A vet-formulated, freeze-dried raw kidney support diet for dogs requiring controlled phosphorus and mineral intake. The Medicus Kidney Support Diet is built with highly digestible proteins, carefully balanced minerals, and whole-food ingredients selected for thoughtful nutrient delivery and bioavailability. Formulated to help maintain appropriate mineral balance while supporting overall nutritional integrity. Intended for intermittent or supplemental use under veterinary guidance as part of a comprehensive kidney support nutrition plan. Available in Beef and Chicken formulas, each in Nugget and Paté formats to support palatability and feeding flexibility.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Who This Diet Is For
- Dogs with kidney or renal disease who benefit from controlled phosphorus and mineral levels
- Dogs with conditions requiring low dietary phosphorus
- Dogs whose veterinarian has recommended a kidney-support or renal diet
Diet Overview
The Medicus Kidney Support Diet is formulated to provide kidney-conscious nutrition for dogs requiring controlled phosphorus and mineral intake. Built with highly digestible proteins, carefully balanced minerals, and antioxidant-rich whole foods, it helps maintain appropriate mineral balance while supporting overall nutritional integrity.
- Highly digestible, quality animal proteins
- Controlled phosphorus levels through ingredient selection and whole-food mineral balancing
- Balanced potassium levels
- High levels of B vitamins
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA) with Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 0.52:1
- Available in Beef and Chicken formulas
- Available in Nugget and Paté formats
How It Works
- Nourishes the body with clean, whole foods: Moderate levels of high-quality protein from meat and organs, moderate levels of healthy digestible fats, and antioxidant-rich produce provide complete nutrition in a kidney-conscious format
- Reduces dietary phosphorus load: Low-phosphorus ingredients help support balanced mineral intake. Whole-food calcium sources such as ground eggshell, and natural phosphorus-binding support from chitosan help manage phosphorus levels as part of the overall mineral design
- Replenishes key nutrients that may be depleted: Added potassium chloride and B vitamins help maintain normal nutrient balance and support everyday hydration-related nutrient turnover
- Supports renal health with targeted fatty acid balance: Omega-3 fatty acids from ground krill provide EPA and DHA. A balanced Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 0.52:1 is formulated to support the body's natural inflammatory response
The Right Nutrients From the Right Sources
Kidney support diets are built around precise nutrient levels. Many rely on heavily processed ingredients and isolated nutrients to reach those numbers. The Medicus Kidney Support Diet is built differently. Each recipe uses whole foods that naturally provide the nutrients dogs need, while still delivering the controlled nutritional profile required for kidney-conscious feeding. Because nutrients don't exist in isolation - they come from food. And food is what nourishes the body.
Beef Formula Ingredients
Grass-Raised Beef, Rice, Egg, Grass-Raised Beef Liver, Grass-Raised Beef Kidney, Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Ground Krill, Blueberries, Beets, Potassium Chloride, Ground Egg Shell, Chitosan, Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid.
Chicken Formula Ingredients
Chicken, Rice, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Egg, Ground Flaxseed, Sweet Potato, Blueberries, Beets, Ground Krill, Potassium Chloride, Chitosan, Ground Egg Shell, Calcium Carbonate, Kelp, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Key Ingredient Highlights
- Grass-Raised Beef (Beef Formula): Red meat is naturally lower in phosphorus than many white meats such as chicken, turkey, or fish - a meaningful advantage in kidney-conscious formulation. Provides highly digestible complete protein supporting lean body condition. In TCVM, beef is Neutral with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi and Blood and warming the Middle Jiao - appropriate for dogs with kidney disease who may present with Spleen Qi deficiency and reduced digestive function alongside Kidney Qi or Yang deficiency
- Chicken (Chicken Formula): A clean, highly digestible protein source providing essential amino acids to help maintain lean body condition. Selected for its gentle digestibility in dogs who benefit from kidney-conscious nutrition. In TCVM, chicken is Warming with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi - supportive for dogs with Kidney and Spleen Qi deficiency patterns common in chronic renal disease
- Grass-Raised Beef Liver and Kidney (Beef Formula): Organ meats are naturally nutrient-dense, supplying concentrated levels of essential vitamins and minerals in smaller portions - important for dogs with reduced appetite or lower intake capacity. Beef kidney provides naturally occurring coenzyme Q10 and B vitamins. In TCVM, liver and kidney are Neutral organ meats with affinity for their respective organ systems, nourishing Blood, Yin, and Jing; kidney organ meat is used in TCVM food therapy to tonify the Kidney organ system
- Chicken Liver and Chicken Heart (Chicken Formula): Chicken liver delivers naturally occurring vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins in concentrated, highly digestible form. Chicken heart is a lean protein source providing essential amino acids and naturally occurring taurine, supporting overall nutritional balance. In TCVM, both are Neutral with Liver and Heart affinity respectively, nourishing Blood and supporting Qi flow
