Low Phosphorus Dog Food

As a dog lover, many of you try to buy the best dog food for your furry friend. That means a low phosphorus dog food for some dogs. More information is becoming known about how phosphorus affects dogs, and feeding a low phosphorus dog food is an excellent way to ensure your pet has a long and healthy life. High amounts of phosphorus can interfere with kidney function, causing renal failure. While it is a fact that puppies require more phosphorus (and calcium) to help them grow strong, adult dogs – and especially senior dogs – need less. Restricting your dogs’ intake of phosphorus can prolong his life and slow renal failure.

Optimum phosphorus ranges
Figures are in percentages as measured on a Dry Matter Basis Source: Small Animal Clinical Nutrition 4th edition
Small/Medium Breed Puppies	0.6 – 1.3
Large Breed Puppies	0.6 – 1.1
Adult Dogs (Low Activity)	0.4 – 0.9
Adult Dogs (Normal Activity)	0.4 – 0.9
Adult Dogs (High Activity)	0.4 – 0.9
Older Dogs (>6 years)	0.5 – 0.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are several excellent options for low phosphorus dog food on the market today. While the price may seem higher at first, it’s important to remember that when you are feeding a better grade of food to your pet, they tend to eat less, and thus a bag will last longer.

Purina Veterinary Diets offers a low phosphorus dry dog food that is highly recommended for dogs with renal failure:  (like here on Pet FoodDirect)   Another good option that is often veterinarian recommended is Hill’s Prescription Diet. This food can be found at Petsmart and other retailers: (click here to see low phosphorus dog food at PetSmart) Hill’s also offers a canned low phosphorus dog food too.

It’s always important to check with your veterinarian when making major dietary changes. In addition,   don’t switch foods by simply feeding him a full serving of the new food on the first day. Be sure to mix a small amount into his regular kibble to equal his usual serving size. Add a bit more low-phosphorus food and a bit less regular food each day, until he is eating the recommended serving size of low phosphorus food, and make this transition over the course of approximately a week. This will help ensure no tummy upsets for Fido!