In CKD management, why is lean mass preservation a goal for senior dogs?

• A. It is not important
• B. Increasing dietary carbohydrates is the main goal
• C. Reducing all protein prevents CKD progression
• D. Adequate protein supports lean mass; moderate, high-biologic-value protein with overall renal support

Answer: (D)

Preserving lean mass in senior dogs with CKD helps maintain mobility, metabolism, and immune function, and protects against protein-energy wasting that can worsen outcomes. To achieve this, providing enough high-quality protein supports muscle protein synthesis without overloading the kidneys. Moderate amounts of protein from high-biologic-value sources supply essential amino acids efficiently, helping maintain lean mass while overall renal support measures—such as managing phosphorus, ensuring adequate energy intake to spare protein, and addressing other renal-protective strategies—keep kidney function in balance. The other ideas don’t fit because ignoring protein needs risks malnutrition and muscle loss, while simply increasing carbohydrates doesn’t protect lean mass; and reducing all protein to slow CKD progression would cause malnutrition and loss of lean mass.