7 Best Dog Foods For Kidney Disease 2024

Dogs can also have kidney disease, just like humans. Kidney disease, also known as kidney disease, occurs when the nephrons (part of the kidney) are damaged. 

The job of the nephrons is to filter excess fluids and waste from the kidneys. However, if your dog is diagnosed with this problem, he can still live a happy life.

To make your dog feel better, it is essential to feed him the right diet. Dog food that is best for kidney disease will slow its progression and prevent it from returning once the dog has fully recovered.

There is no universal dog food that works for dogs with kidney disease. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the best dog foods that could help your dog feel better and recover faster.

7 Best Dog Foods For Kidney Disease

All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.

1.  Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food, Veterinary Diet, 12.5 oz. Cans, 12-Pack

• Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food is a veterinary diet specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to help protect your dog’s kidney function

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Water, Corn Flour, Pork Liver, Rice, Pork By-Products
• Guaranteed Analysis: 2.5% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber
• Caloric Content: 388 kcal / 13 oz (370 g) Can
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds, Extra Small Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Veterinary Diet, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• Hill’s Prescription Diet K / D Kidney Care, wet diet dog food for the management of kidney and heart failure problems. 

• This food stimulates renal function in cases of acute or chronic renal failure and helps to reduce the occurrence of uremia episodes.

• This dog food with Chicken is made with a special recipe and contains a low dose of phosphorus and high-quality protein. The high antioxidant content helps to help eliminate free radicals.

• This food contains a good dose of delicious chicken and can easily be combined with Hill’s dry food, so your dog can enjoy a tasty and pleasantly varied diet.

• Hill’s Prescription Diet K / D was formulated by veterinarians for the management of dogs with kidney disease. Kidney disease is a progressive and stressful condition, and if the dog is not fed properly, it can cause pain and restlessness.

• High levels of antioxidants help neutralize free radicals. The product is not recommended for cats, kittens, pregnant or lactating bitches, dogs with hyperlipidemia or pancreatitis, or with a history of, or at risk of pancreatitis.

2.  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Wet Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula Wet Dog Food – (12) 13.3 oz. Cans

• Twelve (12) 13.3 oz. Cans – Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Canine Formula Wet Dog Food

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Meat By-Products, Rice, Corn Grits, Beef
• Guaranteed Analysis: 3.8% Crude Protein, 5.5% Crude Fat, 2.0% Crude Fiber, 74% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 1,282 kcal/kg, 483 kcal/can
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds, Extra Small Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Low-Protein, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• If you are looking for wet food for your dog with kidney disease, you should consider Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula Canned Dog Food.

• This dog food will do a great job of minimizing further damage to your dog’s kidneys as it helps slow the progression of the disease. The first five ingredients of this food are water, meat by-products, water, rice, corn grits, and beef.

• Wet food is generally better for dogs with kidney problems because the high water content allows the kidneys to do their job and helps dilute the minerals that may build up and form stones.

• This food is low in phosphorus and sodium to reduce stress on the kidneys and aid your dog’s recovery. It also features fewer proteins, which is great for dogs with kidney disease.

• It is packed with nutrients that will improve your dog’s health. This food is great for dogs suffering from kidney or liver problems thanks to its spicy flavor and top-quality ingredients.

• All ingredients are highly digestible to promote optimal nutrient absorption. The oil also contains a mix of antioxidants and medium chain triglyceride vegetable oil, which will improve the health of your dog’s coat and skin.

• This food contains prebiotic fiber to provide your pup with a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Contains a moderate level of fat, low in carbohydrates, and is very palatable.

3.  Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Dry Dog Food, Chicken 22-lb bag

• KIDNEY CARE DOG FOOD: BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support dry dog food is formulated to support your dog’s kidney function

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Potato Starch, Pea Starch, Peas, Potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 14% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,879 kcal/kg, 404 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Veterinary Diet

Reasons to suggest–

• This kidney support formula from Blue Buffalo is one of the best dog foods for kidney health. 

• To manage kidney problems, your pet must follow a strict diet that is low in sodium, phosphorus, or protein. You will need to get a veterinarian’s approval before you can purchase this prescription food.

• This formula contains boneless chicken, potatoes, peas, and pea starch, as well as chicken fat, flaxseed, dried egg, and flaxseed. 

• This food is completely grain-free and contains no other common allergens, making it a great option for dogs with sensitive digestion and allergies.

• Contains adequate levels of L-carnitine, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants to improve your dog’s overall health and body condition. 

• It is made with high-quality natural ingredients that support dogs with this health problem.

• This food has a protein content of only 14%, which is sufficient for dogs with kidney disease. 

4.  Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support S Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support S Dry Dog Food, 6 lb

• S = Savory to help stimulate appetite in dogs and encourage eating with crescent-shaped kibble
• Helps compensate for decreased appetite with a highly palatable energy-dense formula to reduce meal volume

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Corn, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 10.5% Crude Protein, 14.5% Crude Fat, 16% Crude Fiber, 3.7% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,879 kcal/kg, 365 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Low-Protein, Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• Royal Canin Veterinary Dietary Kidney Support Dry Dog Food is designed to treat the early stages and symptoms of kidney disease in adult dog breeds. 

• This food is versatile and can be given to small, medium, or large dogs. This food can help reduce discomfort and slow the progression of kidney problems.

• This food has five main ingredients: beer rice, corn, and chicken fat.

• This formula uses dietary fat to improve palatability and allow dogs with liver problems to eat it.

• It is highly digestible and is packed with many essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, DHA, and EPA to improve your dog’s overall health.

• This food contains controlled levels of protein, sodium, and phosphorus to slow the development of the disease. 

