Ever since we published our first Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe we have been overwhelmed by the number of people who have told us that they have already made the leap and are preparing fresh meals for their pups at home! Ditching processed kibble once and for all is one of the best things you can do for your dog. We learned this ourselves this last year after our 11-year old dog had an incredibly positive change to his health once we moved to a healthy dog food! Recently, I developed a new 100% human grade homemade dog food recipe that utilizes some of the best fall produce for your dog like sweet potatoes, cranberries, rosemary, and sage! Our dogs love it so much I decided to share it here too so you and your pup can celebrate the best the season has to offer.
***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian’s careful supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when considering transitioning to a 100% human grade food diet for your pup.*** Updated with video 9/4/2021
At the end of 2019, during our yearly vet check, we received the horrible news that our dog was in stage 4 kidney failure!
Honestly, I was in total shock, how did we miss this?! He is with me all day, every day!! He just seemed like he was dealing with some symptoms of old age – frequent urination, sometimes excessive water drinking, and I would notice occasionally that he would have a mild case of diarrhea. It definitely didn’t feel like life threatening symptoms to us! As much as the diagnosis was a shock, the price tag of the prescription diet that we were told he would need to eat for the remainder of his life was pretty horrifying too! When I asked our vet how long we had left with him the prognosis wasn't good, 3-6 months maybe 9 if we were lucky. We had to wait 6 weeks for a follow up blood panel to really know what kind of timeline we were looking at.
So we went to work & spent the days/weeks that followed researching canine kidney disease like Hooch's life depended on it.
After reading what felt like every article on the internet we were excited to know that there were a few really easy lifestyle changes we could immediately make at home. We hoped some of this would really help Hooch and make things easier on his kidneys. Here are a few of the biggest impact changes we've been able to make:
Filtered or distilled water only
The kidney’s main function is to filter out the toxins in our bodies. Since tap water can be loaded with chemicals and contaminants it is best to only give your dog clean, filtered water to drink. If you have a dog living with kidney disease like we do, you may also want to eventually invest in a slow water feeder. Dogs with kidney disease can get quite thirsty and will actually start drinking water too fast which causes its own unique set of problems.
Feed smaller meals, more often
Dogs with kidney problems often feel better when fed several small meals throughout the day rather than just one or two large meals. You may find that you need to adjust your feeding schedule as time goes on to keep your pup comfy! Hooch has really benefited from smaller meals throughout the day and seems to have much more energy all the way into the evening.
Increase exercise
Luckily for us, right before Hooch’s diagnosis we adopted a puppy, Rebel. She has played a big part in making sure he is more active and on his feet playing for a good portion of the day. We still have had to make a conscious effort to get out and walk with him more than we were before though. Dogs are just like us, the more they move, the better their bodies function and the easier it is for their kidney’s to do their job.
Vitamins and Nutrients for dogs
Humans don’t get all of the vitamins and nutrients they need from a one-stop-shop kind of a diet and neither do our dogs! Whether your dog is eating a diet that consists of kibble or you are dishing up a homemade dog food recipe like this one, your pup needs vitamins and minerals just like you do! We really like and use the brand Dog Greens every single day! It is a plant based vitamin and mineral powder that we sprinkle over the dog’s food with each meal. They love the flavor and we love knowing that all of their nutritional needs have been met each day!
Now, let’s break down the recipe for this fall inspired version of my Home Made Dog Food recipe shall we?
***It is important to note that dogs can have food allergies too!!! If you notice your dog having any issues after ingesting these ingredients you should contact your veterinarian.***
The top 5 (in order) foods that dogs can be allergic to:
- beef
- dairy
- wheat
- chicken
- egg
Ground White Meat Turkey
You may have noticed that turkey is a common ingredient in dog treats and dog food. Thoroughly cooked and drained ground white meat turkey, as long as it's plain and has no additives or salt, is perfectly healthy for dogs. However, there are some parts of the turkey you should never feed to your pup. Obviously, never feed your dog turkey bones as they can splinter and cause serious problems for them. Also, the fat in turkey skin may cause pancreatitis, a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed and swollen, so you do not want to feed them the skin either. The seasoning added to pre-cooked store bought turkey and deli meat usually contains onion and garlic which can irritate your dog's bowels and cause serious digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Brown rice
Brown rice has all of the fiber from the hull of the rice grain still intact and it’s easily digestible. This makes it a great ingredient for homemade dog food! If you are limiting the phosphorus levels in your dog’s food due to kidney disease you can use a cup for cup replacement of white rice in this recipe instead.
Eggs
Eggs are one the top 5 allergens for dogs and the yolks are very high in phosphorus -which you want to limit in dog’s with kidney disease. But, eggs are also one of the highest quality forms of protein you can feed your pet! Ultimately, a hard boiled egg is Hooch’s favorite thing on the planet so, with our vets approval we opted to leave them in his food for now.
Sweet Potato
Cooked sweet potatoes are a great addition to bulk up their meals too, just never feed your dog raw sweet potato as it can cause serious blockages! Cooked sweet potatoes provide an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps the digestive system function more effectively. However, it is important to note that the AKC says, 'for dogs that are diabetic, overweight, or less active, owners should proceed carefully and only give their dog a minimal amount of sweet potatoes. “They should be incorporated with caution in the diets of diabetic dogs, due to a high glycemic index,” says Dr. Barrack.'
Fresh Herbs
This fall inspired dog food recipe has a fragrant blend of rosemary, sage, and curly parsley. The curly, not flat-leaf variety of parsley is great for preventative kidney health because it has cleansing properties. Don't have fresh herbs on hand? Take a look at what is in your spice cabinet instead! I recently wrote an entire post about the nutritional benefits of dried herbs for dogs and shared the recipe for my homemade dog food seasoning!
Omega Rich Oil
It's important to add an oil that is high in Omega 3’s and 6's into each batch of dog food you make! I usually just stick with olive oil or safflower oil because I typically have them on hand and they are affordable. There are great Omega oil blends available on the market too that contain Omega’s 3,6, & 9 but they tend to be a bit pricier.
