5 Hill’s K/D Dog Food Alternatives

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Hill's Prescription Diet kd Kidney Care dry and wet dog food

Finding out your dog has a health issue can be devastating, and one of the most common problems our furry friends have is kidney disease.

An appropriate diet can help them live longer and better and that’s why it’s mandatory. 

Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dog Food has helped many dogs experiencing kidney problems and vets and nutritionists have specially developed this formula.

However, many dog parents find this food too expensive and the fact that it’s a prescription diet makes things more complicated.

Furthermore, some dog parents worry about the high percentage of fat from soy which can be disadvantageous for canines. Also, this recipe is grain-inclusive and contains allergens such as corn, wheat, and soy which aren’t appropriate for dogs with sensitivities.

So, our mission was to find the best alternatives to Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dog Food and help as many dogs as possible.

We couldn’t make our list of top kidney care foods similar to Hill’s formula but with less protein, better fatty acid sources, or grain-free without our dog experts, vets, and furry testers.

Without further ado, all the alternative dog foods we researched are crafted under veterinary supervision and contain the right amount of protein, antioxidants, and fatty acids to help with kidney disease and improve your pup’s quality of life without breaking the bank.

These high-quality, restricted protein recipes with low phosphorus levels support renal function and increase appetite.

Check out our list of best wet and dry alternatives to Hill’s Prescription Diet recipe and carry on reading to find out more.

Best Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Alternatives in 2024

5 Dog Foods Similar to Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Reviewed

Here are our top picks for the best substitutes to Hill’s Prescription diet k/d Kidney Care dog food. Read carefully to find out what we discovered.

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support Canned Dog Food 

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support Canned Dog Food

This brand’s wet food recipe helps canines with decreased kidney function eat better and thus improve their quality of life.

The specially crafted formula contains the right amount of protein, antioxidants, and fatty acids to promote renal health and it’s an excellent alternative to Hill’s k/d formula.

Decreased kidney function means that your dog needs a low-protein and low-fat diet to improve its health condition and to avoid gaining extra weight.

In comparison, Hill’s recipe contains 2.5% protein; 3.5% fat, and Royal Canin’s contains 2.3% min protein; 4.5% min fat.

Furthermore, dogs with kidney problems lose their appetite, and these flavorful chunks in gravy help to increase appetite.

It features ingredients like chicken liver, chicken by-products, pork liver, pork plasma, and dried beet pulp which provide protein and nutrients for your pup to stay energized and active during the day.

Moreover, fish oil is naturally high in fatty acids and DHA which are beneficial for your canine’s skin and general health.

Added vitamins and minerals keep your pup’s immune system strong and low phosphorus levels support kidney function.

Key Takeaways

  • Specially crafted with the right amount of protein from chicken and pork
  • Delectable; stimulates appetite in dogs with kidney problems
  • Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to boost health and skin
  • Special texture to increase appetite
  • Made in the US
  • Phosphorus level 0.14 % max

Royal Canin’s wet recipe is specifically made for adult dogs of all breeds which experience kidney problems and are under veterinary supervision.

These tasty chunks in gravy help support renal function with their limited, but good-quality protein and reduced meal volume for canines with lower appetites.

The special texture formula can increase your dog’s appetite, and the antioxidant complex with omega fatty acids is favorable for kidney function and overall health.

Dog parents buying on a budget will appreciate the price of this Hill’s K/D alternative.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Blue Buffalo’s formula is another awesome alternative to Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d dog food.

Nutritionists and vets developed it and this natural food takes care of dogs with special dietary needs.

Dogs with kidney problems need a low phosphorus and low sodium diet and they had that in mind when they made this mouthwatering wet recipe with chicken.

Yes, chicken, chicken broth, and water are the first ingredients.

That means your dog gets super-quality protein to maintain muscle and stay fit.

The amount of protein is only 3% and the amount of fat is 2.5% to support kidney function and help your buddy stay healthy. (Hill’s formula has 3% protein and 4.5% fat).

