Renal disease is a common condition in cats, particularly as they age. Proper nutrition is one of the most effective ways to manage this disease and enhance your cat’s quality of life. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to identify renal disease, the role of diet in its treatment and prevention, and my top five recommended diets for cats with renal disease.
Understanding Renal Disease in Cats
What is Renal Disease?
Renal disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood effectively. This leads to toxin buildup, imbalances in electrolytes, and other complications that can impact your cat’s overall health.
Causes of Renal Disease
The exact causes can vary and may include:
- Aging: CKD is more common in older cats.
- Genetics: Certain breeds, like Persians and Abyssinians, are predisposed.
- Infections: Chronic kidney infections can contribute to renal damage.
- Toxins: Ingesting toxic substances, such as antifreeze or certain plants.
- Other Health Conditions: Hypertension and diabetes may lead to kidney issues.
Symptoms of Renal Disease
Common signs to watch for include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Bad breath with a uremic odor
If your cat exhibits these symptoms, consult a veterinarian immediately for diagnostic tests, such as bloodwork and urinalysis, to confirm CKD.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Renal Disease
Nutrition plays a critical role in managing CKD and slowing its progression. A diet designed for cats with renal disease typically includes:
Lower Protein Content
Target Range: 26–35% on a dry matter basis (DMB)
Why: While protein restriction reduces nitrogenous waste buildup, excessive restriction can lead to muscle loss and malnutrition. Reducing protein helps decrease the production of uremic toxins, alleviating kidney stress while ensuring your cat still receives adequate essential amino acids. The goal is moderate, high-quality protein to meet the cat’s needs without overburdening the kidneys.
Restricted Phosphorus Levels
Target Maximum: ≤0.5% DMB (ideally between 0.3–0.5% DMB for advanced CKD).
Why: High phosphorus levels accelerate kidney damage. Lowering phosphorus helps slow kidney disease progression and reduces hyperphosphatemia, a common complication. Commercial renal diets typically achieve this using low-phosphorus ingredients or phosphorus binders.
Increased Moisture
Cats with CKD are prone to dehydration, so wet food or a hydrated diet is ideal for maintaining proper fluid levels. High moisture content (≥70%) is vital to prevent dehydration, a common issue in CKD cats.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s can help reduce kidney inflammation and slow disease progression (Hall et al., 2020). Adding omega-3s (EPA/DHA) from fish oil can reduce inflammation and improve kidney function.
Controlled Sodium
Target Maximum: ≤0.4% DMB
Why: Reducing sodium can help manage blood pressure and fluid retention, both of which are critical in cats with CKD. However, sodium shouldn’t be excessively restricted as it may decrease palatability and overall food intake.
Added Antioxidants
Antioxidants combat oxidative stress, a contributing factor in CKD progression (Polzin et al., 2013).
Proper nutrition can improve your cat’s quality of life by addressing the disease’s symptoms and complications.
Top 5 Nutritionist-Recommended Diets for Cats with Renal Disease
When considering diets for cats with renal disease, it’s important to select options with low phosphorus, moderate protein, and high moisture content. While most commercial fresh food companies don’t produce specific renal diets, some products can be customized or modified to suit cats with CKD. Here are my top picks for renal-support diets, each tailored to meet the specific needs of cats with CKD:
1. Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food
- Price: ~$45 for 12 3.5oz packs.
- Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, lamb, chicken, pork liver, rice, minerals, (dicalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide), guar gum, natural flavor, inulin, taurine, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, thiamine mononitrate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, biotin supplement, folic acid), dried dandelion root extract, dried clover extract, cranberries.
- Type: Wet food.
- Moisture Content: ~82%
Forza10 recipes are supported by numerous scientific studies conducted in association with veterinarians and European universities and published in prestigious international scientific journals.
2. Tom & Sawyer Bento Box
- Price: $9.29 per 227g pack.
- Ingredients: Ground turkey meat, Atlantic salmon, sweet potato, egg, spinach, unsalted butter, organic canola oil, dicalcium phosphate, vitamin & mineral premix (calcium carbonate, taurine, magnesium oxide, iron amino, acid chelate, zinc amino acid chelate, vitamin E, supplement, potassium iodide, niacin, manganese, amino acid chelate, copper amino acid chelate, sodium selenite, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin A palmitate, thiamine hydrochloride, folic acid, biotin, calcium pantothenate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin D3 supplement), hydrolyzed soy sauce (water, soybeans, rice, salt, brewing starter (Aspergilius sojae)), choline bitartrate, ginger root, calcium carbonate
- Type: Fresh cooked food.
