The bitter truth is there are 3 cats out of 10 are suffering from kidney disease when they have celebrated their 10th birthday.
Yeah! You read it right… 3 out of 10.
It’s as clear as the sky is blue that the cats with chronic kidney disease will experience frequent urination, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, etc. And if left untreated they won’t live a healthy and active life when compared to their healthy feline friends.
Chronic Kidney Disease is an incurable, irreversible disease. But by offering your kitty the best high protein low phosphorus cat food you will witness the slowdown of the progression of kidney disease and minimize the symptoms that will result that your kitty lives an active life full of happiness for the upcoming many more years.
What to feed a cat with kidney disease?
If your cat is experiencing frequent urination, excessive thirst, vomiting, or constipation, then without wasting any time you should visit the vet. Once diagnosed with kidney disease, it’s likely your vet will recommend a prescription diet that accommodates high-quality protein, enough moisture, and lower amounts of phosphorus & sodium as they slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease by far and large.
But let me tell you one harsh truth:
The prescription diet is not the best option that you have. The prescribed diet has excessive carbohydrates and cheap fillers such as wheat, corn, soy, chicken by-product meals, and counting.
The best diet you can offer your feline friend should be made from natural ingredients that are easy to digest which means there are fewer waste products created in the bloodstream and a lesser workload for the kidney to filter out the waste products from the bloodstream.
Before offering a meal to your four-legged friend, do analyze the diet based on the following parameters.
Animal protein – Since cats are obligate carnivores, they need protein from animal sources to thrive and lead a healthy life. Although the vets recommend a protein-restricted diet when your kitty has kidney issues, include a diet that has protein percentage standing anywhere between 30% and 35% on a dry matter basis.
Moisture – To keep your cat hydrated, and support the kidney function at a gallop, include a moisture-rich diet.
Limited Phosphorus and sodium – To minimize the progression of kidney failure, include a diet that has phosphorus and sodium content varying anywhere between 0.3% and 0.5% on a dry matter basis.
Limited Carbohydrate – Since carbs aren’t necessary for the cat’s diet, the lower the carb content is, the better the food is.
Fatty Acids – Fatty acids are responsible for reducing renal inflammation and delay the progression of kidney disease, so include a diet that has omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid.
No artificial color or additives – The artificial colors or additives stir food sensitivities that play havoc with the kidneys. Therefore make sure that the diet is free from artificial color, additives, or preservatives.
Nutritionally balanced diet – What makes a diet nutritionally balanced, when a cat food includes fruits, vegetables that are the rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Why offer a Low Phosphorus diet for cats?
When you shift your pet’s diet that is equipped with high-quality protein with a restricted phosphorus and sodium content, then lesser waste substances are created in the bloodstream, and there’s no excessive pressure on the kidney to remove the waste products from the bloodstream. That means the phosphorus-deficit diet reduces the workload on the kidney and in turn, lessens the progression of the kidney disease to a large extend. Long story short, when you are offering your kitty a phosphorus-deficit diet your cat will live up to twice when compared to left untreated.
7 Best High Protein Low Phosphorus Cat Food
When your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, you should offer those cat foods that have a restricted amount of phosphorus and sodium, no matter your cat is suffering from stage 1 kidney disease or stage 4 kidney disease. After upside-down independent research, I have prepared a list where you will find the best low phosphorus cat foods that will support the kidney function and allow your cat to thrive for the remaining days your kitty has.
The 5 Best Low Phosphorus Wet Cat Food
When you offer your kitty a diet that has a low concentration of high-quality protein, phosphorus, and sodium then there are a lesser amount of toxins and waste created in the bloodstream, and in turn, there’s no need for a kidney to work day in day out to remove the toxins or lower high blood pressure. Plus, the low phosphorus level will increase the appetite and you will witness that your cat’s meal volume has increased significantly. The higher moisture levels assist the kidney to maintain the water balance in the body at full tilt so that your cat does not experience dehydration issues.
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food
It’s as clear as the sky is blue that kidneys are responsible for the removal of the waste substances from the bloodstream and conserve the fluid and minerals all there within the body. To support the kidney function of your feline friend, you should include those cat foods that promote high-protein with added minerals and a controlled level of sodium and phosphorus to stay clear from dehydration and kidney issues.
It is made in the USA. Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians have developed this delicious recipe that primarily promotes cage-free chicken as the primary source of protein. You will surprise that even the picky eaters will finish this meal without any trouble.
Besides quality protein content, it contains a high level of essential amino acids that give a helping hand in building lean muscles. Plus, to keep the dehydration issues, kidney and heart problems at bay, it has a controlled level of sodium and phosphorus.
To provide the required energy this cat food has added carbohydrate-rich ingredients including Carrots, Rice, Rice Starch, and counting.
For healthy skin and a shiny coat, and to uplift the immune system, the food formula includes fish oil. To keep the nutrient deficiency at bay, it promotes the Pork Liver that is a rich source of iron, copper, vitamins, and minerals. To provide the essential amino acids that go to bat for muscle function, fetal development, vision, it brings taurine into the fold.
