Is Venison Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is one of the most common health issues seen in older dogs. As dogs age, their kidneys gradually lose function over time. This can eventually lead to kidney failure if left untreated. Kidney disease is not curable, but it is manageable with the right diet and care. This is where a dog’s nutrition can play a critical role.

For dogs with kidney disease, it’s important to feed a diet lower in phosphorus, protein and sodium. This helps take stress off the kidneys and slows progression of the disease. Many commercial dog foods made for kidney health have these nutrient targets in mind. However, these prescription kidney diets don’t always appeal to picky pups. This is where fresh foods like lean proteins and veggies can help entice dogs to eat kidney-friendly foods.

What is Venison?

Venison refers to deer meat. Deer are a game animal, so venison cannot be commercially raised like beef or chicken. All venison sold is wild deer that has been hunted. Venison is growing in popularity due to it’s lean, nutrient-dense properties.

So how does venison stack up for dogs with kidney disease? Let’s break it down!

Benefits of Venison for Kidney Health

Overall, venison can be an excellent protein choice for dogs with kidney issues when fed in moderation. Here are some of the benefits venison offers:

1. Lower Levels of Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral found in foods like meat, eggs and dairy. Healthy kidneys filter out excess phosphorus But when kidneys fail, phosphorus builds up in the body Too much phosphorus pulls calcium from bones, causing painful fractures and breaks.

Most meats have around 200mg of phosphorus per 3 ounce serving. Venison contains only 135mg of phosphorus per 3 ounces. This makes it one of the lowest phosphorus meats available. The less phosphorus fed, the easier it is on diseased kidneys.

2. Higher in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Research shows omega-3 fatty acids benefit dogs with kidney disease. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and improve blood flow. They can help manage the progression of kidney disease.

Venison contains higher amounts of beneficial omega-3s compared to beef or chicken. The omega-3s in venison may aid kidney function and overall health.

3. Lower in Saturated Fat

Saturated fats from animal proteins can put extra strain on the kidneys. Venison is one of the leanest meats available. With less saturated fat than beef, pork or chicken, venison is gentler on compromised kidneys.

4. Lower Sodium Content

Salt stresses kidneys and accelerates kidney decline. Fresh venison contains less sodium compared to processed meats like hot dogs, lunch meat or bacon. Choosing fresh venison avoids excess sodium.

5. Highly Palatable for Picky Pups

Getting enough protein is crucial for dogs with kidney disease. But these dogs are often older and picky! The rich flavor and meaty texture of venison is irresistible. It helps entice finicky pups to eat vital proteins.

Potential Downsides of Venison

While venison has some benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Higher in Protein – Venison is very high in protein. Dogs with moderate-severe kidney disease need to limit protein. Too much can tax the kidneys.

• Risk of Foodborne Illness – Any raw meat carries a bacteria risk. But wild venison may have higher exposure to things like E. coli or Salmonella. Only feed venison cooked.

• Higher in Iron – Iron is hard for damaged kidneys to remove. Venison contains 3-4 times more iron than beef. Too much iron can harm kidneys.

• May Still Be High in Phosphorus for Some Dogs – Even though venison is lower in phosphorus than beef or chicken, it may still be too high for some dogs. Work with your vet on exact amounts.

• Difficult to Obtain – Venison sold in stores is not always easy to source. You may need to purchase directly from hunters or specialty shops.

Feeding Guidelines

Work closely with your vet to see if venison is appropriate for your dog with kidney issues. Here are some feeding tips:

• Limit Portion Size – Venison should be no more than 10% of your dog’s calories if they have moderate-severe kidney disease. Too much protein stresses kidneys.

• Mix with Lower Protein Foods – Combine small amounts of venison with kidney-friendly carbs like white rice, pasta or potatoes. This dilutes the protein load.

• Avoid Everyday – Venison should be fed only occasionally, not daily, for dogs with kidney disease. Focus on prescription kidney diets or lower protein foods as the basis of the diet.

• Cook Thoroughly – Always serve venison fully cooked to kill bacteria. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F.

• Watch for GI Upset – Introduce venison slowly and watch for vomiting or diarrhea. Stop feeding if it causes tummy troubles.

• Select Lean Cuts – Choose lean venison cuts like loin or leg. Avoid higher fat options like ribs or shoulder.

• Canned is Best – Look for canned venison formulated for dogs. It has been pre-cooked safely and contains added vitamins/minerals.

The Bottom Line

Can dogs with kidney disease eat venison? In moderation, yes. Venison can be a tasty way to supplement kidney-friendly proteins. However, dogs with advanced kidney failure still require close management of nutrients like protein, phosphorus and sodium.

Work closely with your veterinarian to determine if venison is appropriate for your dog’s individual condition. They can help you safely incorporate venison as part of a kidney diet. With the right nutritional care, dogs with kidney issues can still live happy, high-quality lives!