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FAQs on Kidney Disease in Dogs

Posted on by Kristina Johansen
Senior Golden Retriever looking curious

If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney disease, it can feel overwhelming at first. Many dog owners naturally have a lot of questions. This FAQ brings together answers to the most common concerns. For an in-depth dive into the nutritional management of kidney disease in dogs, you can read my full guide here: Diet for Dogs with Kidney Disease

The most common signs of kidney disease in dogs include drinking and urinating more than usual, loss of appetite, weight loss, and reduced energy. Some dogs may also develop vomiting, dehydration, or bad breath. In the early stages of CKD, however, you might not notice any changes at all, and the condition is often picked up by chance during routine blood or urine tests. This is why yearly vet check-ups are so important, especially for senior dogs.
The prognosis for kidney disease is quite variable depending on how early it’s diagnosed and how well it’s managed. My experience says that if diagnosed early and with appropriate management, most dogs will maintain a good quality of life for many years.
The best diet for a dog with kidney disease is one that helps slow the progression of the condition while supporting overall health. This means limited phosphorus, a controlled but adequate amount of high-quality protein, high moisture content, and added omega-3 fatty acids. Veterinary prescription diets are designed with these principles in mind. However, a carefully formulated homemade diet - balanced to NRC nutrient requirements – is often more effective, as it can be tailored to the individual dog’s needs, preferences and disease stage.
For dogs with both kidney disease and pancreatitis, a home-prepared diet is often the best choice, as it can be tailored to manage both conditions. If you rely on commercial food, first clarify whether your dog has chronic pancreatitis, an acute flare-up, or simply a past episode. Some dogs recover fully, while others are repeat offenders who need long-term fat restriction. If pancreatitis recurs, it must take priority, as it can be painful and life-threatening, while kidney disease is progressive but slower to develop.
While no single food is absolutely of the menu, dogs with kidney disease should avoid large amounts of foods high in phosphorus and protein. Some examples include raw bones, canned fish, egg yolks, dairy products and organ meats, all of which can raise phosphorus levels and put extra strain on the kidneys.
Yes, absolutely - but the diet must be carefully formulated to meet nutritional needs and follow the disease protocol. Working with a qualified nutritionist is a must. Starting dietary management early is essential to slow disease progression, so getting it right from the beginning is key.
When the kidneys aren’t working properly, they can’t eliminate excess phosphorus in the urine. This leads to rising phosphorus levels in the blood, which upsets the balance with calcium and triggers a cascade of problems in your dog’s body. It's somewhat complicated, but I've tried to simplify it in this blog. In short, controlling dietary phosphorus helps restore balance and, in turn, slows the progression of kidney disease.
That’s a great question, and one that still sparks plenty of debate. While dogs with kidney disease do need less protein compared to healthy dogs, current research shows that a severely restricted-protein diet isn’t usually necessary, unless your dog is uraemic. The goal is to provide the right amount of high-quality protein - enough to maintain muscle and overall health, but not so much that it produces excess waste the kidneys struggle to clear.
Yes. Dogs with kidney disease often lose more fluid through urine, which can lead to dehydration. Fresh water should always be available. Feeding a high-moisture diet (such as wet or home-prepared food) is also very helpful.
Yes, absolutely! As mentioned earlier, there aren’t any foods that must be completely avoided for dogs with kidney disease; the goal is to reduce phosphorus and control protein intake. I don’t tend to worry too much about treats, since they make up only a small part of the diet and the phosphorus they contain usually doesn’t contribute significantly. That said, it’s best to avoid treats that are notoriously high in phosphorus, such as bully sticks, rawhides, pig ears, and raw bones.
The most important supplement for dogs with kidney disease is fish body oil (not cod liver oil). Fish body oil provides omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support blood flow in the kidneys. If you’d like to learn more about fish oil, including my go-to brands, you can read more here: How to Choose the Best Fish Oil for Your Dog.
Dogs with CKD often lose their appetite or develop food aversions. Never force-feed, and see your vet if your dog stops eating completely. Small, frequent meals, plenty of water, and flexibility with textures, toppers, or feeding location can all help. If your dog still won’t eat, consider a home-prepared diet. Most dogs find homemade meals more appealing, and recipes can be tailored to tempt picky eaters.

I hope these answers have helped make kidney disease feel a little less daunting. If you’d like support with your dog’s diet, please get in touch. I’d be happy to help. You can also return to my full guide on Diet for Dogs with Kidney Disease for more detailed information.

About the author:

Kristina Johansen, PGCert, MSc Animal Nutrition (cand.) is a pet nutritionist with over 15 years of experience. She specialises in home-prepared dog diets that meet NRC guidelines. Learn more →