is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems

SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment. But the fact that they'll walk away from a piece of bad meat doesn't mean they'll bypass an open can of tuna. The water should be changed daily, especially if you add flavor to it. Additionally, for all stages of kidney disease, fresh water should always be available. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. Set up your myVCA account today. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. I always urge pet parents to ask their veterinarian for nutritional information for their pet. If you have kidney disease, it's important to watch your intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Limiting exposure to other catswhile keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and monthly heartworm and flea controlis recommended. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. The meat of tuna is also high in potassium and contains several B vitamins. 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. Your mom can always boil a chicken for broth and share a treat of meat with you (if your vet says okie dokey). ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio. 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. "Most of these cats are forced to eat renal diets, which are low in protein (of course). Phosphorous: elevated phosphorous levels typically indicate kidney damage. 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. . Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Aside from that, consistent mercury consumption can lead to kidney disease. In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. 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. But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. These fish live in shallower waters and will have consumed less prey during their lifetime, so the mercury concentrations in their bodies will be significantly lower. Subscribe / But it's not a good idea. There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. If you suspect a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine which one is to blame. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. There are many kidney diets, not just the brand your vet carries. This article has been viewed 35,467 times. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and as tuna is a fish, it provides our cats with omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) which are good for skin and coat health. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or cut the insideof your cat's digestive system. ", professionals. While tuna isn't on the . SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. Symptoms include deformed bones, bone growths on the elbows and spine, and osteoporosis. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. Shop / Low-sodium chicken broth and tuna juice would be fine, as are most vegetables, if they like them. FEEDING CATS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE: FOOD OPTIONS. In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. Privacy Policy / You dont have to throw it away, but instead, lowering the amount of protein will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. Start treating your cat in other ways. The sodium in brine can cause dehydration, and excessive sunflower or olive oil consumption can cause diarrhea. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." If tuna is part of your cat's meal plan and you notice them acting out of sorts, consider taking them into your veterinarian for a wellness visit it's always a good idea to get a baseline reading to ensure nothing serious is going on. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. Because of the severity of signs often seen in cats in stages III and IV and the amount of care and effort required to support these cats, some may be humanely euthanized. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. {"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":"