Home-Prepared Diet for Feline Kidney Failure

Feline kidney failure is a common problem in older cats but can occur in younger cats as well. When a cat experiences kidney failure, it may drink excessively but refuse to eat at all. If your cat has been diagnosed with kidney failure (CRF), your veterinarian may prescribe a specific food for your cat, or you may need to prepare a homemade diet instead. Preparing homemade food for any cat, especially an ill cat, can be intimidating. However, it is possible to make a healthy homemade food for your cat with CRF.

  1. Kidney Disease Recipe 1

    • Chicken offers this recipe a lean source of protein, while canned clams offer added protein and the aroma and taste to encourage your cat to eat. Combine 1/4 cup cooked chicken, 1/2 oz. canned clams, 1/2 cup cooked white rice, 1 Tbsp. chicken fat, 1/4 tsp. calcium powder, 500 mg vitamin C and 1/4 tsp. parsley. Place the ingredients into a lidded storage container and stir to thoroughly combine ingredients. Be sure to refrigerate any unused food to avoid spoilage. Offer the food with plenty of fresh water to drink.

    Kidney Disease Recipe 2

    • Eggs are a great source of digestible protein for a cat who needs its strength. The sardines in this recipe serve the same purpose as the clams in the recipe above. Place three hard-boiled, chopped egg whites, 1 oz. canned sardines, 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1 Tbsp. chicken fat, 1/3 tsp. calcium powder, 1/8 tsp. parsley and 500 mg vitamin C in a lidded storage container. Stir to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Refrigerate any uneaten food to prevent the food from going bad. A feline multivitamin can be added to the food as well for an optional nutritional boost.

    Kidney Disease Recipe 3

    • This food is meat free but contains other forms of animal protein to ensure your cat gets essential taurine. Scramble one egg and combine it with 1/2 cup plain mashed potatoes (simply steam or boil a potato and mash it up--refrain from adding seasoning or other flavors), 1 Tbsp. chicken fat, 1/4 tsp. calcium powder, 500 mg vitamin C and 1/2 tsp. parsley. Thoroughly combine the ingredients by stirring them in a lidded storage container. Again, refrigerate any unused food so that it does not spoil. You can also add a feline multivitamin to this recipe to increase nutritional value.