Did someone say treat? Sol, a mixed breed dog who has lived with early stage
renal insufficiency for the past 5 years, waits patiently for a kidney-kind cookie.
Photo: Melissa Garcia Logan
Dogs with renal insufficiency/kidney failure require a diet that is low in phosphorus, often with low to moderate, easily digestible protein. Prescription food is commercially available for dogs with kidney problems, but your average pet store does not stock kidney-friendly treats. Dog treat labels typically do not list phosphorus values, either, which can make it difficult to provide a renal dog with a special treat.
These dog cookies are low in protein and phosphorus. They can be adjusted to add digestible protein, such as egg whites, or to reduce the fat content for dogs who have digestive problems such as pancreatitis or high liver values. Always check with your veterinarian regarding special diets for medical issues before you make a change.
Kidney-Kind Cookies
Yields two cookie sheets
Ingredients:
2.5 cups flour (all purpose is fine, rice flour can also be used)
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic (optional)
6 tablespoons low sodium chicken broth (use low-fat or fat-free for low-fat cookies)
up to 1/2 cup cold water
1 cup cooked, pureed sweet potato or other vegetable (my dogs enjoyed the addition of broccoli with parmesan cheese)
3 tablespoons of softened, unsalted butter (omit for low-fat cookies)
Tools you will need:
Large mixing bowl
fork or mixing spoon
dry measuring cups
liquid measuring cup
measuring spoons
plastic wrap
rolling pin
cookie sheet(s)
cookie cutters of your choice
wire cooling rack
Baking Instructions
1) Mix together garlic, chicken broth, and sweet potato puree in a large bowl.
2) Slowly stir in flour, then add butter, using hands to gently knead through.
3) Slowly add cold water until dough forms a ball.
4) Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until the dough is stiff and not tacky (about an hour).
5) Preheat oven to 350°F
6) Roll out dough to 1/2 inch thickness then use cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
7) Place on non-stick cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
8) Cool on a wire rack.
Cookies will keep for one week; if you add ingredients like veggies and cheese, you may want to keep refrigerated; freeze excess. If you add egg whites, the cookies will come out more like oyster crackers and may need to chill for longer than an hour.
Follow me on Twitter for dog-related news, tips, and updates! @MGL_NewarkDogs.png){kind=small}
Become a fan on Facebook to participate in discussions, share photos, and more!
All text in this article is copyrighted and the sole possession of Melissa Garcia Logan, unless otherwise indicated. Available for reprint and/or publishing only with written permission from author. Contact Melissa Garcia Logan with your comments, suggestions, questions, and ideas.
Comments