I have a 20 month golden retriever who has an Ectopic Ureter.  She has recently had some tests done to make sure that her one working kidney is ok and unfortunately the readings were high.  The vets have suggested that we put her on a low protein diet which is fine with regards to her food, but as a golden retriever with selective hearing unless there is something in it for her! and who enjoys pigs ears, rawhide chews etc as a special treat I am concerned about what treats to give her.  Does anyone have any suggestions for any 'low protein' treats.  Any help would be appreciated as I think she feels at the moment that she is being punished and doesn't know why as rather than give her something she shouldn't have, we're not really giving her any treats.

I have a dog who's a confirmed urate stone former, so has to have a similar diet. However protein comes in different forms - my dog's allowed low purine proteins. Do you know what sort of proteins your dog's allowed? In the meantime you're quite right to go for no treats rather than the wrong ones.

You could always use some of her food or bits of carrot etc.

My golden likes having a carrot for a chewy treat. He likes fruit, apples and oranges, but not too much or you'll be cleaning her pants (no grapes or raisins, they're dangerous). You could bake some treats without meat, like cheesy garlic chunks. 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/4 cups grated cheese, 14 g butter and a couple of garlic gloves. Mix it together, chill for 30 minutes then roll onto a floured surface. I just chop them into little squares and bake for 15 min. at 175 C. You'd have to work out how much protein was in the batch. I'm going to experiment with making marmite treats because he loves marmite toast. Anything smelly will be appreciated I'm sure. Maybe some flavoured rice cakes; peanut butter or cheddar.

I'm not sure about the phosphorous content of cheese though. Some dairy products are high in it. Looking at the site someone posted in reply to your question on the feeding board I would experiment with the ingredients listed as appropriate. Mixing rice flour with egg white, yoghurt and honey. Maybe try adding mashed veg such as butternut squash. If you can squash it in a pan and nuke it so it holds together I'd call it a dog treat. I make tuna cake with 400g tin of tuna, 3 eggs, 3 cups of flour and some yoghurt - just as an idea of wet to dry ratios.

It would be a good idea to have some special toys that only come out on walks too. So sometimes her reward is her favorite toy.

I'm not sure that marmite would be adviseable for a dog with kidney problems - it's very salty.

This site seems quite helpful.

Also see this site.

Good point about the marmite. I was thinking about a teaspoon for the whole batch to add smell, but yes, it might be too salty for many dogs.