Is there a homemade or natural diet that can promote the health of cats with kidney failure?
question
I have a kitty, sandy paws, dealing with kidney issues. i have had her successfully on sub qs (every 4 days) and a great omega oil. please provide any other recommendations you may have. he is 10 or 11 years old and only weighs about 7.1 pounds.
respond
More than ever, it seems, many pets are suffering from damage and kidney failure. this may be due in part to some pet food recalls that harmed many pets, whose kidneys will never fully recover. however, kidney disease was already common, especially in older cats.
in cats, kidney disease can develop for two main reasons:
-
being fed only or mostly dry food, which is extremely dehydrating and puts a huge burden on their kidneys. although you will see these cats drinking water, it is only half the intake of a cat eating a natural, raw or homemade wet cat food.
-
receiving unnecessary booster shots for feline distemper (panleukopenia). the virus in this vaccine is commonly grown in feline kidney cell culture. when the vaccine is injected, the kidney proteins in the culture fluid cause antibodies to be formed against them; these antibodies cross-react with the cat’s own kidneys and can cause chronic low-grade inflammation. each repeated boost can worsen this inflammation, possibly leading to cell destruction, scarring, and ultimately kidney failure.
The same potential problems apply to canine vaccines. all vaccines are grown in some type of cell culture; canine, feline, and calf cell cultures are commonly used. one study showed that each vaccinated puppy produced antibodies that cross-reacted with their own tissues, including red blood cells and connective tissue such as collagen.
Looking for the best natural diet for cats?
buy now >
low-protein diets are commonly used to help maintain normal kidney function. the real reason for this is that meat is high in phosphorus, and it’s the phosphorus that’s to blame (it combines with calcium and further damages the kidneys). however, the scientific support for this approach is much stronger for dogs than for cats. It’s also important to remember that high-protein diets do not cause kidney disease.
The quality of the food can also be extremely important. Many “veterinary” pet foods are made with poor-quality ingredients: by-products, grains, and meat substitutes. It can be especially important to feed your pet the best natural ingredients if she has health problems.
Most high-quality commercial foods have fairly high levels of protein, so a homemade diet may be your best option. here are a couple of sample recipes:
homemade recipes to support the normal function and health of the kidneys in catsfor cats:
- 1/4 cup chopped or ground chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked white rice (long-grain or basmati)
- 1 tablespoon omega-3 fish oil
- 1/8 teaspoon salt substitute (potassium chloride)
- 500 mg calcium (tablet or capsule without magnesium, vitamin d, or bone meal)
- feline multivitamin
- 250mg taurine
- 1 large hard-boiled egg, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice (long-grain or basmati)
- 1 tablespoon omega-3 fish oil
- 500 mg calcium (tablet or capsule)
- Canine Multivitamin
- Signs of Kidney Failure and Natural Treatment in Dogs & cats
- help your aging dog and cat naturally
- what you need to know about immunizations
- When should I take a dog or cat to the vet?
for dogs (per 20 pound body weight):
Certainly, getting these animals to stop eating dry food can be a crucial component because keeping these pets well hydrated is vital. Giving subcutaneous (“sub-q”) fluids at home can also help maintain hydration levels.
Natural vitamins and supplements for cats can support normal health and kidney function. omega-3 fatty acids are very important. it must come from wild fish (not farmed salmon) and contain mostly or only omega-3s. however, omega-6s can contribute to inflammation, which of course is not what you want. antioxidants may also help maintain a normal inflammatory response.
Recent research suggests that adding additional probiotics to the diet may help maintain normal kidney function. digestive enzymes may also be beneficial in supporting normal digestive function.
conclusion
If you have young, healthy pets in your home, make sure they eat a great natural diet (canned, raw, or homemade). it may also help to add appropriate supplements that include probiotics, antioxidants, digestive enzymes, and omega-3 fatty acids.
additional resources
