Are you hunting high and low for the best wet cat food for kidney disease? But find what to feed a cat with kidney disease as clear as mud. Let me tell you that you are not alone. There are millions of pet parents at sixes and sevens when it’s time to decide what to feed cats with kidney problems. Kidney disease is one of the common diseases that your feline friend may suffer from.
Before jumping into the best food for cats with kidney problems take a look at:
- What is chronic kidney disease in cats?
- What are the signs of kidney disease in cats?
- How to test for kidney disease in cats?
- How to treat chronic kidney disease in cats?
- Why do cats get kidney disease?
- How to prevent kidney disease in cats?
- 7 Best Cat Foods for Kidney Disease
What is kidney disease in cats?
Alike mammals, cats are no exception in respect of kidney function. Cat’s kidney is responsible for:
- Control blood pressure
- Form hormones
- Trigger the bone marrow to generate more red blood cells
- Remove the waste from the blood by filtering
- Produce urine
- Prevent dehydration
- Put in order the essential minerals namely potassium, sodium, etc.
…counting.
Your feline friend’s kidney functions deteriorate by leaps and bounds over time in the same way as humans. This disease is common for older cats. This is a curable disease if you have spotted the early signs and undergo proper treatment. But if left untreated, kidney disease can lead to a bunch of health issues namely weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers, depression, etc.
7 Clinical signs of kidney disease in cats
Kidney disease is an ongoing process, and initially, the clinical signs are subtle. But over the remote future play havoc with the kidney as your feline friend may fall short to concentrate the urine and as a consequence, you may witness frequent urination and there’s an increase in water intake by leaps and bounds.
Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of kidney disease in cats.
- Urination in quick succession,
- Thirst increases by leaps and bounds,
- Loss of appetite resulting in a dehydrated coat,
- Constipation,
- Weight loss,
- Abnormal sleepiness,
- Anemia.
A majority of pet owners ignore the feline kidney disease symptoms when their feline friend experiences a sudden weight loss or constipation. The pet owners keep in view sensitive stomach issues and rule out the chances of probable kidney failure. In numerous cases, two-third of the kidneys becomes dysfunctional prior to any clinical signs.
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How to diagnose kidney disease in cats?
Diagnosing kidney disease in cats requires only two tests namely a blood test and urine test at the same time. These tests will reveal whether the concentrations of waste products such as urea and creatinine, which are by-products of metabolism increased or not. If there’s a hike, this is a clear signal that your feline friend has kidney issues that require urgent attention. Plus, the tests disclose the level of not only potassium, phosphate, protein, etc. but also red and white blood cell counts to throw light on kidney issues.
What will save your dog’s life when it comes to figure out if your cat is suffering from any potential health hazards or not is Pretty Litter. This color-changing litter turns red when your feline companion is suffering from feline lower urinary tract issues, kidney disease, and counting.
How to treat a cat with kidney disease?
The bitter truth is chronic kidney disease is irreversible and there’s no cure for chronic kidney disease. But by offering healthy wet canned foods to your feline friend, you can help your cat to stay hydrated. To slow the progression of kidney disease, offer your feline friend a sodium-deficit and phosphorous-deficit diet that contains at least 85% moisture. A protein-deficit wet food will minimize the level of toxic waste products namely urea and creatinine in the bloodstream, thereby control blood pressure, and put a stop to dehydration issues.
What causes kidney disease in cats?
Chronic kidney disease is a state of the kidney that is beyond recall. This disease is responsible for removing the waste products from the bloodstream. Though what lead your feline friend to chronic kidney disease is still unknown, here are the 7 common causes including:
Toxins – When a cat consumes food that contains toxins namely ethylene glycol, lily flowers, and plants, there’s a hike of calcium and phosphorous level that plays havoc with the kidneys.
Pyelonephritis – Where bacteria or fungal organisms taint the kidney tissues.
Nephrolithiasis – Where bacterial infection can bring forth kidney stones.
Glomerulonephritis – A disorder of the kidneys where inflammation in the glomerulus plays havoc with kidney tissues leading to chronic kidney disease.
Neoplasia – Where there’s an uncontrolled, bizarre hike of cells or tissues in the feline’s body, this results in a benign or malignant tumor.
Lymphoma – This affects the kidney where the cancer cells are stepped into the shoes of the functional kidney cells.
Amyloidosis – Where amyloid, a misfolded protein stocks up only in the kidney instead of lying down in numerous organs of the feline body.
The bitter truth is that the exact causes of chronic kidney disease aren’t as clear as the sky is blue. When your feline friend is 7 years or older, whenever you have found that your cat frequently urinates and increases the water intake by leaps and bounds, you should visit the vet ASAP.