Hemp Hearts
Superfoods aren't just for humans - our dog's can benefit from them too!! If you have ever wondered, “Can dogs eat hemp seeds?” the answer is yes! Hemp seeds contain over 30% fat and have the perfect ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. These super seeds have a ton of benefits for dogs, like cancer prevention and reduced joint pain. Ingesting hemp is shown to strengthen the immune system, support healthy organ function, and have positive effects on brain function and fertility!
Wondering how much homemade dog food your dog needs each day?
This will obviously vary from dog to dog, but a general rule of thumb is for every 10 pounds your dog weighs they should be fed roughly 1 cup of prepared food. If needed you can always call and consult with you vet about transitioning your dog's diet and the amount of food your dog should eat each day. Just remember, if your pup is living with kidney disease like ours you will want to break up the amount of food they receive into smaller meals throughout the day. Instead of one big meal each day you will need to divide meals up into 2-3 smaller feedings. This will make it much easier for your dogs' kidneys to do their job.
What kind of snacks can I feed a dog with kidney disease?
Our dogs seriously LOVE snack time, but snack time has had to seriously change! Dog’s with kidney disease should avoid meat-based chews/treats that are high in phosphorus, so you may find that you need to explore new types of treats for your dog instead. My probiotic rich Pumpkin & Yogurt Bowls are our dog's favorite treat these days! They also really enjoy thin apple slices, blueberries, and fresh banana chunks. When it comes to crunchy chews they both are SUPER into dehydrated banana chips, pumpkin, and sweet potato. I swear, our dog's drool for them like they are the jerky chews we used to treat them with!
Blood tests don’t lie
Hooch’s numbers shifted drastically when the vet drew labs only 6 weeks after we made these diet and lifestyle changes! Those stage 4 kidney disease blood levels he had at his yearly checkup had climbed back up to to midrange stage 1 kidney disease blood levels in the first 6 weeks! He was happy, had more mobility thanks to less inflammation, was having more regular poops, and for the first time in his entire life Hooch had ZERO gas and no bloat in his belly!
The extra time and energy invested in researching and making his food coupled with the other small changes we made to his lifestyle have given us more quality time with our beloved Hooch! 9 months ago when we received his diagnosis we thought he might not be here with us this fall - it was an awful, gut wrenching reality that we were trying to wrap our heads around at the time. But, here we are - 3 months shy of the 1 year anniversary of his diagnosis and instead of his health deteriorating we are watching him thrive! Just yesterday, I watched him run at top speed in circles around our property with his tail tucked for wind resistance! He was literally zooming like a puppy with his big floppy tongue hanging out of his mouth and it literally brought tears to my eyes watching him have such a good time.
If you’ve made our Home Made Dog Food recipe for your pup I would be so grateful if you would rate the recipe and let me know what you think in the comments below! I just love hearing from you and your reviews and comments really help others that visit This Mess is Ours.
PrintDIY Dog Food Recipe
Don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know what you and your pup think about this Home Made Dog Food recipe in the comments below, I just love hearing from you and your reviews/comments really help other people that visit This Mess is Ours!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 13 cups 1x
- Category: Dog Food
- Method: Stove top/Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Dog Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
2 pounds ground white meat turkey, cooked thoroughly and drained
6 cups cooked brown rice, white rice if your dog has had a kidney disease diagnosis
6 hard boiled eggs
2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean, peeled, cubed, and steamed
1 (15-ounce) bag frozen peas
½ cup fresh cranberries, sliced thin
¼ cup hemp hearts
¼ cup parsley
6 sage leaves, minced
3 tablespoons minced rosemary
3 tablespoons olive oil, Udo's omega-3 and omega-6 oil blend, or safflower oil
Instructions
Combine all of the ingredients together in a large container and stir to combine completely. Store in the refrigerator in-between feedings.
How much 100% human grade food to feed your dog:
This will obviously vary from dog to dog, but a general rule of thumb is for every 10 pounds your dog weighs they should be fed roughly 1 cup of prepared food. If needed you can always call and consult with you vet about transitioning your dog's diet and the amount of food your dog should eat each day.
Notes
Time saving cooking tips
To make prepping this homemade dog food a cinch and to save LOTS of time and dishes in the process I like to cook the hard boiled eggs and the rice in my Instant Pot!
I start with cooking the eggs first, then while the rice is cooking in the Instant Pot I brown the meat and get all of the fresh ingredients together. It really does help make the process of meal prepping homemade dog food so much easier!
Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs: Place the metal trivet into the Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Add uncooked eggs on top of the trivet. Place the lid on top, lock to sealing, and cook high pressure for 5 minutes. Release pressure valve manually at the end of the cooking time and carefully remove the hard boiled eggs to a water bath to cool
Instant Pot Brown Rice: Combine the desired amount of rice and water in an Instant Pot. Place the lid on and set the pressure to sealing. Pressure cook on high with the venting knob in the sealed position for 15 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully quick release (turn Venting Knob to Venting position) and remove the lid. Fluff the brown rice with a rice paddle or fork. If the rice still seems a bit wet, let it rest a bit for the moisture to escape before mixing with other ingredients.
Want to see more of the delicious homemade dog food recipes we make for our dogs?
How to make our original Homemade Dog Food recipe
It’s a fact, feeding your pup a diet of 100% human grade dog food is easy, cost effective, and WAY better for them than a traditional doggie diet of processed kibble! My easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground beef, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs for a healthy, vibrant alternative to traditional dog food that has given our 11 year old dog a new lease on life!
Pumpkin and Yogurt Bowl for Dogs recipe
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for all of us, even our dogs! Get your dog’s day off to a great start with a healthy dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals by feeding him/her a delicious Pumpkin and Yogurt Bowl for Dogs. These yogurt bowls are filled with good for your dog ingredients like fat free Greek yogurt, 100% pure pumpkin puree, plant based vitamin and mineral powder, and my Homemade Dog Food Seasoning which is a blend of 5 herbs that have extraordinary health benefits for your dog!
Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend recipe
It’s no secret that fresh herbs and spices are beneficial to a person’s health and diet, but did you know that your dog’s diet could benefit from the addition of them also!? In the summer months, it’s easy to include green leafy herbs like parsley and basil in our dog’s fresh homemade food because I have lots growing in the garden. But, when fresh herbs are sparse I turn to my spice cabinet where I keep a little jar of spices labeled ‘Homemade Dog Food Seasoning Blend’. This easy to make custom spice blend combines dried parsley, basil, dill, rosemary, and oregano for a seasoning blend your dog is sure to love!
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We aren't the only people that have converted to making homemade dog food and are LOVING the results! Check out the links below for more homemade dog food recipes your pup will LOVE!
Homemade Dog Food Recipe from College Housewife || Elizabeth's sweet dog Rascal suffered from all sorts of health issues which led them to having him allergy tested. Turns out Rascal was allergic to all sorts of things - even beef! So, Elizabeth developed a homemade dog food recipe that is just perfect for Rascal's sensitive belly that is filled with ground turkey, sweet potatoes, carrots, and zucchini squash and macaroni noodles!
DIY Homemade Dog Food from Damn Delicious ||Chungah's dog Butter's battle with stomach issues led her to start making dog food at home. This recipe is easy to make and super good for your pups too! It combines a delicious blend of 50% protein, 25% veggies and 25% grains and is made of ingredients like ground chicken, brown rice, shredded zucchini, spinach, carrots, and peas.
Catherine Cunningham says
I've been using this recipe for about 6 months now, and I am finally in a groove! I have 5 dogs, so I have to make a triple recipe once a week! I poached eggs for a while because I wanted to preserve the quality of the egg shells, but now I just scramble - it's way faster for me (18 eggs). I hasve so much egg shell I use it in the garden! I learned that I only need 6 cups of brown rice to make the 18 cups I need (instead of 9), and I usually do the sweet potatoes whole and then cut. Way easier. Often in the slow cooker over night. That way don't have to watch. I also have added chia seeds and ground flax seed to the hemp hearts. They both have a lot of Omega 3. I tried adding Beef liver, and I had one that stopped eating, so I only did that once. My dogs LOVE the fresh food and I mix it with their regular dry food too since I have so many.... it would be so much if not, lol. Happy cooking!
meg@thismessisours says
Oh my goodness this made my day to read! I am so glad that your dogs love this recipe.
Meg says
Hello! Your recipes have been a life saviour thank you so much! I have 4 pups who all get very excited for their meals! I noticed on the other two recipes there’s the nutritional content/cup info but I can’t seem to find it for this turkey recipe are you able to direct me to it please! Thank you kindly!
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Meg! I’m so glad to hear that the recipes have been a hit with your pups! It’s great to know they’re enjoying their meals.
I apologize for the missing nutritional content on the turkey recipe page. I’ll make sure to add that information. In the meantime, if you have specific concerns or need detailed nutritional breakdowns, feel free to let me know, and I can provide some general guidelines or help with calculations based on the recipe’s ingredients.
Theron Slusher says
Thanks so much for the blog postReally thank you! Keep writing
John Nash says
This blog post about homemade dog food is truly inspiring and informative. The author's personal experience with their dog's health issues and the positive impact of transitioning to a homemade diet is a powerful testament to the benefits of providing fresh, nutritious meals for our furry friends. I appreciate the author's emphasis on consulting with a veterinarian and using personal judgment when considering a dietary change. The recipe itself looks delicious and incorporates fall produce like sweet potatoes, cranberries, and herbs. I'm impressed by the attention to detail in selecting ingredients that are beneficial for dogs with kidney disease. The article also provides helpful tips for adjusting feeding schedules and incorporating exercise. Overall, this blog post is a valuable resource for dog owners who are considering making the switch to homemade dog food.
Summer Dickerhoof says
Glad you found it so helpful!
Trish says
What is the approximate cost of one batch of this? I’m trying to weigh my options, as we have 3 wonderful dogs, but I have to be cost conscious also.
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Trish! Hi there! Thanks for your comment and for considering making your own dog food. I totally understand wanting to be cost-conscious, especially with three wonderful dogs!
The approximate cost of one batch of the homemade dog food will depend on where you shop and the specific brands or types of ingredients you choose. On average, you can expect to spend between $10 and $20 for a batch that should make several meals. This is a rough estimate, and prices can vary based on your location and any sales or bulk purchasing options you might find.
If you’re looking to save a bit more, buying ingredients in bulk or choosing store brands can help keep costs down. I hope this helps with your decision, and I’m sure your dogs will love the holiday treat!
Celyn says
Hi! Trying this recipe as I type this 🙂 Thank yiu for sharing!
How long does it last once stored in the fridge?
Thank you in advance!
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi!!!
Our dogs usually go through a batch of food every other day so we typically do not have any longer than that. I wouldn't serve it to your pup anywhere after a 5 days of making it!
I hope this helps ◡̈
Julee Ellison says
I was so excited to find your recipe until I saw the ingredients. Unfortunately, I’ve got a dog that has a lot of allergies which includes rice and eggs, and a few other items that you used. Can you tell me if there’s another recipe that you use that does not have corn, eggs, oats, peas, rice, squash, or sunflower, or sunflower oil? Thanks so much. Signed, one frustrated puppy momma.
Summer Dickerhoof says
Right now, I just have the recipes that are posted to the Dog Life section of the site. Check with your vet to see if you could tweak any of the recipes I have to fit your dog's needs.
Lynne Wilson says
I’ve read where since dogs don’t really chew vegetables should be puréed for better digestion. Seems like if they are cooked well that would be good enough. What is your opinion? Thanks for the great looking recipe!
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Lynne!!
We have not experienced any issues between Hooch & Rebel involving chewing/digesting the vegetables! We talked with our vet & they had no issue with us using raw veggies in their food. We do highly recommend talking with your vet if you are wondering about the digestion of the veggies, so you can get the best answer for your pup!Thank YOU for checking the recipe out!
I hope this helps!
