A system and method for providing slow dialysate flow with an intermittent hemodialysis delivery (IHD) system are disclosed. The system includes a dialysate slow-flow fluid pump having an outlet for connection to an inlet port of a hemodialyzer and an inlet for connection to a dialysate bulk flow line in association with the IHD. The system further includes an outlet line for coupling an outlet port of the hemodialyzer back to the dialysate bulk flow line, wherein the dialysate slow-flow fluid pump is configured to control the rate of delivery of dialysate to the hemodialyzer.