Can Cats With Kidney Disease Eat Yogurt?

Cats with kidney disease often experience a loss of appetite, and it is essential that they eat to prevent the development of hepatic lipidosis, a potentially fatal liver disease. A change in diet is often recommended by vets, with a low-protein, low-sodium, and phosphorus diet being prescribed to improve kidney function. Probiotics are also recommended to prevent stomach problems and lower gut acidity. Plain, non-fat yogurt is a good source of probiotics and can be safely fed to cats in small amounts.

Yogurt can help prevent stomach problems in cats with kidney disease

Yogurt is a great way to help prevent stomach problems in cats with kidney disease. It is a good source of probiotics and buffers, which can keep your cat's gut healthy and reduce acidity. Here are some key benefits of yogurt for cats with kidney disease:

Probiotics for Gut Health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can improve digestive health and support a healthy gut. Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in your cat's digestive tract. This can be especially beneficial for cats with kidney disease, as they often experience gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Probiotics can help reduce these symptoms and improve your cat's overall digestive health.

Buffers to Reduce Gut Acidity

Yogurt also contains buffers, which can help reduce the acidity in your cat's gut. This is important because kidney disease can lead to metabolic acidosis, which is an excess of acid in the body. By including buffers in your cat's diet, you can help neutralize stomach acids and create a more alkaline environment. This can improve your cat's digestive health and reduce the risk of stomach problems.

Prebiotics for Probiotic Support

In addition to probiotics, yogurt also contains prebiotics. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that acts as food for the probiotics, helping them grow and thrive in the gut. This synergistic relationship between probiotics and prebiotics can enhance the benefits of yogurt for gut health.

Calcium and Phosphorus Content

When choosing a yogurt for your cat, it's important to consider the calcium and phosphorus content. Look for plain, non-fat yogurt with low levels of calcium and phosphorus. This is because cats with kidney disease need to restrict their intake of these minerals. Too much calcium and phosphorus can put additional strain on the kidneys and accelerate the progression of the disease.

Serving Size and Frequency

It is recommended to give your cat a tablespoon of plain, non-fat yogurt daily. This amount provides a sufficient amount of probiotics and buffers to support digestive health without exceeding the recommended intake of calcium and phosphorus. However, always consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate serving size and frequency for your cat's specific needs.

Other Dietary Considerations

In addition to yogurt, there are other dietary considerations for cats with kidney disease. It is important to feed your cat a diet that is low in animal proteins and phosphorus, while being high in whole grains and B-vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. This type of diet can help improve kidney function and slow the progression of the disease. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best diet plan for your cat's individual needs.

It can lower gut acidity and pH levels in cats with kidney disease

When a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, it is important to discuss with your veterinarian how the illness progresses and why various treatments, including a proper diet, are necessary. One of the most important treatments for feline kidney disease is changing your cat's diet. A diet low in animal proteins, yet high in whole grains and B-vitamins, can provide the needed calories and energy. This is because a low-protein diet will improve kidney function by removing proteins in the blood that would normally be excreted in the urine.

Since the urine also removes phosphorus and magnesium from the body, the diet will need to be low in these minerals. A low-sodium diet is also important as it helps control fluid retention in cats with the heart problems often associated with renal disease, and it also helps improve blood flow to the kidneys. Giving your cat Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids will also improve renal blood circulation while minimizing cardiac and renal hypertension, slowing the progression of the disease.

Adding water-soluble dietary fiber to your cat's diet is another way to lower the chances of your cat moving into the azotemic stage of renal disease and cause the urine pH to be more alkaline. This is a healthier resolution to targeting lower pH levels. The metabolic acidosis associated with azotemia can be countered by increasing digestive buffers in the diet to decrease stomach acids. Store-bought, processed treats are prohibited for cats with kidney disease.

If you choose to make your cat’s meals at home, whole grains, such as brown rice and quinoa, can supply necessary carbs and fiber. Essential proteins, as well as needed B Vitamins, are found in legumes, beans, and green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale. These same foods are also low in phosphorus and magnesium. You can add needed fatty acids by including fish oil capsules, cantaloupe, broccoli, and cauliflower to your cat’s diet.

A tablespoon daily of plain, non-fat yogurt provides the probiotics and buffers needed to prevent stomach problems, lower gut acidity, and your cat’s pH levels. It is important to note that you should not add spices or extra salt to your cat’s meals.

Yogurt is a good source of probiotics for cats with kidney disease

Yogurt is a great source of probiotics for cats with kidney disease. It can help prevent stomach problems and lower gut acidity, and it's also a good source of protein and calcium. Here are some reasons why yogurt is beneficial for cats with kidney disease:

Probiotics for digestive health

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They can improve digestive health and support the immune system. Yogurt is a well-known source of probiotics, which can be beneficial for cats with kidney disease as they often experience digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation. Probiotics in yogurt can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion and reducing these symptoms.