- Egg: A complete, highly digestible protein containing all nine essential amino acids. Its naturally lower phosphorus level makes it a valuable protein in renal-conscious nutrition where thoughtful mineral balance is a priority. In TCVM, egg is Neutral and nourishes Yin and Blood - appropriate for dogs with chronic kidney disease who may present with Kidney Yin deficiency
- Rice: Included very intentionally in this formula. While Medicus typically prioritizes lower-carbohydrate, meat-forward formulations for healthy dogs, kidney-support nutrition follows different priorities. Rice provides a gentle, highly digestible source of energy with naturally low mineral contribution, helping maintain a carefully controlled phosphorus profile while supporting steady calorie intake and easy digestion. In TCVM, rice is Neutral with Spleen and Stomach affinity, strengthening digestive Qi and resolving Dampness - supporting the Spleen's transformation function, which is commonly compromised in dogs with advanced kidney disease
- Flaxseed: Provides fiber and plant-based ALA omega-3 fatty acids, supporting normal digestion and nutrient utilization. In TCVM, flaxseed is Cool and moistens the intestines, nourishes Yin, and supports Blood - appropriate for the Yin deficiency and dryness patterns common in dogs with chronic kidney disease
- Sweet Potato: Offers gentle, digestible carbohydrates along with fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, contributing steady energy and nutritional diversity. In TCVM, sweet potato is Neutral to slightly Warming with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi and supporting digestive transformation
- Ground Krill: Marine-sourced EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids with naturally occurring astaxanthin. The 0.52:1 Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio from this formula supports a balanced inflammatory response relevant to renal health. In TCVM, marine ingredients carry a Salty, Cool nature with Kidney affinity - directly targeted to the organ system involved in renal function
- Blueberries: Rich in naturally occurring antioxidants and phytonutrients supporting the body's normal response to everyday oxidative stress - particularly relevant in kidney disease where oxidative burden is elevated. In TCVM, blueberries are Cool and slightly Sweet/Sour, nourishing Yin and supporting Kidney and Liver function
- Beets: Contribute fiber and micronutrients including vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium, helping broaden nutritional diversity while remaining gentle on digestion. In TCVM, beets are Neutral and Sweet with Heart and Liver affinity, nourishing Blood
- Potassium Chloride: Helps maintain balanced potassium levels and supports normal hydration and electrolyte balance - important for dogs with kidney disease, where potassium dysregulation is a clinical concern
- Ground Egg Shell: A whole-food calcium source used to thoughtfully balance the recipe's overall calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, supporting controlled mineral intake without synthetic calcium supplements
- Chitosan: Derived from the outer shells of shellfish such as lobster and crab. Works alongside other whole-food ingredients to help support balanced phosphorus levels as part of the overall mineral design. Chitosan has been studied for its ability to bind phosphorus in the digestive tract
- Calcium Carbonate (Chicken Formula): A source of calcium included to help maintain appropriate dietary mineral balance as part of this thoughtfully formulated kidney-conscious diet
- Kelp: A sea vegetable providing iodine and naturally occurring trace minerals contributing to comprehensive nutritional support. In TCVM, kelp carries a Salty, Cold nature with Kidney affinity, softening accumulations and supporting fluid metabolism
- Mixed Tocopherols: A natural source of vitamin E, maintaining freshness while contributing antioxidant support - relevant for the elevated oxidative stress associated with chronic kidney disease
- Zinc Proteinate: Chelated zinc supporting normal nutrient utilization and overall immune function
- B Vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid): A complete B vitamin complex supporting normal energy metabolism and nutrient processing. Dogs with kidney disease commonly lose water-soluble B vitamins through increased urinary output; B vitamin supplementation supports normal metabolic function and helps offset this loss
Guaranteed Analysis
Beef Formula
- Crude Protein (Min): 18%
- Crude Fat (Min): 14%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 6%
- Moisture (Max): 5%
Chicken Formula
- Crude Protein (Min): 20%
- Crude Fat (Min): 14%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 4%
- Moisture (Max): 4%
Calorie Content (Calculated ME)
Beef Formula
- Nuggets: 4,253 kcal/kg - 421 kcal/cup
- Paté: 4,253 kcal/kg - 527 kcal/cup
Chicken Formula
- Nuggets: 4,074 kcal/kg - 399 kcal/cup
- Paté: 4,074 kcal/kg - 444 kcal/cup
Cups Per Bag
Beef Formula
- Nuggets: 99 g/cup - 9 cups per 32oz bag
- Paté: 124.7 g/cup - 7 1/4 cups per 32oz bag
Chicken Formula
- Nuggets: 109.1 g/cup - 8 1/4 cups per 32oz bag
- Paté: 124.7 g/cup - 7 1/4 cups per 32oz bag
Cup amounts are estimates. Because this food is freeze-dried, volume can vary from bag to bag. What's consistent is weight: each bag contains 32oz with a +/-5% tolerance.
