Natural Remedies for Kidney Disease in Pets: A Holistic Approach

| Modified on Jul 31, 2024
Add New Post Comments

Kidney disease is a common concern among pets, particularly in their senior years. While veterinary care is crucial, natural remedies can complement medical treatment and enhance your pet's quality of life. This article explores effective natural solutions for managing kidney disease in pets.

Dietary Adjustments: Key to Kidney Health

Diet plays a vital role in managing kidney disease in pets. Consider these dietary changes:

  • Low Phosphorus Foods: High phosphorus can burden the kidneys. Opt for low-phosphorus pet food to ease kidney strain.
  • High-Quality Protein: While protein is essential, excessive amounts can be harmful. Choose high-quality, easily digestible protein sources.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These can reduce inflammation and support kidney health. Foods rich in Omega-3, like fish oil supplements, are beneficial.

Hydration: Essential for Kidney Function

Keeping your pet well-hydrated is crucial for kidney health. Encourage water intake by providing fresh water and consider wet food to increase moisture content in their diet.

Herbal Supplements: Natural Kidney Support

Certain herbs are known for supporting kidney health. Examples include:

  • Astragalus: Boosts immune function and kidney circulation.
  • Dandelion: A natural diuretic that helps to eliminate waste from the kidneys.
  • Nettle: Rich in antioxidants, supporting kidney and urinary health.

Always consult a veterinarian before introducing herbal supplements to your pet's diet.

Home Remedies for Kidney Health

Apple Cider Vinegar for Kidney Health

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is known for its potential health benefits, including supporting kidney function. It may help balance the body's pH levels and promote the elimination of toxins. Adding a small amount of ACV to your pet's water or food can aid in kidney health, but it's essential to use it in moderation and consult with your veterinarian first, as it may not be suitable for all pets.

Aloe Vera: Soothing and Detoxifying

Aloe vera is another natural remedy that can benefit pets with kidney disease. Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help reduce inflammation and support the healing of the urinary tract. It can be given orally in small amounts, but always ensure it's pet-safe and free from aloin, which can harm pets. Again, consultation with a veterinarian is crucial before introducing aloe vera into your pet's regimen.

Regular Exercise: Maintaining Kidney Health

Regular physical activity helps maintain overall health and can benefit kidney function by promoting good circulation and weight management.

Acupuncture and Massage Therapy

Acupuncture and massage therapy can enhance blood flow to the kidneys, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Consider these therapies as complementary treatments for kidney disease in pets.

Early Detection and Regular Check-ups

Early detection of kidney disease is vital. Regular veterinary check-ups can help catch kidney issues early, providing timely intervention and better management.

Conclusion

Natural remedies can play a significant role in managing kidney disease in pets. A balanced diet, proper hydration, herbal supplements, regular exercise, and complementary therapies like acupuncture can all contribute to improved kidney health. Always work closely with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your pet's needs.

Don't miss reading important reader posts on our Chronic Renal Failure page with suggestions like aloe vera for advanced stage CKD.

Related Links:

Natural Remedies for Managing Chronic Renal Failure in Pets


Activated Charcoal

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by I Kennedy (Usa) on 11/18/2017
★★★★★

Responding to a post about cat with polycystic kidney disease...

https://answers.earthclinic.com/natural-remedies-for-cat-with-polycystic-kidney-disease.html

ANY ONE that has kidney disease should be taking CHARCOAL. My 15 year old kitty (after coming home from the vet) gets a half a capsule of activated charcoal once a day in a spoonful or 2 of NON grain wet cat food (blue or abound for her) with a slippery elm/water mixture in all her food) to put mucus in her bowels, and about an eighth teaspoon of wheatgrass in one of her feedings. You don't want to mix charcoal with medicines or a lot of cat food, as it will be wasted; charcoal is famous for ridding the body of poisons, and along with filtering the toxins the kidneys are unable to handle, it will also "absorb" medicines/nutrition in the cat food. It is well worth sacrificing a spoon or two of cat food to mix the charcoal with, and she doesn't notice the taste AT ALL.

