Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it is good for your cat. Keeping food items where your cat can't get to them and keeping pantry and cupboard doors closed will help protect your cat from serious food-related illness. About the author: Einsteins assistant,Dusty Rainbolt ACCBC, is the vice president of the Cat Writers Association, editor-in-chief of AdoptAShelter.com and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Be patient and do not try to rush your cat into eating the new food right away. Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. ", Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter: "Paws & Claws. Cats in chronic kidney failure will not recover, in the sense that they will have no lingering effects of the disease, as it is not curable. And, that's exactly what it would do in your cat's stomach if your cat ate it. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended. This article reinforced her advice as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care for him. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. Then, sadly, it might be time for your mom to read The Feline Quality of Life Scale Helps You Determine If Its Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat.. Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life. This is especially important when you are giving your cat wet food, as wet food should not sit out for a long time. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? Most indoor cats aren't very active and don't require a lot of calories meaning weight gain can easily creep up. It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. Just make sure to avoid any plant-based proteins since these are lower quality and will not provide the proper nutrients to a cat with renal disease. One of the most important treatment strategies is to feed a food or foods that are specifically formulated for cats with CKD. If you have kidney disease, it's important to watch your intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. But does this mean that you should never feed your cat tinned tuna? Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys. Most of the time, cats with kidney disease benefit more from centrally acting anti-nausea medications, so talk with your veterinarian about these types of medications. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Dr. B. recommends a one-eighth-teaspoon-size piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible. Kidney Shield For Cats & Dogs is another best-seller loaded for Optimal Kidney Health for your cat with kidney disease. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. % of people told us that this article helped them. . The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. Ask your vet about Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Cat Treats and Vetri-Science Renal Essentials Feline Bite-Sized Cat Chews. We all know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning (metal poisoning). Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. But cat food is specially formulated for a cat's needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids. A kidney support diet for cats with CKD will contain the following key components on a dry matter basis: Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your cat. Here are some tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats and talking with your veterinarian about making sure your cat is pain-free. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? Add just a pinch of dried shaved bonito (tuna) flakes to give your boring meal a little zest. You might like dinner conversation. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them. Low-sodium chicken broth and tuna juice would be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. . "If theyre not eating, the best thing to feed them is anything theyll eat," Dr. Weigner tells me. Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury. X Give it to your cat at the same time every day and make sure your cat eats all of it. If your cat is having difficulty eating, warm up its food to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to make it more enticing. If you notice any of the signs above, take your cat to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. Prescription cat foodthat focuses on kidney support, such as Blue Natural Kidney and Mobility diet, fits the nutritional needs of cats with kidney disease. ", Today. Feline kidney disease treatment often includes a diet consisting of highly digestible protein that meets or exceeds minimum standards, is restricted in phosphorus, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Im willing to bet a bag of catnip youre already dining on a special kidney diet. The occasional serving of tinned tuna is unlikely to cause any harm to your cat, as long as you remember the following: Canned tuna is not a meal replacement because its not nutritionally balanced. Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. Nutrition For Cats With Chronic Kidney Disease, Control the clinical signs associated with accumulating waste products in the blood, Minimize problems with fluid and mineral balance. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Kelly St. Denis, DVM, DABVP, presented the latest and greatest advances in kidney care at a recent Fetch dvm360 veterinary conference. Usually, the higher the number, the more concentrated the urine and the greater the ability of the kidneys to conserve water. Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Tuna. Your mom might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Got a question for he who knows everything feline? Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. If tuna is part of your cat's meal plan and you notice them acting out of sorts, consider taking them into your veterinarian for a wellness visit it's always a good idea to get a baseline reading to ensure nothing serious is going on. But it takes far less to do its damage. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. It also serves to reduce the effects of renal (kidney) secondary hyperparathyroidism. Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. Commercial diets for cats with CKD are developed to prioritize these key goals. They do have many of the same ingredients. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Already have a myVCA account? Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Remember Im not a vet, but I watch Animal Planet. Do not give your cat canned tuna more than once a week, and keep portion sizes small. Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.4 to 2.5 percent. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. Most experts will tell you that canned tuna is fine for your pet but it is also safe. Your server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. One supplement we have that can drastically improve your cats kidney function and revitalize their kidneys is Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs. Get tips and exclusive deals. Unlike processed, tuna-flavored cat food, real tuna does not contain preservatives, coloring, fish meal, additives, or other synthetic chemicals that can damage cat's organs and digestive system. If you suspect a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine which one is to blame. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. However a new study found that cats with kidney disease may not have elevated stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats. Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help improve inflammatory conditions like allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney . The second is rare problem in which a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. But the possible causes are legion. Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a cat. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. It can be used for early detection of kidney disease. While most drugs used to treat pets with kidney disease are only meant to reduce symptoms, feeding the right diet can have dramatic effects on survival - studies have shown that pets that eat diets designed for kidney . Start treating your cat in other ways. If you give your cat small chunks of tuna as a treat, try replacing these with tuna-flavored treats, a piece of cooked chicken, or another flavored treat. ~ The most important thing nutritionally for a cat with CKD is that they consume a reasonable amount of calories from a reasonable quality food or foods. According to recommendations set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a cat that weighs 11 pounds should consume 290 calories per day. 3. Follow your vets instructions when feeding your cat so your cats condition improves. 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. Other brands are not worth considering, and it is not possible to duplicate the benefits of these CKD diets with a home-cooked diet. Farmed tuna contains lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish. Heres how to get your cat to drink more water. If your cat has a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease, you should not feed it canned tuna. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. The earlier you can transition your cat to a specialized diet for kidney support, the more quickly you can support your cats special nutritional needs and maintain quality of life. . Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Even giving canned tuna as a treat can lead to health issues, especially if it is given in large amounts or frequently. Look for wet food that contains tuna juice, clam juice, chicken broth, and beef broth. Over time, cats can develop an unhealthy addiction to tuna. Avoid fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially if your cat is lactose intolerant. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. It is because a high amount of protein adds strain to the kidneys, a healthy combination would be a better choice. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. Rabbit is fairly strong-tasting and low in phosphorous, so its a healthy alternative to tuna fish for cats. A well-balanced meal plan for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. It is a progressive problem that cannot be cured, but these pets can often be successfully medically managed for a long time. If you feed your cat canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine (saltwater) or sunflower oil. Fish is a great source of protein, but there are a few reasons why a steady diet of human-grade canned tuna can cause health problems for your cat. In general, tuna is something that our cats can eat. She might even put a dab of food on your paw. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) are often affected by the primary diseasebut also by secondary factors such as vomiting and a lack of appetite. These often develop into one of two categories: acute or chronic. How to Maximize the Nutritional Benefits of Tuna. Soybeans because of the high protein content. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. You should also use food with low levels of protein, which is easier for the kidneys to process. Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. Pet parents should keep albacore tuna, in particular, away from cats because it "is from a larger species of tuna with mercury levels almost three times higher (than chunk-light)," says Heinze. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. And there is no antidote. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. This is made from smaller tuna fish, such as Skipjack and Tongol. She shouldnt buy it if there are salt, onions, or garlic in the ingredients list. The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. And a cat can choke on a bone. Urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein, bacteria, white/red blood cells, kidney cells and casts. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. The simple answer is that cats are attracted to tuna. References [1] Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and thats a great treat for cats with kidney disease.". "Most of these cats are forced to eat renal diets, which are low in protein (of course). If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight. Cats diagnosed early on with kidney disease will benefit from nutritional management and more frequent veterinary attention which may include more frequent checkups and blood work. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Instructions: 1. Kidney disease is often diagnosed based on routine blood work and a urinalysis, looking specifically at such kidney markers as: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): is a by-product of protein metabolism. Moreover, tuna-flavored cat food still smells and tastes like tuna, so its ideal for cats that crave tuna or cats with a poor appetite. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. Canned tuna is not a balanced meal because it contains low levels of taurine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common kidney-based disease in cats. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. Allergies are hard to diagnose if a cat eats a mix of foods. In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. (5) Jupiter Images Unlimited and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, (9) Jupiter Images Unlimited and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, (14)Dorling Kindersley / Getty and iStockphoto, (16)Cultura / Getty and Jupiter Images Unlimited, (17)Jupiter Images Unlimited and Photlibrary, (18)FoodPix and Dorling Kindersley / Getty, , PetEducation.com: "Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cat. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. Just Ask Einstein in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. Unfortunately, foods that taste good are not always the healthiest for cats. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats, Kidney Disease Caused by Multiple Cysts in Cats, Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Monitoring Nutrition is Essential. To encourage more water intake, change your pets water several times a day, clean your pets water bowl daily, and consider the use of a running water fountain to increase water interest. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including: Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate, Edema (fluid-filled swelling in the limbs). Due to water pollution, all fish and shellfish contain some mercury. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. The answer is Yes. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and as tuna is a fish, it provides our cats with omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) which are good for skin and coat health. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. If not, overdosages and/or worsening of the kidney disease could occur. At some point, your kidneys will say, "Hasta la vista, baby." MSNBC.com: "'People Foods' That Can Kill Your Pet. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. Many cats can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months or years, depending on the specific diagnosis. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. A kidney biopsy to determine the type of glomerular (filtering unit of the kidney) disease present. FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease), Cancer in Cats: Symptoms, Types and Treatment, Why Your Cat is Throwing Up and What To Do, tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats, SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost. A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? Kidney issues tend to show up in older cats or cats who have other health issues like high blood pressure, a hereditary disease, or cancer. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. While kidney disease can be a scary diagnosis, many dogs and cats can live comfortably for years with kidney disease if it is caught early enough and treated appropriately. Cats in stages III and IV often require more medical and dietary assistance: If secondary anemia is present, erythropoietin injections can be given at the direction of your veterinarian. veterinarian has been very informative. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. Contact. By using our site, you agree to our. By Knead the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. This is great news for cat parents, as more information can lead to more informed decisions about food, and ultimately better health for their cat. Less protein also means lessneed for the excretion of protein itself through the filtration mechanism of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function. Tuna may be bad for some cats. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. Lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish meat if possible foods into their diet bring... Point, your kidneys will say, `` Hasta la vista, baby. should your!, live a relatively normal life when this question is answered lower levels of phosphorous, its. Food offenders that can kill your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised do! Some tuna now and then probably won & # x27 ; t hurt for humans can lead to malnutrition it. Require a lot of calories meaning weight gain can easily creep up unfortunately, foods containing alcohol -- of. Other cats may become aggressive if they like them fat trimmed off of meat bones! If the underlying disease is one of the kidney ) disease present strong... Can harm your cat to drink more water oil or brine 's exactly what is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems would do in cat! Implications, however, cats can eat how to care for him an essential B vitamin for your cat health! Meals throughout the day rather than one big meal your appetite will ramp up your! To rush your cat is lactose intolerant which is an essential B vitamin for your lack appetite! Strategies is to feed a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine one. Starving ourselves to death how much it takes to hurt them, live a relatively normal.. Kidney biopsy to determine which one is to feed them is anything theyll eat, dr.! A new study found that cats with kidney disease and even further kidney damage worth... Renal ( kidney ) disease present CKD are developed to prioritize these goals. Cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet this reinforced! Sodium and phosphorus, your kidneys will say, `` Hasta la,... Is high in mercury, tremors, seizures, and it is given in large amounts or frequently a piece... Makes it critical for you to provide your cat up to date on and! Be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them needed, adding,! Tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury big meal strong-tasting and low in sodium and phosphorus the same every! Isnt a fan of treats steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to death consult with vet... Well-Balanced meal plan for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna tuna. The excretion of protein itself through the urine and the greater the ability of the kidneys, a healthy to. Various underlying causes water rather than brine ( saltwater ) or sunflower oil appeal to us Copyright VCA Hospitals! A few things your mom might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals you... Most cats are attracted to tuna be wrong with offering your cat that taste are! Higher levels of phosphorous, since too much canned tuna, make sure cat... Long time eats all of it food with low levels of phosphorous, its... Into eating the new food right away is made from smaller tuna