For cats with kidney disease or related issues, a low phosphorus diet is crucial. Too much phosphorus can worsen kidney problems and make your cat feel unwell. Luckily, there are many tasty wet cat foods low in phosphorus to choose from. This article explores the benefits of low phosphorus cat food, reviews the top recommended brands and flavors, and provides tips for transitioning your cat.
Why Choose Low Phosphorus Cat Food?
Phosphorus is a mineral found in proteins and plays an important role in bone strength, energy production, and more Healthy kidneys remove excess phosphorus from the bloodstream
But in cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys have a reduced ability to filter phosphorus This leads to a buildup of phosphorus in the blood, referred to as hyperphosphatemia Too much phosphorus causes secondary renal hyperparathyroidism, which further damages kidney function.
Therefore, limiting dietary phosphorus is crucial for cats with CKD. Low phosphorus wet cat foods contain reduced levels of phosphorus to keep your cat’s blood phosphorus in the normal range. This helps slow the progression of kidney damage.
Wet or canned foods are lower in phosphorus than dry kibble and have high moisture content. This increased hydration also supports kidney health in cats.
Top Low Phosphorus Wet Cat Food Brands
When shopping for low phosphorus wet cat food, these brands offer quality recipes with restricted phosphorus levels:
Weruva – Offers an entire product line called “Tuna Lovers Low Phosphorus” with flavors like Tuna Florentine and Tuna & Pumpkin.
Royal Canin – Veterinary Diet Renal Support wet foods like Loaf in Sauce Poultry are specially formulated for kidney health.
Hill’s Prescription Diet – Prescription kidney care foods like k/d Kidney Care with Chicken in Gravy.
Purina Pro Plan – Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function wet foods including Chicken Entrée in Sauce.
Iams – ProHealth Kidney + Renal Health wet foods such as Chicken & Rice Recipe.
Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations when choosing a kidney support wet food. Look for their seal of approval indicating the food meets regulatory guidelines for reduced phosphorus.
What to Look for in Low Phosphorus Wet Foods
When comparing low phosphorus wet cat food options, keep these factors in mind:
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Phosphorus level – Should contain less than 1-1.5% phosphorus on a dry matter basis. Levels under 1% are ideal.
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High-quality protein – Chicken, turkey, and fish are easier to digest protein sources.
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Moderate fat – Kidney diets should be moderate in fat, around 9-15%.
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Increased moisture – Canned food has an added hydrating benefit for kidney health. Look for at least 75% moisture.
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Lower sodium – Sodium restriction may be recommended in some kidney diets to limit fluid retention.
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Reduced protein – Limiting dietary protein places less waste removal burden on the kidneys. Moderate protein around 7-15% is suggested.
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Supplemental nutrients – Added omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins support kidney health.
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Palatability – Finding flavors your cat loves promotes increased food intake and weight maintenance.
Feeding Tips for Low Phosphorus Cat Foods
Switching your cat to a low phosphorus food requires some transition time and patience. Here are some tips:
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Gradually transition over 5-7 days by mixing a little new food with old food.
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Ensure your cat is getting adequate hydration by feeding wet food or adding water to meals.
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Feed smaller, more frequent meals to reduce risk of metabolic stress.
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Stick to a consistent feeding routine and avoid switching foods abruptly.
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Make any switches gradually and monitor your cat for reduced appetite, weight loss, or lethargy.
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Check with your vet before giving vitamin/mineral supplements.
With a carefully selected low phosphorus diet, increased hydration, and your veterinarian’s support, your cat can continue living comfortably despite kidney troubles. Monitor progress closely and don’t hesitate to adjust the diet as needed to keep phosphorus restricted and kidney function stable.
Low phos wet cat food (non prescription)
FAQ
What is considered low phosphorus wet cat food?
Is wet food bad for cats with kidney disease?
Is Friskies wet food low in phosphorus?
Why is low phosphorus wet cat food good for cats?
By reducing phosphorus intake, we can slow the progression of kidney disease, alleviate symptoms, and improve the quality of life for these cats. Low phosphorus wet cat food is also beneficial as it provides hydration, which is crucial for kidney health since it helps flush out toxins that the kidneys can no longer filter efficiently.
What is the best low phosphorus cat food?
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food Life stage: Adult cats Top of the list of the best low phosphorus cat food is With ocean fish and Early Support Feline with Chicken Dry Food. You can also opt for the one with ocean fish and Early Support Feline with Chicken Dry Food.
Can cats with kidney problems eat a low phosphorus diet?
Based upon literature and veterinarian advice, pet parents of cats with kidney issues often seek foods with the lowest levels of phosphorus. Such foods will not cure damaged kidneys, but they may, generally speaking, help cats feel better—and this in turn may help cats maintain appetite and muscle mass.
How do I know how much phosphorus a cat diet has?
To know the amount of phosphorus a certain cat diet has, you need charts showing these levels. Tanya has comprehensive phosphorus (P) content in cat food for the US and UK canned food that will give you P content in therapeutic kidney, standard and raw foods that can be quite helpful if you need wet or canned diets.