Low Protein Feline Diet

Older cats and cats with kidney problems may need a low protein diet. Veterinary offices and pet stores usually carry low protein cat foods, canned or dry, that serve their needs.

  1. Significance

    • Oregon State University suggests feeding cats with kidney disease a moderate to low protein diet, although healthy cats normally eat lots of protein. A low protein feline diet should also have lower levels of phosphorus. Many older cats develop chronic renal failure, so consider feeding older cats low protein food.

    Considerations

    • Vets' offices and pet stores both generally carry special diets for cats, including low protein cat food, according to the Feline CRF Information Center. Some brands sell in stores, while others sell as veterinary prescriptions only. Hill's, Eukanuba, Royal Canin and Iams all make low protein feline diets.

    Warning

    • Moisture makes up most of the weight in canned cat food, so protein counts can deceive, according to University of Nebraska. Find the actual protein content by dividing the listed percentage by the total percentage of solid ingredients. For example, if the food is 78 percent moisture and 7 percent protein, then divide seven by 22 to find the actual protein content of 31 percent.