Kidney Support Diet – For Dogs

Freeze-Dried, Pasteurized Food for Dogs

This diet requires vet authorization. Learn More
This recipe requires signed authorization from your veterinarian. If you have a signed prescription, please send a copy to info@medicusveterinarydiets.com. Otherwise, we will reach out to you within the next business day to arrange authorization. Note the order will not ship till authorization is provided.
Kidney Support Diet – For Dogs

Medicus Kidney Support Diets for dogs are therapeutic meals designed to provide the nutritional framework for the unique nutritional needs of a CKD dog.

Price range: $4.78 through $39.95

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Kidney Support Diet – For Dogs

Diet Overview

Designed to nourish the body and protect the kidneys by lessening their workload.

The Medicus Canine Kidney Support Diet is formulated with real whole foods chosen by design for their form and function.

Highlights

  • Moderate levels of high-quality, bioavailable animal-based proteins  
  • Reduced phosphorus 
  • Natural phosphorus binders
  • Healthy levels of potassium
  • High levels of B vitamins
  • Optimal ratio of healthy fats

Who would benefit from this diet?

 

  • Chronic Kidney Failure with or without azotemia
  • Acute Kidney Failure
  • Conditions Requiring Low Dietary Phosphorus

How It Works

The Medicus Canine Kidney Support Diet is meticulously crafted to address these key nutritional needs:

The Medicus Canine Kidney Support Diet is meticulously crafted to address these key nutritional needs:

Nourishes the Body with Clean, Whole Food

  • Moderate levels of high-quality protein from meat and organs

  • Moderate levels of healthy fats 

  • Antioxidants

Limits the Nutrients that the Kidney has to Process

  • Low phosphorus ingredients for reduced phosphorus intake 

  • Chitosan and egg shells bind phosphorus in the gut

Replaces Nutrients Lost to Symptoms of CKD

  • Added Potassium and B vitamins to replace those lost with increased urination.

Supports Crucial Kidney Function

  • Omega-3 fatty acids help the integrity of the kidney’s filter – Omega 6:Omega 3 Ratio 0.52:1

Nutrients vs Ingredients

Where Other Diets Fall Short

Other industry diets meet the nutrient profiles needed to address a disease state but do so using poor-quality ingredients like meat meals, corn, and a lengthy list of synthetic nutrients.

We know that when an animal is sick, nutrition matters most, and that you can provide a therapeutic kidney diet with whole foods.

 

Compare Our Ingredients

Kidney Beef Diet

Beef, Rice, Egg, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Ground Krill, Blueberries, Beets, Potassium Salt, Ground Egg Shell, Chitosan, Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid

Kidney Chicken Diet

Chicken, Rice, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Egg, Ground Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Blueberries, Beets, Ground Krill, Potassium Salt, Chitosan, Egg Shell Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid

Proof in the Numbers

The Medicus Kidney Support diet meets all the nutrient requirements needed for a CKD diet with numbers comparable to, if not better than leading diets within the industry.

kidney-medicus charts
kidney-chicken-canine-medicus charts

Ingredients

Beef Diet

Beef, Red meat generally is lower in phosphorus than white chicken, turkey, or fish meat. Beef also offers nutrients like protein, the building block for muscles, ligaments, skin, and cell maintenance, and provides energy.
Rice, Dogs with kidney disease cannot properly process phosphorus. Adding just enough rice dampens the high phosphorus content of the high-quality meats, which is crucial for lessening the kidney’s workload and protecting kidney function.
Egg, The egg itself is a complete protein, meaning it has all 9 amino acids the body needs from food and is low in phosphorus.
Beef Liver, Liver contains 10 to 100 times the nutrients found in a serving of muscle meat.
Beef Kidney, Kidneys provide a large percentage of a dog’s necessary daily vitamin intake.
Flaxseed, Full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress to decrease inflammation.
Sweet Potato, These root vegetables offer fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, including vitamin C.
Ground Krill, Brimming with nutrients including marine proteins, essential fatty acids, and a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin, the combination is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Blueberries, One of the most popular superfoods known for their antioxidant properties and ability to limit oxidative stress, which fights inflammation.
Beets, With Vitamin C, fiber, manganese, folate, and potassium, beets are packed with micronutrients that benefit the immune system and help fight inflammation.
Potassium Salt, Used as an electrolyte replenisher to ensure adequate potassium levels.
Ground Egg Shell, The shell is rich in calcium carbonate, which binds phosphorus in the gut so it can be eliminated.
Chitosan, Comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish like lobster, crab, and shrimp. It binds to phosphorus, which gets eliminated. It’s a natural way to manage phosphorus levels.
Kelp, Naturally high in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural form of iodine.
Mixed Tocopherols, Part of the vitamin E family (akin to vegetable oil) & often used as a natural preservative to maintain freshness.
Zinc Proteinate A chelated mineral bound to an amino acid that protects against oxidative stress.
B Vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid) Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid are incredibly fragile B vitamins. They help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, so food more easily turns into energy in the body.

