Meet Benji: A Senior Chihuahua Facing Big Health Challenges

For 2–3 years, Benji had been living with chronic kidney disease (CKD)—a common condition in older dogs. One of the toughest parts for his owner was watching him lose interest in food. Even with medication prescribed by his veterinarian, Benji often refused meals and ate only tiny amounts throughout the day.

In June 2023, his health took a sudden downturn. He developed severe vomiting and diarrhea, and blood tests showed:

• Pancreatitis
• An elevated creatinine level of 382 µmol/L, indicating reduced kidney filtration

These conditions frequently occur together in older dogs and can significantly reduce appetite.

Benji, a 17-year-old Chihuahua with kidney disease

In June 2023, Benji experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea. Blood tests revealed pancreatitis and elevated kidney index (CREA level of 382)

Benji's appetite remained poor despite veterinarian's prescribed medication

Trying Everything to Help Benji Eat Again

Like many dedicated dog parents, Benji's owner tried multiple strategies to spark his appetite:

• Home-cooked meals (chicken, salmon)
• Mixing fresh foods with kibble
• Various canned foods with different textures and aromas

Despite all these efforts, Benji continued to show little interest in eating. His owner worried about his nutrition, strength, and overall comfort.

Discovering a Fresh Option Benji Actually Loved

Benji's owner heard about Furry Green's fresh pet food from a friend and decided to give it a try

A few days after the difficult veterinary visit, a friend recommended trying Furry Green's fresh pet food. With nothing to lose, Benji's owner offered him a small portion.

To their surprise—and relief—Benji loved it. For the first time in months, he eagerly finished his meals. Day after day, his enthusiasm returned. Mealtimes became exciting again, filled with tail wags and anticipation.

While every dog is different, for Benji, finding a food he truly enjoyed made a meaningful difference in his daily comfort and energy.

A Noticeable Change in His Kidney Numbers

By October—after several months of consistent feeding—Benji returned to his veterinarian for follow-up testing. His creatinine level had decreased to 182 µmol/L.

Changes in creatinine can be influenced by many factors such as hydration, disease progression, and overall clinical management. So while we cannot attribute the change to diet alone, Benji's owner was thrilled to see improvement during this period, especially given how much better he was eating and feeling.

In October, Benji's kidney index dropped to 182 after several months on Furry Green's fresh pet food

A Happier Senior Pup at Mealtime

Today, whenever his fresh meals are being prepared, Benji becomes visibly excited. He trots over, tail wagging, ready for his next serving. At 17 years old, moments like this are priceless.

His owner shares his story in hopes of encouraging other pet parents:

• to keep looking for options when a pet struggles to eat
• to work closely with their veterinarian
• and to remember that nutrition plays a meaningful role in quality of life, especially for senior dogs

Final Thoughts

Benji's story is a reminder that every dog is unique, and sometimes a fresh approach to feeding can make mealtimes more enjoyable—especially for senior pets with health challenges.

If your dog has a chronic condition like kidney disease or pancreatitis, always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes. With the right support team, many dogs can continue to thrive well into their golden years.