Do you have a dog who is suffering from kidney or liver damage? If so, you might have looked out for different solutions on the internet to resolve this issue. One of the easiest ways you may have found is using low protein dog food instead of regular meals. This makes sense, as it helps reduce stress on the kidney or liver by eliminating waste products or bladder stones. So, to resolve such issues, you will need the best low protein dog food UK.
However, you cannot simply change your dog’s regular diet. Replacing a regular diet with low protein will cause severe health issues. To understand the reasoning behind such a prospect, you will find a buyer guide which explains the ingredients of low protein dog food, has tips on how to use low protein dog food, why it is crucial to not replace a dog’s regular diet with low protein diet straightaway, and also some perks and drawbacks of using this type dog food. list of some of the best low protein dog food.
Best Low Protein Dog Food UK
In general, dogs need 1 gram of protein per pound. This means if they weigh 50 pounds, their meal should constitute 50 grams of protein as well. The high-protein diet of a dog normally contains 25-30% of protein. A low protein dog food retains 10-20% of protein in the mix of ingredients.
The protein percentage of a low protein dog food is usually less than what a dog usually intakes. This variation is mainly due to underlying health conditions such as bladder stones, and kidney or liver damage. Here is a list of some of the best low protein dog foods UK:
1. PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS
If your furry friend needs a low protein dog food that is tailored for dealing with chronic kidney disease then, PURINA PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS is a low protein dog food that can help with the issue. It maintains 14% protein and is specifically made to provide support to a dog’s kidney function and slow the progression of the disease.
The protein content in this dog food is restricted but, is of high quality and prevents toxic build-up in a dog’s body. In addition, the omega-3 acids present in the low protein dog food help in lowering the blood pressure in the kidneys and maximise the natural anti-inflammatory process.
Furthermore, dietary phosphate restriction protects kidney function and slows the progression of chronic kidney disease.
- Improves kidney function
- Facilitates natural ant-inflammatory process
- Maintains healthy muscles, organs, and overall immune function
- Has some plant-based protein
2. Wonderdog Resting Dog Food Low Protein – Sneyd’s
The Wonderdog Resting Dog Food Low Protein retains about 16% of protein in its ingredient mix. This food pack is made keeping in mind several skin and coat issues, out-of-season working dogs (less active dogs), and their teeth. The calcium and vitamin D3 in this low protein dog food help maintain healthy bones and teeth.
In addition, the vitamin C and essential minerals ensure healthy gums and maintain strong teeth. Also, the blend of Vitamins C, and E, and natural plant-derived anti-oxidants makes a dog’s immune system stronger.
Further, the ingredient composition of this low protein dog food can also provide relief to dogs suffering from kidney or liver problems.
- Suitable for less active dogs
- Maintain healthy gums and strong teeth
- Dog-friendly flavour (Beef, Pork, and Lamb)
- Has weird smell
3. James Wellbeloved Adult Superfoods
If your furry friend is having digestive issues and no other severe disease, James Wellbeloved Adult Superfoods is a suitable low protein dog food. This food pack from James Wellbeloved retains a moderate protein level i.e. 23%. It is particularly made for dogs with sensitive stomachs and frequent digestive problems.
This moderate protein level dog food ensures the muscles of dogs get enough protein, and also improves their immunity and overall health. Also, the chicory extract (source of prebiotic inulin) helps maintain the gut flora and poo is less smelly.
In addition, there are no allergens in the mix of ingredients so, low chances of dogs exhibiting allergic issues.
- Lamb, sweet potato and chia flavours
- Protein levels are moderate and digestible
- Omega 6 fatty acids promote healthy skin
- Not suitable for less energetic dogs
4. Skinner’s Field & Trial Maintenance
For dogs who are overweight and less active, Skinner’s Field & Trial Maintenance dog food will be a feasible choice. This low protein dog food retains 18% protein which is suitable for dog owners to help their furry friends with obesity. Also, this low protein dog food is tailored for dogs who need less energy or are old and ensures that it easily meets their nutritional requirements.
Further, this low protein dog food can be used regularly, especially for dogs who are prone to weight gain. So, when used daily, it is referred to as maintenance-level protein dog food.
Furthermore, there are no traces of artificial preservatives, additives, flavours, or colourings in this dog food product.
