based on your dog’s nutritional needs and health conditions. In addition, regular check-ups and monitoring are essential to ensure that the diet works effectively and make any necessary adjustments.
Ingredients to be Avoided by Dogs With Kidney Disease
When managing kidney disease in dogs, avoiding certain ingredients in their diet is essential to prevent further kidney damage and alleviate symptoms. Some ingredients to avoid include:
High-phosphorus foods
Excess phosphorus can contribute to kidney damage and worsen kidney disease. Avoid organ meats, dairy products, fish, and bones.
High-protein foods
While protein is necessary for dogs, those with kidney disease require a diet with moderate or lower protein levels to reduce the kidney workload. Avoid feeding your dog high-protein sources like red meat and poultry.
High-sodium foods
Excessive sodium can cause high blood pressure and further strain the kidneys. Avoid processed foods, table scraps, and salty snacks.
High-potassium foods
Kidney disease can cause elevated potassium levels in the blood, leading to complications. Avoid foods like bananas, oranges, and potatoes.
High-fat foods
A high-fat diet can exacerbate kidney problems and contribute to obesity, which can further stress the kidneys. Therefore, limit fatty meats and dairy products.
Foods with oxalates
Oxalates can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Avoid foods like spinach, beets, and sweet potatoes.
Grains
Some grains, mainly those high in phosphorus, should be limited or avoided. These include wheat bran and whole grains.
Is It Safe for a Dog With Renal Disease to Maintain Its Regular Meal Schedule?
Yes, your dog with renal disease can still eat at regular times. Maintaining a consistent feeding schedule is essential for managing the condition. However, some changes might be needed to the diet, such as adjusting the portions or the type of food you’re feeding your dog. It is essential to provide a diet that meets your dog’s specific nutritional requirements while addressing their kidney disease.
A dog with renal disease may have a reduced appetite or struggle with nausea, making it harder to eat their regular portions. In such cases, you can offer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help keep your dog’s energy levels stable and make consuming the necessary nutrients easier.
Tips for Managing Kidney Disease and Improving Quality of Life
- Regular veterinary check-ups: Regular check-ups with your veterinarian will help monitor your dog’s kidney function and overall health. Early detection of changes in their condition can lead to prompt treatment adjustments, slowing the disease’s progression.
- Maintain a consistent diet: Stick to the prescribed diet and avoid giving your dog any treats or table scraps that aren’t kidney-friendly. Consistency is critical to managing your dog’s kidney disease effectively.
- Hydration is crucial: Ensure your dog can always access fresh water. Consider using a pet fountain or adding low-sodium broth to their food to encourage water intake.
- Monitor weight: Regularly weigh your dog and report any sudden weight loss or gain to your veterinarian. Weight fluctuations can signify worsening kidney disease or other health issues.
- Manage medications: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for drugs and supplements to manage your dog’s kidney disease. Be consistent with dosing and timing to ensure optimal effectiveness.
- Regular exercise: Maintain a consistent exercise routine to help your dog stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Consult with your veterinarian about appropriate activity levels for your dog’s condition.
- Keep a clean environment: A clean environment can help prevent infections, which can be particularly harmful to dogs with kidney disease. Regularly clean your dog’s bedding, food and water dishes, and living spaces.
- Manage stress: Minimize stress in your dog’s life by maintaining a consistent routine and providing a calm, comfortable environment. Stress can exacerbate kidney disease and other health issues.
- Watch for signs of change: Be observant and monitor your dog for any changes in behavior, appetite, energy levels, or other symptoms that may indicate a change in their condition. Report any concerns to your veterinarian promptly.
- Provide emotional support: Offer love, comfort, and attention to your dog during this challenging time. Emotional support can help improve their quality of life and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Managing kidney disease in your dog may seem overwhelming, but with proper care, regular check-ups, and a supportive approach, your dog can still enjoy a good quality of life. Always consult your vet or canine nutritionist to ensure you take the best care of your dog’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: The information provided on this veterinary website is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any concerns or questions regarding the health and well-being of your pet. This website does not claim to cover every possible situation or provide exhaustive knowledge on the subjects presented. The owners and contributors of this website are not responsible for any harm or loss that may result from the use or misuse of the information provided herein.
Hello! I was wondering if there is a recommended portion for a 18 pound dog? I am trying the egg and rice recipe. Thank you!
Generally you’d feed home cooked dog food at 1/2 cup per every 10 pounds of dogs weight.