When cats are dealing with illnesses like chronic kidney disease (CKD), you need to be very careful what you feed them. For example, you'll commonly hear that a diet low in protein is the best treatment for cats with CKD. And that it's best to feed a cat wet food vs dry food, as wet food is easier on the kidneys. Years ago, when a few of my cats were diagnosed with CKD, it was suggested that I feed them a low protein prescription diet of either Hill's Prescription Diet K/D, Royal Canin Veterinary Renal Diet, or Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney. I followed this advice and tried all three brands, only to find that it proved problematic for the following reasons:

• My cats hated the taste, and in turn wouldn't eat it altogether, or at best would hardly touch it.
• Even if I tried force feeding the food using a syringe, they started to lose weight. They also developed muscle wasting in their hind legs and anemia.

I conducted some research online and also consulted with a well-respected holistic vet. I quickly learned that the low protein diet was causing the weight loss, muscle wasting and anemia!

There's no question that a low protein diet helps the kidneys not have to work as hard, but at what cost? Personally, I've always considered one's "Quality of Life" when it comes to dealing with illness. In this case, I would rather treat the CKD with IV fluids and Azodyl, and provide a higher protein diet to stave off weight loss, muscle wasting and anemia. And if a higher protein diet is detrimental to a cat with CKD, you certainly couldn't tell with my cats, Motor and Glovie. Their kidney and anemia bloodwork has improved in leaps and bounds, and their muscle wasting quickly resolved by applying my three-pronged approach using diet, Azodyl and fluids!

Also, it should be noted that weight loss, despite the cause, can give your cat Hepatic Lipidosis which could prove fatal. This is when liver failure sets in when a cat loses weight too quickly. The bottom line here is simple, never let your cat lose too much weight. No matter what you feed them, give them something!

For cats with CKD, I recommend the brand Weruva, as their food is free of grain, gluten, and carrageenan. The protein levels are mid to high and many of their flavors are low in phosphorus, which is important for CKD cats. My cats love Goody Stew Shoes, Mideast Feast, BFF Play Paté Lovers Chicken Checkmate and Press Your Dinner, which are all canned wet food.

My second choice of cat food brands would be Tiki Cat. Their phosphorus levels are a little higher than Weruva, but still just under 1.0%. They list the ingredients, but not the phosphorus levels. For that, I suggest looking up the particular food on Chewy. There you'll find the phosphorus levels in the questions section. Next to the "Ratings", click on the "Answered Questions" link. The phosphorus levels should be referenced in one of the questions.

If you feel that you must feed your cat dry food, at least consider Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support Grain-Free Dry Food. It's got some of the best ingredients I've found compared to everything else on the market. It is low in protein and phosphorus and contains no grain or carrageenan. I give a few pieces as treats every now and then.

Keep in mind that when choosing any food for your cat, the recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. Just try not to go over 1.0% as a absolute maximum. If you do, please have your cat's labs done in a few months of starting this food just to make sure their phosphorus levels are within range.

Given all the information currently available, my advice is to draw your own conclusions. Just know that it's best to treat CKD as soon as possible to help improve your cat's health and quality of life. Diet is a great place to start!

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