Since Willow was discharged from the ER for her kidney failure I have had an extremely difficult time convincing her to eat on her own. She’s been home slight over a month. The first 2 weeks I had to syringe feed her, then she finally started showing interest in eating on her own but that only lasted about 9 days and then it was back to syringe feeding. She started showing interest in eating again 2 days ago (she was begging for my dinner) so I offered her multiple things starting with the KD food and the only thing she ate was a plain cooked ground beef patty. Oddly though she only ate the edges of it where the meat was browned more. I cooked her a plain sirloin steak today and once again she was only interested in the darkened (slightly burned) pieces. Is this normal for dogs that have been diagnosed with kidney failure?
I understand your concern about Willow's eating habits, especially considering her recent bout with acute renal failure. Dogs with kidney issues often have fluctuating appetites and can be quite selective about their food. Willow's preference for the browned or slightly burned edges of meat might be due to the stronger flavor or texture, which she finds more appealing at the moment.
To help manage her condition and encourage her to eat, here are a few suggestions:
Firstly, continue offering her a kidney diet, such as Hill's K/D or Royal Canin Renal. These diets are specifically formulated to support kidney function. You might try mixing small amounts of the browned meat she prefers with the kidney diet to make it more enticing for her.
Secondly, consider offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. Sometimes, smaller portions can be more appealing than larger meals.
Additionally, slightly warming her food can enhance its aroma, making it more appetizing for her.
It's also crucial to ensure she stays well-hydrated. Dogs with kidney issues need plenty of water to help flush out toxins. You might offer low-sodium broth to encourage her fluid intake.
If her appetite continues to be inconsistent, it would be wise to discuss the possibility of using appetite stimulants with your vet. These can sometimes help encourage eating.
Given her condition and the ongoing difficulty with her appetite, it's important to monitor her overall health and behavior closely. If you notice signs of worsening condition, such as increased lethargy, vomiting, or changes in urination, it would be best to seek veterinary attention promptly.
If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.
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