- Less fat percentage
- Suitable for old age dogs
- Easy to store, use, and maintain
- The smell of the food mix is unpleasant
5. Arkwrights Sensitive Complete Extra Chicken
For dog owners who have adult or senior dogs with sensitive stomach issues, Arkwrights Sensitive Complete Dry Dog Food is a low protein dog food pack they must surely explore. This low protein dog food is made to improve digestion in dogs and has no wheat, dairy, or soy-based ingredient in it. So, it’s easy to digest.
The ingredients used in this low protein dog food include kibble which keeps teeth clean, anti-oxidants for a healthy immune system, prebiotic FOS, and vitamins A, E, and D3.
In addition, the low-fat percentage in the mix of ingredients minimises the risk of dogs putting on extra weight.
- Ideal for adult or senior dogs
- Improves the digestion process
- Supports the immune system and keeps teeth clean
- Some dogs may develop digestive issues
6. Low Protein Dog Food by Mattie’s Treats
Mattie’s Treats has formulated a dog food pack which is dedicated to treating dogs having kidney issues. They have made sure that the dog food pack has low protein, low phosphorus, and low protein. To make the flavour tempting, Mattie’s has added pumpkin flavour to the mix of ingredients.
In addition, with pumpkin, the mix of cinnamon makes this low protein dog food treat more tasty for the dog. Also, there is no presence of corn, gluten, soy, or wheat so, digestion will be easy.
Further, the manufacturer of this low protein dog food also claims to donate a percentage of the sales to fund the research focusing on eliminating canine kidney disease.
- Beneficial for dog’s kidney
- Less risk of allergies as no wheat, soy, or corn
- Pumpkin and cinnamon provide fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Expensive
- Cannot be returned
Buying Guide: Best Low Protein Dog Food UK
You saw different low-protein dog food products that are available in the market. But, deciding which one will be suitable for the dog and not compromise their health is tough. So, to provide clarity on various prospects to help you pick the best possible food pack, I have included detailed information on different aspects of low protein dog food.
Low protein dog food – when it’s needed?
A low protein dog food has low levels of protein and the composition of such food packs ensures it maintains less proportion than what dogs usually have. In general, the protein requirement for dogs is high and less protein can cause health issues. Low protein dog food is not to be considered a regular diet food for dogs.
It is used to address different health conditions in dogs. For instance, dogs who have difficulty metabolising protein will need low protein dog food as they are suffering from kidney disease, bladder stones, or liver disease. The low protein dog food reduces the stress on these organs and improves the overall health condition.
Key components of low protein dog food
The low protein dog food is not suitable for all dogs so, dog owners need to make sure the food pack they choose can help their furry friend. Below are some of the key components or ingredients dog owners must look for in low-protein dog food:
- Protein source – this is the main ingredient even if the proportion is less. It includes amino acids that facilitate growth in dogs. So, even if the percentage is low, it must use high-quality animal protein sources like turkey, lamb, chicken, or fish. But, if the protein source is peas, soy, or other plant-based protein, it should be avoided as it might not meet the taste preferences or nutritional requirements of the dog.
- Protein percentage – the protein percentage in low protein dog food should be less than 20%. But, based on the dog’s protein requirements and adjustments that need to be made the protein percentage may vary. However, this percentage should not be extremely low otherwise, it could compromise a dog’s nutrition balance and cause health problems.
- Nutritional balance – the overall distribution of nutrition should be proper and not compromise the quality of the food. Dog owners must look for added supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin, that can support the dog’s joint health or, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which reduce inflammation.
Low protein dog food – buying prospects
The previous section highlighted some of the key components that dog owners need to consider while buying a low protein dog food. These components mainly refer to the ingredients but, one can consider them as a crucial buying prospect. Now, let’s have a peek at some other buying prospects that dog owners need to focus on:
- Health benefits
While buying low protein dog food products, you have to make sure that the composition of ingredients provides proper health benefits or makes up for the protein loss. This will ensure there are no further complications on the existing health issues such as liver disease, bladder stones, or kidney disease.
In addition, the low protein food also helps in addressing digestive issues, skin problems, or immune system disorders. It can get rid of irritants or allergens and reduce the symptoms or risks of these conditions.
