Renal Cat Food

[swissmilk]

My wonderful 16 year old cat has recently had a blood test as she has lost weight (she's now 2.5 kg down from her prime - 10 years ago - of 4kg)

The bloods revealed slight kidney problems, but not enough to medicate. (She's been on Metacam for years for a back issue).

The vet suggested switching her 'senior' wet food to 'renal' food and cutting out dry food completely.

I guess I need to buy the food online, anyone got any recommendations for which brand is best both for cats with kidney problems and overall nutrition...and preferably really tasty so she will gain a little weight?

Are there any other suggestions for foods I can give her to gain a bit of weight too? She loves human food....and I will occasionally give her bits from my dinner but anything with salt is probably out of question now?

We used to get the Royal Canin pouches from Fetch for our previous cat. Honestly no idea whether they made any difference, but they were vet recommended, so I assume so. Not cheap though...

When my old girl was on renal diet, I used to get her food from ZooPlus. There are some better and more palatable options there. The Kattovit Renal pouches were a big hit, she also liked Animonda Nieren in the chicken flavour.

In general, the later research seems to suggest a good quality protein based food is good as it will help the cat maintain weight and muscle. It's more important the cat eats something if they don't like the renal food (as many don't). Some of the premium wet brands like Thrive or Blink might be good at least occasionally but I would avoid fish.

I tried my old boy on Royal Canin and Hills. A lot of cats don't like renal food, mine eat it, I put in a bulk order and he wouldn't touch the stuff, so don't over order.

If your girl doesn't like it, having her on a totally wet diet is going to help.

She's not too fussy a cat, she's been on pouches with a little dry her whole life.

I wonder why cats don't like renal food?

It tastes bland apparently. My cat won’t touch it. I had to give up and give her regular food as she wouldn’t eat any of the renal ones I spent a fortune buying for her! Minx!

I think Royal Canin is more palatable than Hills so try some of that.