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🐾 Health Matters: Kidney Disease in Dogs

Kidney disease is one of those conditions that can sneak up without warning.

Sophie avatar
Written by Sophie
Updated over 5 months ago

Kidney disease is one of those conditions that can sneak up without warning. Many dogs show no obvious symptoms until the kidneys are already quite damaged. But with the right care and early support, dogs can still live full and happy lives.

This guide walks you through what kidney disease is, how to spot it, and what you can do to help your dog live well for as long as possible.

Contents

  • What is kidney disease?

  • Early signs to look for

  • The truth about protein

  • How to manage the condition

  • Diet tips that make a difference

  • Support from the experts

  • Free help and resources

  • Raw feeding and kidney health

  • Top 5 takeouts

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease happens when the kidneys can no longer filter waste and balance fluids in the body properly. It can be caused by things like:

  • Cancer

  • Infections

  • Toxins

  • Congenital issues (from birth)

Most dogs show no signs until a lot of kidney function has already been lost. Sadly, the damage is often advanced by the time a diagnosis is made. At this stage, the disease is known as chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Once kidney cells die, they do not grow back. But this does not mean nothing can be done. Far from it. With the right plan, many dogs go on to live active and comfortable lives.

Early signs to look for

Look out for these early clues:

  • Drinking more water than usual

  • Needing to urinate more often

  • Passing pale, dilute wee

  • Dehydration despite drinking

  • Loss of appetite

  • Vomiting

  • Weight loss

These signs happen because the kidneys are not concentrating urine properly and are not filtering waste as they should.

The truth about protein

There is a lot of confusion about protein and kidney disease. Some say dogs with kidney issues should eat less protein, but this is not backed by solid evidence.

Dogs are carnivores. They are built to eat meat. Even if they are ill, there is no such thing as 'too much protein' when the quality is high. In fact, raw meat provides excellent amino acids that are easy for dogs to absorb.

Only at the very end stages of kidney disease might a lower protein intake help reduce waste build-up. Until then, the focus should be on quality over quantity.

How to manage the condition

Kidney disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed well. Your vet may suggest:

  • Phosphate binders to lower phosphate levels

  • Vitamin B injections to support energy and appetite

  • Anabolic steroids to help maintain body weight

  • Hydration support, such as encouraging drinking or avoiding dry food

  • Herbal supplements to gently support kidney function

Natural therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine may also help the body cope better with the disease.

Diet tips that make a difference

The most important rule is simple: make sure your dog eats. That matters more than what they eat.

If your dog goes off their food:

  • Offer small meals often

  • Warm the food slightly to improve smell

  • Remove uneaten food between meals

  • If needed, offer some 'junk' food—something is better than nothing

To support hydration:

  • Feed wet food, such as raw

  • Add water or bone broth to meals

  • Offer filtered or rainwater

  • Add a splash of goat milk to a bowl of water to tempt fussy drinkers

What to feed:

  • High-quality, digestible protein, such as raw meat

  • Lower phosphate foods, though raw meat does contain some phosphate

  • Phosphate binders can reduce absorption from food

  • Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin B, which are often lost in the wee

  • Colourful fruits and veg, juiced or mashed, to top up vitamins naturally

Support from the experts

Holistic support makes a big difference. You may want to speak to:

  • A veterinary herbalist

  • A homeopathic vet

  • A TCM vet offering acupuncture

  • A raw feeding consultant

These professionals can help you tailor your dog’s care and offer options that work alongside your vet’s advice.

Raw feeding and kidney health

Raw feeding supports dogs with kidney disease by:

  • Providing moisture in every meal

  • Offering high-quality protein

  • Reducing strain on digestion

While raw meat contains some phosphate, prescription diets can be very low in protein and unpalatable. A raw diet, supported by phosphate binders and fluid-rich foods, offers a healthy balance that many dogs enjoy and thrive on.

Top 5 Takeouts

  1. Early signs include thirst, frequent urination and weight loss—watch for changes

  2. Good protein is key—high quality matters more than low quantity

  3. Hydration is essential—wet food, broth and tempting drinks can help

  4. Vet support plus natural care offers the best outcome

  5. A raw diet, tailored with care, can support dogs with kidney issues well

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