How to prevent kidney disease in cats?
Since the majority of the cats suffer from kidney issues in their lifetime, here are the 7 best plausible ways that will reduce the likelihood of suffering from kidney issues.
Encourage your feline friend to drink a lot of water – As a rule of thumb, buy an elevated bowl and encourage your feline friend to drink water between three and a half ounces and four and a half ounces per five pounds of body weight a day to put a stop to dehydration issues.
Boycott dry cat foods – The dry kibble has only 15% moisture which’s not enough to stay hydrated. The dry kibble can lead to kidney issues especially when your cat doesn’t prefer to drink water from the cat bowl.
Offer wet cat foods – If you have found that your cat doesn’t prefer to drink water from the water bowl then feed them the wet cat food, since the wet food has a moisture level of 85% and higher. That will rule out the dehydration issues.
Don’t offer a cat food that contains toxic substances – The marketplace is full of cat food where you won’t find any traces of artificial color, additives, or preservatives. Maintain a healthy nutritional diet that will fulfill the nutritional values.
Don’t install potentially toxic plants – When your feline friend is ingested lily, daffodil, tulip, marijuana, etc. then the chances are higher that they play havoc with the kidney. That’s why you should get rid of these toxic plants, if any in your house.
Don’t allow your feline friend to get obese – Alike humans, when a cat feels obese, this can lead to diabetes and thereby kidney malfunction. Plus, check the weight of your cat, and consult your vet when the cat is overweight.
Regular checkup of your cat – Regular check-ups usually twice a year allows your vet to diagnose serious illnesses namely hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, or sensitive issues in the early stages before they play havoc.
What to feed a cat with kidney disease?
Kidneys play a crucial role in not only filter and remove the waste from the bloodstream but also prevent dehydration and counting. When your feline friend’s kidney functions deteriorate they can lead to frequent urination, excessive thirst, etc.
Although kidney disease can’t be reversed, a proper diet can manage dehydration issues and urination problems to a certain extend. When you are offering a wet cat food that is stuffed with high-quality protein and contains moisture then your cat probably won’t suffer from dehydration issues and your cat may produce less urea and creatinine. This eliminates the excessive pressure on the kidney since when these waste products in the bloodstream are present significantly, they require the kidney to burn the candle at both ends to remove the waste products from the bloodstream.
When your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, then conduct a witch hunt for those health supplements that will slow the progress of kidney disease. Before offering your feline friend, take a look at whether the cat food has a blend of the following essential nutrients or not.
High-Quality Protein – No matter how severely the kidney of the cat is affected, offer the cat a wet cat food that’s equipped with high-quality protein since the protein is responsible for building lean muscles and removing the toxic substances from the bloodstream.
Besides offering high-quality protein, include wet canned food with a lower percentage of carbohydrates since carbs aren’t necessary for cats who suffer from kidney disease.
Although kidney disease results in a significant increase in waste products, to decrease the creation of waste products offer your cat that canned food that contains high-quality protein. But let your feline friend eat the high-quality protein in smaller amounts.
Moisture – When your cat suffers from kidney issues then the cat may urinate frequently thereby experiencing an increase in thirst by leaps and bounds. To stay clear from dehydration issues, offer your cat wet canned cat food, since wet cat foods have a high moisture content of 85% and higher. Besides feeding wet cat food, clean your cat’s water bowl regularly to encourage water consumption.
Phosphorous – When your cat is suffering from renal failure then a low-phosphorous diet can be a life-saver since a low-phosphorous diet will reduce the kidney’s workload to remove the toxic substances from the bloodstream and delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. Simply put, the lower the phosphorous level in the bloodstream is, the lower the workload of the kidney is that slows the progression of kidney damage.
Recent research reveals when you are offering your four-legged friend a low-phosphorus diet then he lives twice in comparison to those cats without any dietary changes.
Sodium – With the increase in sodium level in the bloodstream, the blood pressure shoots up and worsens kidney disease by leaps and bounds. That’s why feed your cat those diets that are designed for cats with kidney issues and are low in sodium.
Potassium – Cats with renal issues tend to lose potassium in a significant amount via urination. That’s why offer your feline friend a potassium-rich nutritionally balanced diet.
Omega 3 fatty acids – To lower renal inflammation include a wet cat food that is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids since they assist in lessening the renal issues from downhill.
