Does your feline friend’s health concern keep you up at night? When your beloved cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, their diet becomes a major focus. Finding treats that are both safe and enjoyable for them can feel like an impossible mission. You want to spoil them with a little something special, but the fear of making their condition worse weighs heavily on your mind.
The struggle is real: many commercial treats are packed with ingredients that can harm a cat with compromised kidneys. You might be worried about phosphorus, sodium, or protein levels, and the labels can be confusing. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to even begin looking for the best options.
But what if you could find delicious treats that actually support their kidney health? In this post, we’ll dive into what makes a treat kidney-friendly and explore some fantastic options that will have your cat purring with delight. Get ready to discover how to treat your cat guilt-free and help them feel their best.
Our Top 5 Cat Treats For Kidney Disease Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cat Treats For Kidney Disease Detailed Reviews
1. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Urinary Health Cat Treats – 1.8 oz. Bag
Rating: 8.9/10
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Urinary Health Cat Treats offer a delicious way to support your cat’s urinary well-being. These tasty treats are specifically designed to work alongside Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Cat Food. Together, they help lower the chances of those bothersome struvite and calcium oxalate stones coming back. Your feline friend will love the taste, and you’ll love the added health benefits.
What We Like:
- Supports urinary health in cats.
- Works with Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Cat Food to reduce stone recurrence.
- Provides high-quality protein for your cat.
- Contains antioxidants for added health.
- Comes in a convenient stay-fresh treat pouch.
What Could Be Improved:
- These treats are intended for cats already on a veterinary diet, so they are not a standalone solution.
- The 1.8 oz bag size might be small for households with multiple cats or for those who use treats frequently.
For cat parents looking for extra support for their feline’s urinary system, these treats are a smart addition. They make a great reward while actively contributing to your cat’s health.
2. Choolip Squeeze Vita Stick Lickable Cat and Dog Treats – 7-Count Kidney Support Sticks with Multivitamins
Rating: 8.8/10
Introducing Choolip Squeeze Vita Sticks, the lickable treats designed to support your furry friend’s kidney health and overall well-being. Developed by Korean veterinarian Dr. Eric, these soft, squeezable sticks are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a delicious way to supplement your pet’s diet, whether you have a playful kitten or a wise old dog.
What We Like:
- The vitamin-infused soft treats are formulated by a veterinarian.
- These treats are suitable for both cats and dogs of all ages.
- They contain fresh, farm-to-plate ingredients like wild-caught proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
- The clean and natural formula is free from common additives like carrageenan and MSG, making it great for sensitive pets.
- The kidney support feature is a significant plus for pet owners concerned about their pet’s health.
- The squeezable paste is easy to use as a topper, on lick mats, or for bonding during handfeeding.
- The 7-count pack is convenient for travel and home use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the kidney support is a great feature, the specific benefits for kidney health could be further detailed.
- The availability might be limited depending on your location.
Choolip Squeeze Vita Sticks offer a tasty and healthy way to care for your pets. They are a fantastic option for picky eaters and a convenient way to provide extra nutritional support.
3. HomeoPet Feline Kidney Rescue
Rating: 8.7/10
HomeoPet Feline Kidney Rescue is a natural supplement designed to support your cat’s kidney health. It aims to help with common signs of kidney issues, making your feline friend feel more comfortable and energetic. This liquid formula is easy to give to cats of any age, from tiny kittens to wise old seniors.
What We Like:
- Supports Kidney Function: This supplement helps with symptoms like frequent peeing, low energy, and not wanting to eat, which can be signs of kidney problems.
- Natural Ingredients: It uses safe, gentle, and natural homeopathic ingredients. There are no known side effects, which is great for pet parents.
- For All Ages: Whether you have a playful kitten or a senior cat, this supplement is suitable for them all.
- Easy to Administer: You can give it directly into your cat’s mouth, mix it with water, or add it to their food. It’s a simple process.
- Created by Experts: HomeoPet was started by brothers, one of whom is a veterinarian, ensuring a focus on pet well-being.
