Adding water to wet food

[BaileyUK]

I am adding some bottled spring water,or some home made chicken stock to Baileys food each time I feed him,not an excessive amount,just a small amount to make it slightly soupy.Is this alright to do? I now read that it could be putting a strain on his kidneys.I am concerned that Bailey is an old boy of 14 and that a high protein diet could cause renal problems.

 

[KPassa]

Adding water is perfectly fine and healthy to do. As long as the chicken stock is plain and doesn't contain salt, sugar, garlic, onion, or other herbs and spices, it should also be fine. High protein diets are usually not the problem; it's the phosphorus levels that can be problematic. If you're worried about kidney issues, look for ones that contain lower levels of phosphorus (under 200, IIRC) and/or you can use a phosphorus binder.

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

Adding water is good for their kidneys, Anna, unless there's a specific reason for them to be restricting fluids (like kidney failure)

Cats have a low thirst drive, so don't drink enough water, so adding water to their wet food is a good way to get some extra into them. It also helps flush out ketones if they're producing any.

KPassa is correct about the chicken broth too...you have to make sure it doesn't have any added salt, sugar, onions or garlic

 

[BaileyUK]

Thanks KPassa and Chris,the chicken stock is just the carcass of chicken with nothing added,simmered in a small amount of water,strained and when cold sets to a jelly,I then warm a little up and add it to his food,he loves it and am sure it is good for him,Jewish penicillin!!

 

[Diana&Tom]

Yes, as the others have said, all sounds good, Diane - you obviously have an instinct for doing the right things and it's your efforts like this that will keep Bailey as healthy and happy as possible in his "golden years"!

Diana