What to feed a cat with kidney disease comes with many opinions.  Many health professionals feel a diet that is low in protein and low in phosphorus is ideal.  However, others feel the true culprit, which damages the kidneys faster, is a high phosphorus level.  

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Phosphorus is an essential mineral found in cat food.  It normally plays a vital role in various bodily functions including: bone & teeth, cell repair and growth, and energy production.  

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Commercial cat foods typically contain phosphorus in the form of inorganic phosphate, such as calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate. 

 

The recommended dietary phosphorus level for adult cats is between 0.5 and 0.6 grams.  However, when a cat has compromised kidneys, they no longer have the ability to process it properly.  It then builds up in their systems, and if not treated and controlled with a phosphorus binder, it could be fatal.

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There are options for low phosphorus diets and also are able to add in a phosphorus binder:

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   Commercial foods ~ wet food is always best because of the moisture it contains

   Homemade foods ~ these are excellent because you are in control of the

   ingredients

   Raw feeding ~ also excellent for the ingredients you add to them.

A phosphorus binder can be added to each of these.

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Wet food contains approximately 78 - 84% moisture while kibble contains about 10%.  Since the kidneys need to be as well hydrated as possible, which one would you choose?  

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