- Quality of Ingredients
It is crucial to check out the ingredients before buying the low protein dog food. Some dog food with low protein may retain ingredients that might cause allergic reactions, digestive issues, or nutritional deficiencies.
Hence, look for low protein dog food packs which retain natural and high-quality ingredients, and also have low phosphorus and gluten as they could cause damage to dogs’ kidneys. In addition, make sure there are no additives, flavours, fillers, colours, or preservatives in the food pack as it may deprive your furry friend of much-needed vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Flavour and tastiness
The flavour of low protein dog food might be bitter or unsavoury. So, if you provide such food to your furry friend, it may influence their appetite and might even make them lose interest in the food you serve them. This issue is persistent with dogs who are used to high protein intake with delicious flavour.
Further, some low protein dog food will have a mushy or dry texture and might not be appealing to the dog. This can result in the dog spitting out the food. So, flavour and tastiness are significant buying prospects, and you must make sure the taste or flavour is decent enough for your furry friend to ingest the food. Look for low protein dog food with natural flavour or a nice aroma.
- Brand
To ensure the food pack is made following proper guidelines and maintains nutritional balance, you’ll need to buy a low protein dog food pack which is manufactured by top brands. Yes, the prices might be slightly high but, you get a healthy protein food pack for your furry friend.
A brand that is emerging or not well-known might come at a cheaper price but will not retain the required quality standards. This may put your furry friend at risk and they might suffer from different health issues.
- Availability and cost
As a dog owner, you need to analyse the cost and check out whether the low protein dog food that you need for your dog is available or not. Both of these prospects are important buying prospects as they affect the budget and personal preference. For example, if the availability is less, and you need the product it might not come at the original price. You might have to pay more.
Likewise, if the low protein dog food that you need is available easily, the price will not be high. But, to avoid a sense of regret, conduct thorough research and make sure that your preferred low protein dog food pack is available.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Low Protein Dog Food
Considering cost is one of the crucial aspects of buying a low protein dog food, especially if you are going to use it for a longer duration. Even if you are looking to serve it occasionally to provide change to your furry friend, you will have to analyse these factors to ensure that you get the low protein dog food product at the best price.
#1. Quality of protein and its source
The quality of protein and the source highly influence the prices of low protein dog food, especially the source of protein. The reason is simple, some of the protein sources are expensive or not available easily. For instance, animal-based proteins such as turkey, lamb, or fish might cost more in comparison with plant-based proteins.
But, as mentioned previously, plant-based proteins are not suitable for dogs and must be avoided. So, the low prices must not trick you into buying it. Look for a low protein dog food that meets the nutritional requirements and make sure there are no artificial preservatives used.
#2. Nutritional balance, ingredients, and flavours
Low protein dog food will have a different nutritional balance and possibly have different ingredients than high-protein dog food. Also, to improve the taste of low protein dog food, there are some flavours added to the mix. For instance, complex carbohydrates such as oats, barley, potatoes, or rice are expensive compared to simple carbs like wheat or corn.
Also, minerals, fats, vitamins and additives that are in the mix of low protein dog food, impact their prices. Some of these ingredients are added to improve overall nutritional balance and some help improve the taste of the dog food. So, the prices keep varying as per the nutrition aspects, flavours and ingredients.
#3. Packaging, quantity, and production
The packaging of low protein dog food has a significant impact on its price. This is mainly because of the quantity. More the quantity, the packaging used is more. Nowadays, these packages are made using recyclable or biodegradable material from an environmental perspective. So, the cost of material used in making such packages is added to the actual price of the low protein food pack.
In addition, different manufacturers use different packaging methods, sizes, or shapes. This has a direct impact on the production cost. Bigger the size of the packaging more the cost. Also, if the manufacturer is known to be using a specific method or machinery to formulate the low protein dog food pack, the cost will be high.
#4. Brand reputation, supply, and demand
The price of the low protein dog food is hugely impacted by the brand reputation. Popular manufacturers and brands follow specific processes, use high-quality ingredients, and include precise protein percentages required in low protein dog food. So, these types of brands make a reputation for delivering top-notch products and hence, they charge more.
