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Effects of high protein on kidneys

8.2K views 21 replies 15 participants last post by  jeserf  
#1 ·
I would like to know what effect high protien kibble has on a dogs kidneys. I was recently told that high protien would damage a dogs kidneys. Is this true or false???? I am currently feeding Taste of the Wild and also would like to know about this brand...:smile:
 
#2 ·
I would like to know what effect high protien kibble has on a dogs kidneys. I was recently told that high protien would damage a dogs kidneys. Is this true or false????
False

I am currently feeding Taste of the Wild and also would like to know about this brand...:smile:
I don't know anything about brands as I don't feed kibble at all.
 
#4 · (Edited)
#6 ·
My dogs right now have EVO very high protien and Wellness core and Orijen so no problems here with high protien at all! And that kidney damage is debunked in all ways!
 
#9 ·
Let me see if I can shed some light on this myth that high protein is bad for kidneys.

Back in the '70s when doing studies on kidney failure they noticed that higher protein posed a greater stress on the kidneys. <source of myth, back then based on perceived fact

About 15 years ago that myth was busted. Protein is actually GOOD for kidneys, especially in supporting distressed kidneys. Where the issue lay was in the minerals in the protein. Many animal proteins are mineral rich, and when not balanced properly can cause imbalances that negatively impact the kidneys.
 
#10 ·
This myth comes from a study done on rats and was assumed to be true of dogs also. The difference is that rats are not primarily meat eaters. Dogs are.
It is the quality of the protein that makes the difference. Meats are complete proteins. This means that they have all of the amino acids and in the proper proportions. The protein in corn, which many of the lower quality foods use as the primary protein source is very low on the digestibility scale (40%) and puts stress on the liver which processes the protein and the kidneys which filter the waste materials. High quality protein (meats) does not generate large amounts of waste. The liver needs water to process the protein and to carry waste products to the kidneys. The less concentrated the waste products are, the easier it is for the kidneys to do their job that's why it is unhealthy to feed dry food only and so important that dogs eating dry food and dogs with liver disease get lots of extra water. This is why dogs need meat and not corn. It is the low quality protein that can overwork the kidneys, not the amount.
 
#15 ·
I have a dog with compromised kidneys.
I've learned that it's not the quantity but quality of protein. My dog's creatnine level went from 2.1 to 1.6 after about 4 months on Primal raw food.

I've been flamed for feeding that to my dog but F it. I'm exceptionally pleased with both the results of the food and the responsiveness of the company.

What my vet said is that commercial dog food does not have to have regulated sodium content...so a dog with weaker kidneys being fed salty dog food would have to drink A LOT of water to balance it out if even able to do so.

I have a 90lbs dog who couldn't drink enough to flush out the salt in the dog food. I never thought salt would be an issue in dog food...go figure!
 
#16 ·
why would you get flamed for feeding raw? most people on these forums advocate raw a little too much.
 
#18 ·
because I don't feed my dog meat from the supermarket - a chicken back, or such, it's not the same as "raw". It comes in a bag, I pay for it (which, by the pound, isn't THAT much more expensive than quality meat in a city supermarket...) and has non-meat ingredients.

I give her the primal patties. I bought a small tube of grinds to supplement because sometimes her tummy grumbles at 3am...but it was very messy and it doesn't last long enough, thawed, for the reasons we tried it.

It's been awesome for Lucy - she eats it so fast, licks the bowl clean and jumps for it when it's meal time.

I also give her marrow bones for her teeth and general jaw health. I don't buy primal bones. Primal sent us a box of goodies and they included their brand of treats which she LOVED (but they're VERY $$$).
 
#19 ·
165002 Chicken Nuggets 4 lbs. $21.49
165002.1 Chicken Patties 8 lbs. $38.99
165003.1 Duck Patties 8 lbs. $42.99
165023 Turkey & Sardine Patties 8 lbs. $46.99

That is only a sampling of their foods/sizes/and prices. It looks alot more expensive that a proper raw diet.
 
#20 ·
Holy crap. When I put Champ on raw when his kibble is gone, I'll be feeding almost 5 lbs of food per day. None of these would even last two days!!!

I'll stick to my $.74/lb average.