Feline kidney disease is officially an epidemic in the cat world. One out of every three cats are diagnosed with renal failure – and it’s one of the leading causes of death in cats.
The biggest problem with kidney disease in cats is that we rarely see the symptoms until the problem has escalated – and sometimes it’s too late. But the good news is there are many things we can do to help prevent feline kidney disease.
How to help prevent kidney disease in cats
Here’s the thing: The medical field may not believe that dry cat food contributes to kidney disease, but they agree that dehydration can. If you ask a veterinary nutritionist, I’d bet they’d also agree that a high carbohydrate diet is a contributor.
Dry food (kibble) is just that… dry. Because our cats have a low thirst drive, they don’t get the moisture their bodies need from the water bowl. Therefore, eating a dry food only diet will leave them in a constant state of mild dehydration.
In addition, all kibble is high in carbohydrates. Our cats have zero nutritional requirement for carbs in their diet – yet most commercial dry foods have 30%+ carbohydrates in their food.
Interestingly enough, carbohydrates are never listed on a bag of cat food – or dog food for that matter. Surprised? Do you wonder if this omission is because it’s not important to know the amount of carbs our cats consume? Nope – quite contrary, really. And can you imagine if a regulation allowed human food manufactures to keep carbs secret in the food they produce?
And we wonder why there’s such an outbreak of kidney disease in our kitties…?
The best, moist food you can feed your cat is a species appropriate, fresh food diet. Not only is it full of moisture, but it’s full of nutrients. Processed canned foods are lacking in nutrients and, although a better option than dry, can still leave your cat’s body lacking.
Many believe that older cats need less protein because protein is what kills the kidney’s of cats. This isn’t true. Older cats actually need more protein… they just need higher quality protein than what’s in most processed foods – or prescription foods. A senior cat’s kidneys can process fresh, quality meat just fine.
So let’s make sure that we are doing the best we can when it comes to helping our cats live the longest, healthiest and happiest lives possible – and maybe together we can help stop the epidemic of feline kidney disease.