Low Protein Kidney Diet for Cats

Low protein diets are usually for cats with kidney disease and are commonly used for older cats. If a cat has kidney failure, they are more prone to severe muscle weakness. Kidney failure in cats happens when kidneys fail to empty the wastes from the blood due to long-time damage to the kidneys. A special low protein diet will help minimize the breakdown of protein due to these wastes products building up in the blood.

  1. Understand Low Protein Diets

    • A low protein diet, if too low, can cause weight loss in cats and can be dangerous. It can lead to malnutrition. A low protein diet can be tailored to each individual cat depending on its needs.

      The best low protein diet is one with a high-quality protein. A high-quality protein diet can consist of canned cat food designed for senior cats. Your veterinarian can actually help you decide what's best for your cat.

    Dry Cat Food

    • Dry cat food should not be an option. It is not a good idea to feed your beloved feline dry cat food as this will dehydrate them. Cats need all the hydration they can get, and they can't get it from dry cat food. Although the packaging may say low protein, it is generally considered to be a lower-quality meal and is not recommended for sick animals.

    Nutritional Supplements

    • Giving your cat nutritional supplements such as fish oil or Omega-3 can help slow the progression of kidney disease and as well as kidney inflammation. Try giving your cat twice the dosage amount than what the bottle recommends, but if you notice loose stools, you may want to decrease it a bit.

      Vitamin B complex and C can be given at the same time as the Omega-3 supplement as these act together in a positive way. These vitamins will help improve the loss of vitamins that your cat has lost due to the kidney failure.

    Herbal Additives

    • Cats with the early stages of kidney disease can benefit from herbs. Alfalfa can be used to help improve your cat's digestion and is a popular tonic for their kidneys. Burdock root is another herb that purifies the blood and rid the body of toxins.

      Astragalus and Indian kidney tea seem encouraging when it comes to renewing the renal tissue. Before giving your cats any herbs, consult an animal herbalist to see what herbs will benefit your cat. The herbalist may be able to mix a natural herbal remedy that can be given to your cat to help with its kidney disease.