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Dr. Harvey's Blog

Navigating Your Dog's Nutritional Kidney Pathway

Navigating Your Dog's Nutritional Kidney Pathway

March 26, 2026 - 4 minute read
There's nothing quite as stressful as hearing your veterinarian utter the word 'kidney' when referencing your pup's health. A wave of panic can set in and you may feel a bit directionless, understandably.  However, there are some things we can do nutritionally, so you don't feel so out of control, which will ultimately help keep the seas calm as you navigate this new path that you didn't expect. Know the early signals: less energy / more sleep drinking more / eating less eating 'selectively' / gravitating towards higher protein meals or snacks than before You are your pup's best advocate. You see them every day. You know their habits, you know what's typical and what isn't, you see every little shift in their day to day activities. Many times we tell ourselves reasons for the new behaviors:  they are just getting older, they are being stubborn and spoiled, etc. But if these things are truly something new, a visit to your veterinarian would be a great first place to start. Once you get a clearer picture, you can start to formulate a plan. Whether your veterinarian gives you a food recommendation or suggests you go do your own research, you don't have to go it alone. Dr. Harvey's can be part of this upcoming chapter. Nutrition recommendations: Supplements:  No matter what you feed, you can always add some extra steps of support. Dr Harvey's Kidney Health is a great supplement to provide twice a day, and introducing our newest Kidney Crusader- daily Kidney Health Soft Chews Food:  Using one of Dr Harvey's base mixes (Canine Health, Raw Vibrance, Paradigm, Veg to Bowl, Fine Ground Veg to Bowl) puts you in control of your dog's nutritional strategies, without the guesswork. There is an easy to use feeding guide that comes in each bag (just follow the section entitled 'Preparing a Low-Protein Diet'). Additional support is always available to help you navigate with confidence. Snacks:  When it comes to in-between meals, fresh and juicy choices work best. Try to offer some hydrating fruits and vegetables- such as fresh blueberries or cucumber slices.  Lifestyle shifts: Let's take things slow and steady. Your pup may not be feeling 100% at all times. If they want to eat less, let them eat less. If they want to sleep more, let them sleep more. After all, they are just listening to their body and doing what feels best in the moment. (Dogs are really great at living in the moment). One thing you can start right away is journaling. It is an easy way to keep track of mealtime trends, bathroom habits, sleep patterns, playtime enthusiasm and more. It's also a very easy way to show the trends to your veterinarian in a way that is factual. This also can add a sense of clarity as you are mapping through unfamiliar patterns. This is emotional stuff and sometimes what we recall can get a little muddled.  Track with a notepad for accuracy. Self-care and bonding time: Take some deep breaths. Hang out together. Watch TV together. Listen to some calming music together. Give your dog a gentle massage.  These moments are priceless. We don't have a crystal ball, every moment with a loved one is a gift. Instead of stressing will you eat, won't you eat, what did you eat, how can we get you to eat, how much did you eat.... all of which brings with it that uncomfortable tension, let's reframe. Think of it this way- eating is the fuel, yes, but the relationship and connection is what actually steers the ship. Spend your time valuing and honoring that bond, for calm flowing energy is much more supportive than pressure.  Because your life together, it's not just about food. This path isn't about perfection. It's about showing up and doing your best, because that's all any of us can do. The more you know, the more you can do. The fact that you are doing your research, reading up on this scary subject and trying to find your way, you are already doing better than you think! Let's add in ongoing vet visits, some kidney-friendly food and snacks, some quiet routines, and those soft, sweet moments of just winding down and being together. The time is now to co-exist and be each other's rock through this upcoming storm.  We are here for you. You got this.
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