Top Cat Foods Ideal for Managing Kidney Disease, Recommended by Linda Childers
Dealing with kidney disease in your cat can be a frightening experience, but with early diagnosis, proper medical care, and a kidney-friendly feline diet, you can manage the disease, alleviate symptoms, and help your cat live a happier, longer life.
"When your cat has kidney disease, the food you feed them becomes essential," says Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in NYC. "A kidney-friendly diet has been shown to almost double survival time in cats with chronic kidney disease."
According to Dr. Fox, kidney disease food for cats contains less protein, phosphorus, and salt, and more omega-3 fatty acids than regular maintenance adult cat food. Always consult your veterinarian about which foods they recommend, as they might suggest a prescription diet.
Why Your Cat Might Need a Kidney Disease Food
Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may exhibit weight loss, fatigue, increased urination, and loss of appetite. By feeding them specially formulated cat food for kidney disease, you can protect their kidney function, supply them with essential nutrients, and boost their energy levels.
Studies have demonstrated that cats with kidney disease who were fed a special diet restricted in phosphorus and protein survived longer than those not on a specialized diet[1].
A kidney-support cat food can also help alleviate nausea, reduce phosphate levels in their blood, and minimize protein loss through their kidneys.
Top 4 Vet-Approved Cat Foods for Kidney Disease
Here are some top-tier options to discuss with your veterinarian:
- Best Overall: Royal Canin Vet Diet Renal Support Canned Cat Food
- Best Dry Cat Food for Kidney Disease: Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Cat Food
- Best Wet Cat Food for Kidney Disease: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function
- Best Grain-Free Cat Food for Kidney Disease: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney and Mobility Support Dry Cat Food
We consulted veterinarians to identify the best kidney-support cat foods, taking taste, availability, and value into account.
[1] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2000.tb03932.x
- Proper management of your cat's chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves feeding them a kidney-friendly diet, which can double their survival time.
- This type of feline diet typically contains less protein, phosphorus, and salt, and more omega-3 fatty acids than regular maintenance adult cat food.
- Cats with CKD may exhibit symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, increased urination, and loss of appetite, making a kidney disease food essential for their health and wellness.
- Cats on a specialized diet, restricted in phosphorus and protein, tend to live longer than those not on such a diet, according to research.
- Therapies and treatments for CKD, combined with a kidney-support diet, can help alleviate nausea, reduce phosphate levels, and minimize protein loss through the kidneys.
- When considering kidney-support cat foods, options such as Royal Canin Vet Diet Renal Support Canned Cat Food, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Cat Food, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function, and Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney and Mobility Support Dry Cat Food are vetted and approved by health professionals.
