Chronic Kidney Disease
Diet is the single highest-impact intervention in canine CKD — but it must be set with veterinary oversight and IRIS staging.
Always work with your vet
CKD diets must be matched to IRIS stage, bloodwork, and individual tolerance. Do not change a CKD dog's diet based on a website alone.
IRIS stages at a glance
- Stage 1: Detectable kidney damage, normal creatinine. Focus on triggers and routine monitoring.
- Stage 2: Mild azotaemia. Therapeutic renal diet typically introduced here.
- Stage 3: Moderate azotaemia, often clinical signs. Strict phosphorus control critical.
- Stage 4: Severe uraemia. Palliative nutrition, supportive care, fluid therapy.
Low-phosphorus food examples
Protein in CKD
Old guidance demanded severe restriction. Modern evidence supports moderate, high-quality protein — enough to prevent muscle wasting, but no excess that adds nitrogenous waste. Cooked egg whites are an excellent ratio of biological value to phosphorus.
Moisture and hydration
Wet food, multiple water bowls, water fountains, and bone broth top-ups all increase voluntary intake. CKD dogs cannot concentrate urine — keeping them well-hydrated reduces toxin accumulation and slows progression.