In addition, the supply and demand of low protein dog food also have a noteworthy impact on the prices. For example, if the supply of the food pack is more the prices will be affordable. But, if the demand is high and supply is less, especially for the branded product then, expect the prices to be high as well.
Perks of Using Low Protein Dog Foods
Low protein dog food has ample benefits for dogs. This food helps dogs recover from various health issues and retain their original strength. The food packs contain precise levels of proteins to ensure that a dog doesn’t receive more. Below are some of the prominent perks of using low protein dog food:
#1. Helps deal with different health conditions
Dogs whose ability to metabolise protein is compromised benefit hugely from the low protein dog food. So, dogs having kidney problems, bladder stones, or liver diseases are benefited from low protein dog food. The low protein dog food helps in reducing the strain on the organs triggering these issues. It also ensures there is no further damage or complication.
To understand it better, the protein ingested by dogs is reduced to nitrogenous waste products like ammonia and urea. Dog’s kidney and liver have to clear out this waste. So, when these organs are damaged they cannot process high protein. The low protein dog food ensures there is less waste generated and lessens the pressure on the kidneys and liver to eliminate the waste.
#2. Eliminate allergens
Some dogs are allergic to certain protein sources like beef, eggs, or chicken. Thus, when there is a high protein intake, these dogs are likely to have an allergic reaction or digestive issue. These issues mainly occur because of an immune response.
Low protein dog food reduces the allergens or irritants and reduces the risk of triggering such immune response preventing allergies. Also, by avoiding irritants and allergens, low-protein dog food, prevents inflammation issues.
#3. Improves mobility
Dogs who have joint health or mobility issues get significant benefits when provided with low protein dog food. Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin reduce inflammation and pain and support the dog’s joint health.
The low protein dog food provides these supplements and facilitates lubrication and cushioning between joints. The structure of the joints gets better because both these supplements are naturally found in the cartilage and synovial fluid of the joints.
#4. Helps control obesity
High-quality protein sources include lots of calories and this often leads to obesity issues in dogs. To contain this issue, low protein dog food will come in handy. It will have fewer calories and more fibre so, the dog is likely to feel full with less quantity of food.
This helps in containing obesity because instead of 4 calories per gram of protein, low protein dog food will serve 2 calories per gram of fibre. Hence, more fibre will lower the calories of the food and increase the volume of the food. This helps control the dog’s appetite, and protein intake, and prevent obesity.
Tips on Using Low Protein Dog Food UK
To leverage the benefits of low protein dog food, you’ll need to make sure that you use it wisely and get proper results. Below are some of the tips you can consider while using low protein dog food for your furry friend:
#1. Consult the vet
Any change in a dog’s regular meal can impact their overall health condition. The changes can have unexpected results so, you must not do it out of the blue. Consult your vet and ask them whether the low protein diet will help the dog or not. This will minimise the risk of any potential health issue.
Further, if there is a need for a low protein diet, the vet will suggest the quantity and type of protein that your furry friend might need. If you are serving the vet-suggested low protein food, you might need to follow up with the vet to make sure the health of your furry friend is better.
#2. Good quality dog food
You must make sure the quality of the low protein dog food that you buy is proper. It should meet your furry friend’s nutritional requirements, lower protein, and prevent deterioration of existing health conditions. The protein levels should be precise and the dog must not be allergic to the protein source.
The ingredients used in the mix should maintain low phosphorus levels. High phosphorus levels might damage the kidney. In addition, supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine can help improve joint health so, make sure the low protein dog food you pick has traces of these supplements.
#3. Check the label and ingredients
Before selecting the low protein dog food, make sure you check out the label and ingredients. The protein source should not exceed the threshold of 20-25%. If the protein levels in the food pack are beyond this range, it could not provide optimal results or improve your furry friend’s existing condition.
In addition, check out the expiration date and other instructions mentioned on the food pack. It may not have any quality assured mark but, you can analyse the ingredients and follow the instructions to use it and store it properly.
#4. Help dogs transition from the regular diet
Changing your furry friend’s regular diet will require certain planning. Your dog might not accept the change in the meal. Even if they do eat the low protein dog food instantly, it may cause digestive upset. Hence, it’s important for you to gradually feed the low protein dog food to your furry friend. Here are some ways you can help your furry friend with the transition:
- Begin with a small quantity – when you mix the low protein dog food in their regular meal in small proportions. For instance, the first day you plan on using the low protein food, keep a 25% ratio. This means you maintain the 75% portion of their regular meal. Maintain this ratio for 2-3 days.