The other ingredients include potatoes, carrots, peas, flaxseed, fish oil, blueberries, and cranberries.

Fresh veggies and fruits are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants that your furry friend needs to maintain active and strong.

In addition, flaxseed is a natural fiber that supports digestion and good heart health. And fish oil is known to be high in fatty acids that boost the immune system and your pup’s skin and coat.

This vet-prescribed recipe is grain-free, so it should be suitable for canines with sensitivities.

Key Takeaways

  • Tasty wet food with controlled levels of protein
  • Low in phosphorus and sodium to support kidney health
  • Rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to boost health
  • L-Carnitine for a healthy heart
  • Grain-free
  • Vet Diet
  • Phosphorus level 0.08% min

This brand’s formula offers tasty chicken flavor wet food that canines like but also benefit from.

It’s specially made for adult dogs of any breed that have kidney problems because it has a smaller amount of protein and minerals like sodium and phosphorus to help them maintain good kidney health.

The other ingredients are rich in essential nutrients, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids for general well-being.

And L-carnitine helps them turn fat into energy, which dogs with decreased kidney function definitely need, as they may gain weight more quickly. [1]

The price is also reasonable and you get good value for money.

Diamond Care RX Renal Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

Diamond Care RX Renal Formula Adult Dry Dog Food

Our favorite alternative to Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care dog food offers terrific ingredients for your pup to thrive. 

The special recipe contains brown rice, chicken fat, egg product, potato protein, and menhaden fish oil to provide easily digestible protein and nutrients for your best pal.

In addition, Diamond Care RX Renal Formula’s ingredients are very similar to the ones in Hill’s recipe and the amount of crude protein and crude fat, as well (Diamond Care: 13%; 18% vs. Hill’s: 12%; 18%).

So, the limited ingredients formula contains a regulated amount of protein and it’s low in sodium too to support kidney function.

Pups with kidney disease can benefit from a high-fiber diet because it helps digestion.

And this recipe has the perfect blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, plus it contains K9 strain probiotics which not only aid digestion but also support the immune system.[2]

Last but not least, the kibble is enriched with antioxidants and omega fatty acids that strengthen the immune system and give your canine a healthy coat.

Key Takeaways

  • A controlled amount of easily digestible egg protein for energy and muscle
  • Low sodium and phosphorus levels to maintain normal kidney function
  • High in fiber to support the digestive system
  • Antioxidants and omega fatty acids from fish oil boost the immune system and skin
  • No corn, wheat, soy
  • Phosphorus level 0.5% max

Hence, this brand’s kibble is a great choice if you have an adult dog of any breed with chronic or acute kidney disease because your pup can benefit from a recipe with a restricted amount of protein, sodium, and phosphorus, but rich in nutrients, omega fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.

Also, the tasty formula stimulates appetite and has an amazing price that dog parents love.

Don’t forget to consult your vet before introducing new food to your dog with a kidney problem.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Formula

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Dry Dog Food

Crafted by vets and animal nutritionists Purina Pro Plan’s dry recipe is a fantastic alternative to Hill’s PD k/d Kidney Care with Lamb Dry Dog Food.

Although it doesn’t contain lamb or any other animal product besides animal fat, this kibble offers high-quality protein in controlled amounts to support kidney function.

The amount of crude protein and crude fat is 12.5% and 13%, respectively. 

Hill’s recipe contains 12% protein and 18% fat.

Furthermore, Purina Pro’s formula is made with whole grain corn, brewer rice, dried egg product, dried whey, fish oil, vitamins, and minerals.

That means that your dog gets a nutritious meal that provides enough protein and fiber to stay active.

Plus, healthy omega fatty acids from fish oil help your canine maintain a shiny coat and fight kidney disease.

Another important point is that the kibble has reduced levels of sodium and phosphorus which is useful for dogs with kidney issues.

And don’t worry about the taste, this dry food is delicious and pups simply enjoy eating it.

