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30 Best Dog Foods for a Yorkie with Chronic Kidney Disease
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support A Adult Dry Dog Food
Likes: 8
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care Wet Dog Food
My dog did, and she lived a year longer due to what I fed her! A mixture of Mashed potatoes, real pumpkin purée, and Science Diet gastrointestinal canned Food, 2 times a day! Only carbs for treats! No proteins!
Author: Kitty Gillis S.
Likes: 6
I give my dog ‘Hills Science Diet,’ but he prefers ‘Nutro So Simple. I hope you find a solution for your poor baby.
Author: Ciera W.
Likes: 4
Solid Gold Gut Health Meal Kit
My little 15-1/2 year old man had stage 3. His doctor was in agreement with me to give him whatever he wanted. I cooked white meat chicken with rice, green beans, carrots, and pumpkin on occasion. I added some pellets of Solid Gold bison and sweet potato to be sure he got all the needed nutrients. Sometimes he got finicky and wanted a hamburger, which he got.
Author: Stephen H.
Likes: 29
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support A Adult Dry Dog Food
Likes: 14
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Dog Food, Chicken
Likes: 4
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Dog Food, Chicken
My 19-year-old Yorkie and 16-year-old Yorkie both have kidney disease. This has definitely extended her life in the last two years since the diagnosis. (the older dog) Just two weeks ago. Her daughter was diagnosed with kidney disease also. Now she is getting it. It’s called kidney care.
Author: Ana M. L.
Likes: 5
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Small Bites Dry Dog Food
This is the one my little one eats (Hill’s Digestive Care I/D). She’s very sensitive and cannot deviate from her diet ever
Author: Eleanora D.
Likes: 0
My Yorkie has bladder cancer, she’s 14. We had surgery last week. They were able to debulk the tumor, but not remove all of the cancer. The biopsy came back as an aggressive cancer, unfortunately. I know it’s hard! She’s doing well. We are doing chemo. As far as I know, her kidneys are holding up well. We go for a check on Thursday, but I do understand your frustration when she started getting sick, and we had no idea what was wrong. She wouldn’t eat. I started making her food. She eats Turkey, sweet peas, and green beans. I blend them! She loves it.Author: Ashley Lane D.
Likes: 2
Yes, mine died of it after 4 years of treatment, which is the max any dog has been kept alive with it. He had a home-cooked diet via a dog naturopath, nutritionist with kidney disease supplements on it, and epakitin on it, and prescription foods from the regular vets and his specialists. I wish I had just fed him the vegan dog food with some sardine and or egg as a topper. My other dogs have lived the longest on, most dogs don’t live till that age.Author: ZsaZsa S.
Likes: 1
I have a little girl I bought 16 years ago. She is currently on .5mg of Fortekor once a day and 3/4 cup daily of Royal Canin Renal Support A kibble. I top this off with a little baked chicken breast to encourage consumption of the pill and food. She has started losing weight (now 8.4 lbs), and that is of concern.
Author: Richard W. R.
Likes: 1
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Likes: 1
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Dog Food, Chicken
My dog is on Hills prescription U/D. He started developing crystals in his urine. Straight out of the can it is really mushy and he didn’t like it. A customer service representative suggested freezing it to draw out the extra moisture. I freeze 2 cans at a time. Each can is about 3 meals. When I open a new can I defrost one. This process changes the texture to be more flaky.
Author: Celeste A.
Likes: 0
I don’t feed my dogs dog food anymore. He gets a meat, veggie, with a tiny part of organic butter. After all those animals dying from moldy corn. And they cook it at such a high temp all the nutrients are cooked out. My suggestion is to cook up some chicken, beef, pork, or lamb for the week, then add some different frozen veggies throughout the week.Author: Audrea L.
Likes: 1
Petcurean Now! Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dog Dry Food
My little male Yorkie named Duke was diagnosed with early stages of kidney disease on March 6th 2022. I feed him Now Fresh dog kibble, and I give him powder medication every day mixed in with his food, and he is doing great. He turned 15 years old back in January. Almost blind and deaf, but still loves life. He sleeps with me every night and can’t imagine my life without him. Will keep him as long as I can, as long as he is not in pain.
Author: Janie K.
Likes: 3
Freshpet Healthy & Natural Dog Food, Fresh Beef Roll
Try Fresh Pet. I promise your dog will love it. Mine did an she is really picky when it comes to food. Get it at Walmart in a small roll or big
Author: Marie T.
Likes: 4
JustFoodForDogs Vet RX Pantry Fresh Prescription Dog Food
Just food for dogs – switched our Yorkie and she loves it!!
Author: Cynthia Standridge T.
Likes: 0
Primal Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food Nuggets, Beef, Complete & Balanced Meal
Author: Carlea Zurick P.
Likes: 1
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support D Adult Thin Slices in Gravy Dog Food
We have a very picky 14-year-old with kidney disease. After some trial and error, we have finally settled on alternating between Royal Canin renal support dry food and the Royal Canin renal canned wet food w/ gravy. Some days she likes dry food, other days she wants the wet food, but since we started feeding her that and doing subq fluids, her levels have been stable.
