Kidney Support Diet

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.

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

$39.95

32 oz

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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:

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

Medicus

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

Hill’s® k/d Dry

Purina® NF Dry

Blue Buffalo® KS Kidney Support Dry

Hill’s® k/d Dry

Purina® NF Dry

Blue Buffalo® KS Kidney Support Dry

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.

Ingredients

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.

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.

Our Standards

Click on a standard to read more.

100% Real, Whole Foods

NO Meat Meals

Provides exactly what the body needs to nurture healing. Real food is more bioavailable, easier on digestion, and improves immune health, all crucial for immunocompromised pets. Grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, and organic veggies are all responsibly sourced to provide clean, wholesome nutrition when your pet needs it most.

Rendering converts animal carcasses into ingredients for animal feed. They are ground, heavily cooked, pressed to remove fats, ground again, and then dried. Included in this process are bones, organs, blood, feathers, and slaughter floor waste. Meal is a heavily-processed ingredient before it’s added as an ingredient to kibbles.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

No High-Heat Cooking

Responsibly sourced from local, trusted food suppliers who prioritize the quality and safety of their ingredients. This gives us the ability to ensure we only use human-grade ingredients like USDA organic produce, wild-caught fish, and pasture-raised beef.

Ingredients that are cooked in any way lose essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, active enzymes, and antioxidants. Kibble goes through four different cooking processes that reach 400℉, eliminating almost all nutrients that the ingredient had in its raw state. The freeze-drying process in all Medicus diets allows for the majority of the nutrients found in food to stay intact.

USDA-Inspected Meats

NO Corn

We use only high-quality, digestible animal proteins–wholesome cuts of meats from healthy USDA-Inspected animals being used for human consumption. They are processed and stored according to strict USDA standards.

Corn is commonly used as a filler for commercial kibble companies, as it is inexpensive and easily accessible. Corn is used as a plant-based protein and isn’t as digestible or bioavailable for carnivores.

Organic Produce

No Antibiotics

USDA-organic produce means whole, unadulterated fruits and vegetables free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, growth hormones, sewage sludge, and irradiation that are utilized in conventional farming methods.

Because we only source meats from USDA-Inspected facilities, our animal-based proteins meet the same standards as human meat production. No antibiotics, hormones, or other medicines are administered to the animals prior to slaughter.

Freeze-Dried

No Pesticides

Medicus Veterinary Diets are the first ever freeze-dried pasteurized therapeutic diets. The gentle freeze-drying process makes the food safe for immunocompromised pets as well as shelf-stable for easier feeding. Freeze-drying preserves about 97% of every single ingredient’s nutrients.

Consumption of pesticides can increase the rate of oxidative damage to cells and inflammation The produce used in our formulas is grown organically, meaning no pesticides or herbicides, like glyphosate, are used in the growing process.

Veterinary Developed

No Hormones

With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Chris Bessent utilized whole foods and a research-led approach to develop the first freeze-dried, whole food therapeutic diets for dogs and cats.

The beef in our formulas is pasture-raised and free from hormones.

Independently Reviewed

No Artificial Preservatives

We consulted with some of the brightest minds in the industry, including Independent Nutrition Consultants, to formulate these diets.

We only use mixed tocopherols, a natural preservative, in all Medicus Diets. While it functions as a way to keep each bag of food shelf-stable and fresh, it is also an antioxidant.

Made in WI

No Artificial Flavoring

Dr. Chris Bessent is the owner and operator of the Wisconsin-based facilities where Medicus is made. This gives her the ability to provide strict oversight of every step of the production phases, from when the ingredients enter the door to when the finished food leaves the facility to be delivered to your door. Every ingredient, each production phase, and every batch of food is logged for complete traceability.

Because all of our ingredients are freeze-dried, the original flavor remains, making it similar to a fresh or home-cooked diet in taste.

