The Best Foods to Lower a Cat's BUN Numbers

Kidney disease is one of the most common serious medical conditions occurring in cats. Your cat's kidneys are responsible for filtering any waste products from the environment, foods it eats or even medications your cat may take. When a cat's kidneys stop working properly, they lose the ability to fully filter out substances such as blood urea nitrogen (or BUN). As BUN levels rise in your cat's blood, the symptoms of the kidney disease as well as the cat's overall health get worse. There are certain foods you can feed your cat to lower the BUN levels and help your cat feel better.

  1. Eggs

    • Eggs are a high quality protein that produces less waste in the blood than other proteins, such as meat. Eggs can be served to your cat in a number of ways, depending on your cat's preferences. The eggs can be hard-boiled and crumbled up or scrambled. You can mix them into other foods listed in this article, or serve them alone.

    Carbohydrates

    • Carbohydrates are a good way for your cat to gain energy from food without over-working the kidneys. Carbohydrates well-suited to feeding cats include potatoes and grains. Always thoroughly cook any potatoes or grains you feed your cat. Examples of grains your cat may like are brown rice, millet or quinoa.

    Lean Meat

    • If your cat refuses eggs and must have meat, serve lean meats which are less strenuous on the kidneys. Serve the meats in combination with one another, or combine them with eggs to increase your cat's willingness to eat the eggs. Examples of lean meat include chicken, turkey, mackerel, sardines and clams. Always serve the smallest amount of meat possible and make up the difference with cooked grains or potatoes.

    Commercial Foods

    • Your veterinarian can recommend a high quality, prescription diet formulated specifically for a cat with kidney disease. These diets are prepared using low protein, low phosphorus and low sodium ingredients to minimize the strain on your cat's kidneys. It is best to choose the moist (canned) varieties of these foods to increase the overall moisture content.

    Fats

    • Fats are another way your cat can get the energy it needs without having to consume massive amounts of protein. High quality fish oil, olive oil and even chicken fat are examples of fats you can feed your cat.

    Supplements

    • Many herbal pet supplements such as Pet Alive Kidney Support are formulated to help your cat eliminate waste products from the bloodstream. Vitamin C is also good for flushing the kidneys and eliminating waste.