Low Protein Dog Food
Upon the recommendations of your veterinarian, low protein dog food can be found and administered to any canine loved one. The major issue with low protein dog food is the astronomical price of it, often boosting your feeding costs by up to 400 percent. Many are opting to make their own specialty foods, and there are many sources and organizations which can help you with ingredient and recipe information if you should be so inclined. Most of these low protein diet supplements are available in dry form, and are ready for purchase at your veterinarian’s office, pet supplies store, or organic pet food supply. It is important to follow the advice of your veterinarian closely, as protein is an extremely important nutrient to your dog, and causing him a lack of it without proper cause will be to his detriment.
Low protein dog food is normally prescribed for dogs that have lost, or are losing, normal kidney function. Protein is essential, but the digestion of it is very hard work on the digestive and filtration organs. Dogs who are showing signs of kidney disease or failure will benefit from the reduction of protein in these prescribed meals. Your support and cooperation with your vet regarding the administering of low protein dog food to your pet will ensure that he still receives enough nutrition without straining his tiring organs.
Making low protein dog food can be a difficult process to master, and is quite time consuming. If you haven’t the time to dedicate to such a cause or project, you may want to request some recipe tips, or perhaps a few low cost alternatives to the prescriptions meals on his shelf in the waiting room. Most specialized senior dog foods have a significant reduction in protein, as dogs have a tendency toward labored digestion with age even if the organs remain healthy. This may be a nice compromise, if your vet agrees that the reduction is sufficient for the needs of your dog.
It is thought that the steep price of low protein dog food occurs due to the higher quality of the ingredients used to make it. In low-quality, bargain priced dog foods, there are many animal bi-product and vegetable fillers used to boost the protein content. In order to make low protein food filling enough for the dogs who consume it, more high quality, whole foods must replace the heavy fillers. This process can be more expensive per occasion than feeding your family a steak dinner. Therefore, if finding alternatives is not up your alley, then the extra cost on your food bill for the ready-to-serve products may not be such a bad idea.