• It boasts a better texture and aroma to make it more attractive to pooches. It is salty and the S stands for salty. This helps stimulate your dog’s appetite and encourages regular meals.

5.  Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew Wet Dog Food, Veterinary Diet, 12.5 oz. Cans, 12-Pack

• Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Dog Food is specially formulated by Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians to support your dog’s kidney and joint health
• Clinically proven nutrition to improve mobility and lengthen quality of life

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Egg Product
• Guaranteed Analysis: 2.5% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 2.0% Crude Fiber
• Caloric Content: 367 kcal/5.5 oz can
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds, Extra Small Breeds, Giant Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Veterinary Diet, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• Another great wet food for dogs with kidney disease is Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Beef & Vegetable Stew Canned Dog Food.

•  Hills is a respected brand that has been around for a long time and doesn’t need to be introduced to the pet food industry. 

• Hills created this stew specifically for dogs with kidney problems. Help your dog recover by increasing organ function.

• This food is mainly composed of Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, and Egg products. 

• It also contains soybean oil and fish oil, which are excellent sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to promote healthy coats and skin. 

• This food is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which will provide optimal nutrition for your dog’s kidney health.

• This food features Enhanced Appetite Trigger (EAT) technology, which helps increase your dog’s appetite and food intake. It protects heart function and increases your dog’s natural ability to build lean muscle every day. 

• This food also contains low levels of sodium, phosphorus, and protein to take the strain on your pup’s kidneys.

• It is ideal for adult dogs of all breeds and sizes. This food has a crude protein of 2.5% and a minimum fat of 3.5% and a calorific value of 367 kcal/5.5 oz can.

6.  Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult 7+ for Senior Dogs, Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe, 15 lb. Bag

• This dry dog Food provides easy-to-digest ingredients to support the energy & activity levels in adult dogs
• Uses a balanced set of minerals to promote a strong heart and kidney health

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn
• Guaranteed Analysis: 15.5% Crude Protein, 10.5% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 353 kcal/8-oz cup
• Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: Natural, With Grain

Reasons to suggest–

• A dog’s dietary needs change as he gets older. For this Hill’s has developed a special food for medium-sized dogs from 7 years of age.

•  Hill’s Science Plan Mature Adult Medium 7+ with Chicken for Dog increases the energy level and promotes the immune system and organ health. High-quality proteins help maintain strong muscles. 

• The balanced blend of ingredients helps provide enough energy to maintain a good level of activity. 

• This food contains omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E to promote skin health and coat shine, and a balanced blend of minerals that promotes heart, kidney, and urinary tract health. 

• Hill’s Mature Adult Medium with Chicken for Dog is made with high-quality ingredients. 

• This food is not suitable for dogs under 6 years of age and for puppies and pregnant or lactating bitches. For the latter, we recommend Hill’s Science Plan Puppy.

7.  Instinct by Nature’s Variety Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Lamb Dry Dog Food

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe with Real Lamb Natural Dry Dog Food, 20 lb. Bag

• GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD FOR DOGS WITH SENSITIVITIES: Instinct Limited Ingredient dog food is made with 1 protein & 1 vegetable. No grain, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives.

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Main features –

• First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Lamb, Tapioca, Peas, Canola Oil (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid)
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 21.5% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 3,930 kcal/kg, 447 kcal/cup
• Breed Size: All Breeds
• Lifestage: Adult
• Key Feature: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Sensitive Digestion, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Chicken-Free, Raw

Reasons to suggest–

• Our latest recommendation is the Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain Free Dog Food Dry Recipe. It is a great food for dogs suffering from early-stage kidney failure.

• The top five ingredients in this food are lamb meal, peas, tapioca, pea protein, and canola oil. It does not contain gluten or grains and does not contain other common allergens.

• This diet is low in ingredients and contains only a few nutrients. It is easy on the digestive system of dogs and supports kidney function. This is a single-protein food with most of its nutrients from vegetables.

• It is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which will provide healthy skin and coat for your dog. Contains no wheat, corn, or chicken.

• This food has a protein content of 24% and a crude fat content of 21.5%. Contains a maximum crude fiber of 3.5% with a calorie content of 447 kcal/cup.

Tips For Choosing The Best Dog Food For Kidney Disease

Low Protein Level

The kidneys often remove the waste by-products of protein breakdown. As the kidneys begin to fail, these toxic byproducts will begin to accumulate. It is therefore important to reduce the amount of protein in your dog’s diet.

A good kidney disease diet should contain less protein, but the protein should be of higher quality. High-quality proteins break down without many toxic byproducts, which means less stress on the kidneys.

Reduced levels of phosphorus and sodium

Although phosphorus is essential for maintaining your dog’s teeth and bones, it can also be toxic to dogs suffering from kidney failure.

The kidneys are responsible for removing excess phosphorus from the blood. If they become compromised, they may not be able to do this job. This can cause an excess of phosphorus in the blood, which is bad for your dog’s health.

Also, high sodium levels can raise your pup’s blood pressure, which can increase the damage to his kidney. Therefore, you should opt for dog food with controlled levels of phosphorus and sodium when collecting dog food for your pup.

Increased Vitamin B

Vitamin B is not directly beneficial to the kidneys, but it can reduce symptoms. It is also easy on the kidneys, as it dissolves in water and clears easily. You should make sure your food contains vitamin B, as well as other vital vitamins and minerals.

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Warning: Our reviews on the Best Dog Foods For Kidney Disease are mostly based on information from experts and manufacturers. We test many products, but it is impossible to test them all. That said, we ask that you remember that the recommendations above are opinions, and before using a treatment, we recommend that you consult with your veterinarian.

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