Treatments for the symptoms of JRD (juvenile renal disease) have
long included a low protein prescription diet. It seems clear, however,
from the research done by Kenneth C. Bovee, DVM, MMedSc, "Mythology of
Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function", and Delmar R.
Finco, DVM, Ph.D., "Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Renal Functions",
that low protein diets do not extend the life of dogs with renal disease.
The predominant effect of the low protein diet is to minimize production
of uremic toxins so that the patient feels better. Phosphorus is more important
in extending the life and well being of a dog with renal disease, since
high phosphorus accelerates renal failure, and restricted phosphorus slows
it down. Prescription diets for dogs with renal failure are low in phosphorus,
so they remain a good foods for dogs in this condition. Low phosphorus
diets allow management of secondary hyperparathyroidism by restricting
phosphorus intake and reducing phosphorus absorption from the gastrointestinal
tract. (5, 6)
Serum phosphorus levels are often not elevated in cases of juvenile renal disease. Where the reduction in renal function progresses slowly, the puppy compensates and the serum phosphorus levels can remain normal. In the cases I have followed, although BUN and creatinine levels were often greatly elevated, serum phosphorus levels were increased in only about 50% of cases.
Feeding three or four small meals a day lessens the chance of vomiting. The protein fed should be of a high quality
5.. Polzin, D.J.; Osborne, C.A.: Update - Conservative Medical
Management of Chronic Renal Failure. Current Therapy IX (R.W. Kirk, ed.)
W. B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA., 1986 pp 1167-1173.
6. Finco, D.R.: The Role of Phosphorus Restriction in the Management
of Chronic Renal Failure of the Dog and Cat; Proc. 7th Kal Kan Sypm. .
Veterinary Learning Systems, Lawrenceville, NJ 1983; pp 131-133
Several books contain recipes for homemade meals for dogs on low phosphorus and low protein diets. Among them are:
"Home-prepared Dog and Cat Diets, The Healthful Alternative", Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Iowa State University Press, 2121 South State Ave., Ames Iowa 50014. 1-800-862-6657. www.isupress.edu (ISBN: 0813821495)
"Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th edition.", Editors: Hand, Thatcher, Remillard and Roudebush et al. Making Pet Foods at Home. Topeka, KS: Mark Morris Institute, 2000 .