Author: Alicia P.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Digestive/Weight/Glucose/Urinary Management Dry Dog Food
My Yorkie thinks that she’s a goat and will eat anything. She loves the Hills W/D that the vet prescribed. I add green beans to try to control her weight. She is also insulin dependent for diabetes and blind.
Author: Phyllis Stormo S.
When my Yorkie got really sick and would not eat, I found some food online called Dr. Marty’s that was freeze-dried raw meat. She absolutely loved it and gained back all the weight she had lost. I highly recommend but it is a bit pricey. Good luck with your baby.
Author: Jan P.
Likes: 0
Forza10 – Dog Food, Vet Formulated Wet Dog Food for Kidney Support
They never do. Amazon has a pretty good one called Forza10 Renal Support Plate in juices. Made in Iceland. Only one mine ate.Vet formulated. It uses diuretic herbs in this, also. A plus!
Author: Linda Pelletier B.
Likes: 0
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care with Turkey Canned Dog Food
Try another prescription from a different brand. My kiddos eat prescription Hills Science Diet I/d can Turkey and Prescription chicken dry. Sending prayers for your baby
Author: Diane R.
Likes: 6
Simple Food Project – Beef & Salmon Recipe – Freeze Dried Raw Food for Dogs
Mine is at the very beginning of kidney disease, and I also have arthritis. My vet combines natural/holistic therapies along with normal medicine. I have her taking in extra liquids with some goat milk that has anti inflammatory, she takes B12, a goat milk cheese that has things in it for inflammation and urinary tract support, renal support supplement, a kidney medication, fish oil, joint supplement, and is on CBD twice a day. She also gets the red light therapy that helps for both IV hydration and just started Ozone treatment. She eats a freeze-dried dog food that’s all natural called The Simple Food Project. I add broth or goat’s milk to it. She loves it. And she is very finicky.
Author: Tracey Best C.
Likes: 0
Mini Lamb & Blueberry Grain Free Pumpkin Dog Food by Farmina
Mine had kidney and liver problems, I almost lost her. We changed her diet to a brand called Farmina 100% recommended, and also complemented with veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, chicken breast, and zero table foods. For her liver, we gave her a supplement called milk thistle, and that regenerated her liver and cleaned her kidneys. She’s a new dog! She’s 7 now. This happened when she was 4. Complete diet change. Hope this helps!
Author: Tessy Cruz-C.
Likes: 0
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for a Yorkie with Kidney Disease
1. What foods are best for a Yorkie with kidney disease?
A Yorkie with kidney disease benefits from a diet low in phosphorus and protein but high in quality fats and easily digestible carbohydrates. Prescription kidney diets from trusted brands like Hill’s k/d, Royal Canin Renal Support, or Purina NF are often ideal. These are formulated specifically to ease the kidney workload while maintaining nutrition.
2. Can I feed my Yorkie home-cooked meals for kidney disease?
Yes, home-cooked meals can be a good option if guided by a veterinary nutritionist. Ingredients often include white rice, lean chicken or turkey (in small, controlled amounts), egg whites, sweet potatoes, and green beans. Avoid bones, organ meats, and high-phosphorus ingredients like dairy or whole grains.
3. Should I avoid protein entirely in my Yorkie’s diet?
No, protein should not be entirely eliminated. Instead, it should be high-quality and fed in limited amounts. The goal is to reduce waste products that the kidneys need to filter while still supporting your Yorkie’s muscle health and immune function.
4. Are there any fruits or vegetables that are good for Yorkies with kidney issues?
Yes, certain low-phosphorus fruits and veggies like apples (without seeds), blueberries, carrots, pumpkin, and green beans are great snacks or mix-ins. Avoid grapes, raisins, and onions, which are toxic to dogs, and limit high-potassium options unless advised by your vet.
5. How much water should a Yorkie with kidney disease drink?
Hydration is crucial. Always provide fresh, clean water and encourage your Yorkie to drink frequently. Wet or canned kidney diets can also help increase fluid intake, which supports kidney function and helps flush toxins.
6. Can treats be given to a Yorkie with kidney disease?
Yes, but choose kidney-safe treats. Low-protein, low-sodium snacks like carrot slices, rice cakes (unsalted), or specially formulated renal dog treats are appropriate. Avoid commercial treats with high protein, phosphorus, or salt content.
7. Is it safe to give supplements to support kidney health?
Some supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), vitamin B complex, or renal-supportive probiotics, may help—but only under veterinary supervision. Over-supplementation can worsen symptoms, so always consult your vet before adding anything new.
Supporting Your Yorkie’s Health, One Meal at a Time
Caring for a Yorkie with kidney disease comes with its challenges, but choosing the right food can make a meaningful difference in their quality of life. A thoughtfully selected diet can help manage symptoms, support kidney function, and keep your little companion feeling their best for as long as possible. It’s important to stay attentive to your dog’s needs, work closely with your veterinarian, and make adjustments as necessary along the way. With patience, love, and the right nutrition, you’re giving your Yorkie the comfort and care they truly deserve. Even small changes in their diet can lead to brighter days, more energy, and more precious moments together.
Toledo, United States.