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Types
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Prescription cat foods for kidney disease are manufactured by companies including Hills, Eukanuba, Royal Canin, High-Tor and Iams. Most prescription foods offer a choice between canned food or dry kibble.
Ingredients
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Each prescription diet for feline kidney disease has a slightly different list of ingredients, which can be found on each bag or can of food. Common ingredients include corn grits, chicken, corn gluten meal, soy protein and dried beet pulp.
Benefits
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According to veterinarians who prescribe prescription food for cats with kidney disease, a low protein and low ash diet will reduce the amount of work the failing kidneys must do to filter out waste products. Ideally, this should slow the progression of kidney disease.
Criticisms
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Some veterinarians and pet nutrition experts assert that low-protein prescription foods for feline kidney disease do not provide any tangible benefit and may in fact cause weakness and muscle wasting. According to Dr. Derek Duval, VMD, "In cats... studies suggest that dietary protein level is not associated with renal failure."
Alternatives
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Some experts suggest that a homemade or raw diet low in sodium and phosphorous can be more beneficial to cats with kidney disease than commercial prescription diets. These alternative diets for kidney failure should contain plenty of high-quality, digestible protein as well as a small amount of cooked or pureed grains and vegetables to add moisture and fiber.
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Prescription Food for Feline Kidney Disease
Prescription foods are often suggested for cats suffering from feline kidney disease. These foods are typically low in protein and ash. Some veterinarians feel that prescription diets can add years to the life of a cat with kidney disease.