Diabetes & CKD New Member 29/01/26

Paul G

Paul G

Member Since 2026
Hi,
Can anyone help please and apologies if I have posted this in the wrong place. I’m just out my mind at the minute so do forgive me..
Gus is our 17yr old Male house cat current weight 3.9kg down down from 5.5kg this is only because not only does he have diabetes he has now been diagnosed with CKD and his eyesight has deteriorated with age more than anything else, he has also been in to have from what we believe 14 teeth out over the period of three separate impatient visits, we are just waiting on blood test results for what stage he is at with CKD the vet states that all the signs are there for kidney failure, so my question is if anybody can point me in the right direction he has been on a diabetic diet but he has had diarrhoea for the last 6 to 7 months which in a human is bad enough but for Gus it is most distressing, so back to the question is it possible to get and we have both searched but can’t find anything a diet that can help him with his CKD and also with his diabetes the vet says there isn’t there is only one or the other I’m not totally convinced after spending nearly £4000 on all health issues that we have a choice of providing a diet for CKD or diabetes this may be the case. I just wondering if anybody can maybe suggest anything that may help please, we understand the inevitable will come and as heartbreaking as it is it is something my wife and I have to prepare for, we would collectively make the decision to take him out of his suffering once that time comes but trying to find a diet for him is a nightmare

Thank you all in advance

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Paul G said:
Hi,
Can anyone help please and apologies if I have posted this in the wrong place. I’m just out my mind at the minute so do forgive me..
Gus is our 17yr old Male house cat current weight 3.9kg down down from 5.5kg this is only because not only does he have diabetes he has now been diagnosed with CKD and his eyesight has deteriorated with age more than anything else, he has also been in to have from what I believe 14 teeth out over the period of three separate impatient visits, we are just waiting on blood test results for what stage he is at with CKD the vet states that all the signs are there for kidney failure, so my question is if anybody can point me in the right direction he has been on a diabetic diet but he has had diarrhoea for the last 6 to 7 months which in a human is bad enough but for Gus it is most distressing, so back to the question is it possible to get and I have searched but can’t find anything a diet that can help him with his CKD and also with his diabetes the vet says there isn’t there is only one or the other I’m not totally convinced after spending nearly £4000 on all health issues that I have a choice are providing a diet for CKD or diabetes this may be the case. I just wondering if anybody can maybe suggest anything, how I understand the inevitable will come and as heartbreaking as it is it is something I have to prepare for, I would make the decision to take him out of his suffering once that time comes but trying to find a diet for him is a nightmare

Thank you all in advance

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Gus is beautiful, do not despair we are here for you, we all become overwhelmed with these diagnosis, but the good thing is Feline diabetes and CKD are manageable, did the vet give you insulin for Gus? What diabetic diet? Did he gave Gus anything for diarrhea? I’m so sorry you needed to spend so much money at the vets and leave with those options, I will tag a couple of member that can give you great advice and guidance to help Gus get better, you are not alone😉
@Sienne and Gabby (GA)
@Wendy&Neko
 
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and apologies for not putting in his medication, his medication for his diabetes is Senvelgo that goes into his food once a day, I chose that route as opposed to popping needles in him daily albeit they are only small and he probably wouldn’t feel it anyway, in terms of his diarrhoea they suggested probiotics which we put him on for a month that had no effect whatsoever, the vet then put him on steroids once again this also had no affect, his original food we put him on was Purina diabetic food, this whilst he enjoyed it and kept him stable in terms of his diabetes, we then switched to one called Animonda Integra once again he thoroughly enjoys it but I cannot control his diarrhoea, so unsure were to turn in terms of treating both ailments and also aiming to have his diarrhoea brought under control, we took him last night for his post dental checkup after 3 days, they think he is at either the stage three or stage four CKD so without confirmation, we are maybe looking at a month before the decision has to be made, the financial aspect of it doesn’t come into account he’s part of the family and always will be..

Thanks once again
 
Diabetes and CKD are common companions. This is a food chart that lists foods that are under 10% carb and low phosphorus. The headache with the chart is that it lists primarily canned food that's available in the US. Are you in Canada or the UK? I'm guessing the UK so I'm tagging an experienced member who may be able to help with foods available there. @Elizabeth and Bertie

Regarding the diarrhea, a specific probiotic may be helpful. I swear by S. boulardii. I think it's magic. I'm linking you to a site that has information about managing diarrhea. It's one of the symptoms for inflammatory bowel disease. The Meds and Supplements page has instructions for S. boulardii.
 
Hi Paul, did the diarrhea start at the same time as the senvelgo? I have also found S. boulardii to be fantastic I also use slippery elm bark syrup for my IBD cat. If the vet gave you fortiflora probiotics I found those to be useless.

Here is the chart for uk food Food Info for UK , it shows carb amount which you want to be aiming for under 10% and for the CKD the phosphorus value you want is 1 or under (highlighted in blue). If this 'Integra (Animonda) 'RENAL' foil trays' is the animonda you are feeding it looks like you might already be onto a winner :)
 
Before you decide you need to change foods, wait until you get the blood work results back. Not all CKD kitties have high phosphorus and need the absolute lowest phosphorus foods. Lowish phosphorus foods would be a good idea however.

