How Nutrition can Support your Cat's Kidney Health

Last Updated October 2024 

Damage to the kidneys is a significant concern for many cats, especially as they grow older. As there is no cure, managing the condition is key, with nutrition one of the most crucial steps in supporting kidney health and enhancing their quality of life. 

A therapeutic pet food formulated to support kidney health can help protect your cat's kidney function, slowing the progression of this condition, improving and lengthening their quality of life.

Why do cats with kidney issues need special nutrition? 

The kidneys are essential organs that filter waste from the blood and maintain the body's fluid and electrolyte balance. When kidney function is impaired, the body struggles to remove toxins, and this buildup can make your cat feel unwell. 

Changing your cat's diet to support their kidney function can greatly reduce the stress on the kidneys and help manage the condition. 

How do kidney foods help support kidney health? 

Kidney diets, like Hill's Prescription Diet k/d,  are specifically formulated to meet the unique needs of cats with kidney issues. These diets aim to reduce the workload on the kidneys so they can function more effectively, and to stimulate cats' appetite and encourage food intake. 

Key qualities of kidney diets

1. Controlled Protein Levels 

   Protein is essential for a cat's overall health, but when a cat has kidney issues, managing protein intake is crucial. High protein levels can produce more waste products, which the kidneys struggle to filter out. Foods such as Hill's Prescription Diet k/d contain optimal levels of high-quality protein to provide all the essential amino acids cats need without overwhelming the kidneys. 

2. Phosphorus Restriction 

   Phosphorus is a key nutrient that must be restricted in cats with kidney conditions. As the kidneys lose their ability to filter phosphorus from the blood, high levels can lead to further kidney damage and exacerbate symptoms. A low-phosphorus diet helps protect the kidneys and slow the progression of kidney issues.

3. Increased Hydration 

   Cats with kidney issues often become dehydrated due to their inability to properly concentrate urine. Dehydration can worsen kidney function, so it's vital to keep cats well-hydrated. Feeding a wet food diet specially formulated to support kidney health such as Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Wet Food is a great way to increase hydration while providing appropriate kidney support. However, it's important to remember to always keep fresh drinking water available for your cat as well.

4. Reduced Sodium 

   Lowering sodium levels is essential to reduce the workload on the kidneys and prevent high blood pressure, which are common complications in cats with kidney issues. Kidney diets are formulated with reduced sodium to support the cardiovascular system and help prevent these health related problems.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

   Omega-3 fatty acids have properties that can positively impact the health of cats with kidney issues. Hill's Prescription Diet k/d is enriched with  Omega 3's from fish oil to help support cat's kidney function. 

Compliance and consistency are key

For a cat with kidney issues, consistency is everything. It is best to feed a kidney food as the sole diet, as even small deviations can put extra strain on the kidneys. 

Diets such as Hill's Prescription Diet k/d are crafted with carefully selected aromas, flavours, and taste profiles designed to stimulate appetite and encourage consistent eating in cats with kidney issues. 

Offering a range of diet options, helps to appeal to cats who crave variation and entice even the fussiest of eaters. The Hill's Prescription Diet range offer Hill's Prescription Diet k/d dry food and a selection of wet food options including Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Chicken in Gravy Pouches, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Salmon in Gravy Pouches, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Chicken Pate Cans, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Tuna Pate Cans, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Chicken and Vegetable Stew Cans as well as  Hill's Prescription Diet k/d + j/d dry food for those cats that are also suffering from mobility issues. 

Providing both dry and wet food options can help ensure that your cat enjoys their meals, while the addition of wet food provides an important source of hydration. 

Managing your cat's nutrition is the single most impactful step you can take to support their health if they have kidney issues.  By feeding a diet that reduces the strain on the kidneys and promotes overall well-being, you can help your cat live a longer, more comfortable life. 

For any concerns regarding your cat's kidney health, it is important to seek veterinary advice regarding the best treatment options. Prescription Diet foods should only be fed as directed by a veterinarian. 
 

Further Reading

Kidney disease in cats 

Looking after your senior cat 

Fussy cat feeding tips 

How to increase your cats water intake 

Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box?