Daily Feeding Guidelines
Use only as directed by your veterinarian. Feeding amounts and duration should be adjusted based on your dog's individual response. Always provide access to fresh water.
| Weight (lbs) | Average Metabolism (Cups/Day) | Fast Metabolism (Cups/Day) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 1/3 | 1/3 |
| 10 | 1/2 | 2/3 |
| 20 | 3/4 | 1 |
| 30 | 1 1/8 | 1 1/3 |
| 40 | 1 3/8 | 1 2/3 |
| 50 | 1 5/8 | 2 |
| 60 | 1 3/4 | 2 1/4 |
| 70 | 2 1/8 | 2 1/2 |
| 80 | 2 1/3 | 2 3/4 |
| 90 | 2 1/2 | 3 |
| 100 | 2 3/4 | 3 7/8 |
| 120 | 3 1/8 | 4 1/2 |
| 140 | 3 1/2 | 5 1/8 |
| 160 | 3 3/4 | 5 2/3 |
| 180 | 4 1/4 | 6 1/8 |
Rehydration Instructions (Strongly Recommended)
Water helps with digestion, circulation, and other bodily processes like perfusion - the movement of fluids through the body - which helps move harmful byproducts through the filtration system and out of the body. For dogs on a kidney-support diet, consistent hydration is an important part of a thoughtful feeding routine. Rehydrating also enhances aroma and palatability, helping encourage steady intake.
- Nuggets: Add approximately 3/4 cup of warm water per cup of food. Mix and wait 3-4 minutes, then serve.
- Paté: Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water (120 degrees F) per cup of Medicus paté powder. Mix and let rest for 5 minutes. Prior to serving, add two additional tablespoons of warm water and mix.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Supplemental Feeding Notice
The Medicus Canine Kidney Support Diet is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only and should be used as directed by your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this diet require veterinary authorization?
This recipe is formulated specifically for dogs who need kidney-conscious nutrition and controlled mineral levels. Because these needs are typically identified and monitored by a veterinarian, authorization is required to ensure the diet is being used appropriately as part of a vet-guided care plan, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Is this food only for dogs with kidney disease?
This diet is formulated specifically for dogs with kidney or renal concerns, or for those whose veterinarian has recommended a kidney-support or low-phosphorus diet. Because it is designed for targeted nutritional use, it is not intended for healthy maintenance feeding unless directed by your veterinarian, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Why is phosphorus controlled in this recipe?
Dogs with kidney concerns often benefit from carefully managed phosphorus intake. Excess dietary phosphorus can place additional burden on compromised kidneys. Medicus uses thoughtfully selected low-phosphorus ingredients and whole-food mineral sources (including ground eggshell and chitosan) to help maintain a balanced phosphorus level while still delivering complete, nutrient-dense nutrition, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Why does this formula include rice?
Rice is included very intentionally in this recipe. While Medicus typically formulates meat-forward diets for healthy dogs, kidney-support nutrition follows different priorities. Rice provides a gentle, highly digestible source of energy with naturally low phosphorus, helping maintain a carefully controlled mineral balance while supporting steady calorie intake and easy digestion. The nutritional goal here is phosphorus management and digestive gentleness, not carbohydrate minimization, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Do I need to rehydrate the food before serving?
Yes - rehydration is strongly recommended. Adding water increases moisture intake, which supports normal digestion, circulation, and overall fluid balance throughout the body. For dogs on a kidney-support diet, consistent hydration is an important part of a thoughtful feeding routine. Rehydrating also enhances aroma and palatability, helping encourage steady intake. See the rehydration directions above for format-specific instructions, or as directed by your veterinarian.
What if my dog has a poor appetite?
Both nuggets and freeze-dried paté formats are available to help support dogs who may be more selective at mealtime. The paté is designed to be mixed with warm water, allowing you to adjust texture and moisture level to suit your dog's preferences. Rehydrated nuggets can also be mixed into the paté for added texture and variety. Serving the food fully rehydrated and slightly warm enhances aroma and palatability, which can help encourage more consistent intake while maintaining the recipe's carefully balanced nutritional design, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Is this diet intended for long-term feeding?
This diet is formulated for targeted nutritional support and is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding. Your veterinarian can advise whether it is appropriate as a long-term feeding strategy based on your dog's individual needs, disease progression, and response to the diet, or as directed by your veterinarian.