Vitamins – If your feline friend is suffering from chronic kidney disease then the chances are higher they will frequently urinate. Plus, they will excrete water-soluble vitamins through excessive urination. Since the water-soluble vitamins more specifically vitamin B, play a crucial role in stimulating the appetite, offer your princess a vitamin-rich diet that strengthens the kidney functions.
7 Best Wet Cat Food for Kidney Disease
No matter what is the stage of kidney disease, be it stage 1, stage 2, stage 3, or stage 4, offer your feline friend those wet canned cat foods that have a low level of high-quality protein, sodium, phosphorous, and omega 3 fatty acids. By offering wet canned foods that are formulated to not only strengthen the renal function but also lessen the kidney issue’s progression. By this, you are probably helping your furry friend to lead the best plausible life for the remaining days your feline friend has.
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food
When you are in a witch hunt for the best prescribed wet cat food for kidney disease, then Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food is one of the best plausible options.
It is designed for fussy eaters who are experiencing increased thirst and frequent urination and require a controlled diet since your vet has diagnosed the symptoms as kidney disease. To support the kidney that is responsible to remove waste products namely urea, and creatinine from the bloodstream, you must offer your feline friend such canned food that has not only enough moisture content but also a controlled level of sodium, potassium, phosphorous, etc.
This canned cat food’s primary source of protein is chicken. To lessen the kidney disease’s progression, the nutritionists have developed this canned cat food that not only is protein-rich but also has enough moisture to stay clear from dehydration. This cat food has a controlled level of Sodium [0.24%], Phosphorus [0.49%], etc. to support kidney function. Plus, to lessen renal inflammation, this cat food is equipped with fish oil since fish oil is a gold mine of omega 3 fatty acid.
Cats who suffer from kidney disease and experience enhanced urination excrete water-soluble vitamins more specifically vitamin B and C through excessive urination. Vitamins play a vital role in the formation of red blood cells, maintaining healthy gums, and keeping the immune system up and running, as a pet parent it’s your task to provide vitamin-rich wet cat food. The good news is that this cat food is stuffed with essential vitamins and includes fish oil, liver, etc. which are the rich sources of vitamins.
On the downside, this cat food contains Guar Gum which causes sensitivities for cats which can lead to constipation, bloating, and in the worst case, your feline friend may experience inflammatory bowel disease.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support D Morsels in Gravy Canned Cat Food
This delectable wet cat food is the best plausible answer for your cat since you will find this wet cat food in various aromatic profiles that attract the picky eaters for a happy dining experience and in turn, will assist in stimulating your pet’s decreased appetites to put some weight.
This moisture-rich canned cat food is equipped with high-quality energy-dense protein that provides the required balanced nutrition that your feline friend needs especially when she is battling with kidney issues that result in decreased appetites. As this palatable diet formula promotes an energy-dense diet, the meal volume is drastically cut down allowing you to feed your feline friend in smaller portions without any issues.
This Veterinarian prescribed Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support D Morsels in Gravy Canned Cat Food restricts not only the protein content between 6.5% and 10% but also a maximum of 0.14% phosphorus in order to lessen the workload of the kidney and thereby escapes the probable renal failure. Plus, this wet cat food includes fish oil which is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid that lessens inflammation.
What makes this wet cat food apart from other canned cat foods is that you can mix this wet food formula with other Royal Canin canned foods that are available in a variety of palatable aromas that are designed for renal support. This will give you the upper hand to select the best plausible option that your cat may enjoy.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula Adult Wet Cat Food
This palatable Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula Adult Wet Cat Food is formulated by nutritionists and veterinarians. This is not only moisture-rich but also equipped with high-quality protein in lower amounts since this cat food’s primary protein source is chicken. To boost the water intake to stay hydrated, you can encourage the cat to consume water by placing the water bowls here and there.
It’s a proven fact that when you are offering a phosphorus deficit diet to your feline friend then the chances are higher that this can delay the progression of kidney disease to a larger extend. Keep in mind, this cat food is capped with the amount of phosphorus that hinders the surge of excretion of phosphorus, unlike a healthy furry friend does.
To provide the essential Omega 3 fatty acid and vitamins, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula Adult Wet Cat Food includes Salmon in its ingredient list. Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role not only to lessen renal issues but also in strengthening the cardiovascular system especially when your cat battles kidney issues or inflammatory diseases namely cancer.
It’s a common scenario when your feline friend has kidney issues, they tend to urinate frequently and therefore they execrate vitamins like cats and dogs. To assist the nervous system up and running, or formation of red blood cells, this cat food is rich in water-soluble vitamins that will help your feline friend to maintain a healthy balance of the above-mentioned nutrients.
