I have a 13 year old cat that was recently diagnosed with mild renal insufficiency. She was put on Hill K/D dry food. I originally had her on Eaglepack Holistic food. The only wet food she will eat is the Fancy feast canned food. And I was told that is not good for her since she has CRF. I eralize that the sodium and phosphorous content in the Hills food is low becasue of the CRF, but the phosphorous content in the Eaglepack food is only 0.9 % compared with Hills which is 0.3% Is that a big significance? Plus she throws up in a while on the Hills food, but NEVER on the Eagle Pack food!!
Any comments??
Thanks, Steve
Dear Steve,
Unfortunately the way that ingredients are listed on labels is not an accurate way to compare, so the phosphorus levels in the renal diets are significantly lower than average cat foods, even the senior diets. It is better for the cats that have kidney disease to get lower protein and phosphorus to reduce the workload and potential damage to the kidney cells over the long run. If your cat is not tolerating the k/d, then there are several other diets available- Royal Canin modified, Eukanuba multi stage renal, CNM NF, and Royal Canin LP are several other options that come in both canned and dry options (although canned is preferred for the increased water intake). Another concern is that the kidney disease is causing some vomit as well. Your vet can check blood levels to assess for that, and i find that famotidine can help with this (that is Pepcid ac- over the counter 10 mg tabs 1/4 tablet daily, verify with your vet as the weight can affect dosage). I have seen many cats live for several years (some 5-6 years) after the diagnosis, so keep up the hard work- your cat will feel better for the long term. Good luck!
Lori L Coughlin, DVM
Lori L Coughlin, DVM
Arlington Heights, IL
Dear Steve,
I have two cats of my own that have kidney disease, both are related. My cats did not like the k/d food at all. They really love the Royal Canin LP Pouches. They were diagnosed about 2 years ago.