Brent says
Thank you so much for this recipe. It has allowed me to spend more time with my best friend. My 11 year old staffy pit mix had been having issues keeping food down due to her cancer diagnosis and a large tumor pressing on her stomach/intestines. She was becoming very weak, fatigued, and the outlook was very grim until we switched to this recipe. I also add pumpkin purée to aid digestion, substitute oatmeal for the rice and we purée it and she has not vomited since then. While her cancer is terminal, this recipe has allowed me to spend some extra weeks, and hopefully months with her. My dad called this a “miracle” food. Thank you so much!
Christina Evans says
I have a 225 lb Great Dane that I am going to start making his food because I just don't like the unpronounceable words in his high dollar food. Because he is a large breed, should I increase his protein? I also won't be feeding him 1 cup per 10 lbs, that would be 22.5 cups a food a day! WHOA! I am going to try to get him down to 200 lbs but that is still 20 cups a day. Right now he gets 4 cups a day, 2 for breakfast and 2 for dinner. Sorry about the rambling, should I increase the protein per recipe?
Christina Evans says
Just to clarify, his mother weighed 180 lbs while his father weighed 220 lbs so while he is a little heavier than he should be he isn't out of the realm of his parentage. To put his size in perspective, he is 1/8 inch shorter than the Guinness World Record and 70 lbs heavier. He is BEAUTIFUL! lol
meg@thismessisours says
Oh wow - that is a very large dog you have! I bet he is beautiful and how lucky he is that he has you to love him so much! I would honestly ask my vet about the protein increase - you can also add things like organ meats, our younger dog loves dehydrated chicken hearts, but our older one that battled with kidney disease can't have ingredients like that. The 1 cup per 10 pounds of weight of food does seem like a lot - but this recipe isn't dehydrated like kibble so that is why it is such a larger amount. Your vet can also advise on the amount for you as well.
Bex says
I've made this - varying protein - and using some variations from thedognutritionist.com. 1 cup/10lbs was a bit too much for my chubby dog, but that's a small change. Great recipe!! Thank you for sharing.
lilia funke says
Great recipe. probably my favorite.
Alternating different meats and vegetables to vary their menu. Sometimes using raw meat.
I have 8 dogs one of them with a kidney issue. She is a 5-pound yorkie.
For her, I cut her protein portion, so she has 25% to 35% of meat- protein. Also, added TUMS tablet. TUMS doses are 1- tablet for 40 pounds weighs.
Thanks for this great recipe
meg@thismessisours says
Oh wow - thank you for sharing and I am so glad that you love the recipe for your pups! That means so much to us!
Gina Godewyn says
Hi! I recently started cooking your recipes for my pup. He’s been in it for about 10 days now. I’ve noticed he’s a bit itchy and has some yeasty looking spots under his armpits. (It does not smell yeasty, just skin irritation). Is it possible his body is detoxing? I am giving him the vitamins you recommended, do I need a probiotic as well?
Thanks! He’s loving his food
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Gina!
So sorry to hear about your pup! I strongly recommend talking with your vet about feeding him this diet, especially with these skin issues that have recently popped up.
Hope this helps!
O'tion (ocean) VanOhm says
I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your generosity with your blog.
Just WOW.
We are feeding an italian mastiff, so she's quite a big girl.
Today, we are going to go shopping to meal prep for her.
What are your thoughts on raw eggs cracked over the meal instead of hardboiled?
THANK YOU for your generosity.
Sharon says
It's not very clear from your recipe instruction about how to cook the veggies. Looks like you have to cook the egg, veggies and rice separately but from the same instant pot once at a time? It sounds very time-consuming! Are you able to offer a recipe that all the ingredients can be cooked at the same time with a IP?
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Sharon,
Only the rice, eggs, & meat need to be cooked. We add in all of our veggies raw/frozen!
Ron Howard says
Hi Meg.
I will definitely try your recipes.
Did you mean you dried the eggshells yourself? Or, you bought them in processed form.
Also, have you heard from any other dog owners that the annual vaccines actually cause kidney problems?
Summer Dickerhoof says
I dry them myself, but I have not!
Renee Jehl says
I made this recipe for my Sheltie dogs for
their Thanksgiving meal while we were on the road visiting family. They loved it and keeping most of the veggies raw made it look beautiful. We shared the food with the host's dog and everyone wanted the recipe. This is my favorite dog food recipe I've made since cooking for my dogs (i opted to steam turkey breast in my instant pot instead of ground turkey as a rare treat...it tasted awesome).
meg@thismessisours says
Renee, this is so incredible to hear! What a great holiday for the pups. I'm so glad you came back and shared your experience! Happy holidays!
Darlene says
Can I put all ingredients in the instapot and let them cook together? Turkey, rice and vegetables or does the turkey have to be cooked separately as well as the rice?
Thank you!
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Darlene! Yes, you can absolutely cook everything together in the Instant Pot! Just make sure to cut the turkey into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks thoroughly. For the rice, you can add it directly with the vegetables and turkey, but keep in mind that it may absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to adjust the amount of water or broth you use. If you’re using brown rice, it might require a bit more cooking time compared to white rice. Enjoy making the homemade dog food, and I’m sure your pup will love it!
Mags says
Thank you for sharing. Once your pup is diagnosed with kidney disease there is a lot to learn. I have been soaking up any resource available on that subject. Your blog and recipes are great. My Golden doesn't handle chicken nor beef so I have him primarily on a fish protein with egg whites and small amount of blended beans as protein option. We are in the beginning of our battle so finger crossed this diet will help him stay by my side for a bit longer ❤️.
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Mags!
I am so sorry to hear about your pup! We hope that this food will change both his & your life like it did ours!
Kim says
I'm sorry to hear about your fur baby
What I am wondering is how do you go about making the switch from dog food bought at the store to this home made
We have 2 large dogs both about 100 lbs
Our Black lab needs to loose weight
That's a lot of food to make I will need to do this gradual and I read another article that I shouldn't feed store bought food and raw at the same time
Also not to feed other snacks
Can you suggest
Thank you
Kim Renner
myk9furryfriends@outlook.com
Eliza Clendenin says
Thank you so much for your kind words and your question!