On the downside, it contains Guar gum. This is a fiber that promotes the good beneficial bacteria in your gut that plays a vital role in decreasing inflammation and uplift immunity. But various cats have sensitivities to Guar Gum that leads your cat to experience bloating, constipation, or inflammatory bowel syndrome, etc.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support E Canned Cat Food
Packed with chicken and chicken liver, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support E Canned Cat Food will provide high-quality protein and enough moisture that your cat needs to keep the worsening of kidney issues at bay. Plus, since this cat food’s protein percentage is capped between 6.1% and 9.6%, the chances are higher that there are lesser waste products that cat’s kidney remove from the bloodstream.
Since the damaged kidney is not efficient to control the level of sodium, potassium, or phosphorus when compared to a kidney without any issues, there’s a capped concentration of sodium, phosphorus.
To delay the progression of chronic kidney disease, it has capped the phosphorus content to 0.15% on a dry matter basis. Plus, it’s a rich source of potassium as the cat with renal issues frequently urinates and tends to lose potassium via urination requires a potassium-rich supplement that strengthens the muscle and keeps the muscle weakness at bay.
The omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role to reduce blood pressure and reduce inflammatory issues. To provide adequate omega-3 fatty acid, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support E Canned Cat Food includes Salmon and fish oil in its ingredients list.
An added bonus, to drag out a quality life for cats who suffer from chronic kidney disease, it’s rich in water-soluble vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants since your feline friend is excreting water-soluble vitamins through excessive urination.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food is formulated for those pet parents who are looking for a moisture-rich diet that is stuffed with quality protein and has a lower percentage of phosphorus, sodium to counter acute renal failure or cardiovascular issues. This veterinarian formulated wet cat food’s primary source of protein is pasture-raised New Zealand lamb.
When you look at its ingredients list you will find that this wet cat food features:
Dried Clover extract – Purifies the urinary system.
Dried Dandelion root – Ousts excess liquid and thereby strengthen the diuretic action.
Cranberries – Makes the urine more acidic that not only prevents the growth of harmful bacteria i.e. E. coli that is responsible for urinary tract infections but also puts a stop to sticking and there is a possibility that these harmful bacteria flushes out during urination.
To lower the generation of inflammatory compounds, thus give a helping hand to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food features Salmon which is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid. Plus, this cat food is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives for a happy dining experience that won’t stir food sensitivities and nor lead to deteriorating kidney issues.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food
If you are looking for the best food for cats with kidney trouble then you should offer Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food, since its phosphorus and sodium content is no more than 0.70% and 0.35% that assist in keeping the blood pressure low and delay the advancement of chronic kidney disease.
The primary source of this wet cat food is deboned chicken that supports for building blocks of muscles and provide the necessary energy to thrive. Plus this wet cat food has controlled levels of high-quality protein that let the kidney function properly.
To provide the omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid, it includes Flaxseed, and Canola oil in its ingredient list to support kidney function and control inflammation.
Plus, this cat food formula includes fish oil which is a rich source of DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Glucosamine not only acts as a mild anti-inflammatory but also protects the urinary tract.
To support strong muscles and bone formation, regulate blood sugar level, formation of red blood cells, and boost the immune system, you will find traces of iron amino acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, and manganese amino acid chelate.
As the cat experiences excessive urination and a loss of water-soluble vitamins, this food is equipped with cranberry that not only promotes urinary health but also assists in the formation of bone and joint cartilage. Plus, you won’t find any artificial colors, additives, or preservatives in this cat food that worsens kidney issues.
On the downside, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food has excessive fillers including, potatoes, peas, carrots, etc.
Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Wet Cat Food
When you are hunting high and low for not only the best non-prescription canned cat food for kidney disease but also the best low phosphorus wet cat food, then you can offer Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Wet Cat Food to your feline friend.
The wet cat food’s ingredient list primarily includes grass-fed Australian beef, beef broth, and pumpkin. The primary source of protein is beef. The beef broth not only provides adequate moisture that allows your cat to stay hydrated and stay clear from dehydration issues but also adds flavor and aroma that will attract even the picky eaters. Plus, this wet cat food consists of pumpkin that promotes healthy digestion thereby reduce the workload of the kidney. To enhance the urinary tract, it’s low in phosphorus since there are bacteria in the urinary tract that can affect the kidney.
You won’t find any traces of grain, gluten, carrageenan, corn, wheat, or soy since they aren’t essential nutrients for your feline friend. An added bonus, Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Wet Cat Food doesn’t add any artificial colors, additives, or preservatives that are prone to stir food sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
No matter what is the stage, be it 1 or 4, you should consult the vet and thereafter offer your cat those canned foods where there is a limited amount of high-quality protein, phosphorus, and sodium. This diet will lessen the workload of the kidneys as there are lesser waste products are created and kidneys need not to work hard to remove the waste substances from the bloodstream which will worsen the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is stage 1 kidney disease in cats?