Ingredients

Chicken Diet

Chicken, A lean, warming protein rich in B6, iron, zinc, and selenium.

Rice, Dogs with kidney disease cannot properly process phosphorus. Adding just enough rice dampens the high phosphorus content of the high-quality meats, which is crucial for lessening the kidney’s workload and protecting kidney function.
Egg, The egg itself is a complete protein, meaning it has all 9 amino acids the body needs from food and is low in phosphorus.
Chicken Liver, The liver is also rich in CoQ10, which generates energy in cells but also serves as an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals (reactive atoms produced by oxidative stress) in our bodies.
Chicken Heart, Chicken hearts are a lean protein rich in taurine, perfect for dogs with kidney disease due to their low phosphorus content and heart-healthy nutrients.
Flaxseed, Full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress to decrease inflammation.
Sweet Potato, These root vegetables offer fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, including vitamin C.
Ground Krill, Brimming with nutrients including marine proteins, essential fatty acids, and a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin, the combination is a powerful anti-inflammatory.
Blueberries, One of the most popular superfoods known for their antioxidant properties and ability to limit oxidative stress, which fights inflammation.
Beets, With Vitamin C, fiber, manganese, folate, and potassium, beets are packed with micronutrients that benefit the immune system and help fight inflammation.
Potassium Salt, Used as an electrolyte replenisher to ensure adequate potassium levels.
Ground Egg Shell, The shell is rich in calcium carbonate, which binds phosphorus in the gut so it can be eliminated.
Chitosan, Comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish like lobster, crab, and shrimp. It binds to phosphorus, which gets eliminated. It’s a natural way to manage phosphorus levels.
Kelp, Naturally high in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural form of iodine.
Calcium Carbonate, Calcium carbonate helps manage phosphorus levels by binding to phosphorus in the gut, reducing its absorption into the bloodstream. Managing phosphorus intake is crucial for reducing kidney stress and slowing disease progression.
Mixed Tocopherols, Part of the vitamin E family (akin to vegetable oil) & often used as a natural preservative to maintain freshness.
Zinc Proteinate A chelated mineral bound to an amino acid that protects against oxidative stress.
B Vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid) Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid are incredibly fragile B vitamins. They help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, so food more easily turns into energy in the body.
Free-Range Chicken

A clean, highly digestible source of protein, also rich in iron, B vitamins, selenium, magnesium, and zinc.

Chicken Liver

Contains a concentrated amount of vitamin A and protein, along with iron, B vitamins, CoQ10, and fatty acids.

Chicken Heart

Chicken hearts are a lean protein rich in taurine, perfect for dogs with kidney disease due to their low phosphorus content and heart-healthy nutrients.

Beets

With Vitamin C, fiber, manganese, folate, and potassium, beets are packed with micronutrients that benefit the immune system and help fight inflammation.

Beef

Red meat generally is lower in phosphorus than white chicken, turkey, or fish meat.  Beef also offers nutrients like protein, the building block for muscles, ligaments, skin, and cell maintenance, and provides energy.

Rice

Dogs with kidney disease cannot properly process phosphorus. Adding just enough rice dampens the high phosphorus content of the high-quality meats, which is crucial for lessening the kidney’s workload and protecting kidney function.

Egg

The egg itself is a complete protein, meaning it has all 9 amino acids the body needs from food and is low in phosphorus.

Beef Liver & Kidney

Liver contains 10 to 100 times the nutrients found in a serving of muscle meat. Kidneys provide a large percentage of a dog’s necessary daily vitamin intake.

Flaxseed

Full of polyphenols, an antioxidant that defends against oxidative stress to decrease inflammation. 

Sweet Potato

These root vegetables offer fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, including vitamin C.