Transitioning from store-bought dog food to homemade can indeed be a bit of a process, especially with larger dogs like yours. Here are some steps to help make the switch smoother for you:
Gradual Transition: Start by mixing a small amount of the homemade food with your dog’s current food. Over the course of 7-10 days, gradually increase the proportion of homemade food while decreasing the store-bought food. This slow transition helps your dogs' digestive systems adjust.
Portion Control: Since your Black Lab needs to lose weight, be mindful of the portion sizes. The recipe in the blog post can be adjusted to fit your dog’s specific needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with your vet to determine the ideal portion size and calorie intake for your dogs.
No Mixing Raw and Cooked: It’s a good rule to avoid mixing raw and cooked food in the same meal to prevent digestive issues. Stick to one type of food per meal or feed them separately if you're incorporating both raw and cooked options.
Avoid Extra Snacks: While transitioning, try to avoid giving your dogs extra snacks or treats. This helps you better monitor their reaction to the new food and keeps their calorie intake consistent with their weight loss goals.
Consult Your Vet: Before making any significant changes to your dogs' diet, it's always best to consult with your vet. They can provide tailored advice based on your dogs’ specific health needs and weight management goals.
Traci H says
So glad I found your recipe!! My 2 dogs were recently diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease at the same time. They’re 14 and brothers. We were and still are devastated! I began searching different sites for any way possible to help them, and I found your recipe. They love it!!… and seem to be feeling much better. 🙏❤️
Is boiled chicken ok to use? Also, Could you share the brand & type of turkey you use?
Thank you so much!
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Traci! I am sorry to hear about your dogs, but I am so happy that they are loving the food, and that they seem to be feeling better!! If it were me I would not use boiled chicken since chicken is a top allergen for dogs! As for the turkey, I don't use a specific brand I just use some from my local grocery store meat department.
Deborah B says
I am just assuming that after cooking that u use a blender to grind up the ingredients?
meg@thismessisours says
No need for a blender. You can if you would like though.
CC says
Hi, so glad to have found you! I have been reading how dog food companies use questionable minerals. Will I have to add supplements to the recipe? How do you know your recipe has the needed nutrients?
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi!
We did tons of research on all of the ingredients that we added into this dog food recipe. I would recommend talking with your vet just to clarify that this meal has enough nutrients that your pup needs.
We love adding probiotics & supplements from native pet to our dogs foods, but they are not needed!
I hope this helps,
Eliza
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Deborah, once all of the ingredients are ready to be mixed together you just simply combine them into a container and mix away! There is no need to use a blender to blend everything unless you or your pup prefer it!!
Deborah B says
Oh I am so sorry about Hooch!
I have a beautiful Maltese named Mia who suddenly started having severe digestive problems. She has bloody diarrhea and horrible bouts of diarrhea all the time. No solid stool! She has pee pads that we wash and it is a yucky mess that I have to clean and then washing twice with bleach and all so on. It is a real problem….and I feel sorry for her because as a puppy she has become isolated from her two other friends.
My vet has no idea what is wrong but wants me to feed his diet for sale that is expensive and contains only animal by product meal and grains. What? I feel this will only make it worse and all research backs me up on this.
What do u think would be the best meal to start with? Can I substitute some cooked peas over the fresh due to a little easier to digest to begin with?
If you only answer one question would cranberries be safe to feed her or would they be hard to digest?
And what is the red berry looking thing cut in half on one of your face covers?
I am very desperate as she is truly skin and bones and I am so worried about her!
Summer Dickerhoof says
In the photo, it is cranberries. I can't speak for your pup's specific situation, so check with your vet and see if any of the recipes on the blog could be helpful.
Michael says
Hello Meg,
I made this Turkey-Veggie recipe, I used Blueberry's since i cant get Cranberries and I used half sweet potato and half Carrots. Our Dog Rolfie just Loves it. I do mix it with some dry food and I also add the eggshells for calcium.
Thanks for that great recipe!
Michael
ANNA says
I like your update. Thanks for sharing!
Connie Castro says
Good Afternoon,
In your recipes, are the vegs. cooked? If they are, how would I prepare them?
Thanks-
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Connie! The vegetables are not cooked.
R. Nichols says
You have to be super careful with eggs in dogs who have kidney disease because they are so high in phosphorus (also also protein for that matter).
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! Thank you for the information. As I said in the blog post, we made sure with our vet that it was okay to include in our dogs diet.
KY says
Hi, can this recipe be used for a 4 months old Shih Tzu? He’s been scratching and licking himself badly for the past few weeks. We’d gone through chicken & rice to salmon & sweet potatoes kibble which didn’t help at all! Thanks!
meg@thismessisours says
Hi KY! This recipe should be good for your Shih Tzu, but I highly recommend consulting your vet to double check!
Erin D. says
Meg, thank you so much for sharing your story and your recipe. My 10 year old has kidney problems and her vet has been struggling to diagnose why and what to medicate her with. The problem has evolved to giving her anal gland infections and also a staph infection in her groin now! I know she'll hate the Royal Canin hydrolyzed protein kibble that her vet recommended today. I'm going to try your recipe right away. Question, was your dog supposed to eat a hydrolyzed protein food also? If so, I'm wondering if you think the ground turkey is ok, and if so, could I roast a turkey breast and shred that instead?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Erin! I am so sorry to hear about all of the health problems your pup is going through! Our dog was in stage 4 kidney disease at diagnosis and was placed on an r/d prescription diet. I read that the recommended hydrolyzed or novel protein diet is fed only exclusively for 6-10 weeks, and then is typically followed by a dietary rechallenge. I'm guessing they primarily use this type of food when dealing with food allergies. In which case, turkey is actually a highly digestible protein source for dogs and could be served to then roasted and shredded if you prefer. Just be sure it is unseasoned.
Be sure to take a bit of time transitioning from kibble to real food - slowly is best. A small percentage of change every feeding will help your dog not have any adverse tummy reactions.
Do come back and let me know how you both are doing!
