How Does a Blood Building Diet Help Kidney Failure in Dogs?
Have you considered the benefits of a blood-building diet for your dog’s kidney failure health problems? Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) offers a variety of food therapy recipes specifically designed to address different pet health conditions. Among these, a blood-building diet is valuable for managing kidney failure in dogs.
The term “Blood deficiency” might make you think of anemia, and while they are not exactly the same, the underlying principles are quite similar. Many dogs with kidney failure also suffer from anemia, making a blood-building diet an effective strategy to support their overall health and vitality.
A TCVM blood-building diet can significantly improve the well-being of anemic dogs with kidney failure, helping them feel better and more energetic.
What is TCVM Blood Deficiency in a Dog?
In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), the concept of “Blood” extends far beyond the red liquid circulating through your dog’s veins. TCVM views Blood as a vital substance that nourishes and moisturizes the entire body. It supports healthy, strong, and flexible tendons, skin, and coat while lubricating the joints for smooth, easy movement.
Additionally, Blood is crucial for nourishing the mind, contributing to your dog’s emotional stability and cognitive function. By promoting smooth Blood flow, TCVM helps maintain calmness and aids in restful sleep, ensuring your pet’s overall well-being. The proper balance of Blood is a cornerstone of health in TCVM, influencing various aspects of your dog’s physical and mental state.
Signs of Canine Blood Deficiency
Dogs with Blood deficiency exhibit several tell-tale signs. These classic indicators include:
- Pulled ligament or cranial cruciate ligament rupture
- Dandruff, dry skin, and hair
- Pale, dry tongue
- Depression, apathy, lack of spirit
- Sallow or dull coloring
- Arthritis
- Anemia
However, there is no need to worry! If your dog suffers from Blood deficiency, you can help. Feeding a blood-building diet will significantly improve your dog’s well-being and help them feel much better.
Creating the TCVM Blood Building Diet for Kidney Failure in Dogs
A Blood building diet uses Eastern Food Therapy to rebuild your dog’s blood.
First, keep in mind the proper ratios for healthy dog food:
- 60% – 80% Protein – mostly from meat
- 20% – 40% Carbohydrates – from grains, vegetables, and fruit
- A minimum of 2% fat
Next, because of your dog’s kidney health challenges, avoid using:
- salt
- bones
- dairy
If your dog is in late-stage renal failure, increase the fat content in their diet to decrease the overall protein level. You may also need to increase carbohydrates to lower the protein content.
(Consult a TCVM-trained veterinarian for the best advice on your dog’s late-stage renal failure diet.)
Remember to avoid salt, bones, and dairy.
Blood Building Food Ingredients
You can create endless, delicious recipe combinations for your furry friend using the list of foods provided. Mixing and matching ingredients allows you to tailor meals your dog will love while ensuring they receive balanced nutrition.
When preparing home-cooked meals, it’s natural to be concerned about maintaining the correct protein, fat, and carbohydrate ratios.
Fortunately, you can easily monitor these ratios using online food logs on websites like Fitbit and Livestrong. This ensures your dog’s diet remains balanced and nutritious.
And remember, avoid salt, bones, and dairy!
TCVM Blood Building Foods
Proteins
Beef, red meats
Eggs
Kidney beans
Liver
Oyster
Sardine
Seeds
Tuna
Vegetables/Fruits
Sea vegetables
Beets
Dandelion
Carrots
Kale
Leafy greens
Seaweed
Spinach
Spirulina
Grains/Beans/Starch
Barley
Oatmeal
Brown rice
Whole grains
Fats
Nuts
Seeds
Olive oil
Flaxseed oil
Sample TCVM Blood Building Dog Food Recipe
Here’s a sample recipe to get you started.
- 5 pounds beef, beef liver, sardines
- 1 pound chicken gizzards
- 1 pound of chicken liver
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or flaxseed oil
- 3/4 pound white potatoes
- 2-2 1/2 pounds barley (cooked weight)
- 2-2 1/2 pounds carrots, green peas, spinach, broccoli
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon basil
Directions:
First, debone and chop meat and vegetables.
Second, place all ingredients in crockpot layering:
- Slow-cooking root vegetables on the bottom
- Meat in the middle
- Fast-cooking items on top
Third, top with 1 cup of water.
And finally, cook on low for 4 hours.
In addition, add the following to your pet’s diet:
- One canine multivitamin per day
- Calcium supplement 50mg/kg of body weight (22mg/lb of body weight) per day. Some other good choices for calcium are eggshell powder or bone meal.
Feeding Schedule:
- Feed 1.5 cups per 25 pounds of body weight twice daily
- Monitor your pet’s weight. If an undesirable weight loss occurs, please contact your veterinarian immediately so that you can make an adjustment in the feeding/diet plan.
Learn More About How to Help Dogs in Kidney Failure
Please consult your veterinarian and use personal judgment when cooking at home for your dog. Even though pet food recalls and the poor quality of some pet foods are a concern, many veterinarians voice concerns over homemade diets. Some vets feel that when fed exclusively, homemade diets may result in vitamin/mineral deficiencies that can adversely affect a pet’s health. If you choose to feed your dog a homemade diet, you must understand and meet your dog’s needs to stay healthy. Please share our recipe with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can advise you on supplements for your pet’s individual situation. Monitor your dog’s health by observing his/her temperament, skin, coat, and waste. If you notice anything strange, contact your veterinarian immediately.