Limited ingredient

No Artificial Dyes

Our ingredient decks are small because we only use extensively researched foods that address your pet’s unique nutritional needs. The select few ingredients and proportions are chosen by the architecture of whole food and an intimate understanding of disease and its treatment.

Artificial dyes are used in pet foods to add color to brown kibble in an attempt to give them a more desirable and aesthetically pleasing color.

For Sick Pets

No Byproducts

These therapeutic diets address the nutritional needs of sick pets, so you can give your pet exactly what they need when they need it most.

Byproducts are the result of whole foods being broken down into smaller parts, like peas being broken down into pea protein, pea flour, pea fiber, and pea starch. This allows pet food companies to list these as separate ingredients on their ingredient decks.

Antioxidant-Rich

No Cellulose

Every Medicus formula is flooded with antioxidants like polyphenols from blueberries, the carotenoids and zeaxanthin found in spinach, and astaxanthin from krill. Antioxidants help protect pets from free radicals and oxidative damage.

Cellulose is used as a filler for many kibbles. Dogs do not have the enzyme necessary to metabolize and break down cellulose, so it is difficult for them to digest and utilize the nutrients.

High levels of Omega 3 fatty acids

No Soy

Omega 3 fatty acids promote a robust immune system and healthy heart, nourish the skin & coat, and support renal function. The key to getting all these benefits is the ratio of Omega 6:3. Every Medicus formula has the optimal 1:1 Omega 6:3 (or even <1:1 ratio), ensuring your pet benefits from all the whole food Omega 3 fatty acids.

Medicus Diets only contain fragile B vitamins and zinc proteinate. B vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, and Folic Acid) play an essential role in helping a variety of enzymes do their jobs, like turning food into energy. Zinc proteinate binds to amino acids and protects against oxidative stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Diets

No Rendered Fats

Each diet is flooded with high levels of antioxidants and Omega 3 fatty acids from organic produce and grass-fed beef, krill, or wild-caught fish.

Rendered fats in kibble are typically low quality and from unidentifiable animals. They may also contain fat-soluble toxins that can be harmful when consumed. All the healthy fats in Medicus Diets come from clean, whole food sources.

3rd-Party Tested

No Brewers Rice

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.

Many kibble diets contain brewers rice, which is a low-quality carbohydrate source. It is the leftovers of white rice after it has been processed and offers very few nutrients. We only use white rice that provides highly-digestible nourishment.

Minimally Processed

No Wheat

Utilizing a gentle process like freeze-drying preserves all of the benefits food offers – from the macro and micronutrients, including high levels of antioxidants that are vulnerable to heat processes.

Wheat is commonly used as a filler for commercial kibble companies, as it is inexpensive and easily accessible. Wheat is used as a plant-based protein and isn’t as digestible or bioavailable for carnivores.

Bioavailable Proteins

No Feed-Grade Ingredients

We use high-quality, bioavailable animal proteins in all of our formulas, like grass-fed beef, guinea fowl, and chicken. Real, whole ingredients are easily digestible and allow the body to absorb and use more of the nutrients in the food.

That means no 4D meats, meat meals, or any other ingredient or supplement not considered human edible.

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

99 g/cup | 9 cups

Calorie Content

4,253 kcal/kg | 421 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.

Nutritional Facts

Dry Matter

Caloric

Dry Matter

Caloric

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.

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

How Do I Handle Freeze-Dried Food for Dogs?

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.

How Are These Diets Made?

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.

Do I Have To Rehydrate The Food?

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.

What Should I Do With Leftovers That Have Already Been Rehydrated?

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.

Where Do Your Ingredients Come From?

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.

Why Are Medicus Therapeutic Diets Only Available in One Size?

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.

What Can I Do If My Pet is a Finicky Eater/Has a Loss of Appetite?

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.

Are All of Your Recipes Complete & Balanced?

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

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 Kidney Support Diet
Feline Bladder Health Diet
Feline Metabolic Support Diet

Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only.

