Diet is a very important part of the support of pets with chronic kidney disease. In recognition of the fact that kidney problems often lead to a lack of interest in food, Royal Canin Renal diets are highly palatable to help ensure your pet receives a healthy meal of essential nutrients.

There are several general measures which you can take to help your pet, particularly when feeding Renal on an on-going basis:

n Feed meals on a little and often basis

n Warm food just below body temperature to tempt your pet

n Offer fresh food at each feeding (be sure to store the food correctly)

n Offer food from a small saucer or by hand

n Offer food in a variety of formats which may encourage more voluntary intake

Allow your pet access to clean, fresh water at all times. Royal Canin Renal diets are designed for your pet's particular needs. They should be the sole source of food unless otherwise advised by your Veterinary Surgeon.

Chronic kidney disease is a relatively common problem in both cats and dogs. Although kidney disease can occur in young animals, it is more commonly seen in the older pet. If your pet has kidney problems, one of the ways you can help them is by feeding a diet which is specially formulated to support their condition.

Royal Canin Renal diets are designed for the dietary support of cats and dogs with chronic kidney disease. The diets can be fed separately or in any combination to allow your pet to find something that specifically appeals to them.

The key features of Royal Canin Renal diets are as follows:

n Highly palatable

n Restricted phosphorus content

n Strictly controlled levels of high quality protein

n High energy density, with calories from non-protein sources

n Moderately restricted sodium content

n Enhanced levels of B-complex vitamins

n Enriched with an optimum antioxidant complex

n Enhanced levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Royal Canin Renal diets are enriched in antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein and taurine) to help maintain health and vitality.

'Antioxidant' is a general term for nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and other components naturally present in many foods. Antioxidants neutralise excess free radicals produced during normal body metabolism that can cause damage to body cells. Free radical production increases when your pet is ill.

Changing your pet s diet should always be carried out over several days. It is not uncommon for pets to refuse a new diet or to suffer from stomach or gut upsets if the change is not gradual. On day 1, begin by adding a small amount of the new diet to your pet s existing food. As each day passes, add more of the new diet to less of the original food, until eventually you are only feeding the new diet. This change should take around 5-7 days.

Royal Canin are leaders in palatability. So confident are we that your pet will enjoy their food that we offer a no quibble, money-back guarantee. Simply return the food to your veterinary practice for a full refund*.

* Terms and conditions apply

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS What do the kidneys do?

The kidneys remove waste products and extra water from the bloodstream which are expelled from the body as urine. The waste products in the bloodstream come from normal (muscle) metabolism plus the food that your pet eats. The body uses food for energy and self- repair; it takes what it needs from the nutrients entering the bloodstream from the gastrointestinal system. Unused waste in the blood is then filtered through the kidneys and removed via the urine. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys which are called nephrons.

In addition to removing waste products the kidneys regulate the body s internal levels of many minerals or electrolytes (eg, sodium, potassium,

calcium). By virtue of fluid-regulation, another key role of the kidneys is managing blood pressure.

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease leads to a progressive loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete waste products, concentrate urine and regulate electrolytes. Waste products (toxins) accumulate in the bloodstream and produce some of the clinical signs of kidney disease (poor appetite, weight loss, urination, increased thirst, vomiting, bad breath, gastric and intestinal ulcers). Chronic kidney disease is slowly progressive. In the early stages, there may be no signs that your pet has kidney disease.

It is not possible to repair the damage which occurs in chronic kidney disease, but feeding your pet the correct diet can provide vital support for the remaining functioning tissue and so help maintain your pet's quality of life for as long as possible.

What are the aims of the dietary support of pets with chronic kidney disease?

n To avoid the accumulation of waste products in the blood

n To reduce phosphorus intake to protect remaining nephrons

n To help maintain your pet's quality of life for as long as possible

Royal Canin Renal diets are specially formulated to provide the ideal nutritional support for pets with chronic kidney disease.

What is the function of proteins?

The proteins that your pet eats in their diet are broken down into smaller units called amino acids. Amino acids are used by the body for growth, maintenance of muscles, skin, coat and the regulation of body functions. The amino acids that are not needed for this are used as an energy source, and waste from this process is converted into urea which is normally excreted in the pet s urine.

Why is the protein level in my pet s diet so important when chronic kidney disease has been diagnosed?

By feeding your pet with the right level of protein you can reduce the build-up of unwanted waste products, especially urea. The protein provided also needs to be of very high quality, which means reduced phosphorus but still ensures that all the amino acids your pet needs are provided in the right amounts.

Why is the phosphorus level in my pet s diet strictly monitored?

When the kidneys are not working effectively they become unable to remove sufficient phosphorus from the bloodstream. When blood phosphorus levels rise, a series of biochemical pathways leads to further loss of function of kidney nephrons. Reducing your pet's phosphorus intake is therefore vital to reduce the level of phosphorus in their bloodstream and helps support the remaining nephrons.

How long do I need to feed the diet for?

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease, which cannot be cured and diet is a primary support in the management of your pet. It is important that your pet continues to be fed Renal diet, for the rest of their life (under veterinary supervision).

The recommended diet

Changing your pet s diet

A specific diet for your pet

Key features

Antioxidants