A month or so later she has almost regained her weight, grazes all day long like a pony on her food, eating equal amounts of food, and water and acts like a mere 8 yr. old! Since I am new at this, I don't know if or when I will stop the charcoal. I get the kind in jello caps so I can use half a cap a day and put the cap back on for the next day. Just an opinion from someone who isn't trained in cat medicine, for what it's worth; Cats are true carnivores, who eat only protein (bugs, birds, reptiles, meat, and a little grass) and we wonder why an animal who isn't designed to deal with carbs and grain gets obese! Then were told by the vet to get another grain-gluten dry food with "more fiber".

You can now get at the grocery store ground up chicken/pork/turkey with no antibiotics and serve it raw or cooked. This is how I got her to loose weight 10 yrs. ago when the vet made fun of how fat she was, by giving her real meat, no carbs. If you think gluten and excess carbs are bad for you, what do you think it does to an animal not designed to digest carbs? Anyway with the slippery elm/water in all her food, the charcoal and wheatgrass once a day she is pooping/drinking normally and very happy. I think other remedies are good, and we have to try to see what does or doesn't work, but ANY ONE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE SHOULD BE TAKING CHARCOAL TO TAKE UP THE SLACK OF WEAK KIDNEYS, 101.

Again, I'm not a vet or close to it, but I know what it is to have a sick cat who we almost lost and desperate to find something that works, and charcoal is wonderful for fixing up digestion matters in humans. I'm a private person (no twitter or facebook for me)so I don't even like writing this, except that I think it is so important and got such good results, and I've not heard of adverse effects with small amounts of charcoal, so if other things haven't worked for you, try it.

>
Replied by I. Kennedy
(Usa)
11/22/2017

P.S.: Since some people are new at this, I should of mentioned that you should mention not drink tap or distilled water, but spring water for you and your beasties. Tap water has bromide/ fluoride/chloride that is largely responsible for the low thyroid epidemic in the U.S., and distilled water, since it has zero minerals, will leech them out of your body over a period of time. My city gets fined every year for poor quality water, and it is easier/cheaper to pay the fine than to fix the problem. Now that my kitty feels like a "thunder kitten"(nick name) I'm considering giving her half a capsule every other day; I haven't decided. Sometimes you have to try different dosages, depending on size of the beastie and severity of the disease. I'm done now.


Aloe Vera

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%

Posted by Blueskies (UK) on 01/29/2024
★★★★★

Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Juice

My cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease and refuses to eat the renal diet food. We've been trying kidney drops and remedies with no success. He's been slowly getting worse. We found the reviews about George's Aloe Vera drink and read up about it. Its only the inner fillet so its safe for cats. It tastes of water and doesn't need to be refrigerated. We are in the UK and bought from the biggest online shop. Our cat has a tablespoon twice per day. The difference in a week is amazing. He is eating a lot more and he has starting chirping (squeaking) again which shows he is happy. He is still peeing a lot and drinking more than usual but its only been a week. I am hoping for more improvements as he will be having it every day from now on. I am also taking it since I've read all the amazing benefits! If your cat has kidney issues please try it but remember it must be the inner fillet only. Some aloe vera juice products include the outer bit which is toxic to cats.

>
Replied by Jenny
(England)
03/27/2024

Where did you buy it please?

>
Andrea C
(Wales Uk)
05/27/2024

You can buy it on Amazon and any health shops in public and online Abel and Cole Organic deliveries sell it to

>
Martin
(Louisiana)
07/30/2024
★★★★★

Would second the recommendation for George's Aloe Vera. I've been using it for over 20 years for myself and have started adding it to my dog's food to help her with age related kidney problems.

>
Replied by Minister DuVayne
(Saint Louis, Missouri)
07/30/2024
4 posts

Will he also eat GRASS or Ground up GREENS/Plants?? Might help, too. Meanwhile, glad to hear the progress so far.