Controversies in Veterinary Nephrology: Renal Diets Are Indicated for Cats with International Renal Interest Society Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 2 to 4: The Con View

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2016 Nov;46(6):1067-94. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2016.06.007.

Abstract

Renal diets typically incorporate protein and phosphorus restriction, supplement with potassium and Omega-3 fatty acids, and address metabolic acidosis. Compared to "maintenance" diets, these modifications appear to benefit cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is limited data in cats justifying the specific amounts of the nutrients used in these diets, and there is little evidence supporting protein restriction in cats with CKD. Energy intake, maintenance of body weight, and muscle and body condition need to be addressed, and may take precedence over special diets. Further research is needed to better define optimum diets for cats with CKD.

Keywords: Chronic kidney disease; Diet; Feline; Malnutrition; Phosphorus; Potassium; Protein; Therapeutic nutrition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis*
  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Cats
  • Diet / veterinary*
  • Disease Progression
  • Internationality
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / classification
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / diet therapy
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / veterinary*
  • Societies, Scientific / organization & administration*
  • Veterinary Medicine / organization & administration*
  • Veterinary Medicine / standards