Since his eyesight has deteriorated and he probably has CKD, I'd ask for a blood pressure test. Though they might have done that during the dentals, so see if you can get that data. Side note, Neko was super stressed at her vet visit for BP test and it was through the roof, but the BP taken a the dental vet clinic soon after was good.

You might want to try finding food that is a different protein than what he's been eating lately, to see if that helps the diarrhoea.
 
Hi Robo & B,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and also for the links, Gus is not on the Animonda Renal food, he is currently on the diabetic version of the same name, in relation to your question regarding the Senvelgo apologies my wife’s just clarified that he had this before he was put on the Senvelgo, I have tried Fortiflora probiotics also for over a month and again without any joy, apologies for not making that clearer in my previous post, just not sure what day it is at the minute with everything that’s going on, I have started him on Katkins personalised dietary plan, however my vet isn’t keen on this and said that she thinks Katkins is not a diabetic cat food just a naturally produced so may not be beneficial for him, they are pushing me in the direction of Hills, now whilst they understand Hills are great pet food provider but they don’t do one that covers both and I’m just don’t know whether they’re just pushing it on as Hills are one of the providers for the Pet foods in the veterinary practice itself, the downside to that is they don’t do a food for both ailments combined, is it possible that I can feed Gus a combination of the Animonda Integra Renal & Diabetic food, as my vet said and I can’t remember which one it was but one is beneficial, but the other is not and vice versa you can’t feed them both together…

Many Thanks Robo & B
 

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Wendy&Neko said:
Before you decide you need to change foods, wait until you get the blood work results back. Not all CKD kitties have high phosphorus and need the absolute lowest phosphorus foods. Lowish phosphorus foods would be a good idea however.

Since his eyesight has deteriorated and he probably has CKD, I'd ask for a blood pressure test. Though they might have done that during the dentals, so see if you can get that data. Side note, Neko was super stressed at her vet visit for BP test and it was through the roof, but the BP taken a the dental vet clinic soon after was good.

You might want to try finding food that is a different protein than what he's been eating lately, to see if that helps the diarrhoea.
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Thank you for your contribution Wendy&Neko I’m trying to find the best possible solution for him at the minute and at times the information I’m getting from everyone is very much appreciated but also daunting to say the least trying to get my head round it all..
 
At least in North America, it's often a sales rep from the large pet food companies who "teaches" the food and nutrition section at vet colleges. I've heard that consists of less than a day. Hills may just be what your vet is familiar with the most.

Both the Animonda Renal and Diabetes are low carb and low phosphorus. Looks like both are good options.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
At least in North America, it's often a sales rep from the large pet food companies who "teaches" the food and nutrition section at vet colleges. I've heard that consists of less than a day. Hills may just be what your vet is familiar with the most.

Both the Animonda Renal and Diabetes are low carb and low phosphorus. Looks like both are good options.
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Thank you again Wendy&Neko

Do you think I’m able mix the 2 Animonda foods together at feeding time for Gus ?

Whilst they may both be good in their own right I wouldn’t want to mix them if it’s not appropriate, having said that if it would be ok, I would only mix the same flavour ie: both Beef, both Poultry etc..

Thanks again
 
Paul G said:
Hi Robo & B,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and also for the links, Gus is not on the Animonda Renal food, he is currently on the diabetic version of the same name, in relation to your question regarding the Senvelgo apologies my wife’s just clarified that he had this before he was put on the Senvelgo, I have tried Fortiflora probiotics also for over a month and again without any joy, apologies for not making that clearer in my previous post, just not sure what day it is at the minute with everything that’s going on, I have started him on Katkins personalised dietary plan, however my vet isn’t keen on this and said that she thinks Katkins is not a diabetic cat food just a naturally produced so may not be beneficial for him, they are pushing me in the direction of Hills, now whilst they understand Hills are great pet food provider but they don’t do one that covers both and I’m just don’t know whether they’re just pushing it on as Hills are one of the providers for the Pet foods in the veterinary practice itself, the downside to that is they don’t do a food for both ailments combined, is it possible that I can feed Gus a combination of the Animonda Integra Renal & Diabetic food, as my vet said and I can’t remember which one it was but one is beneficial, but the other is not and vice versa you can’t feed them both together…

Many Thanks Robo & B
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just an observation, have you ever seen a diabetic human eat diabetic food? the same goes for a cat, they need a low carb diet between 0-10% carbs and you are right it's being pushed, There is no such thing as a "prescribed" food for diabetes. Hills is just a brand of pet food and nothing more, and expensive; a salesman sales it to the vet, he make commission, the vet sells it to you she makes commission, they most of the time have no idea or care what's in the food, but is "prescribed". ;) could you take a picture of the back of this can, I would like to find pout the carb content if you don't mind, or just send the ingredient %s
 
