Low Protein Dog Foods

Excess consumption of proteins can lead to kidney diseases in canines. As it is said, too much of anything can be harmful to the body. Animal experts say, too much consumption of proteins by dogs can lead to generating toxins in their body. This results in kidney dysfunction and urinary tract infections.

The protein requirements in dogs differ according to their species and growth stages. According to AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials), the requirement of protein intake is 18% in adult dogs and 22% in puppies. However, at times, vets do prescribe diet with low protein value to help dogs cope with kidney ailments or disorders.

Low protein diet should be fed to canines only if the doctor advises or prescribes to do so.


Need for Low Protein Food

We generally think that a dog should be fed food with low protein content as he starts aging. But, this might not be true always. There are various reasons for which a vet recommends low protein food. Mostly, dogs with severe health problems, that affect their urinary tract, are prescribed a diet with minimal amount of protein.

The health problems include:

• Severe and chronic kidney failure (canine renal failure)
• Glomerulonephritis
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Urinary stones
• Genetic kidney problems
• Congenital kidney disease

A normal dog excretes uremic toxins via urine and it is very important for these toxins to be flushed out of its system on regular basis. However, these toxins can build up if the dog's kidneys are not operating properly, as kidneys are unable to get rid of them. This happens if he is suffering from any of the ailments mentioned above. One can limit the toxin content in the urine by lowering the amount of protein in the food, as these toxins are produced while digesting the proteins. The amount of protein to be given in such cases should be less than the normal requirement.

Foods to be avoided while your dog is on low protein diet are beef, lamb, eggs, fish, soybean, milk, etc. You can instead include pumpkins, chicken or vegetable stew, low protein treats, etc., which are available in the market.


Brand Names of Dog Foods

You can also rely on high-quality branded foods that are available in the market. The following list suggests few best brands amongst the others.

• Eukanuba veterinary diet
• Purina veterinary diet
• Waltham's Royal canin
• Select Care
• Flint River Ranch Senior
• Solid Gold Holistique
• Hill's Prescription Diet
• Innovative Veterinary Diets (IVD)
• Natural Balance

Homemade Recipe

The following is a cookie recipe for dogs that is low in fat, protein and phosphorus.

Ingredients

• 2 cup of whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oatmeal flour
• cup low sodium and low-fat veggie broth
• cup of cold water
• 1 cup cooked vegetables (cooked or pureed sweet potatoes, pumpkin and zucchini)

Method of Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
2. Mix together the wheat flour, oatmeal flour, veggie broth and pureed vegetables.
3. Prepare a dough by adding enough cold water.
4. Now, roll out the dough into a fine and even layer and using a cutter, cut it into different shapes of your choice or preferably your pet's choice.
5. Then place those cutouts on a non-stick baking tray and bake them for 25 minutes.
6. Let the cookies cool down completely before serving.

This recipe can be easily prepared at home and the ingredients, too, are easily available in the market. As there are no preservatives used in this recipe, storing them in the refrigerator is recommended.

Before preparing the low protein cookies for your canine friend, make sure you get the recipe verified and approved by the vet. Be very cautious about what you feed them when they are unwell.

If you have any queries about helping your dog recover faster, don't be hesitant to ask the vet. Always keep in mind that a pet dog is just like us. No matter how many dishes are fed to him, he won't recuperate unless provided with a joyous and loving environment.

Disclaimer:The material provided on this site is for educational purposes only and any recommendations on dog food names are not intended to replace the advice of the vet. We encourage you to seek advice from a competent veterinarian for your pet's health.