What gives Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food a competitive advantage over its peer competitors is that it’s clinically proven that this food will improve and lengthen the quality of life of your four-legged friend. What makes this possible is that the nutritionists leverage Enhanced Appetite Trigger Technology to enhance appetite and you will witness that your cat’s food intake has increased significantly.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support E Canned Cat Food
When your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease at the early stages and you are on a fishing expedition for a low phosphorus wet cat food with high protein content, in this situation Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support E Canned Cat Food is the best diet that you can offer to your feline friend.
The palatable energy-dense formula has taken chicken into the account. Chicken is a rich source of protein and chicken liver is good for health. Chicken by-products provide your cat to rack up essential vitamins and nutrients including zinc, copper, vitamin A, vitamin D, etc. Overall, this delectable cat food recipe has a higher percentage of protein and a low percentage of phosphorus. With 34% protein, and 0.44% phosphorous, this energy-dense diet ensures that your cat will get maximum nutritional support even if your cat reduces meal volume significantly. You can offer this cat food without any woes by knowing that this cat food has 79.5% moisture that will put a stop to dehydration issues.
This wet cat food accommodates omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support kidney functions, control inflammation, and eliminate the excessive workload on the kidney. This cat food will not only stimulate the cat’s appetite but also support renal function since it ensures that your cat has got the required balanced nutrition when your cat has reduced the meal volume significantly.
The best part of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Renal Support E Canned Cat Food is that you can mix other aromatic palatable dry/wet cat foods with this one. After preparing the right combo, you will find that a specific aromatic profile stimulates your kitty’s appetite and your cat consumes the whisker licking dish without any issues.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Early Care Adult Wet Cat Food
When your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease and you are advised by the veterinarian that you should switch to the low phosphorus cat food, then Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Early Care Adult Wet Cat Food recipe is a lifesaver. Developed by nutritionists, researchers, and veterinarians, this cat food has maintained a strict ratio of protein [39%], sodium [0.39%], and phosphorous [0.43%] on a dry matter basis. Once your cat finishes the meal, it can be assumed that there’s no heavy workload on the kidney, and which will lessen the chances of renal failure by and large.
To alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis, renal diseases, etc. this cat food includes Solomon in the ingredient list. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids with EPA and DHA that play a vital role in strengthening the cardiovascular system, and minimizes renal issues. It’s stuffed with essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that are responsible for better digestion, a healthy immune system, and support respiratory health and overall wellness. To lessen the workload of the kidney, this palatable food recipe’s ingredient list includes taurine which plays a supportive role in digesting the food properly.
It’s a common scenario that your feline friend tends to urinate frequently which can lead to vitamin deficiency. This cat food gives a helping hand to the formation of red blood cells and keeps the kidney up and running since Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Early Care Adult Wet Cat Food has a higher percentage of water-soluble vitamins that will maintain overall wellbeing.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food
When you are hunting high and low for the canned cat food with controlled levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium to support kidney health then you should feed your feline friend Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food.
The cats are carnivores and require high-quality protein to ensure that the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system are up and running. To provide high-quality protein in your kitty’s diet, this cat food promotes a grain-free formula that has maintained a strict ratio of high-quality protein, sodium, and phosphorus to support a healthy kidney. Furthermore, to aid digestion, and improve the bone and joint condition for ultimate mobility, it features chicken broth which is a rich source of collagen, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Plus, since the chicken broth is moisture-rich, it helps your cat to stay hydrated. Once your cat consumes a protein-rich diet, the water in the chicken broth assists the kidney to process the protein-rich content.
When your cat is suffering from urinary tract infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or arthritis, you should bring this cat food. This cat food takes blueberries and cranberries into account as they are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, etc.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food is formulated for those cats who have a sensitive stomach, as this cat food doesn’t have any whole grains, soy, or wheat, etc. Plus, it doesn’t include any artificial color, preservatives that can potentially stir food sensitivities among cats.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food
No matter at what age your kitty is diagnosed with chronic/acute renal failure, or cardiovascular problems, your kitty requires a nutritionally balanced diet. To provide a healthy diet that will support kidney function, and ease digestion and keep clear from food sensitivities, you should include Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food in the diet plan since it’s low in protein, phosphorous, and sodium.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food‘s first 3 ingredients are pasture-raised lamb, Salmon, Chicken Liver. To prop up the kidney and reduce the workload on the kidney, this cat food has a high-moisture level that will satisfy the extra water your feline needs.
To eliminate the chances of food sensitivity and make this cat food highly digestible, it teems with a mix of natural, therapeutic plants and fruits. For stronger bones and joints, its ingredient list accommodates salmon fish that has plenty of omega 3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids that allow your cat to thrive and lead a healthy and active lifespan full of happiness.
When your kitty is suffering from digestive issues, urinary tract infections, by offering this palatable recipe you are giving a helping hand to your kitty since this cat food includes:
Cranberries – That potentially lowers the pH of the cat’s urine.
Dandelion root – That will promote good digestion, normalization of blood sugar levels, and keep your heart and liver healthy.
The best part?
Since the corn, wheat, soy, by-products meals, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives can lead to digestive issues or constipation, this cat food is highly digestible because you won’t find any traces of these items in it.
