Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. Applesauce is also rich in vitamins A and C and has dietary fiber, which works together for skin, coat, cognitive, and digestive health. A drug to regulate the parathyroid gland and calcium levels - Calcium and phosphorus must remain at about a two-to-one (2:1) ratio in the blood. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help with joint pain, arthritis and swelling. Make sure to thoroughly stir the cinnamon into the applesauce as the powder can severely irritate their lungs and mouth. They may also be able to offer some advice on how to encourage your dog to eat, as well as some kinds of food they may like. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Ernest Ward, DVM. Enroll in canine kidney-related Internet discussion groups for information and support. Nutrition For Dogs With Chronic Kidney Disease. Several frequent meals, instead of the usual two, may be helpful. Set up your myVCA account today. Kidney Disease in Dogs. Ive blogged extensively about their health problems in the past, and that French Bulldog Owner is run by Marc and Jemma (with occasional input from our young son). This is best for animals who suffer from extreme stress during mealtimes, making their quality of life easier. Your vet will probably advise lower protein and higher fat. Cinnamon is a very healthy spice with many benefits for dogs and humans. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Other nutrients of importance are sodium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Those products simulate specialty diets pretty well. When your dog will not eat medication, hiding it in food is often the go-to way of getting them to take their pills. What Are Healthy Fruits & Vegetables For Dogs With Kidney Disease? Sweetened applesauce contains sugar. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; But most strawberries flavored applesauces are sweetened, thats why we recommend making your own version using the recipe below. Tests to measure the blood levels of other substances such as albumin, globulin, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and calcium, as well as the red and white blood cell counts are important in order to determine the extent of failure and the best course of treatment. Serving homemade strawberry applesauce not only helps you control the ingredients used and gives you time to bond with your dog. Dogs with kidney disease are usually advised to eat a special renal diet that is lower in protein, sodium and phosphorous. Wash the berries thoroughly, remove the stem, and cut them into small pieces or pure for easy chewing and digestion. Waste products are normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, but dogs with CKD will end up with an accumulation of these waste products in the bloodstream as the filtering process breaks down. A low urine specific gravity (USpG) is the earliest indication of kidney failure. You will just need 3 lbs apples (choose any kind you like and you can even mix them up), 1/2 cup water, and 1/2teaspoonground cinnamon. SDMA (a naturally occurring biological indicator for kidney function) can also be used to determine if early renal failure is occurring. Thanks to the substantial efforts put forth by their caregivers, both of these dogs are thriving, although we certainly do not know for how long. It's safe to feed most adult dogs unsweetened applesauce in moderation, but there are a few guidelines you should follow to do so safely. amzn_assoc_linkid = "131189c8f3f4a96d72c7b1bfdfb903b1"; Ask your vet for a syringe with the largest tip, and mix crushed medications into something such as honey, softened cheese, or vanilla pudding, and squirt the mixture into the dogs mouth. In some cases, the kidneys are damaged beyond repair before diagnosis and medical treatment is ineffective. This e-book provides valuable information on how good and sound nutrition habits will set your puppy on the right path. Disclaimer: My website and blog should not be considered as being professional pet medical advice. These diets are formulated to help dogs with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Michael is an animal-lover who specializes in marketing. This article was originally published in AKC Family Dog magazine. For more information on this condition please see the handout Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. This will help your veterinarian provide treatment for your dog at a much earlier stage in the disease. They include oat, quinoa, millet, brown rice, amaranth, spelt, and chickpea. Keep in mind that this may vary depending on the type of apple you choose. By definition, chronic renal failure (CRF), or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the inability of the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood of waste products, not the inability to produce urine. Organic applesauce is the best choice for dogs. Roll the dough into thickness and cut using cookie cutters. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Yes, dogs with diarrhea and other diseases can eat unsweetened applesauce. Certain seafoods, such as sardines, herring and anchovies, also are high in purine, Barton says. Although not curable, with therapy and diet your veterinarian may be able to improve the quality of life of your dog with kidney disease. Instead of cinnamon, you can also choose 1 teaspoon of honey which is also safe for dogs. Small treats can also be used to keep them fed during bouts of poor appetite, but large amounts can be unhealthy. Diabetic dogs and those with pancreatitis or heart problems can eat unsweetened applesauce moderately, as it has no sugar. By using this staging, your veterinarian has a better idea of how to proceed with treatment, monitor progress, and to estimate your pets prognosis. Do you notice your puppy drinking excessive amounts of water after consuming applesauce? Days 3 and 4: Mix 10% of the new food in with 90% of the old food. "Green beans can be good sometimes, too," she adds. The increase in blood phosphorus level secondary to kidney failure stimulates the parathyroid gland to increase the blood calcium level by removing it from bones. Therapeutic diets that are designed for kidney disease have lower amounts of certain nutrients than over-the-counter diets. 17 Foods to Avoid If You Have Kidney Disease - Healthline What it is: Acute or chronic kidney disease is not uncommon. The prognosis is quite variable depending on the stage of kidney disease at time of diagnosis, your dog's response to the initial stage of treatment, and your ability to perform the follow-up care. One cup of sliced apricots has 427 mg of potassium. What it is: Acute or chronic kidney disease is not uncommon. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common kidney-based disease in dogs. Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can and Can't Eat - American Kennel Club Warm food is usually better than cold, but every animal has different tastes. Those questions and more will be answered down below including a recipe to make your own homemade applesauce. A kidney support diet for dogs with CKD will contain the following key components on a dry matter basis: Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your dog. Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy: The cause is not yet known but it hasnt gone away, Did You Know? Occasionally, ulcers will be found in the mouth. Pasta, noodles, rice. Preheat oven to 350F (180C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Increase the amount of renal diet in the old food over 10 to 14 days. Once the oatmeal is cooked, serve it at room . Plums. Effects of Applesauce for Dogs as a Dog Food, Cinnamon applesauce has dietary fiber, which is essential for smooth digestion and reduces the risks of stomach and gastric problems, Vitamin A and C in applesauce boosts cognitive wellness and immunity, while antioxidants protect against free radicals. Special thanks for research assistance for this column to Carol Callahan (donahanspringers.com). Preparing your dog and yourself some homemade applesauce is the safest and healthiest option and its incredibly easy! Yes, dogs can eat cinnamon applesauce safely. Other ingredients that are healthy and safe for dogs with kidney disease include honey and green tripe. AKC is a participant in affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to akc.org. They regulate phosphorus and calcium levels. This flushing process is called diuresis and helps mildly damaged kidney cells to function again by removing the toxic metabolites and creating a healthier environment for healing. However, removing the skin will leave you with only half the fibre and a lot less nutrients. With so many food items that are not suitable for dogs with renal failure, it seems giving treats to these dogs is almost impossible, doesnt it? No, unsweetened applesauce is not unhealthy for dogs. Fully functioning kidneys are used to remove excess phosphorus, proteins and sodium from the bloodstream, so with the onset of kidney disease these waste materials arent properly filtered and a higher level than normal in the bloodstream. Just like anything containing fibrous fruits, applesauce should not be eaten regularly and rather as a yummy treat for your dog once in a while. A phosphate binder - Phosphorus is removed from the body by the kidneys. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine oatmeal, 1 cup whole wheat flour, cup unsweetened applesauce, and 1 egg. But why is the peel so much more nutrient dense? 5. cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein for dogs with kidney disease. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; However, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many dogs will live a normal lifestyle for many months or years. Yogurt and most cheeses are high in phosphorus, and in particular do not use cheddar, Swiss, romano, parmesan and mozzarella. Eggs are a great source of protein for dogs, although raw eggs can cause biotin deficiency meaning that cooked eggs are best recommended for your dog to eat. Consuming plain applesauce lowers the risks of heart issues and diabetes, as applesauce contains pectin, which reduces the cholesterol levels in the body. If this is not available online or you cannot find it in your store, Motts unsweetened applesauce is also an alternative. Since kidney tissue cannot regenerate if destroyed, the kidneys have a large amount of reserve capacity to perform their various functions. 