MY DOG & KIDNEY DISEASE

Question
MY YELLOW LAB IS 11 YEARS OLD, ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO SHE GOT LYME DISEASE AND NOW HAS KIDNEY PROBLEMS. I SPOKE WITH MY VET AND THEY SUGGESTED KD DOG FOUND, THEY FEEL IT IS THE ONLY CLINICALLY PROVEN DOG FOOD FOR KIDNEY DISEASE. I ASKED THE PRICE AND I AM IN SHOCK AT THE EXPENSE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 CHILDREN AND MY HUSBAND HAS BEEN OUT OF WORK FOR 5 MONTHS. I WORK FULL TIME. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN I LOVE MY DOG BUT THE EXPENSE OF THE FOOD IS TO EXTREME. THEY MADE ME FEEL LIKE A BAD PERSON BECAUSE I AM NOT WILLING TO PAY THIS EXTREME AMOUNT FOR MY DOG. I HAVE BEEN READING WHAT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS HAVE BEEN ON THIS SITE. MY OTHER PROBLEM IS I DO NOT HAVE A COMPUTER AT HOME AND NO CREDIT CARDS. WHAT IS SOMEONE IN MY POSITION TO DO?

Answer
HI Judy
Looking after pets, especially as they age, is a huge time, love and finance commitment just like children.
Firstly, my views on commercial dog food are that it does not enhance a dog's health or longevity.  Natural foods are best - Meats and veggies can be lightly cooked if necessary.  There are many great canine supplements available that can be added to their meals.  
Some dietary recommendations made by a natural therapies vet that help kidneys to function better include:
Well-cooked brown rice, added to mackerel and sardines, rabbit or pork cooked in light broth (add some well cooked brown rice and some of the following veggies) - cooked lentils, kidney beans, aduki beans, sweet potato, spinach, also add beets and celery.  Other meats can be too heating for the body and have a detrimental effect on kidney health.  Avoid adding salt to any of her meals.
Also, avoid all sauces etc... as these may have salt and other additives added to them.

There is a fabulous herbal product made by animal herbalist Robert McDowell -
www.herbal-treatments.com

It is in the "herbs for dogs" section and is called Kidney Weakness blend.
A 100ml bottle will cost you approx. $58 plus postage but will last you for about 3 months.  It is added twice per day to meals.  Your girl may need to go through a second bottle after that.
I know that you can make a bank payment into their account if you do not have a credit card.  
It is important to get on top of your dog's kidney problems now - if left untreated it may escalate into renal failure and you will be up for quite substantial vet bills, as well as the possibility of loosing your girl.
I understand it can be difficult when you are the sole-income earner, but remember that it is always your choice how you feel and how you act.  
I hope this has been helpful for you and please do not hesitate to contact me again if needed.
Many thanks,
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au