is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems

Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. 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. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. Is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems? 2023 SeniorCatWellness.com. For example, try petting or playing with your cat when it uses its manipulative skills to beg for extra food. If your cat has high phosphate levels in its blood due to kidney issues, for example, your vet may recommend a phosphate binder that you can add to its diet. Ingesting a drug prescribed for humans is one of the most common causes of poisoning in cats. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know whats best for them when it's time to eat. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. When I was a youngster of 20, my equally elderly owner went into a nursing home and I found myself on death row. Over time, cats can develop an unhealthy addiction to tuna. 2. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. . With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. Throw away any remaining food in its bowl when it is done eating. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? All rights reserved. These often develop into one of two categories: acute or chronic. Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Both fat and bones may be dangerous for cats. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. Canned tuna is not a balanced meal because it contains low levels of taurine. Research source Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. Due to technological advancements, the most beneficial component of tuna (docosahexaenoic acid) can now be found in other foods. Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. ", http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-kidney-disease#1, http://consciouscat.net/2016/02/15/the-right-diet-for-cats-with-kidney-disease/, https://www.medicanimal.com/The-truth-about-renal-diets-for-cats/a/ART111494, https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/diseases/chronic-kidney-disease-and-failure, http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-kidney-disease#2-7, https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/chronic-kidney-disease-cats-%E2%80%93-management. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. It is because a high amount of protein adds strain to the kidneys, a healthy combination would be a better choice. Amyloidosis, seen primarily in Persians and Abyssians, is an inherited condition that causes abnormal protein deposits that lead to kidney damage. However a new study found that cats with kidney disease may not have elevated stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats. Phosphorus: 0.3 to 0.6 percent. Did you know that the kidneys secrete a hormone that regulates blood pressure? Allergies are hard to diagnose if a cat eats a mix of foods. This is a serious condition that can affect your cat's bones. Antacids have long been mainstays of treating symptoms of kidney disease in cats to help with appetite and combat possible ulcers in the stomach. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Cats with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. Its OK to treat your cat with a few chunks of canned tuna, but this should be in addition to its regular meals. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. Already have a myVCA account? Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. About the author: Einsteins assistant,Dusty Rainbolt ACCBC, is the vice president of the Cat Writers Association, editor-in-chief of AdoptAShelter.com and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Sodium: 0.4 percent. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including: Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate, Edema (fluid-filled swelling in the limbs). Some forms of tuna contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). You can also put out flavored waters, like chicken or tuna water, for your cat to encourage it to drink. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. When you think about kidney disease in cats, pain control is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. 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. 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 . ~ Ideally the pet would eat only one kidney diet, but it is unusual for a cat to be willing to do so. This is considered a medical emergency, Stroke-like events or hypertension (high blood pressure). This is great news for cat parents, as more information can lead to more informed decisions about food, and ultimately better health for their cat. These new tests allow for earlier detection and intervention with kidney disease in cats. By Whereas tuna, perch, salmon, and haddock have . And they can be deadly for your cat. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. All rights reserved. If you suspect a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine which one is to blame. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? In fact, many commercial cat foods contain tuna as an ingredient. So, why do cats love tuna fish? Your vet can show your human how to do this at home. Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. There is some debate over whether or not giving your cat canned tuna is a good idea. Additionally, the kidneys serve to regulate the bodys balance of fluids, minerals, and electrolytes. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Cats that suffer from severe kidney problems tend to have high blood pressure that puts undue stress on internal organs, including the heart, lungs and retinas. The answer is Yes. So now theyre sick and not eating well, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like. Polycystic kidney disease is another inherited condition seen in Persians. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. Items that contain high amounts include . 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. VCA Hospitals gives an appropriate ratio of protein to phosphorous in a homemade kidney care cat food: Protein: 28 to 35 percent. If your cats lab tests come back indicating early kidney disease, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet change. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food. The professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University says there are a few veterinary treats that are low in phosphorus and sodium, but theyre not high in calories. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. You may find that some cats are disinterested in tuna, but they will usually be the exception to the rule. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. Protein. Get tips and exclusive deals. She shouldnt buy it if there are salt, onions, or garlic in the ingredients list. Most of the time, cats with kidney disease benefit more from centrally acting anti-nausea medications, so talk with your veterinarian about these types of medications. It is worthwhile to keep trying, but, at the same time, the cat should be fed plenty of the non-kidney diet food(s) it likes. SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Cats in chronic kidney failure will not recover, in the sense that they will have no lingering effects of the disease, as it is not curable. However, if your cat is living with, Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. 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. 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). Add just a pinch of dried shaved bonito (tuna) flakes to give your boring meal a little zest. If protein intake is too low however, CKD will start to break down muscle mass. ~ When there is a normal cat or cats in the house with the cat with CKD it is fine to feed all the cats the kidney diet; it is high-quality maintenance food for normal cats. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Tuna is not bad its a great source of protein, selenium, and a few select vitamins and minerals. However, its unlikely that the occasional portion would cause any health problems. Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. Some cats that experience acute kidney insults can recover, although there may be long-term effects that can lead to chronic kidney failure. Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. You can opt for a lower-level mercury product, but choose chunk light tuna. Follow your vets instructions when feeding your cat so your cats condition improves. Learn how to make homemade cat treats that are healthy for your pet with this recipe from Hills Pet Nutrition. 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. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. A cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. If your cat has a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease, you should not feed it canned tuna. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Phosphorus binders may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Cats with certain health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should not eat tuna because it may cause flare-ups. Instead, choose a complete, nutritionally balanced cat food that has tuna on the ingredients list. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Most savvy cat owners know that their feline needs to eat a high-quality diet rich in protein, but what about cats with kidney disease? This is a very essential vitamin for your cat as it supports the following health functions: Immune system Nervous system Digestive tract Many cats do not like canned food and will eat better when fed some dry food or exclusively dry food. 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. Cats in stages I and II may often be monitored for further progression of signs, and some may be given a prescription diet specifically geared to help the kidneys by limiting the amount of work they have to do. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Not sure what signs of pain to look for? You dont have to throw it away, but instead, lowering the amount of protein will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys. Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. Learn more about Hills commitment to sustainability. Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. When your kitty eats too little or too much of certain nutrients, health complications can arise. Terms of Use / For example, when its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention (petting or play.) A cat water fountain provides you with fresh-tasting, aerated water and encourages you to drink it. % of people told us that this article helped them. You should also use food with low levels of protein, which is easier for the kidneys to process. Advanced Acacia / Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. Aside from that, consistent mercury consumption can lead to kidney disease. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. So since safe treats wont help you pack on the pounds, your human needs to make your food more exciting. Can a cat develop kidney failure if it eats canned tuna and not fish? Renal cat food often contains rabbit meat because it is naturally low in phosphorous. Do not feed your kitty canned tuna as a substitute to its usual cat food. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? These toxins can accumulate in a cat's body over time and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. Give it to your cat at the same time every day and make sure your cat eats all of it. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is through a complete cat food that contains tuna. I have arthritis, some of my teeth have gone AWOL, and Im skinny as a supermodel cause my vet says I have chronic renal failure. Canned tuna is high in sodium and low in taurine, so it is unsuitable. Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness. Among the many edible species of fish, tuna is not good for your dog with kidney disease. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Your server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. For most conditions listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease in of itself as painful. ", Today. Cats with food allergies may also vomit and experience diarrhea, gas and a loss of appetite if they encounter an ingredient they're sensitive to. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. Diseased kidneys are not as effective at excreting waste products from the body through the urine. Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid8731269-v4-728px-Feed-a-Cat-with-Kidney-Problems-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"