High in protein

Protein is an essential nutrient for cats, and it's especially important for those with kidney disease. A diet low in animal protein is often recommended for cats with kidney issues, but small amounts of high-quality protein can be beneficial. Yogurt provides a good source of protein for cats, supporting their overall health and muscle strength.

Rich in calcium

Calcium is a vital mineral for cats, necessary for strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in nerve signalling, muscle function, and blood clotting. While dairy products like yogurt are not the primary source of calcium for cats, they can still contribute to their calcium intake. This is especially important for cats with kidney disease, as they may struggle to absorb calcium efficiently due to reduced kidney function.

Lowers gut acidity

Yogurt has a buffering effect, which means it can help neutralise stomach acids and reduce gut acidity. This is beneficial for cats with kidney disease as they often experience gastrointestinal issues and higher levels of stomach acid. By lowering gut acidity, yogurt can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your cat's digestive comfort.

Precautions

When feeding yogurt to cats with kidney disease, it's important to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt without added flavours or sugars. Flavoured yogurts often contain high levels of sugar, which can be detrimental to cats' health. Additionally, some cats may be lactose intolerant, so start with small amounts of yogurt and monitor your cat's reaction. It's also crucial to feed yogurt in moderation as part of a balanced diet, as excessive consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

It is important to feed cats with kidney disease a low-protein diet

Cats with kidney disease require a special diet to manage their condition. One of the most important treatments for kidney disease in cats is a change in diet, which can help to slow the progression of the disease.

Veterinarians typically recommend a low-protein diet for cats with kidney disease. This is because a decrease in dietary protein can reduce the workload on the kidneys, slowing the progression of the disease. Protein waste products are usually filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. However, in cats with kidney disease, there is an accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream as the filtering process breaks down. A low-protein diet reduces the amount of waste that the kidneys need to process, preserving kidney function.

It is important to note that if protein intake is too low, kidney disease will start to break down muscle mass. Therefore, it is crucial to work with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of protein for your cat's specific needs. The recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with kidney disease is 28-35%.

In addition to a low-protein diet, it is also important to feed cats with kidney disease a diet that is low in phosphorus and sodium, and high in whole grains, B-vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. These dietary modifications can help to minimize problems with fluid and mineral balance, sustain adequate nutrition, and modify/slow the progression of the disease.

Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable, as it is important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their disease. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low-sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. It is also crucial to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water, as diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products through the urine, leading to increased thirst.

Cats with kidney disease should also be fed food low in phosphorus and magnesium

Cats with Kidney Disease: Feeding Low Phosphorus and Magnesium Foods

When a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, it is important to make a radical change in its diet. This is because the kidneys are no longer effectively removing waste products from the body through urine, leading to a build-up of toxins in the bloodstream. A low-phosphorus diet is designed to reduce kidney workload and improve health.

Benefits of a Low-Phosphorus Diet

Research shows that a low-phosphorus diet can help cats with chronic kidney disease live longer. Lowering phosphorus intake reduces the workload on the kidneys, helping to slow the progression of the disease. Phosphorus is usually removed from the body through the kidneys, but with kidney disease, it builds up in the bloodstream, making the cat feel unwell and causing a decline in kidney function.

Commercially Available Low-Phosphorus Cat Foods

There are several commercially available cat foods that are low in phosphorus, including both prescription and non-prescription options. Prescription diets are formulated to address a range of kidney issues and typically have carefully calibrated amounts of phosphorus, sodium, protein, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. Non-prescription foods may not address all kidney issues but can still be suitable for cats in the early stages of kidney disease or those at risk of developing it.

Homemade Low-Phosphorus Cat Food

If your cat is a picky eater, you may need to prepare homemade low-phosphorus meals. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or credentialed veterinary nutritionist to ensure the recipe is safe and effective. Whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa can provide necessary carbohydrates and fiber, while legumes, beans, and leafy green vegetables like spinach and kale are good sources of essential proteins and B vitamins.

Importance of Low-Magnesium Diet

Similar to phosphorus, magnesium is also removed from the body through the kidneys. Therefore, a low-magnesium diet is crucial for cats with kidney disease to reduce the workload on the kidneys and prevent a build-up of magnesium in the bloodstream. Foods that are low in phosphorus are also typically low in magnesium.

Overall Dietary Goals for Cats with Kidney Disease

In addition to lowering phosphorus and magnesium intake, there are several other dietary goals to manage kidney disease in cats:

• Control clinical signs associated with accumulating waste products in the blood
• Minimize problems with fluid and mineral balance
• Sustain adequate nutrition
• Modify and slow the progression of the disease

Frequently asked questions