If you’ve done some online research around what to feed your feline friend, you may have discovered varying reports around dry cat food and kidney problems. Our veterinary experts are here to provide their professional knowledge and recommendations so you can make an informed decision around your cat’s diet.
Deciding which food to feed your cat involves a delicate balance of factors. Some of the main considerations when choosing a diet for your cat include:
Since diet can play a role in managing many diseases, choosing the best food for their long-term health can be a daunting task. While it is quick and easy to seek opinions from the world-wide-web, always be wary of information not provided by a veterinary professional and verify facts with your pet care team before implementing any changes to your pet’s diet or lifestyle.
Dry cat food manufactured by and purchased through trusted businesses will not directly cause lower urinary tract or kidney problems in your cat. So why do some people suspect dry food causes urinary problems? The answer: some cats can develop lower urinary tract inflammation, urinary tract stones and/or age-related chronic kidney disease. These conditions require more water in the diet to promote health, and dry food contains less water than wet food.
Due to their low thirst drive (compared to other animals), cats usually drink little water during the day. In the wild, cats would typically eat foods containing a high enough water content to get the fluids they need. When domesticated, wet cat food provides more moisture than dry food and this can in some cases encourage better bladder and kidney health.
So, while dry cat food does not directly cause lower urinary tract or kidney problems in cats, without additional fluids it could create an increased risk of dehydration and speed progression of urinary tract issues in cats who may be already predisposed to developing them.
You may discover your cat prefers one type of food over the other. If your cat prefers dry food, ensure you discuss their diet with your veterinarian as there are several workarounds they will recommend based on your cat’s needs. Some options may include:
Using certain brands/types of dry cat food designed to support urinary health if your cat would benefit from this.
Sprinkling some water on your cat’s dry food. (Get the benefits of wet food without switching meals.)
Use a circulating water bowl to encourage drinking.
It is a good idea to have your cat’s kidney function tested every year starting at a young age. Annual blood work and urine tests allow your vet to establish your cats individual baseline and monitor any changes, providing recommendations or interventions early.
For cats with kidney problems, wet food may be part of the treatment plan to support hydration. However, the best diet for a cat with kidney disease is any type of specialized diet, dry or wet, made for kidney support, and which your cat likes and eats consistently. Talk to your veterinarian about whether these prescription diets could be a good option for your cat.
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