[mrsd211]

My story is a bit long, I have another thread on the Health Forum section titled "Blood in pups stool..." if anyone wants the history behind my question. Basically, I'm looking for a food or recipe that is low in protein. My 9 month old yorkie, possibly has a liver shunt, while we aren't 100% sure yet, I do think some kind of liver problem may be going on. I also think, as does the vet, that she has some GI problem as well. Our vet is going to search some recipes, but I thought it won't hurt to check here too. I know with liver problems, dogs need low protein, unfortunatly Pippa's blood work shows her protien level is already low. She currently had Hill's Prescription l/d canned food. She doesn't eat it very well and I'm wondering if I should put some flavor on it or just make her food myself. She only weighs a little over 4 lbs. She needs a low protein meal that has flavor. Any suggestions?

[Wilbur]

Some of the Evangers canned game meats seem lower in protein and also calcium and phosphorus. How about eggs?
Good luck...

[Renoman]

You might check into Solid Gold Holistic Blendz. It's a fish based food with only 18% protein. It's formulated for people to be able to add extra meat, etc to it but lots of people feed it as is because of the low level of protein.

[ChrissyBz]

I listed some info below related to link I posted.

Protein in the diet should be as high quality as possible. No seafood, white meat chicken, NO eggs. There's an enzyme which you can supplement with to help the body remove built up ammonia. Can't remember the name at the moment. You could also ask your vet about Milk Thistle. I used it for Cassie when she had liver damage from a drug OD and it really helped. Even my vet was stunned. I don't know if it would help in your case but it certainly wouldn't hurt to ask.


http://uimc.discoveryhospital.com/main.php?id=1896

Alternative Names
low protein diet, low sodium diet

Definition
A diet for liver disease provides the vitamins and minerals needed to stay healthy, while at the same time limiting nutrients that will cause further liver damage.

Information
A healthy liver is like a processing plant. Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals all go to the liver where they are broken down and stored. Later, they are remade into whatever the body needs and carried through the bloodstream to wherever they will be used.

Even when the liver is damaged, these nutrients still come to the liver after they have been digested. But, once they arrive, the liver cannot process them and they build up. This build-up causes more liver damage.

A healthy diet for a person with liver disease would include:

• a limited amount of protein. A damaged liver cannot process protein very well. This causes a build-up of ammonia in the bloodstream, which can become toxic.
• more carbohydrate. Carbohydrate is the body's energy supply. A healthy liver makes glycogen from carbohydrate. The glycogen is then broken down when the body needs energy. A damaged liver cannot do this. Without glycogen, a consistent supply of carbohydrate is needed from the diet to make sure the body has enough energy.
• a moderate amount of fat. Fat provides calories, essential fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins.
• a limited amount of fluids and sodium. Liver damage can cause high blood pressure in the major vein of the liver. This can result in ascites, a fluid build-up in the abdominal cavity. Limiting fluids and sodium can help prevent this.
• extra amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. A damaged liver has problems storing many vitamins and minerals.

People with liver disease should also seek the guidance from a physician and registered dietitian, for individualized medical nutrition therapy.

[mrsd211]

Lots of wonderful information, thank you!!!
I found this story/recipe and think I may try it:
http://www.minschnauzer.com/diet/sunny.html
Since I have 2 yorkies and feeding time is such an issue, I think I will feed it to both of them, it sounds really good. Pippa won't even eat the l/d (recommended by the vet, for now) I'll be going to the store tomorrow to get all the ingredients, I hope I don't have any trouble finding the stuff for the 'healthy powder'. I'm excited about trying this, after reading the story, I think it will help her a lot and may even fatten her up a bit! Does the recipe look good?

[ChrissyBz]

I'm glad you found some info.

The healthy powder is a modified version of what my dogs get every day. I make all my dogs food.

I've included a copy of what my dogs eat. The original recipe comes from Dr Pitcairn's Book.

Good luck to you and Pippa. I'm pulling for you both.

[mrsd211]

Originally Posted by ChrissyBz

I'm glad you found some info.

The healthy powder is a modified version of what my dogs get every day. I make all my dogs food.

I've included a copy of what my dogs eat. The original recipe comes from Dr Pitcairn's Book.

Good luck to you and Pippa. I'm pulling for you both.

Thank you so much! I noticed you stated that you can use tofu and that will lower the protein. Do dogs usually like tofu? That might be a good idea, I was thinking of starting off with beef until I read about the tofu. I'm not sure that Pippa even has a liver shunt, we won't know until we run some more tests. I'm sure gaining a lot of knowledge about diet and things. Before I had my 2 girls, we had big dogs and I just bought them whatever looked good at the time - they ate anything. I feel so bad now, I wish I known about making their food, I just never looked into it...

[ChrissyBz]

Originally Posted by mrsd211

Thank you so much! I noticed you stated that you can use tofu and that will lower the protein. Do dogs usually like tofu? That might be a good idea, I was thinking of starting off with beef until I read about the tofu. I'm not sure that Pippa even has a liver shunt, we won't know until we run some more tests. I'm sure gaining a lot of knowledge about diet and things. Before I had my 2 girls, we had big dogs and I just bought them whatever looked good at the time - they ate anything. I feel so bad now, I wish I known about making their food, I just never looked into it...

I wouldn't feel bad, I have a feeling most homecookers switched due to health problems. That's what precipitated my change from commercial.
Why change something that's working for you right?

I've never tried tofu but if your dog eats kibble I can't see as how they'd turn up their nose at tofu. To increase the palatability I sometimes add a little liquid aminos. It smells like soy sauce but have very little sodium. You should ask your vet but I can't see it being a problem.


If you're really interested, these are the books on Dog health I use the most.

This is the book most of my dog food comes from.
http://www.amazon.com/Pitcairns-Comp...0939063&sr=8-1

I use this one a lot too for meds and supplements
http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Health...pd_sim_b_img_5

This one is well thumbed too.

http://www.amazon.com/Herbs-Pets-Gre...0939227&sr=1-1

Two out of the three recommend raw which is what helped me to finally make the switch. I will add that making your dogs food is a bigger commitment than most people think. If they DON'T get the proper nutrition you have no one else to blame so in that way there's a lot of extra responsibility. That said I'm glad I made the switch and my dogs are too I think.

Pippa and your other one are really small so I'd think that cost at least wouldn't be too big of a factor for you. The recipe I sent you, I triple and it lasts 2 days for me. I have many other books as well if you decide to get some I'll share which others have worked for me and which ones weren't worth it.

Our JRT and Our Terrier mix are both 10 lbs and get 1/2 cup 2 x/day. Every dog is different but that would probably be a good place to start.

[ChrissyBz]

Did you read the rest of the OP's post? And her historical posts in the Health forum? With all due respect,do your homework.