Key Takeaways

  • Restricted amount of premium quality protein for energy and better work of the kidneys
  • Reduced levels of sodium and phosphorus to support kidney function
  • Antioxidants to boost the immune system
  • Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin
  • Added vitamins and minerals for overall health
  • Phosphorus level 0.4% max

Purina Pro Plan’s veterinary diet is for adult dogs of all breeds who suffer from kidney disease and need a special diet to help them have a better quality of life.

This low-protein diet is rich in flavor and it can be a good solution for dogs that can’t eat meat or pea since it doesn’t feature those ingredients.

It’s also a cheaper alternative to Hill’s recipe.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KS Kidney Support Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Another great alternative to Hill’s PD k/d Kidney Care dog food.

What’s important is that it’s made with deboned chicken as the #1 ingredient. The high-quality protein from chicken gives your pup plenty of energy and lean muscle.

Both formulas have an 18% crude fat. Hill’s k/d dog food has 12% protein content, whereas Blue Buffalo’s recipe has 14% crude protein content.

A diet lower in protein and fat is beneficial for dogs with kidney problems since it supports kidney function and helps them not gain too much weight.

The other ingredients include potatoes, peas, dried egg product, flaxseed, fish oil, sweet potatoes, carrots, blueberries, cranberries, vitamins, and minerals.

This means that the formula is rich in vital nutrients, fiber, omega fatty acids, and DHA that are useful for your pup’s skin, brain, heart, kidneys, and overall health.

Moreover, the levels of sodium and phosphorus are restricted to support kidney health.

And this delicious kibble can increase appetite and dogs with sensitivities can enjoy it too since it’s grain-free.

Key Takeaways

  • A controlled amount of high-quality protein to help with kidney workload [3]
  • Restricted levels of sodium and phosphorus to support kidney function
  • Essential nutrients to boost the immune system
  • Omega fatty acids for healthy skin
  • L-Carnitine for overall health
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • Phosphorus level 0.25 % min

The vet-prescribed kibble offers a mix of excellent ingredients that help with kidney disease but also provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to strengthen your dog’s immune system and help him stay healthy.

Adult dogs of any breed can enjoy the flavorful recipe and dog parents will be glad to know that it’s more affordable than Hill’s.

How to Transition Your Pet to New Food

The most important tips are:

  • Make the switch gradually
  • Pay attention to your dog’s reactions after trying different food

Switching to the new food gradually means that it takes about 10 days for your pup to get used to different dog food.

Start by mixing 25% new food with 75% old food for the first few days.

Then, increase to 50 % new food, and 50 % old food for the following 2-3 days.

Continue mixing 75% new food with 25% old food around the 6th day.

In the end, give 100% new food to your dog and watch his reactions to make sure everything is fine.

Bear in mind that you need to consult your vet about any dietary change if your dog has kidney or other health problems. Most kidney care diets are vet-prescribed, so you will need your vet’s authorization.

Check out this useful video by Dr. Gary where he explains how to avoid an upset stomach when transitioning to a new food:

Final Thoughts

Dogs with acute or chronic kidney disease often need meds and they definitely need an appropriate diet to live longer and better.

That’s why many dog parents decide to buy one of the best-known kidney care dog foods on the market named Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dog Food.

However, many others want more affordable options, lower protein, and fat amounts, more quality omega fatty acids sources, or grain-free food.

All listed brands promote kidney health and they have controlled protein amounts, and low sodium and phosphorus levels to support kidney function, their formulas stimulate appetite, and they are high in nutrients necessary for your pup to thrive.

The wet and dry food on our list fits many dogs and dog parents looking for the best Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care substitutes.

Keep in mind that every dog is unique, so our advice is to talk to your vet to make the best decision for your canine’s health.

Do you want to read similar articles? Check out our Dog Food Comparison page!

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Ivana is an experienced writer, a dog enthusiast, and the author behind dogfoodpoint.com. With a background in dog nutrition, she shares her expertise and insights on the best foods and treats. Ivana is passionate about providing the best care for our four-legged friends and is dedicated to helping dog owners make informed choices about their pets' nutrition.

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