My 6yo entire male Leo has kidney damage, but he also has skin infections on his paws and scrotum (which the vet believes stems from allergies).  Before all of this started he was on a raw diet, hes currently on prescription renal (not strict, but I do keep an eye on protein and phosphate levels), and the vets want to move him on to hypo-allergenic prescription diet (this would obviously be VERY strict in order to confirm allergy).  Im concerned a) that he wont eat it and hes already massively underweight and b) it'll have an adverse reaction on his kidneys (lowest protein hypo-allergenic is still 7% higher than his renal diet).  Im thinking of finding a novel protein source rather than prescription diet, but obviously has to be lowish in protein and phosphates.  Thoughts please!

I knew I had read that it is an outdated belief that since have been proved wrong, that animals with kidney problems need less protein in their diet. A very quick Google came up with this article as the first result, and there were lots more -several links in the article:
http://dogaware.com/health/kidneyprotein.html

I had read that too, but he has PLN and even the kidney forums say this particular condition needs a moderately reduced protein :(

A raw diet is actually low protein, high water. Something you could maybe look into is nutriment's low purine food? Not sure if it would help but maybe just worth a look. Honeys real dog food are really good at tailoring a diet to a specific condition- they are well worth contacting too.

I always thought it was more to do with the quality or type of protein as Marianne says but sounds like you have looked into the particulars of the disease. Really hope you have some luck soon.

Try contacting Burns through their website. On the side of the Burns Organic Adult packet ( protein 18.5% phosphorus 0.55%) it says its suitable to feed along with their hypo-allergenic mixer (protein 9% phosphorus 0.17% for dogs with renal problems. I couldn't find where it said it on the website though. On the allaboutdogfood website it says neither have any nasties in. I've just got both to try my dog on with renal problems he wouldn't eat the Nutriment low purine food.

If the vets think he has allergies, and diet could potentially be tricky to get right, have you considered just getting him tested for allergies?  I know a lot of vets don't agree with it but I've seen a LOT of success from it, with dogs improving right away once their owners knew exactly what to avoid.  I'm just thinking it might save you messing around with his food - allergies are not always easy to pin down quickly with food trials.

So many allergies are caused by our modern day kibbled diets, a raw meat diet will most probably help with your allergy problem, although I have no knowledge of diets for kidneys!

Raw meat/bones is designed for our dogs and just so natural for the body to consume and digest, try some nice wet green tripe to start with it is full of nutrition and easy to digest and no tummy upsets !! (take care, it stinks ! )
Raw meat is not high in protein so may well be good for the kidneys.

Contact "WolfTucker" and ask to speak to Brian or Mandy for some very usefull and knowledable  advice.   (you do not have to buy their product though)  Phone no; 01243 641983