Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support formulas are designed to support the kidney health of adult dogs under veterinary supervision. These diets are formulated with specific ingredients and nutrient profiles to address the unique needs of dogs with kidney concerns. This article delves into a detailed analysis of the ingredients found in various Royal Canin Canine Renal Support diets, exploring their purpose and contribution to kidney health.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
The Royal Canin Renal Support diets share several common ingredients, each playing a vital role in supporting kidney function and overall health.
Brewers Rice: A highly digestible carbohydrate source, brewers rice provides energy while being gentle on the digestive system.
Corn: Another source of carbohydrates, corn provides energy and fiber.
Chicken Fat: A primary source of fat, chicken fat provides concentrated energy and enhances palatability.
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Chicken By-Product Meal: A source of protein and minerals, chicken by-product meal provides essential nutrients.
Dried Plain Beet Pulp: A source of fiber, dried plain beet pulp promotes healthy digestion and stool quality.
Fish Oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), fish oil helps reduce inflammation and supports kidney function. The guaranteed analysis for different Renal Support diets specifies EPA+DHA minimum levels, such as 0.27%, 0.28%, and 0.36%.
Wheat Gluten: A source of protein, wheat gluten contributes to the overall protein content of the diet.
Vegetable Oil: Provides additional fat and essential fatty acids.
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Powdered Psyllium Seed Husk: A source of soluble fiber, powdered psyllium seed husk aids in regulating bowel movements and can help manage digestive issues.
Sodium Silico Aluminate: This ingredient is added to help prevent the absorption of phosphorus in the digestive tract.
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): A prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting digestive health.
DL-Methionine & L-Lysine: Essential amino acids that are crucial for various bodily functions, including protein synthesis.
Taurine: An amino acid that supports heart health and vision.
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Choline Chloride: Important for nerve function and liver health.
Calcium Carbonate: Used as a source of calcium.
Potassium Chloride & Potassium Citrate: Electrolytes that help maintain proper fluid balance and support kidney function.
Salt: Sodium chloride, used to maintain electrolyte balance.
Natural Flavors: Enhance palatability, encouraging dogs with decreased appetite to eat.
Vitamins and Minerals
The Royal Canin Renal Support diets are enriched with a comprehensive blend of vitamins and minerals to support overall health and well-being. These include:
- Vitamin E (DL-alpha tocopherol acetate): An antioxidant that protects cells from damage. The guaranteed analysis specifies a minimum Vitamin E level of 350 IU/kg for several formulas.
- Vitamin C (L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate): An antioxidant that supports immune function. The guaranteed analysis specifies a minimum Ascorbic acid level of 160 mg/kg or 240 mg/kg for different formulas.
- Biotin: Supports healthy skin and coat.
- D-Calcium Pantothenate: A B vitamin that supports energy metabolism.
- Vitamin A Acetate: Important for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Niacin Supplement: A B vitamin that supports energy metabolism and skin health.
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6): Supports nerve function and protein metabolism.
- Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1): Supports energy metabolism.
- Vitamin B12 Supplement: Important for nerve function and red blood cell production.
- Riboflavin Supplement: A B vitamin that supports energy metabolism.
- Vitamin D3 Supplement: Important for calcium absorption and bone health.
- Folic Acid: A B vitamin that supports cell growth and development.
- Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Copper Proteinate: Trace minerals that are essential for various bodily functions, including enzyme activity, immune function, and thyroid health.
- Magnesium Oxide: A source of magnesium, which is important for nerve and muscle function.
Additional Ingredients in Specific Formulas
While the core ingredients remain consistent across the Royal Canin Renal Support line, some formulas include unique additions to address specific needs:
- N-Butyric Acid: Found in some formulas, this short-chain fatty acid supports gut health.
- Pork Digest (source of collagen): Present in some formulations, pork digest provides collagen, which supports joint health.
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein: Found in some formulas, this ingredient is used as a protein source.
- Powdered Cellulose: Present in some Renal Support formulas, powdered cellulose provides fiber.
- GLA Safflower Oil: Found in some formulas, GLA safflower oil provides gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid.
- Turmeric Extract & Green Tea Extract: These extracts are included in some formulas and provide antioxidant benefits.
Guaranteed Analysis: Key Nutritional Components
The guaranteed analysis provides a breakdown of the key nutritional components of each diet:
Crude Protein (min. and max.): Indicates the minimum and maximum percentage of protein in the diet. Royal Canin Renal Support diets typically have a controlled protein level to reduce the workload on the kidneys. For example, Crude Protein can range from 10.5% (min.) to 16.0% (max.) across different formulas.
Crude Fat (min.): Indicates the minimum percentage of fat in the diet. Royal Canin Renal Support diets are often energy-dense, with a higher fat content to compensate for decreased appetite. For example, Crude Fat can range from 14.0% to 17.0% (min.) across different formulas.
Crude Fiber (max.): Indicates the maximum percentage of fiber in the diet. Fiber helps with digestion and stool quality.
Moisture (max.): Indicates the maximum percentage of moisture in the diet.
Eicosapentaenoic + Docosahexaenoic acid (EPA+DHA) (min.): Indicates the minimum combined percentage of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that support kidney health.
Phosphorus (max.): Indicates the maximum percentage of phosphorus in the diet. Royal Canin Renal Support diets have a controlled phosphorus level to help manage kidney disease. For example, Phosphorus (max.) ranges from 0.3% to 0.7% across different formulas.
Vitamin E (min.): Indicates the minimum level of Vitamin E in the diet.
Ascorbic acid* (min.): Indicates the minimum level of Ascorbic acid in the diet.
Palatability and Appetite Stimulation
Dogs with kidney disease often experience a decreased appetite. Royal Canin addresses this issue by focusing on palatability and offering a variety of aromas and textures.
Aromatic Formulas: Some formulas, like Renal Support A, are specifically designed to be aromatic, stimulating appetite and encouraging eating.
Savory Formulas: Other formulas, like Renal Support S, are designed to be savory to stimulate the appetite.
Kibble Shape and Texture: The kibble comes in various shapes (rectangular, crescent) and textures to cater to different preferences.
Mixable with Wet Food: The dry kibble can be mixed with Royal Canin Renal Support wet food formulas to further enhance palatability and provide variety.
Veterinary Supervision and Prescription
It is important to note that Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support formulas are veterinary-exclusive and require a prescription. This ensures that the diet is used under the guidance of a veterinarian who can monitor the dog's kidney function and adjust the diet as needed. Your vet recommended Royal Canin Renal Support A for a reason.