Your cat was just diagnosed with kidney disease, and you want to do everything you can to help support their kidney function. Your veterinarian suggests a diet designed to support the kidneys, but are there any supplements you can give your cat to help promote kidney health? Let’s look at some of the best supplements you can give your cat to support their urinary tract.

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The 8 Best Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease

1. Purina Hydra Care – Best Overall Kidney Supplement

Getting enough fluids is essential for cats with kidney disease. To improve your cat’s hydration, Purina created Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Hydra Care. The product comes in pouches, and your cat needs to consume at least 2 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight daily. The components called osmolytes help cats absorb fluid on a cellular level.

When administering this supplement, monitor your cat as a few people reported their cat experienced mild stomach upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.

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2. Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat – Best Value

Purnia snags another spot on the list! Giving our pets a snack is a bonding experience for many of us. You should be careful not to provide too many calories, but the Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat is designed to promote urinary health in our kitties. It is actually used with cats that may be at risk for developing bladder or kidney stones (struvite or calcium oxalate), but it also contains antioxidants.

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3. Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement – Premium Choice

Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement contains beneficial bacteria that help eliminate wastes that build up because the kidneys aren’t working effectively. The supplement tends to be well-tolerated in both dogs and cats. Another positive for this formula is that it contains three beneficial bacterium: S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, and B. longum.

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4. VetriScience Renal Essentials

Another top choice on our list is VetriScience Renal Essentials. If you are looking for a chewable supplement that maintains kidney function by supporting homocysteine balance, normal fluid retention, stress management, homocysteine balance, and liver functions, this is your answer. This supplement encompasses everything you’d need in a kidney health supplement, such as B vitamins and fish oils, at an affordable price. In addition, its ingredients help establish healthy kidney blood flow.

One issue some people had was with the size of the tablet. Some felt it was too large for their cat, so they had to dissolve the tablets in water and administer them with a syringe.

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5. Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats

Fish oils have a wide range of benefits that you might already be familiar with, such as improving your cat’s coat and skin. Did you know they can also lower blood pressure and decrease protein loss through the kidneys? Welactin is a quality fish oil supplement containing two major omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.

Since it is in liquid form, some cats might not like the taste.

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6. Epakitin Chitosan-Based Phosphate Binder

When cats have kidney disease, their phosphorus levels can increase. High phosphorus levels are associated with decreased longevity, so getting those levels under control is essential. Using a phosphate binder like Epakitin helps bind phosphorus as your cat eats it and keeps it in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can be excreted.

Supplements of any kind can be a bit tricky, so some cats might not like the taste of the powder.

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7. Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites

Urinary tract infections are more common in cats with renal disease than cats with a healthy pair of kidneys because the urine is more dilute in cats with kidney disease. Cranberry supplements like Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites may have some bladder-protective properties. This formula contains D-mannose, which helps maintain healthy urinary tract function. Additionally, the Zesty Paws chews contain vitamin B6 (80 mcg per two chews), helping with immune system support.

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8. Pfizer Animal Pet-Tinic Vitamin-Mineral Supplement

Some cats with renal disease have a decreased appetite, so they may not get all the nutrients they need from their food. Pet-Tinic supplements iron and several vitamins, which can be necessary for red blood cell production and immune support.

Buyer’s Guide: Understanding Kidney Disease in Cats

Unfortunately, kidney failure is very common in cats. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, 81% of cats over 15 have kidney disease. A variety of factors can cause kidney disease:

Your veterinarian will diagnose kidney disease based on several tests. They’ll typically start with blood work and a urinalysis. Possible changes in laboratory values associated with kidney disease include:

Dietary management is the mainstay of treating kidney disease. Several prescription diets aim to support the kidneys by restricting protein and phosphorus intake. Research into supplements is ongoing, with variable results. Make sure you discuss any supplements with your veterinarian to ensure they won’t interfere with your cat’s treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there supplements to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight?

Many cats with renal insufficiency lose weight. Rather than utilizing a supplement, your veterinarian might try a prescription appetite stimulant like mirtazapine or capromorelin.

Why do cats with kidney disease lose weight?

Cats with kidney disease lose protein through their kidneys, resulting in muscle mass loss. Many of these kitties also have a decreased appetite, consuming fewer calories.

If you’re curious about what’s safe for cats to eat, are interested in supplements or have general questions about your feline’s nutrition and diet, it is recommended you speak to your vet.

Conclusion

Cats with kidney disease may benefit from a kidney supplement. Purina’s Hydra Care helps your cat stay hydrated, which is essential for a kitty in kidney failure. Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat is an affordable and balanced supplement. Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement might be a bit pricey, but studies have confirmed it to be effective in many cases.

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat a supplement to ensure it won’t interact with its other medications.

Also see:

• How to Give a Cat a Pill: Easy Steps (Vet Answer)
• NHV Tripsy For Cats Review: Our Vet’s Opinion

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Featured Shutterstock: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock