The 5 Best Low Protein Dog Treats for Pups with Kidney Issues

Low protein dog treats may not seem like a huge selling point at first, but that’s only if you don’t have a dog with kidney problems. An excess of protein can lead to dehydration, diarrhea and more in dogs who suffer from kidney disease, which are all issues that you and your dog definitely shouldn’t have to deal with. Luckily, there are plenty of low protein dog treats out there that can let your dog enjoy a special treat without having to put their health on the line to do so.

Today we’re going to be ranking the best low protein dog treats and discussing what makes each one so good. Whether your pooch is already in the thrall of kidney disease or you’re simply worried about their health may be headed down that path, we’ve found some great treats that will let them enjoy snacktime exactly how they used toThere were a number of things we looked at when assessing what the best low protein dog treats to feature on our list would be. The first prospect is right there in the title: is there minimal to no protein in the treat in question? A portion of protein that would be perfectly healthy for a normal dog can be incredibly harmful to feed to a dog with kidney disease. Thus, our top priority was making sure these low protein dog treats were exactly what they claimed to be.

Next, we had to ensure these low protein dog treats were as tasty to consume as they were easy on the kidneys. After all, there’s not much point in giving your dog a healthy treat if it tastes too yucky for them to eat in the first place. In addition to being low protein, dog treats that wanted a place on our list would also have to excel in the yumminess category.

Finally, we wanted to know if these low protein dog treats carried any additional health benefits. Protein might be bad for dogs with weak kidneys, but there are plenty of other nutrients that these dogs can–and in fact should–have in their diet. We wanted to make sure these low protein dog treats could also serve as healthy, nutritious snacks in their own right.

These were our top criteria for assembling our list of the best low protein dog treats, but they’re hardly the only things that ended up making a difference. Read on and get ready to give your kidney-addled pup the delicious treat they deserve.

Mattie’s Treats Low Protein Dog Treats

Mattie’s Treats filled all of our requirements of low protein dog treats with total aplomb. Aside from the lack of protein, these snacks also exclude wheat, corn, and other potential allergens from its recipe. And it’s a tasty recipe to boot, made from real pumpkin and cinnamon and doused with fish oil to help your dog’s coat health. These low protein dog treats went above and beyond our expectations, and we’re happy to award them with our top pick.

Pros

• Portion of sales go to kidney disease research
• Good for larger dogs
• Scent appeals to dogs

Cons

• Tough texture may require soaking

Grandma Lucy’s Low Protein Dog Treats

Remembering to eat your fruits and veggies is valid advice for dogs as well as people, as these low protein dog treats prove. Grandma Lucy’s is a preservative-free package of tasty banana and sweet potato snacks, each of which is assessed for quality using strict kosher guidelines. They also include only 5.5% protein, making them safe to munch on for dogs with kidney issues. As a tasty and all-natural alternative to mainstream fare, these low protein dog treats are a definite winner.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Adorable design
• Easy to break into smaller pieces

Cons

• High sugar content

Kidney Restore Low Protein Dog Treats

If you want to give your dog the meaty flavors they love without worrying about damaging their kidneys, these low protein dog treats may be the solution. While each bite contains the bold taste of bacon, the flavor is actually entirely plant-derived, greatly reducing the risk of harm to your dog’s kidneys. It’s also jam-packed with other powerful nutrients, such as b complex vitamins, organic acacia fiber, and even more. The mix of tasty faux bacon and a robust array of bonus health benefits make these low protein dog treats ones you should definitely check out.

Pros

• Easy to digest
• Texture encourages slow chewing
• Inoffensive smell

Cons

• Fairly expensive

Pet Wellbeing Low Protein Dog Treats

Healthy ingredients are the most important thing when judging low protein dog treats, and that’s where Pet Wellbeing excels. These treats use a unique blend of ingredients, including Dong Quai and cordyceps, to perform restorative tasks like boosting the immune system and encouraging blood circulation. And since their veggie-chicken flavoring tastes just like the genuine article, your dog is sure to enjoy gulping them down. For a well-rounded and unique spin on low protein dog treats, give these tasty chews a try.

Pros

• Well rounded nutrition
• Great for older dogs
• Compact and sturdy packaging

Cons

• Very expensive

Raw Paws Grain-Free Low Protein Dog Treats

These little low protein dog treats still pack a major punch when it comes to flavor and nutrition. Each treat has little protein, only two calories, and no fadt whatsoever, making them some of the leanest low protein dog treats you can find. They’re also filled to the brim with vitamins, antioxidants, and more, meaning what they lack in kidney-burdening content they more than make up for with other healthy attributes. Wrap it all in a tiny sweet potato shell and you have low protein dog treats that prove you can accomplish big things with small packages.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Easy to take with you
• Size is great for puppies

 
Cons

• Need soaking to make softer

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are low protein dog treats good for the kidneys?

While protein is a vital nutrient for the vast majority of dogs, it can do more harm than good for pooches who have kidney issues. This is because protein has a tendency to create a lot of waste product, and a dog with weakened kidneys may not be able to process and eliminate all of that extraneous buildup. Low protein dog treats ensure that your dog can still enjoy a tasty, nutritious snack without having to worry about adding onto their health problems.

Do low protein dog treats have other nutritional value to make up for the lack of protein?

Absolutely! There are tons of low protein dog treats that are stuffed to the brim with omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and many other nutritious chemicals that can ensure your dog lives a happy and healthy life. There are also lots of organic treats, made from things like dried fruits and sweet potatoes, that have many naturally occurring nutrients while excluding an excess of protein.

Should I give my dog low protein dog treats even if they don’t have kidney issues?

Most dogs do need a robust amount of protein in their diet to stay active, but giving them low protein dog treats every once in a while certainly won’t hurt. If you’re worried that your dog may not be getting enough hydration or has trouble digesting their food, low protein dog treats may be a good option in those cases as well. As usual, it’s always best to check with your vet before switching up the nutritional elements of your dog’s diet.

About the Author

Chris lives in Austin with a very spunky red heeler mix. This pooch has very specific dietary needs and requires lots of attention and exercise, so Chris knows exactly how to search for the best products out there to keep dogs happy. Chris is great at finding dog-friendly items that aren't just the best in their class, but work for the specific needs of different types of dogs as well.

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