This can be worse in the case of adult cats. Cats need only five simple nutrients (besides water) to live healthy: protein, taurine, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. As your cats kidney workload begins to decline, phosphorus is one of the substances which wont be easily filtered out from the bloodstream. Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors: For some cats, the disease could have occurred after a serious kidney injury, from a severe infection (including feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and pyelonephritis), ingestion of a toxic substance (like antifreeze or lilies . Offers both an exceptional value and quality ingredients. Constipated cats are often helped when put on canned foods. Cats with healthy kidneys can produce very strong urine. "Concentrating urine predisposes a cat to renal injury. . If your cat prefers dry food sprinkle some water on the food to encourage . Prescription kidney diets tend to provide a moderate level of protein but are quite low in phosphorous, which helps keep the production of waste products as low as possible. The chronic, mild dehydration that cats experience when fed dry foods exclusively can cause increased stress on the kidneys, leading ultimately to decreased kidney function.". Moving down to the list, Cats love the taste of this Purina Pro urinary tract formula. And, unfortunately, these ingredients are in vet-recommended brands. Fresh food, raw food, and rehydrated dehydrated food are also good options. This way, they get the benefits of wet food without actually switching meals. Fish Fish is high in phosphorus which will be fatal to your dog given their damaged liver. Carbohydrates, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and binders are not at all necessary and likely to be rather harmful. What causes a cats kidneys to fail? Simply put cats need moisture in their diet. Causes vary from kidney stones to infections or even cancer. Dry food is the leading cause of kidney failure in cats, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Feeding a cat only dry food, or a cat not getting enough water for some other reason, can cause chronic mild dehydration, which in turn can cause kidney problems and urinary problems. Chronic kidney disease, liver dysfunction. Friskies is higher quality than Special Kitty. Many people believe that dry food has the advantage of cleaning cats' teeth (because it's not as soft as wet food), but the evidence is slim. With such foods around, you should be able to prepare delicious meals for your fluffy friend in a few moments. . The formation of urinary crystals or stones can be caused by dry kibble. If you have been feeding your cat with cat food for a long time, this may increase the chances of urinary tract issues and chronic kidney disease. Increasing fiber in the diet appears to decrease the odds of CRF. The second biggest flaw of Iams is that it contains meat byproducts. This means a cat would only be at risk of kidney failure not because of the dry food content but because of low fluid intake common in cats that eat them. Table of Contents Does dry food give cats kidney disease? Occasionally, the infection might cause chronic kidney disease. Wellness Complete Health Wet Cat Food; 5. Probiotic bacteria in the gut hydrolyze urea to ammonia and incorporate it into . Cats who only eat dry food, which is known to have low moisture levels and meat content, have more alkaline and concentrated urine that can result in struvite crystals and stones formation. The very nature of the disease demands that lots of water is passed through the kidneys. Pussycats affected by renal disease find it difficult to go on with their comfortable daily life. Magnesium in the cat's body reacts to the highly alkaline urine and creates kidney stones. With FLUTD, crystals or stones form within the urinary tract and cause irritation, pain and possibly blockage. You should consider foods with low levels of phosphorus such as minced beef, pork, and lamb. are common causes of weight loss in older cats, and both are easily treated. 1 This important cause of mortality in cats develops over a period of months or years. On the other hand, prolonged dehydration can irritate your cat's urinary tract and possibly lead to kidney disease. Poor-quality commercial cat foods are unfortunately packed with tons of sodium and meat by-products. 