Cynthia Wong says
Hi my golden retriever mix was just diagnose with renal failure about two months ago. He is now on a prescription diet from Royal Canine. He like this one better than the previous brand. But I would like to introduce a healthier diet. Is your recipe above, just given to the dog cold, or do you heat it up. Also, how much do you give him? Is there a location for your dog recipes?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Cynthia! I am so glad you found our recipe! Yes, you can feed this recipe cold from the refrigerator or heat it up in the microwave if you/your dog prefers. Either way, my dogs are BIG fans! We feed 1 cup per 10Lbs of body weight - fresh food has lots of moisture, unlike kibble that has had all of the moisture cooked out of it. So, it seems like a lot of food, but actually, it's the perfect amount. Our dog that was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney disease is 80lbs, so he gets 8 cups per day, divided into 2 feedings.
With kidney disease the moisture in the food is important. Dogs with kidney disease need to stay hydrated, the more hydrated they are the easier it is for their kidneys to do their job. So feed smaller amounts, more times per day, and don't hesitate to add liquids like bone broth or even goats milk.
You can find all of our recipes for dogs here: https://thismessisours.com/dog-life/
I hope this helps answer your questions and wish you and your dog the best of luck and lots of healing!
Rachel says
Are all your recipes good for dogs with kidney issues. We started Maddie with k/d at the beginning of this year and now it seems like a struggle to get her to eat anything. We’re going back to vet and recheck her levels again and see if anything changed and then talk to the doc about making her food!
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! Most all of them are great for dogs with kidney disease - our dog Hooch ate them until his levels improved from Stage 4 to zero indicators for kidney disease. I only started feeding him our Anti-Inflammatory dog food once his levels were within the normal range and we were focusing on his mobility issues. Make sure you make the transition from r/d kibble-based diet to real food slowly and methodically to avoid tummy troubles and keep me posted on how y'all are doing!
Melanie says
Hi!
I was already making homemade dog food but my dog was just diagnosed with stage 1 kidney disease so I am changing her diet. My dog Saffron is allergic to eggs - what could I substitute the eggs with? Also - her phosphorous is high - what foods should ppl stay away from…I heard kidney beans, turkey and chicken are high in phosphorous and oatmeal also…what’s your understanding about this?
And…sorry - one last thing…this recipe will only last 1 1/2 days for my 80 pound girl…this makes this recipe quite expensive! For example 6 eggs…I would require a dozen eggs every 3 days! It would require 4 pounds of turkey and 12 cups of rice every 3 days….this doesn’t seem manageable. I’m also curious as to why every recipe I see for kidney disease says brown rice…why don’t they just say white since the recipes are for kidney disease…thank you for sharing your recipes and information!
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi there!
I’m so sorry to hear about Saffron’s diagnosis, but I’m glad you’re taking steps to adjust her diet for her needs. Let’s dive into your questions:
Egg Substitutes: For Saffron’s egg allergy, you can use alternatives like mashed pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or applesauce in recipes. These ingredients can provide moisture and some nutrients without the allergens.
High Phosphorus Foods: You’re correct that foods like kidney beans, turkey, chicken, and oatmeal can be high in phosphorus, which may not be ideal for dogs with kidney disease. It’s often recommended to avoid or limit these to manage phosphorus levels. Instead, you might consider using lower-phosphorus protein sources like white fish or lean cuts of pork, and including more fruits and vegetables.
Recipe Quantity and Cost: I understand the concerns about the quantity and cost of the ingredients. For a larger dog like Saffron, it might be helpful to prepare larger batches and freeze portions to make it more manageable and cost-effective.
Brown Rice vs. White Rice: Brown rice is often recommended because it has more fiber, which can be beneficial for digestion. However, white rice is generally easier to digest and might be preferable for dogs with specific dietary needs. If you’re finding the recipes call for brown rice and it’s not working well for Saffron, white rice is an acceptable substitute.
I hope this helps with Saffron’s diet! If you have any more questions or need further adjustments, feel free to reach out. Wishing Saffron the best!
jeannette says
Can you feed this to older dogs even if they don't have kidney problems yet?
The vet wanted us to switch the dog food to a senior dog food to prevent kidney problems.
We have two Dachshunds.
Thanks
Jeannette
meg@thismessisours says
Hello Jeannette!! Of course! This recipe is perfect for almost every dog!! Just run it by your vet to make sure it has all the vitamins, proteins, etc. that your dog needs. You might have to purchase some probiotic powders if needed.
Sylvia says
Thank you for this recipe my dog is already improving after just a few days!
Sandy says
Do you cook the peas and cranberries? Could you use dried cranberries?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Sandy - no need to cook the peas and I would avoid dried cranberries. They tend to be sweetened which isn't great for our pups.
Melanie Weinmeyer says
Also - are frozen cranberries ok? Fresh are hard to find.
meg@thismessisours says
yes!
Brandi says
Just printed your recipe and I'm planning to shop for it shortly, but should I be adding any other supplements? I know you listed the Udo's blend, but is calcium necessary as well? I've been using dried eggshells in their food for now.
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Brandi - dried eggshells are actually what we use - but you can add other calcium supplements if you feel your dog needs more. We have had great success with just powdered eggshells. Another great source of calcium is plain Greek yogurt - we often treat our dogs with that as well. There are other calcium supplements that are derived from seaweed that we have tried and we liked it too, but at the end of the day I am already using the eggs and it saves me quite a bit of money not having to buy another supplement. Here are the ones I have used if you want to check them out:
Seaweed based calcium supplement: https://amzn.to/3u9M7D9
Eggshell based: https://amzn.to/39w4cSk
Patty says
Thank you for your recipes. I’m anxious to get started. My precious Rainbow is nearing her 13th birthday and was diagnosed yesterday with stage 3 kidney failure. Is there another blog for pet owners to share experiences with treatments such as IV fluids and subcutaneous therapy? Thank you.
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Patty! Oh my goodness, Rainbow, what a sweet name for I am sure a very sweet pup! Honestly. there may be, but I couldn't find what I was looking for when our dog was diagnosed which is why I started documenting our own journey through the food/lifestyle changes we were making. If you find a more medical based page where people are sharing info like that let me know.