CORKY said:
just an observation, have you ever seen a diabetic human eat diabetic food? the same goes for a cat, they need a low carb diet between 0-10% carbs and you are right it's being pushed, There is no such thing as a "prescribed" food for diabetes. Hills is just a brand of pet food and nothing more, and expensive; a salesman sales it to the vet, he make commission, the vet sells it to you she makes commission, they most of the time have no idea or care what's in the food, but is "prescribed". ;) could you take a picture of the back of this can, I would like to find pout the carb content if you don't mind, or just send the ingredient %s
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Hi again,
Apologies for taking up your time, the same goes to all members/moderators etc who have contributed..so this is the label and with it not being a UK based cat food and as a non speaker of anything other than English lol unfortunately I can’t translate 🙄 However this is what AI has come up with

Thank you
 

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Paul G said:
Hi Robo & B,

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and also for the links, Gus is not on the Animonda Renal food, he is currently on the diabetic version of the same name, in relation to your question regarding the Senvelgo apologies my wife’s just clarified that he had this before he was put on the Senvelgo, I have tried Fortiflora probiotics also for over a month and again without any joy, apologies for not making that clearer in my previous post, just not sure what day it is at the minute with everything that’s going on, I have started him on Katkins personalised dietary plan, however my vet isn’t keen on this and said that she thinks Katkins is not a diabetic cat food just a naturally produced so may not be beneficial for him, they are pushing me in the direction of Hills, now whilst they understand Hills are great pet food provider but they don’t do one that covers both and I’m just don’t know whether they’re just pushing it on as Hills are one of the providers for the Pet foods in the veterinary practice itself, the downside to that is they don’t do a food for both ailments combined, is it possible that I can feed Gus a combination of the Animonda Integra Renal & Diabetic food, as my vet said and I can’t remember which one it was but one is beneficial, but the other is not and vice versa you can’t feed them both together…

Many Thanks Robo & B
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The main thing for food with a diabetic cat is that the carbs are under 10%. For his CKD, as Wendy says, depending on blood test results he may not need super low phosphorus.

Yes I also had no success with fortiflora, but s.boullardii does help.

When are you getting the blood test results? Maybe once you have those we can help you find a food that will work. Possibly a novel protein, as mentioned above, that can help settle diarrhea if it's caused by an intolerance.

I'm hoping in all the vetinary care Gus has had recently he's had infectious/parasitic reasons for the diarrhoea ruled out? Was there any change that preceeded it?
 
Robo & B said:
The main thing for food with a diabetic cat is that the carbs are under 10%. For his CKD, as Wendy says, depending on blood test results he may not need super low phosphorus.

Yes I also had no success with fortiflora, but s.boullardii does help.

When are you getting the blood test results? Maybe once you have those we can help you find a food that will work. Possibly a novel protein, as mentioned above, that can help settle diarrhea if it's caused by an intolerance.

I'm hoping in all the vetinary care Gus has had recently he's had infectious/parasitic reasons for the diarrhoea ruled out? Was there any change that preceeded it?
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Morning Robo & B,

The blood test results should be in within the next 5 to 7 days. We have an appointment with the vet on the 10th of February, it terms of his diarrhoea there were no changes that preceded it, is the vet entitled to provide a printout of the blood results for me, also is there a powder sachet of S.Boullari that I can get in the UK I’ve had a look online and there are so many different brands..

Thank you
 
s. boulardii is a commonly used human probiotic fungus too. Just look for one that is just that, probably in capsules. You pop that open and mix part of the capsule in with food.

I'm surprised the blood work is taking so long. Here it is typically overnight and the results can be emailed to you.
 
Thank you once again for your reply the bloods were done last month but they went missing and because he’s quite feisty even though he’s 17 he will not let them pop a needle in, they have to sedate him first before they can take blood so they did this while he had his dental treatment, they have advised this can take between five days and 2 1/2 weeks no idea why..
 
That does seem like a very long wait for results, but I can see why they would want to go through them with you at the appointment. Yes you can ask for and get a print out/email of the full results- you've paid for them! If they query it or you feel you need an excuse say you want all his results on hand in case you end up needing to attend an emergency vet out of hours.

S. Boulardii + MOS with 5 Billion CFU Per Capsule is the one you want, there are plenty of different brands I ordered the Jarrow one. And as Wendy says split the capsule open. I've found mixing it into treat food is well tolerated - although my ibd cat isn't diabetic so maybe for Gus see if he minds it in his normal food?

Here's the page link Sienne shared earlier Meds & Supplements for more info on s.boulardii and how to dose, there's other things to read through but you can just click S boulardii Instructions for Use section for now. I have honestly found it game changing.
 
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Wow Robo & B,
Thank you so much for all the information you have provided, I will start him on some S.Boulardii within the next day or so and keep you updated as to his progress, he really doesn’t notice sachets of probiotic mixed into his food which is quite positive and once I have the blood test results I shall come back and advise of the results and hopefully find a way forward with his mediation and some appropriate food for his conditions if nothing else..

Many thanks

Paul
 
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