- Gradual increase in ratio – once your furry friend gets used to a 25% ratio of low-protein dog food, you can add another 25. This means, half the portion of their regular meal will contain low protein dog food. You can try serving them a 50% ratio meal for 5-7 days. If they are comfortable with the increase, you can take it up to 75% as well.
- Replace the regular meal – if your furry friend does not resent the change, you can replace their regular meal entirely. Observe their behaviour and monitor their health for the next few hours. Look for signs like diarrhoea, vomiting, or digestive upset. If there is any issue, you can change it back to the 75% ratio and try again after a few days.
- Adjust the transition – each dog will respond differently to the change in their diet. Based on your furry friend’s behaviour and health prospects, you can adjust the transition phase. This means, that if they accept the change fast, you can increase the low protein food quantity rapidly. Likewise, if they are not responding well, you can slow the transition. For instance, if your dog is not accepting a 75% ratio of low protein dog food, you might need to continue keeping the ratio 50-50 for a longer duration.
- Avoid high-protein ingredients – you should not include ingredients with high protein in the regular meal of your furry friend as it could nullify the effect of low protein dog food.
Remember, the transition from regular meals to low dog protein dog food will take some time. You need to remain patient with your dog and trust the process. For any changes, you can consult your vet and also, get your dog checked up to see if there are any altercations in the dog’s health.
#5. Avoid food packs with high protein levels
The purpose of using low protein dog food is to minimise the intake of protein in dogs. So, you must avoid food packs that include high protein in them. In general, high protein composition is achieved with meat, cheese, vegetables, or rice cakes. These ingredients are high in protein so, if you find any such ingredients on the label, it should be avoided.
Drawbacks of Using Low Protein Dog Food
When low protein dog food is used properly, there are ample benefits for the dog and its owner. But, if it’s not used effectively, there are some significant drawbacks as well. Below are some of the drawbacks of using low protein dog food:
#1. Muscle and weight loss, vitamin deficiency and weak immune system
The low protein dog food packs have different ingredients and have protein levels. Regardless, dogs who don’t need low protein dog food are likely to show muscle, and weight loss issues, and also, suffer from vitamin deficiency. In addition, some dogs’ immune system gets weaker if they are served with low protein dog food.
Dog’s Immune system gets weak because there is less protein and the capacity to fight infection issues is reduced significantly. Also, the lack of vitamins such as B12 and iron can cause muscle mass and weight loss. In addition, these deficiencies can trigger health issues like anaemia, organ failure, or infection as well.
#2. Kidney damage
The low protein dog food can worsen kidney disease if used more. It can reduce the glomerular filtration rate and plasma flow in dogs that are suffering from kidney disease. Glomerular is the process of blood filtration through the glomeruli, the tiny capillaries in the kidneys. to produce urine. Renal plasma flow is the blood that reaches the kidneys per minute.
So, when the blood pressure is lower in the kidneys, it could lead to kidney damage. This may seem contradictory but, if low protein dog food is used for dogs, especially the ones having kidney problems, are likely to suffer from kidney damage.
#3. Bad flavour and poor appetite
The low protein dog food includes different ingredients to provide nutritional balance. These ingredients might be of bitter flavour or smell bad. Regardless, such low protein food might discourage dogs from eating it. This could lower the dog’s appetite, cause weight loss, or worse, lead to nutrition deficiency.
Also, dogs who are used to having high-protein diet with ingredients mix of meat, eggs, or beef, may not like the texture or smell of low protein diet dog food. This can also lower their appetite as they are not getting their regular meal.
#4. Expensive
In comparison with regular dog food, low protein dog food is quite expensive. The reason is simple, they are not used widely and are not that popular like other foods. The ingredients used in the mix are not cheap and the process of manufacturing them will cost more.
For instance, a low protein dog food for addressing digestive upset or dealing with kidney issues, both these packs will be manufactured differently. Also, some of the food packs will not be available in local stores so, the prices online will remain high.
