Nutrition and Kidney Disease

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                      General Information



The main function of the kidneys is elimination of waste products

from the blood-stream.  With kidney disease, waste products can

reach toxic levels if not controlled.



Nutritional therapy for kidney disease is designed to decrease

the work the diseased kidneys must perform and provide adequate

nutrition.



Proteins:  Management of protein intake is the most important

aspect of nutritional therapy for kidney disease.  The goal is to

provide highly digestible protein so the kidneys have little

waste protein to eliminate.  The diet must contain enough protein

for maintenance of general health.



Vitamins:  The B vitamins often must be supplemented during

kidney disease, since they are water-soluble and are rapidly

lost when in the urine.



Salt:  Salt provides essential sodium and increases the amount of

water consumed.  Increased water consumption helps kidney

function.  However, salt intake must be adjusted if heart

disease exists along with the kidney disease.



Other nutrients:  Carbohydrates present no problem with kidney

disease.  Fats should be unsaturated and constitute about 3-8% of

the diet.



                     Feeding Instructions



Prescription Diets:  This is the best way to provide nutritional

therapy for pets with kidney disease.  These diets do an

excellent job of decreasing the workload of the kidneys and

meeting the pet's nutritional needs.  These foods are

nutritionally complete;  no other foods should be given.



    Feed Prescription Diet as follows:





    Homemade Diets:  Instructions for preparing a home diet can

    be obtained from Hill's Pet Products, P.O.  Box 148, Topeka,

    KS 66601.



    Water:  Clean drinking water should be available at all

    times. Do not restrict your pet's water intake without first

    talking with the doctor.