Renal diet

[Cheesechips]

My 11 year old lady is nearing stage 2 kidney disease according to her numbers. I'm really struggling to get her to take to the renal food. We've tried Purina and Royal Canin. She ate them both at first but soon got fed up. Wouldn't even entertain Hills. She's always been a picky eater and is quite skinny anyway. Currently back to her normal food with a phosphate binder. Just wondering if anyone has had success with renal food? Or any "normal" cat foods that are lower in protein and phosphorus? Don't want to stress her out too much either! She loves the phosphate binder but not sure it compares to a renal diet. Pics of my lazy girl added!

She mainly prefers dried food but does have wet sometimes.

I use Zooplus and get integra renal food for mine. Worth a try and much cheaper than RCW and Hills.

My old girl lived with CKD and was on the renal diet for 3.5 years before she passed at age 19.

My vet said the renal food is so bland that cats often don't like it. He suggested we used a teaspoon of her most favourite food mixed in. The smell would entice her to eat it. Worked a treat. Vet said it was better to keep her eating with just a bit of regular food than starve. As I say she was diagnosed at age 15 at the same time as she had major cancer surgery and lived till 19. It was her kidneys that took her in the end but the vets were astounded at the time we had with her as her CKD was advanced.

Our girl is stage 1 kidney disease. She's eating the royal canin early renal dry and Purina renal dry ok. Haven't found a wet she likes really, have tried a few from zooplus. Have settled on Purina renal pouches for the most part but she only licks the gravy really. Feels a bit wasteful. Have a browse on zooplus though there are a few options on there. Good luck.

I don't know what stage Harry is at but he was diagnosed with early CKD 5 years ago. He's never eaten renal food but has a phosphate binder (Ipakitine) in his normal food and his numbers had actually improved last time he had blood tests. I read somewhere 'what is the best food for a cat with CKD? Whatever they will eat.'

In stage 1-2 CKD renal food and phosphate binders are of equal efficacy if used effectively.

Thanks everyone. She's currently taking a phosphate binder called pronefra, she loves the taste. I've given up on the renal food for now. Have a couple of small amounts I'll have try her on soon but won't force it!

The vet tried Harry on Pronefra and he wouldn't touch it, it was known as the Pronefra protest! He's on Ipakitine which he has in his food, but I had to argue with the vet about prescribing it 'as there are much better products on the market'. I pointed out to her that they are only better if he'll take them!

Pronefra is more expensive I think but I'll stick to it while she's taking it. Yes the vets are very keen for Cubby to go on the renal diet but I'd rather she ate! Will keep trying other brands anyway.

I hope no one minds if I butt in. My 14.5 year old is worrying me a little and I'm wondering if there's any indication of CKD. You all obviously know what to look for. She seems to be drinking a bit more, not obsessively but just a little more. She seems a bit quieter than usual, again not excessive but noticeable. But she is quite old so maybe it's normal. Any advice gratefully received 🐾

I recently had our beloved cat pts. Previous to this I asked a similar question on here and someone told me about 'Katkin'. It was a Godsend. Try it - I am sure you will be relieved at finding something she will eat and enjoy.
Good luck

My lady drinks quite a lot of water too. It could be nothing but it wouldn't hurt to speak to a vet about it if you're concerned.

Omg I tried katkin yesterday and she loves it! I only give half a pouch a day for now plus kibble and her meds.

I'm in the vet's now. They've taken her off for weighing, blood tests and an arthritis injection 🤞

I tried Harry on Katkin, anyone would think I was trying to poison the poor, hard done by little soul!

Good luck at the vets @Davros

Thanks so much for the good wishes.
The vet says she has lost weight. She wouldn't let them do a blood test so I'm taking her back on Monday after dosing her with cat Valium! I've got to get a wee sample too and they gave me a bag of special lit that doesn't absorb and a pipette thing.

It's super expensive anyway! She doesn't eat much so I'm only giving half a pouch a day for now plus kibble. It makes me happy that she's eating more the last few days anyway.

Good luck with the next vet visit. I was taking Cubby every few weeks for a while! It's horrible as they do get stressed but it's a must.