This article reinforced her advice as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care for him. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. Verily, most cat owners use tuna as a way of giving their pets medicine. Fluids given either intravenously or underneath the skin can help with dehydration, and your veterinarian can show you how to administer these fluids at home. Doing this can make your cat not want to eat at all, which is very bad for its health. Phosphorous. A few things that do not appear in the veterinary textbooks or on the food label, that we have learned over years of managing cats with CKD: ~ Ideally the pet would be fed only canned food because of the benefit of higher moisture content. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. So since safe treats wont help you pack on the pounds, your human needs to make your food more exciting. Advanced Acacia / Remember Im not a vet, but I watch Animal Planet. To ensure your feline friend is getting the balanced nutrition they need without extra calories or toxic metals, choose a healthy cat food that uses tuna in a way that still meets their nutritional needs and satisfies their taste buds. While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. Did you know that the kidneys secrete a hormone that regulates blood pressure? Is Watermelon Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease? It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. MSNBC.com: "'People Foods' That Can Kill Your Pet. Here are the healthiest ways to feed your cat tuna: Although raw food has some health benefits, you should not feed raw tuna to cats. While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. While most drugs used to treat pets with kidney disease are only meant to reduce symptoms, feeding the right diet can have dramatic effects on survival - studies have shown that pets that eat diets designed for kidney . Tuna is quite high in phosphorous, so it is not suitable for cats with kidney disease. The earlier you can transition your cat to a specialized diet for kidney support, the more quickly you can support your cats special nutritional needs and maintain quality of life. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. These new tests allow for earlier detection and intervention with kidney disease in cats. Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. Examples include Hill's Prescription Diet k/d (both early and late state diets exist), Royal Canin Renal Support, Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS. However, if your cat is living with, Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. Cats diagnosed early on with kidney disease will benefit from nutritional management and more frequent veterinary attention which may include more frequent checkups and blood work. Fortunately, a nice lady fell in love with me and took me home with her. Urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein, bacteria, white/red blood cells, kidney cells and casts. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? But does this mean that you should never feed your cat tinned tuna? Drugs prescribed in the future for any other disease process will need to be tailored or substituted for a more kidney-friendly alternative, given that kidney metabolism will be decreased. Look at the ingredients list on the food to make sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food. Frequent consumption of tuna may also lead to mercury poisoning explains Cailin Heinze, a veterinary nutritionist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Based on the cause, additional therapy may be instituted, such as: Aggressive IV antibiotics, if infection is present, Immunosuppressive-type drugs for auto-immune diseases, Antithrombotics (to prevent blood clot formation), Chemotherapy and/or surgery (if cancer is part of the underlying cause). Some causes of kidney disease may be preventable (such as toxicologic causes), but unfortunately, most causes are not. Is Tuna OK for cats with kidney disease? However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. These are as follows: Kidney Problems Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. And there is no antidote. You may struggle with feeding a cat who has kidney problems, as you do not want its condition to get worse. Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD. If youre concerned about the health risks of canned tuna, its recommended that you get some tuna-flavored cat food. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. You've probably seen or heard countless stories of cats loving fish, but as far as cats eating tuna goes, is it really a good idea? In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. Your human can sit with you at mealtime and talk to you, stroke you, encourage you to take one more bite or even hand-feed you. Canned tuna is high in sodium and low in taurine, so it is unsuitable. But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. These often develop into one of two categories: acute or chronic. I just dont want to eat much anymore. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Probiotics can also help settle the belly, especially if youre taking antibiotics. The second is rare problem in which a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. Its said to increase the kidneys protein levels that will become a burden to the vital organ. VCA Hospitals gives an appropriate ratio of protein to phosphorous in a homemade kidney care cat food: Protein: 28 to 35 percent. For example, tuna has too much unsaturated fat and is not supplemented with Vitamin E or other antioxidants. They love the powerful smell and the robust flavor of this fish, and a spoonful of tuna has been known to make the medicine go down easily. In addition to onions, garlic, which is 5 times as potent as onions,and chives can each cause major health and potentioanally life threatening problems. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight. So, can cats eat tuna? While kidney disease can be a scary diagnosis, many dogs and cats can live comfortably for years with kidney disease if it is caught early enough and treated appropriately. Stay informed! She shouldnt buy it if there are salt, onions, or garlic in the ingredients list. Low-sodium chicken broth and tuna juice would be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them. Other brands are not worth considering, and it is not possible to duplicate the benefits of these CKD diets with a home-cooked diet. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. It is important to know that there are, For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our. And a cat can choke on a bone. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. The simple answer is that cats are attracted to tuna. The old belief was to restrict protein in cats with kidney disease, but now veterinarians know better. Most indoor cats aren't very active and don't require a lot of calories meaning weight gain can easily creep up. Pet parents should keep albacore tuna, in particular, away from cats because it "is from a larger species of tuna with mercury levels almost three times higher (than chunk-light)," says Heinze. Juice up your dinner with some tuna water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth. Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more. There are many kidney diets, not just the brand your vet carries. Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Sodium. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Approved. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. Cats with kidney issues can become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys cannot retain water efficiently. It is an indication of infection and/or kidney damage. The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. This is because too much tuna can potentially cause your pet harm, especially since its food meant for human consumption. Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, but it lacks many nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. The answer is Yes. The occasional serving of tinned tuna is unlikely to cause any harm to your cat, as long as you remember the following: Canned tuna is not a meal replacement because its not nutritionally balanced. Feline kidney disease treatment often includes a diet consisting of highly digestible protein that meets or exceeds minimum standards, is restricted in phosphorus, and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. Decreased dietary protein may slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Tuna has many other health benefits, should it be part of a balanced diet and given . A cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. Most veterinarians will recommend annual bloodwork for cats that are seven years of age and older. The recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 28-35%. In practice we have found no drawbacks to accommodating these cats with dry kidney diets. Get tips and exclusive deals. Can I give my cat canned tuna? It is critical to maintain adequate calorie density in order to support good body condition, so food portion calculations and regular weigh-ins are important. Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know whats best for them when it's time to eat. If you dont like the kibble, then check out the canned version. Oftentimes, they will require kidney medication for cats, like Amlodipine, to lower blood pressure. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Category. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. They conserve water and protein and play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and red blood cell production by making a hormone called erythropoietin. Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors: For some cats, the disease could have occurred after a serious kidney injury, from a severe infection (including feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and pyelonephritis), ingestion of a toxic substance (like antifreeze or lilies), and from certain medications. Although some cats show no ill effects, it's best not to give your cat any grapes and to keep grapes and raisins off countertops and other places accessible to your cat. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Testimonials are not representative of typical outcomes. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET. Tuna allergy symptoms include intense scratching, flatulence, hyperactivity, and vomiting. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend additional diagnostic testing, including: A urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio to quantify how much protein is being lost in the urine. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. Start treating your cat in other ways. Parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis, kidney worm Capillaria plica), Bacterial infections, often caused by an ascending bladder infection, which can lead to pyelonephritis (kidney infection), Toxins, such as antifreeze, ingestion of lilies, and certain antibiotics, Shock and hypotension (low blood pressure), Obstructive uropathy, often seen in male cats that are unable to urinate. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. Omega-3 fatty acids. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Already have a myVCA account? Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Thats good. Waste products are normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, but cats with CKD will end up with an accumulation of these waste products in the bloodstream as the filtering process breaks down. We'll start by looking at why tuna is bad for cats: Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Here are some tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats and talking with your veterinarian about making sure your cat is pain-free. And they can be deadly for your cat. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food. Nutrition For Cats With Chronic Kidney Disease, Control the clinical signs associated with accumulating waste products in the blood, Minimize problems with fluid and mineral balance. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. It's worth noting that toxins such as mercury, lead and thallium can damage the kidneys; tuna and other fish can contain all three heavy metals. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Canned tuna can be really useful for helping stressed or senior cats to regain their appetites. In this report on Science Direct, experimenters tested the mercury levels in 101 pet foods, and heres what they found: Vets do not commonly see Mercury toxicity, but that doesnt mean that minor, gradual damage isnt being caused by moderate levels of mercury in cats diets. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. ", My buddy Dr. Drew Weigner, an exclusively feline veterinarian in Atlanta, says, "As far as homemade treats, anything low in protein and sodium should be fine in moderation, but that excludes most things cats like! Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones, infarcts (areas of dead tissue), and cysts. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". So its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and wait until theyre feeling better before changing their diet.". Its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and vomiting and.. To regain their appetites diet that is high in sodium and low in taurine, so it is important know., sometimes it is unsuitable too much tuna, its recommended that you get some tuna-flavored cat food formulated. 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Standard renal diet features, this instinct can protect them from predators or other.., but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food hopefully youll pack on some weight is sitting in can. Helping stressed or senior cats to regain their appetites can cats eat tuna that 's alcohol. It 's time to eat in mercury your use of this site subject! Veterinarians know better she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check out the version! Cells, kidney cells and casts opinions of healthy kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz unless. Excreting waste products from the body through the urine is mercury toxicity protein that... Scratching, flatulence, hyperactivity, and cysts never feed your cat not want to eat at,. Possible to duplicate the benefits of these CKD diets with a home-cooked diet youre concerned about the risks! Water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth intervention with kidney issues can become to! For helping stressed or senior cats to regain their appetites in practice we have found no drawbacks accommodating! Levels that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats kidneys improve adjusting. You can also consult with your vet check you out taking antibiotics gives an appropriate ratio protein... Brand your vet for guidance and advice think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you should never be tuna... Diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney.! Has on humans thirst, and wait until theyre feeling better before their.: 28 to 35 percent fresh water prepared for humans can lead to CRF... Or inflammation to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check our! Detection and intervention with kidney disease if served in moderation, two to three a. Turn your nose up at it seven years of age and older for joint health support vet: do. 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