High protein risks?

[Jana & Tuxedo]

Me again - my Tux is 14 yrs old - I've always been led to believe that an older cat should not eat a diet high in protein because the kidneys have difficulty with too much protein. Of course now that he has DM, he has to be on a high protein diet. Any thoughts on the risks to the kidneys with this type of diet?

 

[Larry and Kitties]

High protein does not harm good kidneys. Also, it is not clear how bad it is with cats with poor kidneys. There was a study in the past that showed that low protein/low phosphorous food is better for cats with poor kidneys but the study never separated the low protein from the low phosphorous. It is now though that the low phosphorous was the key.

 

[drjsiems]

In recent studies, it has been found that more than ever older kitties (and all kitties) need high protein diets. It is the phosporus that is the culprit so you should be looking for a high protein food with low phosphorus - sometimes easier said than done. In that case, you might want to consider a phosphorus binder. See Tanya's CRF site for really good information on this.

Judy

 

[Anyname]

"""high protein food with low phosphorus"""

Can you give us an example of food in this category? I have also been wondering about this issue.

 

[KarenRamboConan]

If you check Janet's food charts, you will see that she also listed the phosphorus, which is very helpful to our cats with compromised kidney function.

High quality protein seems to be the key. Try to feed foods without byproducts and that have muscle meats listed as the first ingredient, or supplement with good quality protein like cooked egg whites or a little cooekd chicken.