Alesha says
Hi Patty -- I'm so sorry to hear that you and Rainbow are now dealing with CKD, I am as well. My boy, Dakota was diagnosed almost a year ago, when he was 13, and he's now 14. He's been doing well, although he really dislikes the canned food for dogs with CKD, so my vet put me in touch with a company in the US called Balance It, and I order a supplement from there called Balance IT® Canine K Plus, and then I make his food from the recipes on the site, and he liked that for quite some time. Now though, he's really slowed down on his eating and doesn't seem interested at all in food. I know that tummy upset can be an offset of CKD, but I really need him to eat, so I hit the net today and found this recipe that I may try (minus the eggs of course for lower phosphorus). It's just so hard, and I feel your pain. Our pets are family members, and it's hard when they get sick and there's little that we can do. Take care of your Rainbow and give him a hug from me!
Haicam says
Excellent recipe, thank you for the research. Did you use brown or white rice with your dogs? Is it necessary to use white with dogs with kidney disease?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! If you are dealing with kidney issues stick with white rice, it is lower in phosphorous and easier for the body to process.
Laura says
Thank you for all this terrific info, and for sharing your journey. Our 10 year old standard poodle was just diagnosed today to be on the verge of kidney failure. our vet didn’t stage it, but said he’s trending that way. He’s drinking a ton and peeing a ton. We need to make this food starting tomorrow! A few questions: is the 2 pounds of ground turkey uncooked weight or cooked? And do you think eggs and eggshells are ok despite their high phosphorus content? And is chicken a poor substitute for the turkey? Thanks again!
Eliza Clendenin says
Hi Laura,
I’m so sorry to hear about your poodle's diagnosis. It must be a challenging time for you and your furry friend. I’m glad the recipe might be helpful for you during this period.
To answer your questions:
Ground Turkey: The 2 pounds of ground turkey in the recipe should be measured uncooked. This ensures the final nutritional content aligns with the recipe's specifications.
Eggs and Eggshells: Eggs can be a great source of protein and essential nutrients for dogs. However, given the high phosphorus content, it's best to consult with your vet about incorporating them into your poodle's diet. They can provide guidance on the right balance for your dog's specific needs.
Chicken vs. Turkey: Chicken can be used as a substitute for turkey if needed. Just be sure to use the same amount (2 pounds) and check with your vet to ensure it fits well into your poodle's dietary requirements.
If you have any more questions or need further adjustments to the recipe, feel free to reach out. Wishing you and your poodle all the best during this time!
ChrissieJ says
I've been using some of your recipes and Jaguar has so much more energy. He also has chronic kidney disease. However just over a week ago he started having nose bleeds. I was very upset as the vet told me Jaguar's blood pressure is high. I felt he was going to improve and this was now a set back. Now the medication is pretty expensive. I having been giving him home made meals like the ones on your website and do not want to resume prescribed meds. Is there foods or natural remedies that can help with Jaguar's high blood pressure?
Summer Dickerhoof says
I don't have any recipes for dogs with high blood pressure, but check with your vet and see if there are any ways to customize these recipes to fit your pups specific needs!
Karen A Brooks says
I am so excited to try the breakfast and dinner recipes. Your turkey recipe makes about 13 cups. My dog is around 10 lbs. so that would be a cup a day. How long should this be safely refrigerated? I know I can make half batches or freeze as an option. What are the measurements for the breakfast bowl also, please. I suppose if I am going to try both each meal would only be half a cup. I am can't wait to try this on my little guy...he is fussy so fingers and paws crossed.
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! I am so glad you are excited and I hope your pup loves the recipes. There are measurements for the breakfast bowl in the blog post and recipe card based off of weight so be sure to check that out!
Miranda says
Hello, not sure if my comment posted from the other day. Is this recipe safe for dogs with kidney issues? I know you mentioned that your pup had kidney
Problems. The vet recommended the science diet but my dog is so picky I’m thinking of switching her to home made foods like you are doing. Thanks for the input!
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! So sorry - I am not sure what happened - I will have to find your other comment. Yes, these are the recipes we feed our dog that was diagnosed stage 4 kidney disease. Honestly, making the transition to home made foods was the best thing we could have ever done for our dog. The vet gave him 3-6 months to live at diagnosis and he is still here now in great health 1 1/2 years later. It's incredible!
Miranda says
Hello, are all these recipes safe for a dog with kidney disease? My vet recommended the science diet but my dog is so picky when it comes to kibble I wanted to just start feeding her fresh home made diet instead. Thanks for the feed back!
Denise D Ward says
I have read that peas are not good for dogs, especially if they have kidney issues. Did you research adding this ingredient to your dog food?
Summer Dickerhoof says
This recipe was approved by our vet for our dogs, but it is definitely good to check with your vet to make sure it is right for your pup!
ELIZABETH Swygart says
Love these recipes for our Prince and Buddy. Can the boys eat spinache?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! I am so glad you are enjoying the recipes. Yes, spinach is a super healthy green for dogs!
Gemma L Finamore says
Hi, my baby has a rice allergy, is there something I can substitute it for and still be suitable for renal support?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Gemma! Quinoa is a great choice for dogs also whole grain pasta is often a good choice for dogs with rice allergies. College Housewife's has a rice allergy I believe and she makes his food with pasta instead.
Kimberly Randall says
Hi Meg,
My name is Kim and I am from Florida. Recently, my dog Blue who is 9 years old suffered a CCL tear going down the stairs playing with the kids. I have noticed that he has become more sluggish as he has gotten older. After playing with the kids outside and in the pool he is slow moving for the next few days. The vet says for a full recovery from
His leg surgery (TPLO). He needs to lose weight. I love your site and I am glad I came across it. I made the homemade dog food with ground beef yesterday. He loved it as did our other dog.
I have a few questions…
I stored the dog food in a baking dish with a cover in the fridge, where did you buy the pan you are using? I will need to triple the recipe for a weeks worth. Do you reheat it from the fridge? Also, do you ever use salmon or baked chicken breast shredded? The hemp hearts do you use hulled or shelled?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Kimberly! Wow! You and your pup have been through it! Let me see if I can answer your questions. I actually picked up that huge pan at a yard sale, I know that doesn't help much, but I just mix in that. I actually store in Cambros because I also have to make multiple batches a week: https://amzn.to/37XTrYo
I do not reheat, but some people do. My dogs do not care and honestly wold probably be mad if I added on the extra prep time every night.