Ground Krill

Brimming with nutrients including marine proteins, essential fatty acids, and a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin, the combination is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Blueberries

One of the most popular superfoods known for their antioxidant properties and ability to limit oxidative stress, which fights inflammation.

Beets

With Vitamin C, fiber, manganese, folate, and potassium, beets are packed with micronutrients that benefit the immune system and help fight inflammation.

Potassium Salt

Used as an electrolyte replenisher to ensure adequate potassium levels.

Ground Egg Shell

The shell is rich in calcium carbonate, which binds phosphorus in the gut so it can be eliminated.

Chitosan

Comes from the outer skeleton of shellfish like lobster, crab, and shrimp. It binds to phosphorus, which gets eliminated. It’s a natural way to manage phosphorus levels.

Kelp

Naturally high in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a natural form of iodine.

Mixed Tocopherols

Part of the vitamin E family (akin to vegetable oil) & often used as a natural preservative to maintain freshness.

Zinc Proteinate

A chelated mineral bound to an amino acid that protects against oxidative stress.

B Vitamins

Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid are incredibly fragile B vitamins. They help a variety of enzymes do their jobs, so food more easily turns into energy in the body.

See More

Beef Diet

Ingredients

Grass-Raised Beef, Rice, Egg, Grass-Raised Beef Liver, Grass-Raised Beef Kidney, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Ground Krill, Blueberries, Beets, Potassium Salt, Ground Egg Shell, Chitosan, Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, & Folic Acid.

Cups In A Bag

Nuggets

99 g/cup   |  9 cups 

Paté

124.7 g/cup   |  7 1/4 cups 

Calorie Content

Nuggets

4,253 kcal/kg  |  421 kcal/cup

Paté

4,253 kcal/kg  |  527 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) 18%

Crude Fat (min) 14%

Crude Fiber (max) 6%

Moisture (max) 5%

Supplemental Feeding

The Medicus Canine Kidney Support Diet is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Chicken Diet

Ingredients

Chicken, rice, chicken liver, chicken heart, egg, ground flaxseed, sweet potato, blueberries, beets, ground krill, potassium salt, chitosan, egg shell powder, calcium carbonate, kelp, mixed tocopherols, zinc proteinate, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin B12, pyridoxine, & folic Acid

Cups In A Bag

Nuggets 

109.1 g/cup   |  8 1/4 cups 

Paté

124.7 g/cup   |  7 1/4 cups 

Calorie Content

Nuggets

4,074 kcal/kg  |  399 kcal/cup

Paté

4,074 kcal/kg  |  444 kcal/cup

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein (min) 20%

Crude Fat (min) 14%

Crude Fiber (max) 4%

Moisture (max) 4%

Supplemental Feeding

The Medicus Canine Kidney Support Diet is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Nutritional Facts

How to Feed

Feeding Guide

Always consult your veterinarian before introducing this diet to your dog. Start with these daily feeding guidelines and follow your veterinarian’s suggestions about the number of meals per day and whether the daily recommendation is right for your dog.

REHYDRATION RECOMMENDED

Water helps with digestion, circulation, and other bodily processes like perfusion (movement of fluids through the organ), which helps move the harmful byproducts through the filtration system and out of the body.

Nugget Rehydration Directions: 

Rehydrate by adding +/-  ¾ cup of warm water for every cup of food. Mix the water and food, and wait 3-4 minutes, then serve.

 

Paté Rehydration Directions:  

Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water (120 degrees F) for every 1 cup of Medicus pate powder. Mix and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Prior to serving, add two additional tablespoons of warm water and mix.

Palatability Suggestions

Consult with your veterinarian before following these suggestions. Every dog and their condition is different, so it is best to learn whether the recommendations and ingredients are right for them.

Chicken Bone Broth

Hydrate your dog’s food with chicken bone broth (no sodium) as a nutritious and enticing way to add moisture and flavor. Bone broth sits well in a dog’s stomach so it is perfect for dogs with decreased appetite.

Sardines

Place a sardine on top of your dog’s meal. They are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to slow the decline of kidney function associated with kidney conditions.

Kefir

Hydrate your dog’s food with kefir, which contains probiotics, beneficial enzymes, and vitamins B & K. It is also a great source of calcium.

Transitioning

Day 1-2

Feed 25% | 75%
Medicus | Current Food

Day 3-4

Feed 50% | 50%
Medicus | Current Food

Day 5-6

Feed 75% | 25%
Medicus | Current Food

Day 7

Feed 100%
Medicus

FAQs

Store freeze-dried food like you would any of your dry goods. Keep them in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight for peak freshness.

