Virbac Renal Dog Dry Food Kidney Support 3kg
| Product Name | Virbac Veterinary HPM Kidney Support (also referred to as K1) |
| Size | 3 kg (also available in larger sizes) |
| Primary Protein Sources | Dehydrated pork and poultry proteins |
| Key Features | Low phosphorus (0.4%) to protect kidney function, adapted protein level (20.5%) to limit uremic toxins without sacrificing muscle mass, high energy density for dogs with reduced appetite, contains omega-3 fatty acids (EPA+DHA) to manage inflammation |
| Life Stage | Adult and senior dogs only - DO NOT USE in growth, gestation, or lactation |
| Typical Ingredients | Rice, dehydrated pork and poultry proteins, animal fats, peas, potato starch, faba bean hulls, minerals, hydrolysed pork and poultry proteins, lignocellulose, linseed, beet pulp, fish oil, fructooligosaccharides, brewers yeast, hydrolysed crustacean (source of chitosan), Lactobacillus acidophilus, chondroitin sulfate |
| Analytical Constituents | Crude Protein: 20.5%, Fat: 22%, Crude Fiber: 5.5%, Phosphorus: 0.4%, Calcium: 0.8%, Sodium: 0.3%, Potassium: 0.8%, Omega-3: 1%, EPA+DHA: 0.4%, Metabolizable Energy: 390-395 kcal/100g |
| Functional Additives | L-carnitine (330 mg/kg), Chitosan (800 mg/kg), Bentonite (5 g/kg), Vitamin E (570 mg/kg) |

Here are more detailed insights based on the product information:

- **Therapeutic Purpose**: This is a **complete veterinary diet** formulated to support renal function in cases of chronic or temporary kidney insufficiency . It may also be used for dogs with chronic hepatic disorders . The key therapeutic actions include:

- **Low Phosphorus (0.4%)**: Reduces phosphorus intake to slow kidney disease progression and minimize risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism
- **Adapted Protein Level (20.5%, 70% animal origin)**: Provides high-quality protein to maintain muscle mass while limiting uremic toxin production
- **Phosphorus Binders**: Added to reduce phosphorus bioavailability
- **High Omega-3 (EPA+DHA 0.4%)**: Helps regulate inflammatory processes in the kidneys
- **High Energy Density**: Ensures adequate nutrition even with reduced food intake, common in dogs with kidney disease

- **Important Usage Guidelines**:
- **Veterinary Consultation Required**: This is a prescription diet - consult your veterinarian before use
- **Recommended Usage Period**: Up to 6 months for chronic insufficiency; 2-4 weeks for temporary insufficiency
- **Contraindications**: Do not use in growing puppies, pregnant, or nursing dogs
- **Feeding**: Always provide fresh water. Daily rations should be based on current body weight and adjusted monthly

- **Feeding Guidelines** (based on normal-weight senior dogs) :

| Dog Weight | Daily Ration |
|:---:|:---:|
| 5 kg | 85 g |
| 10 kg | 135 g |
| 15 kg | 175 g |
| 20 kg | 210 g |
| 30 kg | 280 g |
| 40 kg | 335 g |

- **Hypoallergenic Formulation**: Free from artificial colors and flavors. Does not contain common allergens including dairy, lamb, fish, egg, wheat, maize, soy, or gluten .