Low Phosphorus Cat Food for Kidney Disease: Reviewed

Kidney disease is common among cats, impacting up to 20% of all cats and as many as 30% of all cats over 10 years old. When contracted, the kidney (often both kidneys) loses its functions gradually. This disease can be fatal if not treated promptly. Some pet parents do not realize their cats have contracted the disease until too late. Once the kidney is diseased, there will be a dangerous accumulation of toxic waste products in the cat’s body.

After consulting a veterinarian, part of the treatment regimen is nutrition. Placing the cats on a low phosphorus and protein diet can help manage and control the disease progression. Also, the diet needs to be rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.

A veterinarian’s prescription is needed before using cat food for kidney disease, since a diet with low phosphorus and protein can be detrimental to healthy cats.

With the huge number of companies in the pet food industry, there are plenty of choices in the market. However, to ensure the well-being of your cat, it is essential to buy only quality food. This review will help you make an informed decision.

A-Z-Animals’Top Picks for Low Phosphorus Cat Food

#1 Best Overall: Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Canned Cat Food

We found Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew to be the best low– phosphorus diet on the market. One of the most prevalent symptoms among cats with kidney disease is the loss of appetite. According to reviewers’ observations, Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care canned cat food is the best cat food low in phosphorus and suitable for cats with kidney diseases. The food has been clinical proven to have the ability to improve the lives of cats with kidney disease.

The formulation of this food with Enhanced Appetite Trigger increases the appetite of cats with kidney disease, thereby preventing muscle mass loss. The food is low in phosphorus and sodium content but high in vitamins and minerals needed to maintain a good state of health. The major downside reviewers observed is the inability of the adult cats to eat the food comfortably due to the tiny size of the kibbles. Also, this means they could consume an excessive amount of the food in one serving.

A veterinarian’s prescription is required for purchase of this food.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Canned Cat Food

Best Overall

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew

• Clinical approval
• Increases the appetite of cats
• Added vitamins and minerals
• High quality protein

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2. Best Value for Money: Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets NF Kidney Dry Cat Food

Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets NF Kidney Dry Cat Food is a cat food low in phosphorus that gives quality at the best price. It has a low sodium level, a controlled protein level, and contains omega-3 fatty acids. The presence of antioxidants in the food helps eliminate toxic radicals in the cats’ bodies. The food meets the standard requirements for food used in controlling and managing kidney disease in cats. However, before you can purchase this food, there is a need for a prescription from your veterinarian. According to reviewers, their cats’ overall health improved after placing them on this diet.

Ironically, the only negative review had to do with this food’s increasing cost.

Pros and Cons of Purina Pro Plan Vet Diets NF Kidney Dry Cat Food

Best Value for Money

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care

• Quality at the best price
• Controlled protein level
• Need a prescription from a veterinarian
• Added antioxidants

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3. Premium Choice: Blue Buffalo Vet Diet Kidney + Mobility Dry Cat Food

Among the best low phosphorus cat foods is Blue Buffalo Vet Diet Kidney + Mobility Dry Cat Food, which is a premium choice and suitable for adult cats with kidney disease. The food has low phosphorus and sodium content with a controlled protein level, making it one of the best foods for cats having kidney problems. (The phosphorus content of the food is between 03% and 0.7%, while that of sodium is 0.3%.) Chicken is the primary source of animal protein, and the food does not contain grain. Cats with problems with their kidneys and mobility are best placed on this diet.

The presence of adequate supplements supports the healthy growth of the cats. The food does not contain any poultry by-products, and it is packed with the necessary nutritional requirements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and DHA. However, the major downside of using this product is its exorbitant cost, although the product is worth its price. Also, the food is not suitable for all varieties of cats as some cats refuse to eat the food.

A veterinarian’s approval is required to purchase this food.

Pros and Cons of Blue Buffalo Vet Diet Kidney + Mobility Dry Cat Food

Premium Choice

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support

• Contains real chicken
• No grain
• Contais glucosamine, chondroitin, and DHA
• Cats love the taste

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4. Best Appetite Stimulating: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support E Loaf in Sauce

The “E” in Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support E Loaf in Sauce stands for “enticing” cats with kidney disease and decreased appetites to eat. This soft pâté texture encourages them to eat smaller portions of this delicious, energy-dense recipe.  

This formula helps to promote kidney function with a precise complex of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils. The food contains low phosphorus levels and targeted protein levels; the phosphorus content of the food is 0.44%, whereas that of protein is 30%. The major downside of the food is that, in true finicky cat style, some felines refused to eat it.

Like the other foods in this review, you must obtain a veterinarian’s approval in order to purchase this food.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support E Loaf in Sauce

Best Appetite Stimulating

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Renal Support E Loaf in Sauce

•  Stimulates the cat's appetite
• Contains antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
• A controlled amount of protein
• Energy-dense formula

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Choosing the Best Low-Phosphorus Cat Food: What to Look For

When choosing low phosphorus cat food, there are some factors to consider which can help you make a good choice. They include price, type of food, and your cat’s disease stage.

Price

Your budget is a major determining factor when looking to buy low phosphorus food for your cat. The pricing of these foods largely depends on the brand and the ingredients used. A quick review of the average prices of low phosphorus cat foods should help determine the best choice for you.

Type of Food

There are two major types of low phosphorus cat foods: prescription type and non-prescription type. Generally, prescription foods tend to be more expensive than non-prescription meals. In addition, they have to be prescribed by a vet and have more precisely calibrated proportions of ingredients. That’s why all of the options in this review require a veterinarian’s prescription.

Disease Stage

If your cat’s kidney disease is still in the early stages, you could go for non-prescription recipes that fit the bill. However, if the disease stage is advanced, it might be better to get prescription low phosphorus food from a vet due to their carefully selected and prepared ingredients.

The Different Types of Low Phosphorus Cat Food: Pros and Cons Compared

When deciding the best low phosphorus food for your cat, you should know that there are different types. These types can be classified by their format and whether or not they require a prescription.

Format:

• Wet Low-Phosphorus Cat Food: This type of low phosphorus cat food comes in canned packages and doesn’t need to be refrigerated unless opened.
• Dry Low-Phosphorus Cat Food: This type usually comes in bags and is the more common type.

Based on whether or not they require a prescription:

• Prescription Type Low-Phosphorus Cat Food: This type of cat food contains ingredients in carefully calibrated proportions. You need a veterinarian’s prescription to be able to purchase these types of cat food.
• Non-Prescription Low-Phosphorus Cat Food: This type of cat food is generally not intended for cats with kidney disease. However, due to their ingredient formulation, they are eligible for use for such conditions.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type:

Prescription Type Low-Phosphorus Cat Food

Conclusion

Kidney disease can result in the death of cats if not promptly and adequately managed. Apart from using medications to treat and control the disease, veterinarians usually advise cat owners to switch their cats’ foods to low phosphorus formulas. The adoption of low phosphorus food relieves the kidney of the massive workload of excreting phosphorus since it is the primary excretory organ for the mineral. Seek veterinarian advice before switching your cat’s food to low phosphorus types as it might not be beneficial for healthy cats.