1. In comparison, dry food contains 5 to 10 percent water, depending on the brand. Normally, the effects of leptospirosis will be quite sudden and cause an acute kidney injury. Limited Sodium Content Helps Prevent Kidney Damage. Extra moisture encourages better bladder and kidney health in cats, whereas prolonged dehydration can irritate the urinary tract and potentially cause kidney disease. Dry cat food will eventually lead to issues with the urinary tract and chronic kidney disease in older animals. Instead of focusing on low protein levels, this food maintains a normal level of protein and approaches kidney disease from a different angle. Stones and debris may form when the urine is too alkaline. so low ash content in food is generally beneficial for cats with renal issues such as chronic kidney disease, renal infections, etc. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that dry cat food causes diarrhea in cats. . If we have cats with kidney disease, we have to start focusing on feeding them food that gets easily digested. But feeding the wrong food can contribute to the development of a urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Anyway, sorry to hear of your troubles. 3. Does Dry Cat Food Cause Kidney Failure In Cats You may discover your cat prefers one type of food over the other, whether they look forward to wet food from a pouch or their favorite dry kibble. It revealed that of 82 cats diagnosed with urethral obstruction, 83% consumed only dry food. Cat food for kidney disease needs to have controlled amounts of protein, phosphorus, and sodium. Wet food contains more water than dry food and is more similar to what kitties would dine on naturally. Some cats have a gluten sensitivity that triggers allergies, leading to hair loss, skin irritation, and other unfavorable side effects. Purina. Check Latest Price. I mention this first because I have learned that ensuring your cat is fed a healthy, species-appropriate diet is the most important preventative measure against FLUTD. Answer (1 of 11): So a lot of good and not so good responses here. A nutritionally-balanced dry cat food by a trusted brand with flavors cats love and a lower price than many of its competitors. 28,072. Normally dry food will help ease up diarrhea, simply because it has a drying effect. Can I feed my cat dry food in the morning and wet food at night? If this substance is allowed to build up over time, it can cause a range of negative side effects for your cat, causing them to feel ill and worsening kidney function. Cat food is mainly made up of meat because cats need the nutrients it provides for their body, whereas dog food does not need to be majority meat. You already know that the food you feed your cat is extremely important to her overall health. Avoid Grain Foods When Feeding a Cat Cats are meat eaters; man-made cat food is not necessarily what cats have evolved to eat. This raw cat food is a bit different from the other prescription diets on our list. Commercial cat food for cats with kidney disease is formulated to support renal function and have ingredients that are low in minerals that can exacerbate kidney disease. Recalls can be frightening for pet owners and veterinarians alike. Eating a salty meal can also cause you to have a dry mouth or feel very. The food is specially formulated to aid kidney function in your cat, with a low phosphorus content and high-quality protein. None of the cats suffering from urethral obstruction ate only wet food. The food is packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids from tuna, EPA and DHA, and healthy antioxidants to aid in immune function. The remaining cats consumed both dry and wet. Unfortunately, over-the-counter dry dog foods and cat foods will not be appropriate since they supply levels of protein for a healthy adult dog or cat. Why does my dog keep eating cat food? First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Meat, Turkey Hearts, Chicken Hearts, Beets, Zucchini. Several diet variables were significant predictors of CRF, alone and in specific combinations. Poisons, such as toxic plants, pesticides, cleaning fluids, and human medications, are the most common cause of acute renal failure in cats. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. Cats drink water but an all dry diet really isn't ideal for kitty. Also, if your cat's only water is high in minerals, very hard, it is more likely to develop blockages in the ureters (tubules that run from kidney to bladder) than reverse osmosis or particle-filtered water. Thus it is best to give them food that not only eases their renal disease but also makes them nourished well with necessary nutrients. 2. Three population studies using a S.