What low protein dog food is best for my senior dog with kidney issues?

HE should be on a low protein diet, preferably a prescription diet for kidneys (such as Renal from Royal Canine). you won't find an over the counter food that is suitable for this condition. homemade diet is also an option, you can find some ideas here: http://eatswritesshoots.com/2014/06/16/recipe-for-low-phosphorus-dog-food-caring-for-a-dog-with-chronic-renal-failure/

You are correct that a senior dog doesn't need to put onto a low protein diet and it can cause more harm than good. Senior dogs need lower calories to prevent obesity because they have a slower metabolic rate.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Diet can be used to manage kidney disease and urinary crystals/stones. If Bug has either of these conditions, the diets can be prescribed by her veterinarian. If you are referring to issues with urinating, such as accidents or difficulty emptying her bladder, these conditions are not managed with diet and may require medication. Both Purina and Hill's Science Diet have excellent grain free options for dogs. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

Dogs with food allergies are difficult because of the balance between the best nutrition and the type of protein used in these food. The most ideal food would be a prescription kidney diet (i.e. science diet k/d) but most of these have chicken in them you could look at Purina NF the dry kibble as there isn't any chicken listed on the ingredients. I would call Purina or have your vet call and confirm that they don't have any chicken in the dry kibble. If you choose this food, your vet will likely have to order it for you and give you a written prescription for you to buy it. I would not put him on high protein diets like blue buffalo or wilderness. These diets put a lot of strain on the kidneys. I would look into Natural Balance venice and sweet potato. If he is really allergic then I would talk to your vet about whether he should be on a prescription hypoallergenic diet. I hope this helps!

Hello again. It really depends on what type of stones are present, such as are they oxylate or struvite? Some stones are harder to manage with diet than others, & of course, it also depends on what is available in your country. Your veterinarian is the best individual to help with this unless you have some laboratory data that indicates what is going on. Hills & Royal Canin Prescription Diets are very popular here. You can definitely add a little plain white rice, but not so much as to dilute the diets, & please do not add any supplements unless directed to do so by your veterinarian. Adding things like calcium can set Cointhee up for more imbalances & more problems. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While this would be a good short term diet, this lacks some key nutrients, vitamins and minerals. For that reason, a more complete commercial diet such as any of the Purina Pro Plan or Science Diet foods would be more appropriate. Good luck!

My understanding with senior diets is that there are no general guidelines that all follow. This can lead to a wide variation in the protein and mineral content of these senior diets. In general, if a senior dog is healthy and doing well on their current adult diet, I do not recommend switching diets, nor do most veterinary nutritionists. As always, talk to Tova's vet to see if their recommendation differs, but given her sensitive stomach concerns, I would hesitate to change anything.