What Could Be Improved:
- Dosing Schedule: The 21-day treatment followed by repeating every 3 months might require careful tracking for some owners.
- Limited Availability: While available online, it might not be in every local pet store, requiring advance planning for purchases.
HomeoPet Feline Kidney Rescue offers a natural approach to supporting your cat’s kidneys. It’s a simple and safe option for concerned pet parents.
4. Dave’s Pet Food Renal Cat Treats for Cat Kidney Support
Rating: 8.9/10
Dave’s Pet Food Renal Cat Treats are a new and improved way to support your cat’s kidney health. These semi-moist, chewy treats are specially crafted with a vet-approved recipe that cats find irresistible. They are designed to be low in protein and phosphorus, making them a smart choice for cats with kidney issues. Plus, they’re packed with fiber and prebiotics to keep your cat’s tummy happy and healthy.
What We Like:
- NEW & IMPROVED CHEWY RECIPE: Cats love the richer, vet-crafted flavor.
- KIDNEY SUPPORT FOR CATS: Low-protein, low-phosphorous formula helps cats with kidney problems.
- PAIRS PERFECTLY WITH KIDNEY DIETS: Works well with Dave’s Cat Food Wet Kidney Diet and other kidney care foods.
- FIBER-RICH, GUT-FRIENDLY: Prebiotic fiber supports healthy digestion.
- CHEWY AND SATISFYING: Semi-moist texture is enjoyable for cats.
- MADE WITH SWEET POTATO: Irresistible flavor that’s also good for your cat’s gut.
- MADE IN THE USA: High-quality ingredients and manufacturing.
- REVIEWED BY VETERINARY NUTRITIONISTS: Vetted by experts for your peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Availability might be limited in some areas.
- Some cats can be picky; taste might not be universal.
These treats offer a delicious and beneficial way to care for your cat’s renal health. They are a great addition to a kidney-supportive diet, ensuring your feline friend enjoys every healthy bite.
5. VetriScience Kidney Health Chews
Rating: 8.8/10
Is your feline friend’s kidney health a top priority? The VetriScience Kidney Health Chews offer a tasty chicken-flavored solution designed to support your cat’s kidneys. These bite-sized chews are packed with beneficial ingredients to help keep your cat feeling their best.
What We Like:
- These chews provide targeted support for optimal kidney function in cats.
- They include adaptogens like DMG and astragalus root powder. These ingredients help boost your cat’s immune system and improve circulation to the kidneys.
- Vitamin B antioxidants are included. These support energy production and help maintain proper kidney function.
- The chicken flavor makes them appealing to most cats.
- A 120-count bag provides a good supply.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions suggest breaking up the chews. This might be tricky for some pet owners, especially if they have multiple cats or cats that are picky about texture.
- While the chicken flavor is a plus, some cats might still be resistant.
Overall, VetriScience Kidney Health Chews are a promising supplement for cats needing kidney support. They offer a good blend of ingredients to help maintain your cat’s well-being.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Cats with Kidney Disease
When your feline friend is diagnosed with kidney disease, you want to give them the best care possible. This includes choosing the right treats. Special treats can help manage their condition and make them feel better. This guide will help you find the perfect treats for your cat.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for kidney-friendly cat treats, keep these important features in mind:
- Low Phosphorus: This is a big one. Damaged kidneys have trouble removing phosphorus from the blood. Too much phosphorus can make kidney disease worse. Look for treats with a low phosphorus content.
- Controlled Protein: Cats need protein, but too much can also strain their kidneys. Choose treats with moderate, high-quality protein sources. Avoid treats with excessive or low-quality protein fillers.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the kidneys. Many kidney-friendly treats include fish oil or other sources of omega-3s.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins like E and C can help protect kidney cells from damage. Treats with added antioxidants are a great choice.
- Palatability: This means how much your cat will actually eat them! Cats with kidney disease can sometimes have a decreased appetite. Treats should be tasty and appealing to encourage them to eat.
