Ask a PetDoc: Feeding an adult dog chicken

Question: Feeding an adult dog chicken 

Hi Doc, thanks for answering this.

I have an adult dog of 13 (Rotty/Sheperd/Chow mix), with chronic bronchitis due to a slight enlargement of the right size of his heart. He is on 50mg of Lasix and 5mg of Enalipril and is working fine. He is super active every day and has a zest to always be running around. He eats well and is in great shape for an older dog.

I've recently been reading all the good things about chicken and have increased his intake only recently in his adult life, but sparingly due to fear of kidney problems... can you tell me if this is bad, good and if so, how much is appropriate?

Thank you, Rick in Pennsylvania

Dr. Jim says:

Rick,

It's great that the medication is helping resolve the symptoms and your dog is doing well. My first rule of thumb for feeding any pet is to use a good quality commercial diet as it will provide all the nutrients required by the pet and that are recognized as essential by the American Association Of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). My second rule of thumb is that if you add anything to the diet it should be no more than 10% by weight of the amount of food required daily. Chicken, properly cooked (which means broiled or baked), is a good source of nutrition, is tasty, and is digestible. I would suggest using only skinless chicken or turkey. So measure out the amount of the commercial food to be fed, weigh it, then add 10% by weight of the cooked poultry product.

Diet is not the cause of kidney problems but can cause problems for the dog who already has kidney disease. Periodic monitoring of your pet's blood chemistry by your veterinarian will keep tabs on the funtion of all internal organs and will alert you to any changes. If kidney disease develops, and it does occur in over 50% of older dogs, then dietary change to a low level of high quality protein diet will help manage the condition.

Dr. James Sokolowski, DVM, PhD is a veterinarian with 40 years in the pet industry. He has appeared extensively on radio and TV including CNN, Fox, ABC and other national and local radio and TV programs. Dr. Sokolowski is a recipent of veterinary professional awards for his contributions to the veterinary profession. Read his full bio here.

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