Kidney disease

I am so happy it posted, just got the angry blue bear implying there was a problem!

I am happy to hear that the Kidney group are a good bunch and are helping you

The BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) level is good. Definitely better than 21. Ideally it should be about 7, however elevated BUN levels are common in dogs with renal failure (and also dogs on high protein diets). Basically, its a waste product made in the liver and excreted by the kidneys so a higher BUN isn't unusual in dogs with kidney disease. Low protein diet will definitely continue to help with this.

Creatinine (CREA) is high. It's supposed to be filtered by the kidneys but if kidneys are damaged it can't do this. Typically, quite a lot of kidney tissue can be damaged by the time high creatinine levels are seen in the blood. There isn't really much you can do diet wise as creatinine diffuses out of muscle cells. Although some drugs can effect crea levels (the group name escapes me though) so it might be worth looking at any medications he's on for some of the less common side effects. 

The rest is good though. The other kidney markers are much better even if the crea is high.

As for the dipstick test. They're not always that reliable (and it can vary from one brand to another) so the urinalysis might not be as bad as you think. Even stress and excitement can cause glucose levels to increase. Protein is not unusual for a dog with kidney disease so I wouldn't be too worried there. Blood and pH would indicate UTI however it could also be drug related, unlikey but there is that possibility. 


And as for feeding a lot more fruit, personally it's not something I'm keen on (regardless of the dogs health). As humans, we grow our fruit to be sweet and much higher in sugar than it would normally be. And given that most people feed high carb diets too, which will be converted in to glucose as well, I just think that it all adds up. I'd sooner use veg as treats as oppose to fruit but that's up for you to decide. If you're happy with what you're doing now then stick to it if it's working. 

Benezapril can raise creatine levels. This info (although from a cat guide) may help www.felinecrf.org/proteinuria.htm#ace_inhibitors_arbs
Also they have info on other possible reasons for raised CRE
www.felinecrf.org/diagnosis_blood_chemistry.htm

Glad you've got a good support group barley, I found the Tanya Support group forum for cats with CRF (liked to the felinecrf guide) was very good when our Penny was diagnosed

Oh dear an exciting food processor

Good luck Alfie, I hope everything is still going in the right direction barley.

Will be thinking about you both. {{HUGS}}

Good luck Alfie! Hope all is well barley.