Hey there, you all! Let’s talk about that low phosphorus dog food. My old dog, he had some troubles, you know. Vet said, “Less phosphorus for him.” So, I had to learn all about it.
What’s This Phosphorus?
Well, it’s some kind of stuff that’s good for bones, they say. My bones ache, maybe I need more! But for dogs, too much is no good, specially for their kidneys, that vet told me. Like, if their kidneys ain’t working right, they can’t get rid of this phosphorus stuff, and it builds up. Makes ’em sick.
So, What’s Low Phosphorus?
They say, less than 1% of that phosphorus, that’s what you want in low phosphorus dog food. Regular dog food has more, like maybe 1.5% or even 2%. I saw it on them labels. That’s how you know. Gotta read them labels, like readin’ a seed catalog, check every detail. Look for words like, well, “kidney health” or “renal support” or something. Those bags are designed for dogs with kidney issues.
- Less than 1% is good.
- More than that, not so good for some dogs.
- Read them labels close!
Finding the Right Food
It ain’t easy, I tell ya. All them different bags and cans. But you gotta look close. Some say “low protein” too, ’cause protein sometimes got phosphorus with it. That was all muddled in my head, then I tried to sort it out. I asked the folks at the feed store, but they weren’t much help. Just wanted to sell me the most expensive bag, they did.
So I just did what I always do, try different things. Started with one bag, see how my dog likes it. He didn’t like it at first. Picky eater, that one! But he got used to it, and his pee got less smelly. Then, he seemed perkier, too, wantin’ to chase squirrels again. Made me happy, that did.
What Foods to Watch Out For?
Now, that vet, he gave me a list of stuff. Said to avoid certain things. Like them beans, the dried ones. And some peas, too, I think, I forget what kind. Black-eyed peas, that’s what he said. And no organ meats. Liver, kidneys, all that. My dog loved liver, but no more. Heard it’s full of that phosphorus. Gotta keep him away from that stuff.
Then there’s milk. I used to give him a little milk sometimes. Not no more. Vet said use that fake milk, like what people put in their coffee. That is okay. I didn’t know about that. Learn somethin’ new every day, I guess.
Cookin’ at Home?
Some folks, they cook for their dogs. That’s a lot of work, I think. But if you do that, you gotta be real careful. You can ask that vet for help. They can tell you what’s okay and what ain’t. I ain’t no cook, so I just stick to them bags of low phosphorus dog food. It’s easier that way.
I tried cooking once, a mess it was. Burnt rice, dog wouldn’t touch it. Then the smoke alarm went off. Oh, what a day!
Keep an Eye on ‘Em
Most important thing, I think, is to watch your dog. See how he’s doin’. Is he eatin’? Is he drinkin’? Is he peein’ okay? If somethin’ seems wrong, you call that vet. Don’t wait. Kidney trouble, it’s serious. You gotta catch it early.
- Watch if they’re eatin’ good.
- See if they’re drinkin’ water.
- Make sure they’re peein’ right.
My dog, he’s doin’ better now. Still old, but he’s got some pep in his step. We go for slow walks, he sniffs everything, just like the old days. He is happy, I am happy too. Makes my heart feel good to see him like that.
So, if your dog needs that low phosphorus dog food, don’t worry too much. Just gotta find the right one, and watch him close. You can do it, it is not that hard, just try and try again. It’s worth it, for them furry friends of ours. They give us so much love, gotta take care of ’em, right? That’s all I know about that low phosphorus stuff. Hope it helps you some!
Remember to give your dog fresh water all the time. Sometimes I think they do not drink enough when they do not feel good. Water is important for them, especially when they have kidney problems.
Also, talk to your vet regularly. I just say what I know, but your vet knows more. They tested my dog’s blood and urine. Then they know what food is best. And ask questions. Do not be shy. This is your dog we are talking about.
Another thing, do not change food suddenly. Do it little by little. Mix new food with old food. I did it over a week, and it was fine. Otherwise, the dog might get stomach upset. And then, you have another problem!
Check Their Treats, Too!
Oh, and one more thing! Don’t forget about them dog treats! Some of them got lots of phosphorus, too. Gotta read them labels, same as the food. I found some that are okay, but it took some lookin’. Or you can give ’em little pieces of carrot or apple. Mine likes that, just a little bit, not too much sugar, you know. It is important to watch treats, too. Treats are food, just like the regular kibble. They add up, you know. All the small things, they matter.