- Moisture Content: 75.8%
Tom & Sawyer’s Bento Box recipe can benefit cats with renal disease due to its high moisture content, easily digestible ingredients, and customizable formulation. Its high quality protein and omega 3 sources, paired with fresh, whole foods, support kidney health while ensuring palatability and essential nutrients for cats with reduced kidney function. Note that the phosphorus and sodium levels are a little higher than what is recommended for cats with severe renal issues so take this into consideration.
3. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Chicken & Chicken Liver
- Price: $3.69 per 3oz pack.
- Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potato Starch, Eggs, Carrots, Natural Flavor, Salt, Guar Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamins [Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement], Cranberries, Blueberries, White Sweet Potatoes, Xanthan Gum, Choline Chloride, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite.
- Type: Wet food.
- Moisture Content: 82%
Wellness Healthy Indulgence offers a convenient, kidney-friendly wet food featuring real chicken and chicken liver morsels. They include antioxidant-rich cranberries to support bladder health, and the broth content helps maintain hydration for cats with CKD. Free from artificial colors, flavors, gluten, and grains, this formula is ideal for cats with food sensitivities. With a phosphorus level of 0.55%, it aligns well with the needs of cats managing kidney disease.
4. Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner
- Price: $2.99 per 3oz can.
- Ingredients: Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement
- Type: Wet food.
- Moisture Content: 86%
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner is an excellent limited-ingredient recipe designed for adult cats. It’s low in phosphorus, free from artificial colors and preservatives, and provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult maintenance. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, this formula supports overall health, including vision and heart function.
5. Turkey, Salmon & Duck Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Price: $27.99 per 3lb bag.
- Ingredients: de-boned turkey, peas, potatoes, whole dried egg, pea flour, potato flour, natural flavour, canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), coconut oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), de-boned salmon, de-boned duck, flaxseed, pea fibre, suncured alfalfa, calcium carbonate, tomato, apples, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, pomegranate, papayas, lentils, broccoli, cottage cheese, salt, DL-methionine, phosphoric acid, dried chicory root, taurine, choline chloride, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin, L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (a source of vitamin C), thiamine mononitrate, biotin, vitamin A supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, beta-carotene, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid), minerals (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulphate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulphate, sodium selenite, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, calcium iodate), dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, L-lysine, potassium chloride, yucca schidigera extract, L-carnitine, dried rosemary.
- Type: Kibble.
- Moisture Content: 10%.
Now Fresh’s recipe offers a balanced mix of flavorful fish and nutrient-packed superfoods to support overall health. It includes probiotics and pumpkin for digestive health, along with fruits and vegetables to boost immune function. Whole eggs provide complete protein, while coconut oil adds easily digestible fatty acids Although this recipe has a slightly higher phosphorus level at 0.60%, it remains low enough to be a suitable option for cats with CKD. I would recommend paring this kibble with a wet food topper or adding water to rehydrate the food as the moisture content is quite low.
Pet Nutritionist’s Recommendation
As a companion animal nutritionist, I’ve worked with countless pet owners managing chronic kidney disease in their cats. Renal disease can be daunting, but the right diet makes a significant difference in your cat’s well-being.
If your cat has CKD, I recommend starting with wet food for its higher moisture content and palatability. Moisture helps combat dehydration, a critical factor in CKD management. Additionally, consider gradually introducing your cat to a renal diet under your veterinarian’s guidance to ensure they accept the new food.
Nutrition isn’t just a treatment for CKD—it’s a way to enhance your cat’s quality of life, ensuring they enjoy their years to the fullest.
Andrea Geiger is a certified companion animal nutritionist with a master’s degree in Veterinary Toxicology and Nutrition. With over five years of experience in product development and consulting, Andrea specializes in creating science-based nutrition plans and formulating recipes that prioritize pet health, ensuring optimal nutrition for dogs and cats alike.
References
- Hall, J. A., et al. (2020). “Role of omega-3 fatty acids in kidney disease in dogs and cats.” Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 11(1), 12-20.
- Polzin, D. J., et al. (2013). “Chronic Kidney Disease in Small Animals.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 43(6), 1131-1151.
- Finco, D. R., et al. (1992). “Effects of dietary protein and phosphorus restriction on the kidneys of cats with reduced renal mass.” Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 200(1), 39-47.
- Seawright, A. A., et al. (1989). “Dietary management of renal disease in cats.” Australian Veterinary Journal, 66(6), 202-205.
- Elliott, J., et al. (2015). “Relationship between blood pressure and survival in cats with chronic kidney disease.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 29(4), 800-807.
- Brown, S. A., et al. (2010). “Pathophysiology of CKD in cats.” Veterinary Medicine International, 2010, 1-9.
- Plantinga, E. A., et al. (2011). “Dietary phosphorus and kidney function in cats.” PLoS ONE, 6(7), e22581.
- Chew, D. J., et al. (2018). “Nutritional management of CKD in cats: Clinical evidence and recommendations.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 48(4), 745-762.