Plants that support the kidney

7 May 2024

The kidney health of our 4-legged friends is of vital importance to their general well-being. As well as appropriate veterinary care, there are natural measures that pet owners can take to help their dogs’ and cats’ kidneys function properly. Among these measures, the use of certain plants can be beneficial for kidney health.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a plant widely used to support kidney health in dogs and cats. Dandelion roots are rich in compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic compounds and sterols, which have detoxifying properties. By increasing urine production, dandelion can help eliminate toxins and waste products from the body, relieving the workload on the kidneys.

Burdock

Burdock is a plant that offers valuable support for kidney health. Their roots are rich in inulin, polyphenols and essential fatty acids, which help to modulate inflammation and have diuretic and detoxifying effects. By encouraging the elimination of toxins from the body, burdock can help prevent damage to the kidneys.

Orthosiphon

Orthosiphon, also known as Java tea, is a plant traditionally used for kidney health. Its leaves contain flavonoids, phenolic acids and saponins, which promote urine production and help modulate inflammation. By stimulating urine production, orthosiphon can help eliminate toxins from the body and relieve kidney congestion.

Gingko

Gingko is a plant known for its vasodilatory and inflammation-modulating properties. Although it is most commonly associated with brain health and blood circulation, ginkgo can also have beneficial effects on kidney health. In particular, it can promote better blood circulation around and within this organ.

Blueberry leaf

Bilberry leaf contains compounds such as anthocyanosides and tannins, which have inflammation-modulating, antioxidant and diuretic properties. This leaf can help reduce inflammation of the urinary tract and prevent kidney infections, while protecting the kidneys from damage caused by free radicals.

Plants can be valuable allies in maintaining the kidney health of our dogs and cats. There are complementary foods specifically formulated to support the renal health of dogs and cats, whether they need early or reinforced support. Talk to your vet about it.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.