Renal Failure in Dog

Question
My miniature schnauzer was recently diagnosed with the beginning stage of renal failure, and my vet has placed her on a prescription diet by Purina which is low protein, low sodium, and low phosphorous.  I have been reading a lot about this on the Internet and everything I have read leads me to belive this may not be the best choice for Sassy.  I noticed in a response to a previous question regarding this you suggested have an expert formulate a specific diet for her to make sure is has all the elements she needs for a healthy diet.  I would like to know where I can go to do this, or perhaps you do this.  Any help you can give me to point me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Katy Pinkston

Answer
Hi Katy,

I'm sorry to hear about your schnauzer, but the fact you have caught this condition in an early stage bodes well for the outcome.  If you visit my website  www.thepossiblecanine.com, you can click on Services and see what I offer. In a case such as yours it's better to use the prescription diet, much as we don't care for the ingredients, because the formulation is specific to the condition. However I might add that current scientific thinking suggests protein restriction is only needed in more advanced disease:

http://tinyurl.com/6cwubg

Some aspects of a kidney diet are standard, such as phosphorus and sodium restriction, however the precise level of protein to aim for is disputed. Lower protein is always indicated for advanced disease, but in an early stage disease most pracitioners (including myself) will moderately restrict protein,at the same time minerals are more aggressively limited. It's important to meet the requirements for protein/amino acids so the body does not begin to draw upon it's own resources. Of course, were I to formulate a protocol for your dog, protein levels and other decisions are made 1) with regard to the specific needs of the individual as a whole and 2) with approval from your veterinarian.

Please write me at home if you wish to proceed, or discuss your dog's issues in more detail. Contact info is on my website, my home email is catlane@thepossiblecanine.com.  

Catherine