I have used shredded unseasoned chicken and it was great and have plans to try salmon as an addition to a new anti-inflammatory recipe we are currently developing.
Hemp hearts should be sold hulled in your grocery store.
Ok, if i missed anything let me know and keep me posted!
M
Kim Thiessen says
What are the green powder and the drops that you add in? I can't find anything that says. Also, can I add fruit to this mix? Blueberries, apples, etc?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi!! The green powder is called Dog Greens - it is the vitamin blend that we use with our dogs and we love it! You can find it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3fOucv4
The drops are CBD oil for our older dog. I find that his arthritis seems to bother him less when we use it. It is also available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3i2RQ9J
You can absolutely add items like diced apples and berries. We do this for our dogs and they LOVE it!!!
Sheila says
Do you use the full daily dose of Dog Greens for your KD pup?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! yes, I do.
Rene Marshall says
Hi! Do you use the full daily dosage of Dog Greens for you dog with KD?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! Yes, I sure do.
MARLENE K-H says
Can your Home Made Dog Food be prepared and then frozen for
future use? Perhaps put in muffin tins to freeze, then put into plastic bags to store, thaw, and use later.
meg@thismessisours says
Yes Marlene, it absolutely can!
Jesenia says
I am planning to try out this recipe this week but from past experience I know that my dog doesn't like the egg whites from a hard boiled egg, he typically goes for the egg yolk portion only. Is there another way to cook the eggs?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi!! No worries! You could scramble the eggs - just don't add oil or butter OR you could try cutting the hard boiled eggs up really small so that they are just completely blended into the food. I have a picky pooch and when I want to sneak something past her I just make the bit soil that food so salt she can't pick it out. Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
Lisa Reul says
It's recommended to give one cup of food for every 10 lb, I have an 80 lb dog oh, what I really give him 8 cups of food? That seems like a lot.
meg@thismessisours says
Our oldest dog is 80lbs and yes, that is how much we feed him. We break it into 2, 4-cup feedings per day. It does seem like a lot, but remember this unprocessed real food, not kibble which is condensed down to where you only need small quantities.
EM says
I am so happy to hear that your dog did better once you made this change. We are experiencing this right now. My dog Lilly has stage 4 kidney failure and hasn't been eating. My questions for you is when you transitioned your dog to homemade food how did you introduce it and did he like it right away? I will be using your recipe this weekend to try. Thank you!!
meg@thismessisours says
Hi!! Sorry for my delayed response – we had a tornado here 4 weeks ago and are still without internet!!! I replaced 1/4 cup of his dry food with the homemade food to start just mixing the kibble with the fresh and then every week I increased the fresh and decreased the kibble until we were feeding all 100% human grade food. It's important to not distress theirs stomach when transitioning diets so small quantities and work your way up. He was really excited about the food from the start and literally cry at us know when it is dinnertime because he is so excited to eat. He was never like that with his kibble.
Patty says
Em- My dog just got diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease. May I have an update on your pet and your success with this diet and other suggestions in this blog?Thank you for a reply.
Windy says
Approximately how many cups does this make?
meg@thismessisours says
About 13 cups.
Sally says
Hi can I add all the ingredients to the slow cooker?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! I have never tried that before, but I imagine you could....if you give it a shot let me know how it turns out!
Pam says
How much hemp seeds do you like to add?
meg@thismessisours says
1/4 cup 🙂
Sarah says
Other than these homemade dog foods, have you added any supplement to your dog’s diet to help with the kidney disease? I’m seeing some folks using calcium carbonate etc
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Sarah, we use a product called Dog Greens which is a plant based vitamin and mineral blend that we use daily. Other than that, we simply add sterilized, ground eggshell powder into the dogs food for a calcium supplement. I make it myself with the egg shells left over from making their food, I add about one-half teaspoon ground eggshell per pound of fresh food. Hope this helps!
Maria Fernanda Burbano says
Great recipe! So the carrots are raw as well as the herbs? Just want to make sure.. that is not considered a mix between a cooked and raw diet.
meg@thismessisours says
Great question Maria! Yes - the veggies are ok raw with the cooked rice and meat. The only time you wouldn't want to do that is if you are feeding your dog a diet with raw meat and eggs involved. Then mixing raw and cooked becomes a problem because they digest at different rates.
Sarah says
Can you substitute the Turkey for another protein? I’m not sure where to find ground white Turkey?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Sarah! Yes, you can sun ground beef or unseasoned ground pork. Most grocery stores have a ground turkey though - they usually put mix white and dark meat packs next to the white meat packs. Let m know if I can be of anymore help!
Sarah says
Where do you buy the hemp hearts?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi! Our grocery store sells them now, it's a Publix. They are available from Amazon as well.
Sarah says
Thanks. Is it possible to substitute the Turkey for another protein?
meg@thismessisours says
Hi Sarah! Yes, you can sun ground beef or unseasoned ground pork. Most grocery stores have a ground turkey though – they usually put mix white and dark meat packs next to the white meat packs. Let me know if I can be of anymore help!
Cindy says
Started this recipe last week for our 2 golden retrievers. They LOVE it and we are already seeing a difference.
meg@thismessisours says
That is such great news Cindy!!! Thank you so much!
Rachael says
Could this be prepared in a crockpot?
meg@thismessisours says
Rachael, I have never made it in a crock pot myself, but I feel certain it could be made in one!
MARLENE A SPRINGER says
I made this yesterday. Read article today. Recipe is spot on. Louie loves this as he stopped eating prescription foods. Hopefully his next blood panel will improve.
TJ says
My dogs love this recipe! Thank you!
Kimberly says
Thank you so much for your post, it has been a godsend. I have been looking for days to find vitamins and minerals that did not contain phosphate in your green food fits the bill. I was wondering though because my dad said I need to cut down on his proteins significantly. A lot of other recipes call for a lot less meat. I could never get a clear answer from my veterinarian on how much meat to add. My dog is just in the early stages of kidney disease.