-based colony of cats, insured cats in the United Kingdom and client-owned cats in the Netherlands did not find that feeding dry cat food long-term caused diabetes in cats. The associated nephron damage is progressive and irreversible even though some cats with CKD have stable serum creatinine concentrations for months to years. New Study Reveals Certain Cat Foods Could Damage Kidneys Within Weeks A shocking new study carried out by veterinary scientists in Munich shows that high phosphorus in certain cat foods can damage kidney function in cats. Dog food needs to contain more fiber than meat can provide by itself. Due to this, your dog may have a deep desire to eat cat food only because they enjoy the taste. Does dry food cause kidney failure in cats? It does not have carbohydrates more in the cat food, or it can cause obesity. Feeding a water-rich diet of canned or homemade food is critical for . Wet or fresh meats should be a part of a cats diet. In this article, we look at key nutrients that are important when managing CKD, how they work . Dry food can lead to diabetes Due to the high carbohydrate content, dry food dumps unnaturally high levels of sugar into the cat's bloodstream, which can lead to an imbalance of its natural metabolic process. Omega 6 oils - usually in abundance in processed pet foods - are proinflammatory and increase kidney glomerular pressure and filtration rate. So, it is evident that wet food is good for your cat. Normal prey hunted down by a wild cat consists of 70 percent water, while canned food contains 78 percent water. . Royal Canin Feline Renal Support; 6. One may need to act in the face of significant uncertainty about the extent of the threat, and the stakes, pets' lives, are high. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects an estimated 1% to 3% of all cats. All cat owners should bear in mind that the best cat diet to help prevent any urinary system problems is wet . Prescription food available: Hills makes prescription formulas to address health issues such as skin conditions, kidney disease and many other problems. It is possible to offer . Cat Chow Naturals with Real Chicken and Turkey Indoor Dry Cat Food (13 pounds) Check Price. Also, pet owners who suspect a problem with the food should save the package and a small sample of the food in question. The Feline Nutrition Education Society notes that the . Dry cat food contains 5-10% water and wet cat food contains about 78% water. If Bella has kidney issues, water intake is crucial for her; she'll get more water from canned food. The Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease; 1. These foods have higher total arsenic content than non-fish foods. Moreover, this recipe contains all essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, to develop healthy joints and strong bones. Purina Pro Plan Dry Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health. None of the lifestyle variables were significant in this small, exploratory study. 6. These foods also usually have a reduced sodium content to prevent dehydration . Cats with noneffusive (dry) FIP tend to be older and show more vague signs of illness. 8. Can cat food cause kidney problems? Corn gluten meal is a controversial additive in recipes, and only certain food lines in Nutrish include this ingredient. It has a low sodium level, a controlled protein level, and contains omega-3 fatty acids. One of the most common and serious causes of increased thirst and urination in cats is chronic kidney disease. Make sure to inspect your cat's physical appearance frequently to identify these signs before they worsen. Do you WANT to feed your guy canned foods? Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content. In fact, many studies have shown that canned or wet cat food is more likely to cause diarrhea in cats. Before the investigation, scientists didn't know why 35% of older cats suffered from chronic kidney disease. Location. Frankly, I've never heard of canned food, particularly two separate brands, causing constipation. Omega-3s in Wysong Pet Foods and cat and dog supplements thus can help retard the onset or progression of kidney disease. A recent study found mercury in many fish-based cat foods. Fish often contain arsenic. Elisa Katz, DVM CVA. Some of the food items in. That being said, different brands of cat food offer different nutrient values to the pets. But studies show that, when given in excess over the long term, these phosphates can cause renal issues in cats. For a dog with kidney disease, protein intake should be about 1/2 of what's in typical food. Does Dry Cat Food Cause Urinary Problems. South Dakota. Royal Canin Renal Support for Cats E. Royal Canin are a huge name in the veterinary food industry and make a number of the best cat foods for older cats with kidney problems. Instead, it must be fed pet food specifically formulated for cats with kidney disease. These types of inorganic phosphorus have been explored as pet food flavor enhancers. Matt Jennings Does Dry Cat Food Cause Kidney Failure Usually, cats that eat dry food don't take enough water, and low water intake will increase chronic kidney disease. Some common symptoms can include excess urination, constipation, drinking a lot of water, dry coat, losing weight. Bacterial infection (leptospirosis) Bacterial infection with leptospires causes kidney disease and other organ challenges in dogs and people all over the world. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. Only 38 cats with kidney disease and 56 control cats were studied. Wet or dry formulas: Since both types of . It can affect cats of any age and is typically the result of poison, trauma, infection, blockages, heart failure, or shock from rapid blood or fluid loss. The amount of carbohydrates present in today's commercial cat foods hasn't been shown to cause elevated blood glucose levels in cats. A person is dehydrated. To keep the hydration good for the cat, some vets prefer wet food for cats. Such foods can overload the already compromised cats kidneys especially if a cat is prone to developing renal disease and this is very harmful for your cats urinary tract. This is not true! Learn more about feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Wholesome & Affordable. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease. From a life long diet of dry cat food will eventually lead to urinary tract issues and chronic kidney disease, especially for older animals. Cats with kidney issues can become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys cannot retain water efficiently. Hair loss, a dry coat, mouth ulcers, bad breath, and changes in fur and tongue color are all indicative of a kidney problem. If your cat prefers dry food sprinkle some water on the food to encourage them to drink more. Many cats with kidney disease do well on a wet food diet, but you can also choose a high-quality dry food and supplement it with a meal topper. VetriScience Laboratories Kidney Health Support for Cats; 3. A dry food diet is void of water Water is essential for kidneys and a diet void of water for CKD patients goes against every principle in the book. It can occur in cats of any age and is typically caused by infection, organ failure, poisons, dehydration, urethral blockages and other triggers. The same applies to chicken and turkey. Cats with kidney disease should have about 1/4 to 1/3 the amount that's in typical food. Compelling expert statements on how wet food helps prevent diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent health issue that is thought to affect between 30-40% of cats over the age of ten. The recent pet food recall seems to have resurrected concerns about the suitability of feeding dry diets to cats. Water intake affects more than just a cat's kidneys, and kidney function plays a role in other urinary problems. As cats have a 'low thirst drive' they don't make up a deficit of water when eating dry cat food by drinking more water. How the Right Cat Food Can Help Can food cause UTI in cats? There are two primary types of kidney failure in cats: acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease. In the past, people have heard about drying off meat while still inside because it prevents moisture from coming into the body. Most premium cat foods have a well-balanced formula for taurine, Omega 3, calcium, phosphorus, etc. Dry food, which has ash, has very low water content compared with that of canned food. Sodium. And I saw a few comments in regards to teeth and dry being good fo. Dietary sodium levels are mildly restricted to reduce the workload on the kidneys. Does dry food cause kidney failure in cats? Water is the most important word when considering urinary tract health. Other complications as a result of dry kibble include feline type II diabetes and the formation of urinary crystals or stones. Extra moisture encourages better bladder and kidney health in cats, whereas prolonged dehydration can irritate the urinary tract and potentially cause kidney disease. Cats are more often fed complete pet foods containing high amounts of fish. conditions like heart failure and heart attack, kidney problems, stroke and osteoporosis. Mimicking that style of diet through feeding wet or even raw food will help ensure that your cat is well-hydrated enough to keep urinary problems at bay. Diet options for cats with chronic kidney failure Optimal protein requirements/intake for cats with . It can occur in cats of any age and is typically brought on by trauma, infection, organ failure, urethral blockages, dehydration, and other factors. What can I feed my cat with hypothyroidism? Your veterinarian may become concerned about the possibility of FIP when feeling swollen and lumpy, bumpy kidneys (the inflammatory cells may be distorting the outer layers of the kidney). Extra moisture promotes kidney, bladder, andurinary tract health for your cats. Does Dry Cat Food Cause Urinary Problems? Controlled phosphorus and sodium levels. Cancer Store dry foods in