Canine Kidney Support Diet
Canine Bland Diet

Helped with Health & Appetite

Our sweet boy had kidney disease and was having trouble with his appetite and eating the foods that he associated with getting sick. We had tried a few kidney diets, but he would lose interest quickly and there were limited options. Medicus kept him eating and also seemed to help with his health and nutrition. Customer service was great too.

This food has made a huge difference!

Thank you Medicus for making such a thoughtful and nutritious food! My 10-11 year old Amstaff was hospitalized three weeks ago with extremely high kidney levels. We had been feeding him the Royal Canin Renal Support dry food for about 2 years. He eventually just stopped eating it, which alarmed us to bring him in. He received fluids for 3 days but his levels didn't decrease much after that period. I switched him to Hills soft food Renal Support to help stimulate his appetite and maintain hydration but it seemed to give him some stomach issues. The only solutions the vet had was switching to this soft food and administering fluids at home, otherwise there was nothing else they could do. I knew there could be another way with his diet. After exploring all my options, I found this website and a podcast with Dr. Bessent talking about Medicus. I knew then that a whole food diet is the way to go to give my pup the best possible final months of his life. After a couple days of eating exclusively the Medicus Kidney support (with several days of mixing foods), my dog has been more energetic, very regular with going to the bathroom, he seems to feel good, fur feels great, and he seems to have kicked some of the skin allergies we have been dealing with most of his life. This stuff has definitely been a game changer! It does mention only being for supplemental feeding on the bag. However, this is about the only thing that my dog can tolerate/enjoys enough to not under eat. I won't go back to a "commercial" diet with him. I feel that has been passively degrading his health all of his life. Whole foods are the way! It changed my whole perspective about dog food. Entirely worth every penny!

My dog likes it. The only thing bad about it is it is so hard. I plan to run it through a grinder before adding warm water.

Great customer service.

Sadly this food did not work for my dog. My dog’s vet internist wanted even less protein in his food, but the company was very responsive to my questions and refunded the unopened bags I had just received and had to return. Thank you for making an option without chicken to which my dog is allergic.

The best commercial diet option I’ve found

I’m glad that my local specialty dog food shop mentioned your name to me or I’m afraid I may have never heard about Medicus. I trialed and researched many option CKD dog food option and I found this to be the best option. Although I have chosen to go with a homemade diet by a board certified veterinary nutritionist for our daily feeding, it is nice to have a quick and easy alternative to use. The nutritionist also looked at the Medicus diet and approved of it for early Kidney disease. Because my dog also has had Larangeal Paralysis surgery I need to wet her food and form it into meatballs, Medicus makes that easy by soaking and mixing in food processor. This paste is also great to add a small amount into water, which encourages her to drink enough water. I also am thankful for the Medicus zoom lecture, it was very educational.

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Kidney Support Diet

Diet Overview

Highlights

Who would benefit from this diet?

How It Works

Nourishes the Body with Clean, Whole Food

Limits the Nutrients that the Kidney has to Process

Replaces Nutrients Lost to Symptoms of CKD

Supports Crucial Kidney Function

Nutrients vs Ingredients

Where Other Diets Fall Short

Compare Our Ingredients

Medicus

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

Proof in the Numbers

Ingredients

Beef

Rice

Egg

Beef Liver & Kidney

Flaxseed

Sweet Potato

Ground Krill

Blueberries

Beets

Potassium Salt

Ground Egg Shell

Chitosan

Kelp

Mixed Tocopherols

Zinc Proteinate

B Vitamins

Our Standards

Click on a standard to read more.

Ingredients

Cups In A Bag

Calorie Content

Guaranteed Analysis

Supplemental Feeding

Nutritional Facts

How to Feed

Feeding Guide

REHYDRATION RECOMMENDED

Palatability Suggestions

Transitioning

FAQs

Customer Reviews

Email & Text Opt-in

Email & Text Opt-in

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