The 2 Best Low Phosphorus Dry Cat Food
Though the majority of the nutritionists and veterinarians suggest wet cat foods for cats who are suffering from kidney issues, but let me tell you one surprising truth:
The dry cat foods that are low in phosphorus won’t have adverse effects all the time.
You can offer your cat dry cat foods, but with caution. As a good rule of thumb when your cat is frustrated consuming the wet cat foods and refuses the wet cat food, then you can offer your cat dry cat food. Believe me, it won’t play havoc and won’t worsen kidney disease.
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Cat Food
With the progression of your kitty’s age, the functions of the kidney will decay and in the worst scenario. It will not filter the waste from the bloodstream at full tilt. But since chronic kidney disease is an irreversible process and can’t be cured, when you shift your kitty’s diet that has a low amount of high-quality protein, phosphorus, and sodium, you will witness a positive outcome. When you offer your kitty a phosphorus and sodium deficit diet then the diet will slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease as well as improve and lengthen the quality of your kitty’s life.
Keeping in mind, Hill’s nutritionists and veterinarians have developed this special palatable diet that contains high-quality protein [30%], but the levels of phosphorus and sodium are drastically low in order to lessen the kidney upset. With the help of Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology, this cat food includes a proprietary blend of ingredients that potentially enhance appetite stimulation and as a result, your feline friend’s food intake will increase.
To provide the essential amino acids, fatty acids, DHA, and EPA, that potentially reduce inflammation around the kidneys, build lean muscles, lower high blood pressure, Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Cat Food incorporates fish oil so that your cat can enjoy a longer, healthier, and active life when your cat is suffering from the CKD.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Dry Cat Food
No matter whether your kitty is suffering from chronic kidney disease or it is at the early stage of kidney disease, the capacity of the kidney to filter out the waste products from the bloodstream decreases significantly, which results in worsening of kidney function and your cat experiences weakness and feels worse.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet KM Kidney + Mobility Support Dry Cat Food has done an excellent job since Blue Buffalo features controlled levels of high-quality protein, phosphorus, and sodium to help the kidney to remove these waste products that are produced during the digestion and ensure that the kidney function won’t decay and operate at full tilt. The primary source of high-quality protein is deboned chicken. To provide the taste, the cats love, it doesn’t include chicken by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, or flavors that will ensure that your furry pal won’t suffer from digestive issues that may lead to vomiting or constipation.
Besides kidney health, it supports joint function and overall mobility since its ingredient list features fish oil that is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These ingredients reduce inflammation around the kidneys and lower the high blood pressure so that your cat enjoys an active and healthier life. Plus, in an attempt to reduce constipation and boost intestinal health, it has included flaxseed that adds omega-3 fatty acid and omega-6 fatty acid.
Final Thoughts
A lion’s share of cats is diagnosed with kidney disease at the age of 12 years or older. Owing to a lack of moisture-rich nutritionally balanced diet, they are prone to suffer chronic kidney disease. To lessen the progression of chronic kidney disease, you should rush to the vet and consult with your vet when you find that your kitty is suffering from vomiting, frequent urination, and excessive thirst. The vets will prescribe a nutritionally balanced diet for your cat which is a lifesaver especially when your cat’s kidneys do not function up to the mark when it comes to removing toxic substances and waste products from the bloodstream.
- Read also: Best Wet Cat Food for Kidney Disease
- Read also: Best High Protein Low Carb Canned Cat Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cats with kidney disease in pain?
Probably your kitty experiences pain when it suffers from kidney disease. But unfortunately, they hardly exhibit or show any sign of pain that they experience when they are suffering from kidney disease.
How to avoid kidney disease in cats?
When you offer moisture-rich wet food that is stuffed with quality protein, a lower percentage of sodium & phosphorus, which is free from artificial color, additives, or preservatives, then this will support kidney function and keep chronic kidney disease at bay.
Can a cat recover from kidney disease?
When your kitty is at stage 1 then by offering kidney-friendly cat food, you will witness that your cat is recovering from kidney disease within few months and lead an active life. On the contrary, if left untreated at the initial stages, the kidney function deteriorates by leaps and bounds that result in kidney failure.
What cat food is good for kidney disease?
The cats who are suffering from chronic kidney disease need a diet that will slow the progress of the kidney disease and strengthen kidney function so that the kidney works better. The best option is to offer a cat food that accommodates high-quality protein, with restricted phosphorus, and sodium content.
What is the best non prescription low phosphorus cat food?
The majority of veterinarians recommend low phosphorus and sodium cat food when your kitty is suffering from kidney issues. So, as a cat parent, it’s a good idea to offer a moisture-rich nutritionally balanced diet that is highly digestible which means reduced workload for your feline’s kidneys. You can offer Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Wet Cat Food, Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb Recipe Cat Food as they contain high-quality protein and a restricted amount of phosphorus and sodium.
Hope this article has helped you to pick the best high protein low phosphorus cat food when your feline friend has kidney problems.
Have I missed any best cat food for renal failure? Make a comment so that I can add it to the list of the best food for cats with kidney problems.
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