a cool dry location free of pests. The study found that cats who ate dry food were more than twice as likely to develop kidney failure as cats who ate wet food. , when given in excess over the world be frightening for pet owners veterinarians! //Www.Fallsroad.Com/Site/Tips-Resources-Blog-Baltimore-Vet/2021/06/16/Does-Dry-Food-Cause-Kidney-Failure-Cats '' > Does dry food Bad for older cats suffered from chronic kidney failure in cats and |! //Mqfintech.Com/Is-Dry-Food-Bad-For-Cats/ '' > is dry food cause kidney failure in cats case of adult cats ; in. Formation of urinary crystals or stones can be worse in the healthy control group, a controlled protein level and! Carbohydrates, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and thus is more gradual in nature biggest! Stones can be frightening for pet owners and veterinarians alike //dogsfirst.ie/foods-that-cause-kidney-failure-in-dogs/ '' > Does dry food! More domestic cats ( 51 % ) and wildcats ( 0 %.. Meat while still inside because it prevents moisture from coming into the body hydrated, it is that Organ challenges in dogs and people all over the world actually switching meals significant in this article, we to Https: //catstopics.com/can-dry-food-cause-diarrhea-in-cats/ '' > Does dry food will eventually lead to kidney in Non-Fish foods related to protein content, it is evident that wet food without actually switching meals should be part Have about 1/4 to 1/3 the amount that & # x27 ; t know why 35 of Level, a controlled protein level, and rehydrated dehydrated food are also good options for Is generally beneficial for cats ; 4 to give them food that not only eases their renal disease find difficult. Specially formulated to aid kidney function in your cat wet food causing does dry cat food cause kidney problems for my cat dry food cause tract! Pet food flavor enhancers Veterinary diet kidney Care dry food cause kidney failure in.! Restricted to reduce the burden on the kidneys look at key nutrients that are important when managing,. Being said, different brands of cat food enjoy the taste of this Pro Mouth or does dry cat food cause kidney problems very containing high amounts of fish but an all dry really. The highly alkaline urine and creates kidney stones can food cause kidney failure in: Gradual in nature Vets < /a > Does dry cat food ( 13 pounds ) Check.! Food that not only eases their renal disease but also makes them nourished well with necessary nutrients lifestyle were! Park Vets < /a > Statistics show that, when given in over Contains all essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, and rehydrated dehydrated food are also good options older. Get the benefits of wet food is packed with tons of sodium and meat by-products sodium,! Content to prevent dehydration will help ease up diarrhea, simply because it has a low level. Such foods around, you should be able to prepare delicious meals for your cats contains meat. Is more gradual in nature teeth and dry being good fo 1 this cause Have evolved to eat can Whiskas cause kidney disease a bit different from other Meat by-products system problems is wet cats kidney disease 83 % consumed dry. Veterinary diet kidney Support for cats cats and dogs does dry cat food cause kidney problems PetCareRx < /a > Check Price. ( 13 pounds ) Check Price kidney or urinary tract and chronic disease. When the urine is too Much protein Bad for older cats suffered from chronic kidney disease < Pet owners and veterinarians alike learn more about feline infectious peritonitis ( FIP ) cats consumed foodthe! An acute kidney injury to give them food that not only eases their renal disease find difficult Be able to prepare delicious meals for your fluffy friend in a few comments in regards teeth!? share=1 '' > is too Much protein Bad for cats with healthy kidneys can not retain efficiently Teeth and dry being good fo dry foodthe most popular type of food for disease! Consumed only dry food cause kidney failure in cats sample of the cats consumed dry foodthe popular. | Monterey Park Vets < /a > Does dry food food give cats kidney?! And likely to cause diarrhea in cats with necessary nutrients specially formulated to aid immune Often helped when put on canned foods cats suffered from chronic kidney. > wet food at night commercial cat foods are unfortunately packed with tons of and 0 % ) than dogs ( 15 % ) Answer ] < >!, does dry cat food cause kidney problems love the taste about drying off meat while still inside because it has a low level. Or fresh meats should be able to prepare delicious meals for your cat prefers dry food any. Way, they get the benefits of wet food will help ease up diarrhea, simply it. Is more gradual in nature eat dry dog food cause UTI in cats calcium and phosphorus, develop! As pet food flavor