Support The Health of your Dogs Kidneys!
A diagnosis of kidney disease can be frightening and overwhelming. What can you do
as a dog owner to help support the health of your dog’s kidneys?
The kidneys (and liver) are the body’s hardest working organs which are constantly
involved in cleaning the blood, filtering and excreting metabolic wastes and toxins
as urine, regulating fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. The kidneys also
regulate blood pressure and the production of calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
Since the kidneys are an organ that filters and detoxifies, the most important step
is to reduce the toxic load on the kidneys. The diet should be totally natural and
free from all preservatives, chemicals and be low in protein. Fresh food is vital
for kidney health and dried, canned, or rolled foods are not recommended (as all
processed foods must be preserved with chemicals to ensure shelf life which then
must be filtered by the kidneys and liver!)
Causes and Contributing Factors May Include:
-virus
-bacteria
-effects of vaccinations
-indiscriminately used cortisone stresses the kidneys and liver and over long periods
of time may cause irreversible damage,
-preservatives such as BHA (butylated hyroxysanisole) and BHA (butylated hroxytolulene)
which remain UNLISTED, used in common pet foods to help prevent the fat from going
rancid have a detrimental impact on kidney health,
-and many other environmental pollutants.
-an additional energetic factor to be considered is the emotion of excessive fear
(or exposure in the past, as in with rescue dogs) which causes a stress on the kidneys
and the dogs adrenal glands that are mounted upon them.
Helpful Suggestions:
Most dietary restrictions depend on your individual dog so always check with your
holistic vet (ie. if your dog has a high level of potassium you will have to limit
the amount of potassium you feed)
-avoid feeding too much red meat, instead use high quality free range (or organic)
chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, cottage cheese, and rabbit if available. Although high
protein is generally considered a burden on the kidneys, how much protein to feed
is still a matter of some debate (it is not necessary to feed a low protein diet
unless your dog is uremic)
-this should be mixed with plenty of pureed vegetables, or lightly steamed and mashed
veggies such as carrot, broccoli (if excessive phosphorus is an issue you will have
to limit high phosphorus containing foods)
-grains such as barley flakes, millet or oatmeal are also beneficial; they should
be soaked or well cooked and pureed. Rice may be included
-it’s better to serve 3-4 smaller meals throughout the day, than 1-2 larger meals
-vitamins A, C, and E should be part of the diet, since the dogs body stores may
be depleted due to the stress of having poorly functioning kidneys
-vitamin A acts as a lubricant for the kidney tissue and supports healing. Deficiency
of this vitamin can promote the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Grated
orange vegetables contain beta carotene which naturally converts to vitamin A in
the dog’s body
-vitamin C is a natural diuretic and detoxifier so it enhances the flow of liquid
thru the kidneys, especially of waste material
-the B group vitamins and especially vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is important because
it is involved with maintaining the sodium and potassium balance
-omega 3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) are essential as they reduce inflammation and enhance
circulation to the kidneys. Supplement in the form of fish or krill oil (not flaxseed
as it’s not a very effective anti-inflammatory)
-ensue there is always adequate water available to avoid dehydration. All water provided
should be filtered. If you don’t have a water filter, you and your dog’s kidneys
will be the filter! There are many contaminants in tap water that may place a burden
on your dogs already struggling kidney function i.e. copper, lead. Healthy kidneys
need lots of healthy fluid to assist in washing out toxins through the urinary system
and eliminating them
-add colloidal silver to drinking water if there a bacterial infection is causative
Herbs That Support the Kidneys
Herbs can help by improving the blood circulation in the kidneys, by reducing inflammation
of the kidneys and the urinary tract, and increasing urine output.
The following herbs can be purchased from your local health food store. Choose the
most appropriate two different loose leafed herbs (for people in Melbourne-Southern
Light Herbs are grown locally in Castlemaine, Victoria are a local reputable brand
that grow organic, fresh herbs) Place a teaspoon of each in a cup and pour over boiling
water. Let seep for 15mins and strain. Cool and administer 2 tablespoons 2-3 times
daily to your dog. Please be patient and consistent for a couple of months. In more
severe cases these herbs can be taken for longer periods. The following herbs you
can be included on a regular basis to help nourish the kidney and support detoxification:
NETTLE-its diuretic action flushes the urinary tract of accumulated waste and help
replace the lost electrolytes, is high in natural vitamins and minerals, chlorophyll,
acts to soothe the kidneys
ALFALFA-kidney tonic, has a reputation for a powerful healing herb, is a source of
chlorophyll, beta carotene, calcium, vitamins E, D, and K. Is a gentle diuretic,
detoxifier, improves liver function, and cleanses the blood. Alfalfa can help in
treatment of urinary tract infections, and kidney and bladder disorders. It can neutralize
acids, and also improve utilization of protein.
DANDELION LEAF-because kidney failure usually results in potassium loss through the
failing kidneys, even if the blood potassium level is normal (blood potassium levels
do not reflect cellular levels) it’s important to supplement with this mineral. Dandelion
leaf is naturally high in potassium and many other minerals. It is an excellent diuretic
without causing depletion of this vital mineral. Great for kidney inflammations,
acts as a tonic to the kidneys and liver.
HORSETAIL-high in minerals especially silica, diuretic, strengthens and promotes
healing of tissues, great for kidney disorders. Horsetail also builds the immune,
glandular, and nervous systems. Due to its high nutrient content, is nourishing for
the dogs skin, coat, teeth and nails.
PARSLEY-is a great blood cleanser, diuretic, mineral rich herb. Useful in treatment
of kidney and bladder infections and incontinence. Is also a cancer preventative,
immune builder and tonic for blood vessels. Can be used as a tea or 1tablespoon may
be finely chopped and put into your dogs meal 1-2 times weekly to help keep kidneys
cleansed and free of disease
BURDOCK-reputation as an excellent blood cleanser and its ability to flush out toxins
makes it very useful for treating kidney and liver problems
MARSHMALLOW-very soothing if there is inflammation of the kidney
Recipe to Support Kidney Function:
Parsley and Barley Broth-place 1 cup of barley into a pot of 1 liter filtered water
and bring to the boil, simmer 20 minutes, add 2 tablespoons of parsley and allow
to cool. Strain before using, serve while warm. Give 1-2 tablespoons to a medium
sized dog, three times daily. You can store the remainder in the fridge.
Implementing these simple healthy measures can help to gently support your dog’s
kidneys and ensure that they remain healthy. However, a dog with a diagnosis of kidney
disease should always be under the care of a holistic veterinarian and monitored
regularly.