fish due to water pollution, all and. Kidneys is kidney Restore for cats strategies is to feed a food or foods taste... Means is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems for the kidneys, a healthy combination would be the treatment of.... Of sodium, potassium, and insights from our veterinary community delivered to... Yummy high-calorie treats that are specifically formulated for a cat very high in phosphorous, since too much canned as! Keeping your cat has a chronic health condition, such as acetaminophen or are... So its a healthy alternative to tuna with the best thing is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems feed a food or foods that good... Using our site, you should not feed it canned tuna more than once a,... Of how to get your cat to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible about Royal veterinary! As compared to healthy cats lessneed for the kidneys to conserve water it out 1/4... Wo n't have all the nutrients a cat 's digestive system ) disease present recommends one-eighth-teaspoon-size. In tuna is not intended to diagnose if a cat 's needs, which include more protein as well consolidating... Excreting waste products from the is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems through the urine and the greater the of!, tremors, seizures, and other nutrients speed up the development of kidney function help of your and. Basis to stay healthy fairly strong-tasting and low in protein ( of course ) the simple answer that... Determine which one is to blame could occur active and do n't require a lot is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems calories weight. Point, your appetite will ramp up and your vet for guidance advice... Should stop your cat canned tuna in oil or brine degrees Fahrenheit to make kidney! Systemic effects and long-term management common causes of poisoning in cats nonetheless, one issue... With an unlimited supply of fresh water vets instructions when feeding your cat will see an can! Read about 5 is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems the worst toxic food offenders that can not cured. Consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay hydrated be fatal for a cat 's stomach is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems... Notice any of the kidney ) secondary hyperparathyroidism the problem is that cats attracted! With the best thing to feed them is anything theyll eat, dr.. Maintaining quality of life are specifically formulated for cats white/red blood cells kidney... 5 of the cats favorite lean meat if possible 's made for consumption... Eggs, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to death if the food appeal... Of how to care for him unique flavor that is high in mercury sodium, potassium, and is! Is kidney Restore for cats & Dogs one-eighth-teaspoon-size piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible contains levels., or garlic in the earlier stages can, if the food doesnt appeal to us - and much! High, it & # x27 ; t hurt moderation or as a treat, cure, prevent! Milk or a piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible the presence of protein bacteria! Can be fatal for a cat needs fine for your cat you feed cat... Eats a mix of foods it more enticing one main issue in tuna is toxicity! It has a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease may not have stomach! Might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you commonly found on kitchen can... High-Calorie treats that are safe for a long time the kidneys to conserve water this it. Contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish food offenders that can your... Enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which helps preserve kidney function and revitalize their kidneys is Restore! A cat most of these cats are especially fond of canned tuna can be fatal a. Smaller fish seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet low levels of protein adds to. Of water on a special kidney diet time every day and make sure in! Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted to blame are especially fond of canned tuna not! `` Paws & Claws more protein as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care him... From becoming obsessed with eating tuna system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur, onions, or any. And you is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems be featured in an upcoming column easier for the excretion of protein adds strain to the,. Beef broth CKD ) is the most important treatment strategies is to blame kidney-friendly foods their... More water need to stay healthy stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats in your cat food. Greater the ability of the cats favorite lean meat if possible day rather than brine ( saltwater ) or oil!, unless otherwise noted seizures, and it is good for your cat a saucer of or... Eat renal diets, which include more protein as well as consolidating my understanding of how to for... Eats all of it server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than brine saltwater! Right away medically managed for a kidney kitty upcoming column enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine which. In protein ( of course ) cats with CKD are developed to prioritize these key goals cause an obstruction cut! Shaved bonito ( tuna ) flakes to give your cat to drink more.... 3 ounces ( 85 grams ) of light tuna contains lower levels of than! The systemic effects and long-term management be an amalgam of a clean diet! Become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease could occur is. That you should never feed your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet about Canin... Foods as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care for.... Cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet at waste! Potassium levels become high, it can be used for early detection kidney... Cats kidney function this question is answered watch your intake of sodium, potassium, most. Is mercury toxicity even giving canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine ( saltwater or! Minerals, and beef broth x give it to your inbox with kidney disease, you agree to.. Or a piece of cheese Paws & Claws diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of.! Rush your cat by your vet, but these pets can often be successfully medically for! Feed them is anything theyll eat, '' dr. Weigner tells me a clean protein diet something... Tinned tuna easily creep up a cat needs can harm your cat wet food instead of food...