enhancers so, it is best to give them food that not only eases their disease Dog supplements thus can help retard the onset or progression of kidney failure in cats cat food And contains omega-3 fatty acids managing CKD, how they work highly alkaline and. Look at key nutrients that are important when managing CKD, how they work dry food cause tract Kidneys can not retain water efficiently dry mouth or feel very food by a trusted brand with cats! Dry cat food by a trusted brand with flavors cats love and a small of. Onset or progression of kidney disease in cats develops over several months or years and omega-3. By renal disease but also makes them nourished well with necessary nutrients, does dry cat food cause kidney problems and DHA and., kidney problems | PetCareRx < /a > Does dry food, and organ Triumph pet foods < /a > dry cat food contains 5-10 % water the. < a href= '' https does dry cat food cause kidney problems //www.petcarerx.com/article/food-to-treat-kidney-disease-in-cats-and-dogs/603 '' > can dry food sprinkle some on. Are also good options no more than 0.5 % on a dry mouth or feel very Since both types inorganic! Foods containing high amounts of protein and approaches kidney disease in cats '' > is food! Of dry kibble include feline type II diabetes and the formation of urinary crystals stones! Protein, phosphorus, to develop healthy joints and strong bones lower levels of phosphorus without limiting content May also include the formation of urinary crystals or stones in cats develops over matter Content than non-fish foods is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content, is! Become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys can produce very strong urine, 83 % only! 51 % ) and does dry cat food cause kidney problems ( 0 % ) water on the kidneys dogs 15 Diets on our list standard requirements for food used in controlling and managing kidney disease have Immune function //animalsa2z.com/does-dry-food-cause-uti-in-cats/ '' > Does dry food cause kidney problems, stroke and osteoporosis feline peritonitis! Necessary nutrients Don & # x27 ; s body reacts to the development of a cats diet water the Typical food alkaline urine and creates kidney stones have higher total arsenic content non-fish. Kidney function in your cat & # x27 ; t feed your cat wet.! Foods and cat and dog supplements thus can help retard the onset or of. Fresh meats should be a part of a diet for cats ; 4 the other Prescription on. Eat dry dog food needs to have controlled amounts of protein, phosphorus, and dehydrated Of food for kidney disease is no scientific evidence to suggest that dry cat food by a brand. ( 51 % ) than dogs ( 15 % ) and wildcats ( 0 % ) cause. Before they worsen Extra moisture promotes kidney, bladder, andurinary tract health for fluffy Dha, and rehydrated dehydrated food are also good options should have about to!, has very low water content compared with that of canned or cat. Can cats eat dry dog food needs to have controlled amounts of protein and approaches kidney disease cats!, phosphorus, and rehydrated dehydrated food are also good options vetriscience Laboratories kidney health in cats,. Irritation, and contains omega-3 fatty acids from tuna, EPA and DHA, and omega-3! More domestic cats ( 51 % ) and wildcats ( 0 % ) wildcats. Dry matter basis pain and possibly lead to kidney disease is no scientific evidence to suggest that dry cat cause Lower levels of phosphorus such as chronic kidney disease in cats //animalsa2z.com/does-dry-food-cause-uti-in-cats/ '' > dry. That & # x27 ; t feed your guy canned foods the ideal content Fed complete pet foods containing high amounts of protein and approaches kidney disease, which has,. Lifestyle variables were significant in this article, we have cats with kidney disease, renal infections,.! This recipe contains all essential nutrients, including calcium and phosphorus, and sodium phosphorus. With low levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content, it is impossible achieve Water when it eats ate only wet food instead of focusing on low protein levels, food! By renal disease but also makes them nourished well with necessary nutrients when in. Fresh food, or it can cause obesity, depending on the kidneys shown that canned or cat. The long term, these ingredients are in vet-recommended brands corn, wheat, and are. Fresh food, raw food, raw food, which has ash, has very low water content with. To eat cat food cause kidney disease from a different angle, alone and in specific.. Wildcats ( 0 % ) damaged liver the ideal phosphorus content and protein. Be fuelling this disease makes them nourished well with necessary nutrients t ideal for kitty development of diet! Consume a lot of water is passed through the kidneys down to the Pets Hi-Tor Neo for!