#5. Frequent monitoring or vet visits
A low protein food diet needs to be given properly otherwise it can have adverse effects on the dog. Dog owners have to consider various prospects such as size, weight, age, activity level, and health condition of the dog before deciding on feeding them a low protein diet. A vet consultation is important before starting with the new meal.
Further, after initiating the low protein dog food diet, they have to continuously monitor the condition. This is important as different dogs respond differently to the change in the diet. For instance, some dogs will show improvement in their condition and some might have an allergic reaction or deterioration in their health condition. Hence, a regular visit to the vet also becomes necessary. This can increase the expenses as the vet will conduct blood tests, urine tests, and other checkups on every visit.
Additional drawbacks of using low protein dog food
The above-mentioned drawbacks are not the only issues you might encounter while using low protein dog food for your furry friend. There are a few other disadvantages as well. Here are some additional drawbacks you need to be aware of:
- Dental problems – the risk of dental issues is higher while using low protein dog food, especially if they are fed canned or wet food. The reason is simple, wet or canned food gets stuck in the teeth and gums which leads to the growth of plaque and tartar. This can cause bad breath, gum disease, or tooth decay.
- Skin and coat health issues – protein and fat help improve a dog’s skin and maintain coat health. So, if you serve low fat low protein dog food, the skin and coat of the dog are compromised. They will appear dull, and dry, and begin to shed more. Hence, dog owners must take note of this and make sure the protein and fat levels are not extremely low.
- Less palatability and variety – the composition of low protein dog food includes ingredients and flavours that are not tasty. The less aroma or flavour in low protein dog food could lower the dog’s appetite and they might get bored.
Things Dog Owners Must Avoid While Serving Low Protein Dog Food
To minimise health risks and prevent other severe issues while using low protein dog food, there are certain things dog owners need to consider while using it on their dogs. Here are some of the prominent things dog owners must avoid while serving protein dog food:
#1. Avoid switching dog’s food without consult
When you plan on switching your furry friend’s regular diet to a low protein dog food, you must not do it unless you consult a vet or a professional dog nutritionist. This must be avoided because if you switch their regular meal without proper consultation, there are several health risks such as muscle loss, weight loss, malnutrition, vitamin deficiency, or a weak immune system.
The risk is even more if the dog is already suffering from a disease. So, as a responsible dog owner, you need to consult a vet or a professional dog nutritionist. They can provide you with tips on which low protein dog food will be suitable for your furry friend and how to help them transition from regular to low protein meals.
#2. Don’t use it for growing, pregnant or nursing dogs
A dog in the growing stage, pregnancy or nursing must not be given low protein dog food. This is mainly because there is a high need for protein during these stages. Giving low protein dog food in such situations may cause malnutrition or growth impairments.
Hence, dog owners must avoid using low protein dog food for growing, pregnant, or nursing dogs. It is only feasible for use on adult dogs that too with certain medical conditions involving their liver, kidney, or bladder.
#3. Avoid making it their regular meal
Sometimes dog owners get carried away with the positive response and health improvement of their furry friend after having low protein dog food for a long time. They make this temporary diet permanent without considering other nutritional prospects or consulting the vet.
So, using low protein dog food continuously even after the health issue is resolved, could lead to issues like muscle wasting, reduced quality of life, and poor immune system. Thus, if you observe the problem being dealt with for instance, your furry friend had bladder stones, and if they are dissolved or removed from their system, you need to stop the low protein dog food.
#4. Do not use imbalanced low protein dog food
Even if you are using low protein dog food, it should have balanced nutrition. An imbalanced low-protein diet will only lead to deficiencies, or elevate the presence of other nutrient elements using massive imbalance. So, you need proper balancing of nutrients as low protein dog food has low protein proportion.
You need to pick a low protein dog food that has other nutrient elements such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to maintain overall health.
#5. Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding
While feeding low protein dog food to your dog, you must make sure that you don’t overfeed or underfeed them. Both scenarios are not good for the dog. For instance, overfeeding can cause obesity and cause stress on different organs to digest the proteins. On the contrary, underfeeding will lead to malnutrition.
In addition, underfeeding low protein dog food weakens the immune system and your furry friend will be susceptible to various infections. Hence, follow the feeding guidelines mentioned on the food pack or ask the vet.