After a blood test when the Serum Creatinine concentration is lower than 1.6 mg/dL then it can be concluded that your feline friend is in state 1 kidney disease where 44% of the kidney is functioning on its usual operations. At stage 1, a majority of the vets recommend switching your feline friend to a low-potassium, high-quality protein diet.
What is stage 2 kidney disease in cats?
At stage 2, the serum creatinine level is anywhere between 1.6 and 2.8 mg/dL, and between 2/3 and 3/4 of the kidney functions have been lost. Alike stage 1, at stage 2, your vet will recommend switching to a kidney-friendly diet.
What is stage 3 kidney disease in cats?
At stage 3, the serum creatinine level is anywhere between 2.9 and 5.0 mg/dL, and between 3/4 and 9/10 of the kidney functions have been lost. A vet most likely prescribes a diet that will be beneficial to reduce the stress on the kidney and stay clear from dehydration issues.
What is stage 4 kidney disease in cats?
At stage 4, the serum creatinine level is higher than 5.0 and only 10% of the kidney is still operational which means the kidneys are no longer able to remove the waste materials from the bloodstream and concentrate the urine properly which lead to frequent urination, loss of appetite and weight loss.
Is kidney disease common in cats?
Yes, generally around 10% of cats who have enjoyed the 10 years of spring or over 1/3 of cats who have exceeded 15 years of age are prone to kidney disease. However, cats below 10 years may also experience kidney issues if you are offering a cat food that is not free from toxins, artificial color, additives, or preservatives.
How common is kidney disease in cats?
Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common diseases among cats who are 15 years older and higher.
Are cats with kidney disease in pain?
Well, there is no straightforward answer between ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to this specific question. Simply put, they neither communicate with you nor exhibit any signs of pain even if your feline friend experiences pain.
How to avoid kidney disease in cats?
A moisture-rich, protein-rich wet food that is free from artificial color, additives, or preservatives, acts as the first line of defense to prevent chronic kidney disease.
How to treat a diabetic cat with kidney disease?
Offer your cat moisture-rich wet cat food with restricted high-quality protein, phosphorus, sodium, etc. that will delay the progress of kidney disease and diabetes.
What should I feed my cat with kidney disease?
Feed your cat that is not only equipped with high-quality protein but also low in carbohydrates. Plus, take a cautious eye on your feline friend’s activity, water intake, appetite, and weight to monitor the progress.
How to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight?
You should offer not only palatable dishes but also appetite stimulants, more specifically mirtazapine that will significantly increase appetite, minimize vomiting, and stimulate weight gain especially when your cat is suffering from kidney disease.
Is cooked chicken good for cats with kidney disease?
Since cats with kidney issues don’t prefer to eat heavily, that’s why it’s your responsibility to feed a protein-rich diet with enough moisture. For this purpose, cooked chicken is good. It has enough moisture and high-quality protein that will satiate his nutritional needs without offering a tremendous amount of wet cat food that your cat won’t prefer.
Can kidney disease in cats be reversed?
Unfortunately, kidney disease is an irreversible disease. But by offering a kidney-specific diet you can help to minimize the future damage of the kidney to a greater extend.
Can a cat recover from kidney disease?
Frankly speaking, this solely depends on at what stage your feline friend is. By being offered kidney-friendly cat food your cat may recover from kidney disease within few months. On the contrary, if your four-legged friend is at stage 4, the kidney disease can’t be cured.
Can kidney disease in cats be cured?
No matter what the current age of your feline friend is and what moisture-rich protein content you have included in their diet, the cat’s kidneys deteriorate with age. Without any treatment when a cat is suffering from chronic kidney disease, it can’t be cured.
How long can a cat live with chronic kidney disease?
If your feline friend is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in stage 4 then the chances are higher that your furry friend will survive between one month and two months.
When to euthanize a cat with kidney disease?
When your feline friend is in stage 4 where the serum creatinine level is higher than 5.0 and only 10% of the kidney is still operational, it’s the time to say goodbye to your feline friend.
- Read also: Best Canned Cat Food For Hyperthyroidism
- Read also: Best Canned Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach
Hope this article has helped you to identify if your feline friend is suffering from kidney disease or not.
Have I missed any best cat food for senior cats with kidney disease? Make a comment so that I can add it to the list of best wet cat food for cats with kidney problems.
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