You're in the veterinarian's office and he breaks the bad news: Your precious cat has chronic renal failure. After the shock wears off, you realize that the first thing you must do is change your cat's diet immediately to stave off further kidney damage. The No. 1 priority is a diet low in protein, phosphorus and salt. Many options are available through a prescription, or you may choose to prepare your own food.
Hill's Prescription Diet
From the makers of Science Diet, Hill's Prescription Diet foods are formulated to meet your cat's individual medical needs. The primary diet recommended by Hill's for low protein needs is Hill's Prescription Diet K/D. Available in both dry and canned formulas, this food provides a diet low in protein and phosphorus to reduce stress and increase healthy kidney function. This diet also has reduced salt content and increased levels of vitamin B and antioxidants to maintain healthy urinary function and boost immunity.
Iams Veterinary Formulas
Also available dry or canned, Iams Veterinary Formulas Multi-Stage Renal formula can fulfill your cat's low-protein dietary needs. Iams has patented a "Nitrogen Trap Fiber System," which it says pulls protein waste from your cat's bloodstream and diverts it directly to the colon, bypassing the kidneys to ease their workload. This food also contains potassium citrate, which is used to help balance blood pH and prevent metabolic acidosis, a common condition resulting from renal failure. Much like Hill's, Iams Veterinary Formulas Multi-Stage Renal food also has low phosphorus levels.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet
Royal Canin also provides a low-protein diet called Renal LP. This formula, available in 3-ounce pouches, provides a low-protein, low-phosphorus food, with added potassium, B vitamins and antioxidants to aid your cat's renal system. Royal Canin uses natural preservatives, avoiding unhealthy synthetic material that may put additional stress on your cat's kidneys. In addition to the pouch formula, Renal LP is available dry or in cans.
Purina Veterinary Diet
One of the biggest manufacturers of pet food, Purina, also offers a low-protein diet. Purina NF also is low in phosphorus and sodium, with added potassium and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for renal system support. The product comes dry or in cans.
Homemade Low-Protein Food
Some cats do not like the taste of the prescription diets, and are reluctant to eat them. You can tailor a homemade diet, under the guidance of your veterinarian, to your cat's needs. That gives you control over the amount of protein and phosphorus in the food. Homemade diets consist of various meats, including chicken, turkey, beef, rabbit or lamb. Both meat and organs are included in the diet, and egg whites and rice replace part of the meat to reduce protein and phosphorus. You also can add vitamins and minerals as you or your veterinarian see fit.
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