- Hydration Support: Some treats might have added moisture or ingredients that help keep your cat hydrated. This is important for kidney health.
Important Materials to Consider
The ingredients in your cat’s treats matter a lot. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid:
- High-Quality Protein Sources: Look for treats made with real meat like chicken, turkey, or fish. These are easier for your cat to digest and provide essential nutrients.
- Beneficial Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids, often from fish oil, are excellent.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Added vitamins like E and C are good.
- Avoid:
- High Phosphorus Ingredients: Many common pet food ingredients like bone meal or certain dairy products are high in phosphorus.
- Artificial Colors, Flavors, and Preservatives: These offer no nutritional benefit and can be hard on a sensitive system.
- Excessive Salt: Too much sodium can be bad for cats with kidney issues.
- Grains as Fillers: While some grains are okay, treats that rely heavily on corn, wheat, or soy as fillers might not be ideal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way treats are made and the ingredients used greatly affect their quality.
-
Improved Quality:
- Limited Ingredient Diets: Treats made with fewer, carefully selected ingredients are often better. This helps you know exactly what your cat is eating.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Many brands work with vets to create specialized diets. These are often a safe bet.
- Natural and Organic: These terms often indicate fewer artificial additives and higher-quality ingredients.
- Texture: Some cats prefer crunchy treats, while others like soft, chewy ones. Offering a variety of textures can improve their enjoyment.
-
Reduced Quality:
- Long Ingredient Lists with Unfamiliar Names: This can mean the treat contains fillers or artificial additives.
- Generic “Meat By-products”: These can be of lower quality and harder to digest.
- High Levels of Carbohydrates: While not directly harmful, too many can displace more beneficial nutrients.
User Experience and Use Cases
Many cat owners find that using specialized treats makes a real difference.
- Encouraging Appetite: When a cat’s appetite is low due to illness, tasty kidney-friendly treats can be a lifesaver. They can tempt your cat to eat something when they might refuse their regular food.
- Rewarding Good Behavior: Treats are a great way to reward your cat for taking medication or being cooperative during vet visits. It makes the experience more positive for both of you.
- Supplementing Diet: These treats can offer extra nutrients that your cat might not be getting enough of from their regular food.
- Making Treatment Easier: Some owners use these treats to hide medication. The palatable nature of the treat helps mask the taste of pills.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you are giving your cat a treat that actively supports their kidney health brings great peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in kidney-friendly cat treats?
A: The main key features are low phosphorus, controlled protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, good taste (palatability), and support for hydration.
Q: Are there any specific ingredients I should avoid?
A: Yes, you should avoid treats high in phosphorus, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and excessive salt. Also, watch out for low-quality protein fillers.
Q: Can these treats help my cat eat more?
A: Yes, many kidney-friendly treats are made to be very tasty. This can help encourage cats with a decreased appetite to eat more.
Q: How do omega-3 fatty acids help my cat’s kidneys?
A: Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce swelling and inflammation in your cat’s kidneys, which is beneficial for their health.
Q: What does “low phosphorus” mean for cat treats?
A: It means the treats contain a very small amount of phosphorus. This is important because damaged kidneys have trouble removing phosphorus from the blood.
Q: Should I talk to my vet before buying these treats?
A: Absolutely! Your veterinarian knows your cat’s specific health needs. They can recommend the best treats and help you understand what ingredients are most important.
Q: Are all “kidney support” treats the same?
A: No, they are not all the same. Different brands have different ingredient formulas and nutrient levels. It’s important to check the labels and consult your vet.
Q: How often can I give my cat these special treats?
A: Treat frequency depends on the treat’s nutritional content and your cat’s overall diet. It’s best to ask your vet for a specific recommendation.
Q: Can these treats be used to hide medication?
A: Yes, many owners find that the appealing taste of these treats makes them perfect for hiding pills or liquid medication.
Q: What if my cat doesn’t like the taste of a particular treat?
A: Cats can be picky! If your cat doesn’t like one type, try a different brand or flavor. Palatability is key, so finding one they enjoy is important.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.