It is important to note that because these foods are freeze-dried, moisture can affect the shelf life. To prevent that, reseal the product properly after every use by pushing out all residual air. If you live in a hot, humid environment, the product may be exposed to more moisture and shorten shelf life, so follow the above and store it in the fridge.

We recommend keeping the food in its original packaging since that bag was picked specifically to keep oxygen out. Our recipes are only packaged in individual, resealable bags to ensure the freshest food. And if you order more than 32 oz, you’ll get multiple individually packaged bags, so you only have to open one at a time.

All of our diets are freeze-dried and undergo a pasteurization process that eliminates any bacteria to be safe and shelf-stable for immunocompromised pets. The freeze-drying process is not only a safe and effective pasteurization process but also retains 97% of food’s original vitamins and minerals, meaning these diets are undeniably as close to fresh, whole foods as possible.

It is extremely recommended that you add some kind of moisture to your pet’s meal, whether that be from warm water, bone broth, or kefir. Moisture aids overall digestion and helps move any harmful substances out of the body. It is also essential for pets with kidney or bladder problems, as it replenishes fluid lost during increased urination and flushes bacteria out of the bladder.

If there is remaining food left in your pet’s bowl, you can transfer it to an air-tight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days.

We use locally-sourced ingredients for the freshest and highest-quality possible. All of our grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and organic produce are grocery-grade from trusted food suppliers.

All Medicus Diets for dogs are packaged in 32 oz. bags and all Medicus Diets for cats are packaged in 16 oz. bags. This is to maintain peak freshness to preserve the quality and nutrients of the whole food ingredients. We also use mixed tocopherols, which is a natural preservative, in every diet to keep it shelf-stable and also provide additional antioxidants.

We recommend looking at our palatability enticers for each diet on their respective page, as they are catered to each aspect of health that the diet is centered around.

Following our transitioning guide can also help pets gradually adapt to their new food before fully feeding Medicus.

Medicus Therapeutic Diets consist of both Complete & Balanced Diets and those for Supplemental Feeding only.

Each Medicus diet went through complete comprehensive 3rd party testing. Several rounds of AAFCO Nutrient Profile testing ensured that both macro and micronutrient levels are tending to your pet’s specific nutritional needs.

Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog/Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance.

  • Canine Sensitive Stomach Diet
  • Canine Skin Health Diet
  • Canine Cancer Support Diet
  • Feline Bladder Health Diet
  • Feline Metabolic Support Diet

Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only. 

  • Canine Kidney Support Diet
  • Feline Kidney Support Diet
  • Canine Bland Diet

Some nuggets may be harder due to differences in diet composition. Recipes that include rice, for example, tend to be slightly firmer. Additionally, variations in texture can occur during the freeze-drying process based on the fat content in the meats used—since freeze-drying concentrates fats, this can influence the final consistency.

Because of their unique diet composition, these nuggets will not rehydrate in the same way as other freeze-dried products. You can expect them to retain a crunchier texture even after adding water.

Our freeze-dried paté is a great alternative! Its consistency can be easily adjusted with water to suit your pet’s preferences. You can also mix nuggets into the paté for added texture and variety, which can help prevent boredom or palate fatigue.

Customer Reviews

Based on 24 reviews
71%
(17)
17%
(4)
8%
(2)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
W
Wendy Dattilo
Great…. But expensive

The website is not user friendly. The amount of food for the price is insane! Dog eats it right up, however. 4-starts due to price

J
Jean De Mill

I am not happy with the amount of food that becomes powdered during packaging & shipments. It is extremely expensive & we should be able to feed it to our companions as it was meant to be fed.

A
AlexandrA Exley
Not the same as the sample

I am not sure what happened. I ordered a sample and my pup loved it. For some reason the full bags have a bit of a chemical smell and my dog refuses to eat it. Sent an email to medicus and awaiting a response. I was very hopeful based on the ingredients but it’s a no go.

M
Marilynn Lawler
Finally Eating Something!

Our little 13 yo has been a very picky eater since we adopted her 4 years ago. As long as I cut up the kibble and don’t soak it she seems to like it. She’s in Stqge 3 kidney failure and hoping this food works for her.

P
Pam Carr
Not sure yet but my dog loves it

His poos are a bit softer so hoping that sorts itself out soon. Otherwise it’s great.

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