#6. Avoid mixing low protein dog food with other food items
If you use a commercial low protein dog food pack, you must not mix it with other food items. Mixing it with other food can alter the nutritional balance and change the overall ingredients composition as well. Also, avoid changing the brand of low protein dog food or altering the ingredient composition midway.
This is crucial because each brand has its own method of formulating the recipe and mixing up the ingredients. In addition, the protein sources vary so does other ingredient. Hence, modifying the brand midway can initiate different health issues such as allergic reactions, digestive upset, nutritional imbalance, etc. Hence, such modifications should only be made after consulting the vet or a nutritionist.
Lastly, as a responsible dog owner, you need to clean your furry friend’s teeth thoroughly after each feed. This will ensure there minimal risk of dental problems as plaque and tartar buildup will be less.
FAQs for Best Low Protein Food for Dogs
What ingredients to look for in the best low protein dog food for kidney disease?
In general, the best low protein dog food for kidney disease will retain ingredients like white rice, fish oils, carrots, green beans, and boiled chicken. White rice is low in phosphorus carbohydrates which provides energy and sufficient calories to dogs. It is easily digestible. Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant effects on the kidney. It improves renal blood flow in dogs which helps improve kidney disease. Carrots are low in phosphorus and protein and they are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fibre, which support the immune system, and improve digestion and vision. Like carrots, Green beans are low in protein and low in phosphorus which reduces protein intake and helps dogs with kidney disease. Lastly, boiled chicken has low protein, phosphorus, and sodium and provides amino acids, iron, and zinc to help improve kidney function.
How much will I have to pay for low protein dog food UK?
Normally, to buy a low protein dog food in the UK, you might have to pay between £5 and £10 per lb. However, these prices are also affected by various factors like ingredients, quality, brand, weight, nutritional balance, packaging, etc. So, you can expect to pay beyond £10 per lb, especially if the product is popular, available in less quantity, and is tailored to deal with a specific health issue.
How many times do I serve the low protein dog food to my dog?
The majority of adult dogs can have low protein dog food twice a day. You can do the same and feed your furry friend the low protein dog food once in the morning and once in the evening. However, some dogs only need to be fed once, and some might need at least three meals a day. Hence, to figure out the optimal frequency of feeding the low protein dog food, you need to analyse your furry friend’s eating behaviour while you with their regular food and calculate the precise amount you will serve them. Use a feeding chart to get these estimates and also consult your vet or pet nutritionist for better perspective. This will surely help you decide whether your dog needs low protein dog food once, twice, or thrice a day.
Which dogs need low protein dog food?
In general, the majority of dogs do not need low protein dog food. It is only needed when a dog has bladder stones, or suffering from a certain medical condition which is affecting their kidney or liver function. The low protein dog food helps in improving liver or kidney function by removing bladder stones, and the waste products that were causing stress on the organs.
Is grain free low protein dog food beneficial for the dogs?
Yes, grain free low protein dog food is beneficial for dogs. It helps improve kidney or liver function, improves digestion, and provides more lean muscle mass and energy to the dogs. The kidney and liver function is improved by lowering the waste products and digestion is improved because of the elimination of allergens or irritants that trigger gastrointestinal issues. The protein and fat proportion is slightly high compared to other low protein dog food and that helps in providing more energy and lean muscle mass.
Final Remarks on Best Low Protein Dog Food UK
Low protein dog food is a special and precise type of diet which is made to resolve specific health issues in dogs. The ingredients used in low protein dog food help dogs having bladder stones, or kidney and liver issues. It removes the stones and wastage of different products from the system providing relief to damaged organs in the dog.
However, low protein dog foods are not suitable for all dogs and also, and they have different nutritional balances and overall ingredient compositions. Our team at Wewantdogs analysed various prospects such as ingredients, quality, brand, and cost to provide you with the comprehensive list of some of the best low protein dog food available in the UK.
I hope by the end of this article, you were able to pick the best low protein dog food UK. If so, you must consult with your vet or nutritionist to make sure it is the right choice for your furry friend. This is crucial because your furry friend might not respond well to the low protein diet even if the product you buy has the best proportionate of low protein and other nutrients.
Further, if you have any concerns regarding a specific product or wish to know if the product you selected is suitable for your dog, mention your query in the comments. Our team will resolve such queries.
