Dogs suffering from liver or kidney problems require extra attention when it comes to their diet. The wrong foods can significantly worsen their condition, placing additional strain on already compromised organs. Whether your dog has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), liver failure, or early-stage dysfunction, understanding which foods to avoid is a vital part of their long-term care plan.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the foods that are harmful to dogs with liver and kidney issues, the reasons these foods should be avoided, and how to build a safer, more supportive diet.

 

Why the Right Diet Matters

Both the liver and kidneys are detoxifying powerhouses in a dog’s body:

      • The liver metabolizes nutrients, removes toxins, and stores vitamins and energy.

      • The kidneys filter waste, regulate electrolytes, manage hydration, and produce hormones that support blood pressure and red blood cell production.

    When either organ is impaired, waste and toxins can build up quickly in the bloodstream, causing illness. Poor dietary choices can accelerate the progression of these conditions and diminish your pet’s quality of life.

     

    Key Dietary Goals for Dogs with Liver or Kidney Problems

    Before identifying specific foods to avoid, it’s important to understand the dietary adjustments typically recommended for liver or kidney disease:

        • Lower protein intake (for kidney issues): Too much protein can overload the kidneys with waste products like urea.

        • Higher-quality protein (for liver issues): Dogs with liver disease often need moderate amounts of high-quality, easily digestible protein.

        • Restricted phosphorus: High phosphorus levels worsen kidney function.

        • Low sodium: Helps manage blood pressure and fluid retention.

        • Low copper (for liver conditions): Excess copper can build up in the liver, especially in certain breeds.

        • Avoid toxins and additives: Synthetic ingredients, preservatives, and colourings can stress both the liver and kidneys.

      Foods to Avoid for Dogs with Kidney Disease

       

      1. High-Phosphorus Foods

      Phosphorus is a mineral that healthy kidneys can excrete efficiently. When the kidneys are compromised, phosphorus builds up in the bloodstream, leading to further damage.

      Avoid:

          • Organ meats (liver, kidney, heart)

          • Sardines and anchovies

          • Egg yolks

          • Bones and bone meal

          • Dairy products (cheese, milk, yogurt)

        Why It Matters:
        Reducing phosphorus intake slows the progression of kidney disease and supports better outcomes.

         

        2. High-Protein Foods (in uncontrolled amounts)

        While protein is essential, dog with kidney issues may require lower amounts to reduce the waste their kidneys must filter.

        Avoid excessive intake of:

            • Red meat (beef, lamb, pork)

            • Chicken or turkey (especially with skin)

            • Fish

          Note: This doesn’t mean no protein—but the type and quantity must be carefully managed by your vet.

           

          3. High-Sodium Foods

          Too much sodium can increase blood pressure and contribute to fluid retention, placing stress on both the heart and kidneys.

          Avoid:

              • Salted meats (bacon, ham, sausages)

              • Canned soups

              • Commercial broths

              • Fast food and table scraps

              • Processed dog treats with salt

            Why It Matters:
            Dogs with kidney issues often struggle to regulate fluid balance, making low-sodium diets critical.

             

            4. Grapes and Raisins

            Even small amounts of grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs.

            Avoid at all costs.

            Why It Matters:
            The exact toxin is unknown, but these fruits are proven to be extremely toxic to canine kidneys.

             

            5. Garlic and Onions

            Both garlic and onions contain compounds that can damage red blood cells and contribute to anaemia, especially dangerous for dogs already suffering from kidney issues.

            Avoid:

                • Garlic powder

                • Onion powder

                • Raw or cooked garlic/onions

              Why It Matters:
              Anaemia and oxidative damage can further burden compromised kidneys.

               

              Foods to Avoid for Dogs with Liver Disease

              6. Copper-Rich Foods

              Some liver conditions, especially copper-associated hepatitis, require a low-copper diet.

              Avoid:

                  • Liver

                  • Shellfish

                  • Duck

                  • Salmon

                  • Whole grains like quinoa and bran

                Why It Matters:
                Copper accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver cell death in sensitive breeds.

                 

                7. Fatty or Fried Foods

                High-fat foods are difficult for the liver to process and can cause pancreatitis or worsen hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease).

                Avoid:

                    • Fried chicken

                    • Sausages and burgers

                    • Butter, cream, or lard

                    • Fat trimmings from meat

                  Why It Matters:
                  Excess fat taxes liver function and can contribute to systemic inflammation.

                   

                  8. Alcohol or Fermented Foods

                  Dogs should never consume alcohol or foods containing fermentation byproducts like ethanol.

                  Avoid:

                      • Alcohol (beer, wine, spirits)

                      • Bread dough

                      • Sauerkraut or fermented vegetables

                    Why It Matters:
                    Even small amounts of alcohol can cause significant liver damage and neurological symptoms in dogs.

                     

                    9. Artificial Additives and Preservatives

                    Dogs with liver conditions should eat clean, minimally processed foods to avoid unnecessary chemical burdens.

                    Avoid:

                        • Artificial colours (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5)

                        • Preservatives (BHA, BHT)

                        • Flavour enhancers (MSG)

                      Why It Matters:
                      These ingredients may be harmless to healthy dogs but can stress a weakened liver.

                       

                      10. Moldy or Spoiled Foods

                      Moldy food can contain aflatoxins, highly toxic to the liver.

                      Avoid:

                          • Moldy bread

                          • Spoiled leftovers

                          • Old dry dog food exposed to moisture

                        Why It Matters:
                        Aflatoxins can cause sudden and severe liver failure, even in small amounts.

                         

                        Common Mistakes Pet Owners Make

                            1. Feeding leftovers or table scraps: Human food often contains salt, fat, spices, and additives that can be harmful.

                            1. Choosing generic dog food brands: Cheap brands may contain fillers, meat by-products, and low-quality protein sources.

                            1. Using human supplements or herbs: Some vitamins, like vitamin D or iron, can be toxic in large doses.

                            1. Not consulting a vet before diet changes: Every dog’s condition is different. What works for one may harm another.

                          Safe Feeding Alternatives

                          Instead of focusing only on what to avoid, here are safe alternatives that support organ health:

                              • Boiled white rice or sweet potatoes for easy-to-digest carbs

                              • Lean cooked chicken breast (no seasoning)

                              • Low-phosphorus veggies like carrots, green beans, and squash

                              • Egg whites as a low-phosphorus protein option

                              • Specialty vet-prescribed diets from brands like Hill’s or Royal Canin

                            When to See the Vet

                            You should consult your vet if your dog displays any of the following signs:

                                • Vomiting or diarrhoea

                                • Yellowing of eyes or gums

                                • Unusual fatigue

                                • Changes in appetite or thirst

                                • Weight loss

                              Blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging can help diagnose the severity of the condition and guide proper dietary treatment.

                               

                              Final Thoughts

                              Feeding a dog with liver or kidney issues requires careful attention, education, and discipline. Avoiding harmful foods is just as important as including beneficial ones. While managing a chronic condition can be challenging, the right dietary approach can slow disease progression, improve your dog’s comfort, and extend their life.

                              Always consult your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist before making any major changes to your pet’s diet. And remember—what you leave out of the bowl can be just as healing as what you put in.