4. Switching from a diet you may have been feeding for years to a veterinary therapeutic diet is often easier than most pet owners think. Healthy Kidney Diet. This is done from twice daily to once weekly, depending on the degree of your dog's kidney failure. It can occur in senior dogs as part of the aging process. Photo credit: Illustration by Wendy Wahman. To see if you could share a spoon of Motts applesauce with your dog, a closer look at the ingredients list will be necessary. Commercial options unfortunately often change, so there arent specific brands or products that we can recommend without calling to check the latest nutrient content. But too much of that healing potion could go the other way and you will have to be careful when feeding your dog certain amounts or different flavors. Why French Bulldogs Get Zoomies & Run Around Like Crazy? When all fails, use a pill crusher to crush pills. More severe diarrhea should be treated with a 24-hour no-food diet. Applesauce should only constitute 5% of your dogs diet. Certain drugs (such as aluminum hydroxide, lanthanum, and calcium carbonate with chitosan) will bind excess phosphates in the intestinal tract so they are not absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in lower blood levels of phosphorus. In the end, you can just mix in blended strawberries. Many people think that chronic kidney failure or chronic renal failure means that the kidneys have stopped working and are not making urine. Is unsweetened applesauce unhealthy for dogs? However, old dogs can safely eat organic applesauce as it lowers the risks of cancer, diabetes, and heart problems. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Diet has an important influence on the condition. If you are planning to start introducing new treat options, it is best to wait until after you have successfully transitioned your pet over to the therapeutic diet of choice to avoid any conflicts with the transition process. Never feed your dog flavored oatmeal, as it often contains more sugar and may even have artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Measuring the level of two waste products in the blood, namely blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine (CREA), indicates decreased kidney function. Other sugar substitutes, including chocolate and xylitol, are highly toxic, and consuming them can lead to severe health problems. If you have chronic kidney disease, it is crucial to track food and fluid intake because diseased kidneys can't remove waste products from the body as healthy kidneys can. For most small dogs, the early signs of kidney disease occur at about ten to fourteen years of age. Kidney Diet for Dogs | PetMD Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix 3 cups whole wheat flour, 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 egg, and 1 2 cups of water. What Fruits Can Dogs Eat? - The Spruce Pets Strawberries are packed with antioxidants important for dogs prone to cancer, including the Great Danes and Bernese Mountain Dogs. Consuming Motts applesauce leads to diabetes, pancreatitis, and obesity. This type of kidney disease is most often caused by toxic ingestion or infection. Olsens book, Raw & Natural Nutrition for Dogs, offers detailed chapters on food, veterinary testing, and how to provide optimal nutrition support for dogs who are suffering renal disease and many other diseases that are critically affected by nutrition. As youre on this website right now, we can assume that you love pets and likely have a special dog or cat (or many) in your life. It can also regulate your dogs blood sugar and insulin levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar. The acute form is caused by some toxin, injury, or insult to the kidney, such as antifreeze, grapes, or raisins . carrots, zucchini, green beans, parsley). Sugar is harmful to dogs, hence dogs cannot eat sugar with applesauce. Yes, strawberry applesauce is a mix of strawberries and apples. Already have a myVCA account? The golden rule is that treats should not comprise more than 10% of the total calorie (kcal) requirement of your pet per day. Kidney Disease in Dogs: How Much Do You Know? Dietary Guidelines for Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) However, you should always seek advice from your own vet before making any decisions on euthanasia as thereare never black and white answers for this decision. If your dog is unused to a new type of dog food, try hand-feeding your dog small portions of food, warmed to just below body temperature. (January 2015), English Springer Field Trial Association. Canine Kidney Health Strawberries are also very similar to apples benefit wise. They're also a. Changing up the food is an option, but it might be that they need to have some IV fluids at the vets to filter out the excess waste products which are causing the nausea, or they might need an anti-emetic to reduce the nausea. Your kidneys cannot get rid of extra phosphorus that builds up in your blood. Examples include Hill's Prescription Diet k/d, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support, Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS. Cinnamon has lots of health benefits for your dog. To look at them, you would never think they had a problem. Well, this tasty food doesnt only look like a treat to us and many dogs have begged to try it. Are there any risks or benefits involved? Ingredients that are not good to use in renal dog treats include: Avoid flours that are high in phosphorus. Mix all ingredients together until well incorporated. Below is a detailed list of many benefits that your dog can obtain from consuming apples or applesauce: One medium apple (6.4 oz) can contain 25 g carbs, 4 g fibre and 95 calories. Organic applesauce has phytochemicals that help reduce the risks of cancer, heart problems, and diabetes. Effective, balanced renal diets differ from regular diets in several ways: reduced protein, phosphorus, and sodium; increased B-vitamins and soluble fiber; increased caloric density; a neutral effect on acid-base balance; supplemented omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; and other antioxidants. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. The age of onset is often related to the size of the dog. Tempting foods include sauted egg whites; pungent-smelling and -tasting cheeses; cottage and ricotta cheese; macaroni and cheese; pasta sprinkled with Parmesan cheese; very small amounts of lean chicken, beef, or fish, grilled or baked; canned chicken chunks; and hard-boiled eggs. Thanks for sharing Danielle :), The Complete Guide to Dog Separation Anxiety, Full of antioxidants that help protect against free-radicals, Contain lots of calcium and phosphorus for strong and healthy teeth, bones and nails, High in soluble fiber which is great for digestion (helps prevent constipation and diarrhea) and they may also have prebiotic effects, Vitamin C can help with degenerative conditions like joint diseases, Promote weight loss (only unprocessed apples), Contained pectin which keeps down cholesterol levels. Whereas creatinine increases when about 2/3 of kidney function is compromised, the SDMA changes when approximately 50% dysfunction is present. In dogs, chronic kidney disease is associated with aging, and in simple terms can be considered to be the 'wearing out' of the kidney tissues. 4. Cinnamon reduces the risks of diabetes as it regulates blood sugar levels by limiting the amount of sugar entering the bloodstream. They will also keep the fruit from oxidizing in the air (enzymic browning). The mushy consistency is high in water, which is a big plus for dogs with kidney issues. Dr. Freeman has received research or residency funding from, given sponsored lectures for, or provided professional services for Aratana Therapeutics, Elanco, Guiding Stars Licencing Co LLC, Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestl Purina PetCare, P&G Petcare (now Mars), and Royal Canin. Even if the dog had a thorough annual physical exam and blood analysis a few months ago, ask for the full panel. Avoid foods notoriously high in phosphorus and protein: most meats, jerky treats, bully sticks, rawhides, pig ears, antlers and real bones. What to feed a dog with kidney failure who will not eat? Kidney Disease and Renal Failure in Dogs | Blue Cross Excluding the skin lowers the nutritional benefits of applesauce, as fiber and antioxidants are essential for digestive wellness and protection against infections and inflammation. Regardless, always make sure you dog has enough water in its bowl to quench itself. This is because a high-protein diet is associated with uric . I write about all the things we've learned about owning a Frenchie, the adventures we have, and any advice and tips I've picked up along the way. Strawberry applesauce should be given sparingly, as too many causes gastrointestinal issues. In addition, applesauce is low in sodium, fats, and carbohydrates. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. We love them, too! Motts applesauce is made with high fructose corn syrup; an artificial sugar made from corn syrup. If your pet has other medical conditions, additional dietary adjustments may be needed for treats. About Us | Dog Food Reviews & Categories | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure There may be other reasons for their loss of appetite, such as nausea, so if your dog isnt eating either its old or new food, your vet may be able to help treat any sickness or appetite loss. You need not be feeding a raw diet to find and use the in-depth discussions of kidney disease, cancer, pancreatitis, liver disease, and other health concerns in this very helpful resource volume. These include: Cherries. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. Applesauce is jam-packed with essential nutrients that boost our dogs well-being. In larger quantities, ascorbic acid cannot be absorbed by dogs or humans which could lead to diarrhea. PawsomeOldies.com 2017-2023. That means feeding your dog high-calorie, nutrient-dense food can help him maintain weight. You can also use barley flour in this recipe. Veterinarians encourage treatment in most situations because many dogs will respond well and maintain a good quality of life. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until slightly golden brown. Your veterinarian can direct you to several specially formulated, commercially available kidney diets and provide you with recipes for home-prepared meals helpful to the patient. There are different forms of kidney disease, and the signs that indicate this disease can vary depending on each dog's case. Baking for our furry friends is always awesome :), In-depth and nicely explained. The apple skin may be hard for young dogs digestive systems, as they are not fully developed. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. You can call the treat company in order to get this information. For detailed instructions on this procedure, see handout "Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Dogs". Control the clinical signs associated with accumulating waste products in the blood. High corn syrup is also known to cause inflammation, which leads to cancer and cardiovascular problems. Consuming this ingredient may come with several health risks such as obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. 2. Can my Maltese dog puppy eat strawberry applesauce? If you dont know your pets daily calorie needs, ask your veterinarian for help with the calculation. Do they respond with diarrhea, vomiting or bellyaches? Motts applesauce contains apples, high fructose corn syrup, water, and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Plain yogurt is good for gut health as it is packed with prebiotics and probiotics. You will need to cut them into thin slices, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake them at 210 F (100 C) for 2 hours (flipping halfway through). No other conservative method of therapy for disease is more likely to enhance the long-term outcome and quality of life than a renal diet. However, the bad news is that there is no way to repair the damage done to the kidneys, they dont regenerate like some organs like the liver can; but further damage can be prevented with a few relatively easy lifestyle changes. 2,3 Moderate protein and phosphorus restriction (35 g and 750 mg per 1000 kcal, respectively) reduced morbidity and mortality in beagles with . Adding applesauce to the other ingredients boosts the nutritional benefits of a healthy pooch. Although yogurt is nutritious, you should serve it in moderation since strawberries have natural sugars. Your dogs teeth are negatively affected as they become more prone to cavities and tartar build-up. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. Handy Hint: I recently wrote a guide explaining what to do if your French Bulldog is not eating. The discussion about diet changes can be overwhelming when your pet is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. What Foods Should You Eat or Avoid If You Have Kidney Stones? She has spoken at national and international conferences and a Capitol Hillbriefing, and is an expert in pet obesity, nutrition communication, and in the human-animal bond. High-fructose corn syrup is an artificial sugar made fromcorn syrup. The high sugar levels in sweetened applesauce cause diabetes, heart problems, and obesity in dogs. Below are the best applesauce dog food recipes that you should try at home: Commercial dog food manufacturers add applesauce to their recipes for more flavor and nutritional benefits. Grapefruit. The term chronic kidney disease can be a terrifying phrase for many pet owners, who often assume that this means that the kidneys have stopped working completely. Some people may say since treats are given to dogs in small quantities, the ingredients used should not matter too much. By Preheat the oven to 350 F. Mix 1 cups creamy peanut butter, 1 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cups unsweetened applesauce, 3 cups whole wheat flour, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. The most important of these is phosphorus. However, you should serve unsweetened applesauce, as sugar is harmful to dogs. If your dog also suffers from arthritis, avoid tomatoes, peppers, white potatoes and eggplant. It is critical to maintain adequate calorie density in order to support good body condition, so food portion calculations and regular weigh-ins are important. Organic applesauce is made with apples, and all parts are added. Renal Diet Dog Treats - Ingredients Safe for Dogs with Kidney Disease However, you should be cautious, as some store-bought unsweetened applesauce has highly toxic xylitol. Can Dogs Eat Baby Food? Is it Good for Them? | Avid Pup This means choosing treats that are not too high in phosphorus, salt, and protein. Plain applesauce is less likely to cause heart disease and diabetes than applesauce with pectin. Bread, tortillas. This is essential to protect the fruit from the environment and possible microbes such as bacteria or fungi. Cinnamon applesauce is important for strong bones is packed with calcium and phosphorus. As continuing feeding your dog his normal food could further irritate his digestive tract, opting for something more gentle will give him a chance to heal. The French Bulldog Owner website works as a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Nevertheless, they dont need applesauce to become healthy and strong adult dogs. With is reduction in their food, it is important that they are supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil (NOT cod liver oil, as this is inflammatory). But, if you've got a cat, then studies showed that 30% of cats over the age of 15 years are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. What Treats Can I Give My Dog With Kidney Disease? I am one of Claude the French Bulldog's human parents. Most studies evaluating protein restriction in dogs with CKD are based on the remnant kidney model, which induces renal failure through removal of large amounts of renal tissue or ligation of the renal blood supply instead of naturally occurring disease.