One third of all cats and 10% of all dogs will die from kidney disease. Cats are especially susceptible because they do not drink as much water as dogs, and their urine is much more concentrated. Ammonia is a waste product of both metabolism and protein in food, it is toxic and needs to be kept diluted to avoid kidney damage. Convention wisdom recommends reduced protein diets, but there is an alternative. Urea, which is the precursor to ammonia, is generated in the gut after food protein has been disassembled by enzymes. It is normally absorbed through the walls of the gut, sent to the liver for processing, and then to the kidneys for excretion as ammonia. Urea is trapped by pectin while in the gut and excreted in the feces, thus reducing the ammonia that needs to pass through the kidneys. MSE Kidney Defense combines concentrated probiotics, pectin, and a known calming agent. The latter helps keep pets which have been diagnosed with proteinuria to stay calm despite constant thirst and frequent fluid therapy. Probiotics are strongly recommended for pets with kidney disease because it is a chronic stress. This means that the immune system is always on, and nutrients and energy may be diverted from the gut. This can lead to a corresponding reduction in beneficial gut microbes and secondary infection. MSE Kidney Defense is also good for the prevention of kidney disease and for treatment for urinary calculi. MSE Kidney Defense can be mixed with canned food, especially gravy varieties, or mixed with water to be given orally. It may also be dusted on dry food (recommended for prevention only, canned food should be used for animals already diagnosed with kidney disease) IMPORTANT: This is a concentrated product, the initial doses must be small to allow acclimation of gut microflora. Allow up to two weeks to build up to the final dose. Contains the same species and concentration of microorganisms as MSE Natural Defense. Recommended dosage: Cats - 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon daily, may be divided between two meals Small dogs - 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon per day Medium dogs - 1 teaspoon/day Large dogs (100+ lb.) 2 teaspoons