Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellie May  I posted this in another thread you posted in:
I'm so sorry about Tara.
Kidney problems make me very nervous.
Did the vet recommend putting Penny on this food with no history of problems? K/D is extremely low in protein. It is so low that I wonder if it can effect the other organs adversely? Did the vet say it is safe to feed a healthy dog this food? I have read that they should get 18-20% minimum for a healthy dog.
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I agree. Dogs need protein and unless your vet specifically tells you to feed a low protein diet, you shouldn't do it on your own. A diet too low in protein can actually harm your dog.
The myth that too much protein harms kidneys is outdated as the studies were done years ago with poor quality commercial food. The key is feeding a high quality protein which the premium commercial diets available today have.
The same goes with liver disease. Dr. Center recommends that asymptomatic MVD dogs
not be put on a reduced protein diet. Again, too little protein can actually damage the liver. Only dogs who have hepatic encephalopathy (neurological problems from too much ammonia) should be put on a low protein diet.
I've mentioned this before, but Lady's specialist said that studies done at Waltham University have now shown that high carbohydrate diets alone can cause diabetes in dogs and especially cats. Since both are naturally carnivores, their bodies are not equipped to break down the carbs properly so it is like feeding them pure sugar.
This is a very interesting article about the importance of protein for dogs, even senior dogs.
http://www.dogaware.com/seniordiets.html