grain free high protein foods

noelle2279 · 10-29-2009, 07:10 AM

Hi,

I recently put my dog on high protein Instinct grain free to prevent arthritis from getting worse. She has started drinking a lot more water and needing to urinate more often. Are higher protein diets really ok on the kidneys? Because it doesn't seem like it would be. I agree with grain free but wish they had a lower protein grain free diet. Any suggestion about the kidney and urinate issues?

Wlfdg · 10-29-2009, 10:41 AM

There is no proof that high protein diets are hard on the kidneys in dogs or humans for that matter. Wild canids eat a high protein,high fat diet with little to no carbs and they sure don't eat grains! They do o.k.

Last time I checked drinking a lot of water and frequent urination was good for the body.

Ayanla · 10-29-2009, 11:35 AM

Dogs are carnivores. Their bodies, in all ways, are designed to process and digest diets in high meat protein. It is usually necessary for a dog (or a person for that matter) to drink more water on a nutritionally dense diet.

Here's an article to read regarding dogs and kidney disease. It's not from a vet or anything, but she compiles some good information and links other sources as well. It'll at least give you a jumping off point for doing your own research and deciding for yourself.

http://www.dogaware.com/kidney.html

noelle2279 · 10-29-2009, 05:14 PM

I agree with how wild carnivores should eat but they have not been wild for hundreds of years. ALso, I agree with frequent urination being healthy for their bodies. But, I allow my dog to go out and relieve herself every 4- 5 hours. If she is having an accident in the house before that time than wouldn't you think the protein is too high? She is showing no problems with her kidneys on blood profile.

Wlfdg · 10-29-2009, 05:42 PM

Dogs and wolves are the same species, Canis Lupus Familiaris. Dogs have only been eating low protein diets for less than a hundred years. The first production dog food was made in 1860 and commercial dog food didn't become popular until after WWII. It takes millions of years for evolution to occur.

poodleholic · 10-30-2009, 01:27 AM

My dogs have been on a high protein, low carb, no grains food for years. Their annual bloodwork confirms their good health.

sassykzt · 10-30-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poodleholic

My dogs have been on a high protein, low carb, no grains food for years. Their annual bloodwork confirms their good health.

Same for my dogs! You have to allow for the change in diet.

Michiyo-Fir · 10-31-2009, 05:11 PM

There is no proof but some have said that high protein and not enough water is the thing that causes problems. Usually not the protein itself.

I like to add water to my dog's kibble before she eats it in the winter just to make sure she gets enough water.

High protein does require quite a bit of water to process. I think it's normal. Although Nia doesn't seem to be drinking extra amounts of water on high protein...

StellaLucyDesi · 11-01-2009, 09:52 AM

I agree with everyone that drinking water is key. What kind of Instinct dry are you feeding? Their chicken formula is higher in protein (40-42%) than their Duck (35%) and their Rabbit (35%). Mine are eating the Duck Instinct and doing great, BUT I do add in Instinct can or raw medallions and a little bit of water. No problems so far!