I haven't used the Aventi but if I had a dog in early stage kidney disease I would seek additional help thru a holistic vet. If you have one in your area they can help with diet change, supplements, herbal treatments and if necessary, acupuncture.

For the past few years I've been trying to find the perfect commercial diet for my dog, who suffered from a sensitive stomach. He has recently been diagnosed with Cushings, and the pancreatis he has is a result of the Cushings. The first thing I did was change to a home cooked diet for pancreatitis and it's made a huge difference in my dog's general health. He no longer needs Pepcid every day, no more gassy stomach, stools are always normal, fewer BM's, and he's satisfied after each meal.

In addition to Aventi you should look at changing, or making, his diet. Has your vet discussed diet......or does he have your dog on a prescription diet? My dog couldn't handle the Royal Canine prescription diet......it made his symptoms worse, plus he was never satisfied after eating.

Thank you for your post annztoo. As in with cats with Kidney disease they recommend a low proteine diet but there are studies showing it's not at all a good idea to provide little protein to a carnivorous animal. I have a fantastic book with tons of homemade recipes for my dogs which I use all the time. I rescued my dog when he was between 3 and 5 years old in 2008 so he's between 13 and 15. He's also on thyroid meds. Thanks again for your post.

I echo Annztoo's suggestion--our pup was diagnosed with "failure to thrive" by six different vets and each prescribed a version of Royal Canine or Purina with medication. He deteriorated and, in desperation, we sought an animal herbalist who placed him on human-grade food and supplements and brought him back to life. He has successfully treated dogs with various ailments with diet/supplements and his praises are sung throughout the rescue world. If we had continued to follow the vets' advice, we would have lost Kirby long ago.

I really believe vets, like doctors, are way too fast in prescribing medications. I also had a cat diagnosed with chronic renal failure 2 years ago at the age of 18 and she was prescribed Semantra. It didn't agree with her, she was always throwing up afterwards. Vet prescribed special food she didn't like so I thought to myself I'll continue feeding her the same diet which always included fish, poultry, cottage cheese, veggies (she loves peas and green and yellow beans). Today she's 20. She's pretty thin but she's still enjoying life. Aventi claims to be a supplement...vitamine and probiotic. I'll give it a try until his next blood test.