FEEDING FOR LIFE
Kidney disease is one of the most common medical problems of pets. Because the kidneys remove waste from the bloodstream and regulate body fluids, kidney failure is considered very serious. In fact, kidney disease is a leading killer of cats and dogs 2. Chronic kidney disease is a gradual, progressive disease in which visible symptoms usually do not appear until much of the kidney is damaged.
In 1948, Hill's® introduced Prescription Diet® k/d®, the first food developed to help manage dogs with kidney failure. Today, a university study shows1 that Prescription Diet® Canine k/d® can:
Help Dogs Live Longer
Dogs with kidney failure live twice as long on
Prescription Diet k/d as dogs fed a typical adult grocery food.
Improve Quality of Life
Dogs fed Prescription Diet k/d are 50% less likely
to develop the uremic crisis
(vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite).
Result
Prescription Diet k/d helps dogs with kidney
failure live longer, better-quality lives1.
Feeding Information
As the university study shows, the course of kidney disease can be significantly altered by continually feeding Prescription Diet k/d. This food has been specifically formulated to reduce the workload on the kidneys and to give your pet the opportunity to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Prescription Diet k/d products are eagerly accepted. Gradually introduce the new food over a 7- to 10-day period. Mix the new food with the old, adding more of the Prescription Diet k/d each day until only Prescription Diet k/d is fed.
Some pets suffering from kidney failure may not always feel like eating. Here are a few tips to help your pet to eat.
- Hand-feed the food for the first few days
- Warm canned food (to body temperature)
- For dogs only, add a little warm water to the food and wait ten minutes before serving; remove the moistened food after one hour
It is important that pets receive Prescription Diet k/d to start helping them feel better. Prescription Diet k/d must be fed continually to pets diagnosed with kidney disease.
The Support You Need
Kidney disease cannot be cured, but your veterinary healthcare team is thoroughly prepared to take the steps necessary to help your pet live as long as possible with the highest quality of life.
During this difficult time, it is important to closely follow your veterinarian's instructions concerning proper nutrition and other aspects of proper home care. If you have any questions or problems, contact your veterinary healthcare team. Like you, they want the best for your pet.
Over the years your pet has provided you with many moments of selfless joy and love. At Hill's, we understand the strong bond that develops between pets and their owners. In fact, many of the people that work at Hill's are veterinarians who have dedicated their own lives to improving the lives of companion animals.
Join the Fight
Kidney disease is the number one killer of cats and the number two killer of dogs 2. Hill's is committed to changing these statistics through continued research and educational efforts. Hill's is proud to sponsor "The Gift of Life" National Kidney Disease Awareness Campaign to help spread the word on the importance of screening for kidney disease.
If you have questions on the role nutrition plays in helping pets with kidney disease, consult your veterinarian.
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