Great diet, great skin!

More and more dogs and even cats are showing up with skin ailments and allergies to foods.  Every pet owner wants their four legged companion to look and feel their best.  When constant licking, chewing, scratching and flaky skin abound owners and pets become frustrated. Often a simple change in diet can provide relief for both pet and owner. Consider what animals might eat if left to their own devices in the wild before we came along and made pet food.
An animal has an instinct for what it needs for itself, a dog or cat left to its own devices will forage for vegetables and meat and water whenever and wherever available.  Most of the time they know instinctively what not to eat as well.
There has been a lot said about allergens in pet food.  Read the label of your pet food.  Are the first few ingredients a grain - wheat, corn, or soy product?  Those are fillers and provide no real nutritional value for animals.  Certain grains have proven to be difficult for the body to process, specifically the liver and kidneys.  These organs process waste and eliminate toxins.  Some doctors even refer to the skin as the third kidney,  toxins are also eliminated through the skin.
Even in this economy there are foods available that offer true meat protein as the first ingredient and won't break the bank.  Take a moment and read the labels and price shop, talk with your veterinarian to get their opinion and suggestions.  Consider a diet filled with healthful ingredients and vitamins and minerals.  Many veterinarians are even suggesting a diet of canned wet food over kibble.  Nutrients are processed easier by the organs and with more of the correct healthful ingredients, there is generally less waste to be eliminated. 
Discuss with your veterinarian the specific issues your cat or dog has and ask their opinion about a diet that is suitable for your pets needs.

Kidney Failure in Dogs and Cats

Daily I am asked about nutrition for animals in various stages of renal failure otherwise known as kidney failure.
Avoiding stressors in their and providing key components can possibly extend the life of any pet in renal failure.  Simply put, kidneys process blood and eliminate waste and toxins, then eliminate through urination.
Speaking nutritionally, the two major stressors on kidneys is inadequate and improper protein and low moisture.
Commercial kibble diets are difficult on the kidneys due to the starch and low moisture.  Even some homemade diets can lack the proper nutrients required for kidney diets. 
A strong healthful diet is the first line of defense for the kidneys.  A low protein, low phosphorus and nutritious well balanced whole food diet that avoids hard to assymilate, synthetic vitamins and minerals will aid the kidneys in not having to work overtime in processing.
Processed food can be laden with chemicals and toxins, making it difficult for your pet to process.  Fatty diets and high carb diets again make the kidneys exert a great deal of energy.  When the kidneys and liver have to work overtime eliminating things that are bad it decreases the ability to repair continuing the downward cycle.
Your mom told you to eat your greens, so should your pet!
Kelp is a great anti-inflammatory and helps to balance the thyroid.  Chlorella and spirulina have 12 times the protein than that of an ounce or so of milk! Barley and wheat grass are chock full of vitamins and minerals that animals need and assymilate easily.
A well balanced diet can aid your pet in processing medications it must be on if any, by boosting the immune system and allowing the body to rest in the areas it needs to in order to aid in healing.
Work with your veterinarian with regard to nutrition and even alternative methods that aren't quite as taxing on the organs.  Your veterinarian may refer you to a nutritionist to help you come up with a plan.
Something so simple can extend the life of your beloved pet and its quality of life!