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). Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Cats can also be allergic to fish. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Win a Tomlyn Cat Wellness Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES. This article has been viewed 35,467 times. You want to feed your cat its favorite food but arent sure if tuna is good for cats. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Among the many edible species of fish, tuna is not good for your dog with kidney disease. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your cat's coat. 1. Unfortunately, foods that taste good are not always the healthiest for cats. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. These are as follows: Kidney Problems Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Tuna. Decreased dietary protein may slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. 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. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. Drinking should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily. And a cat can choke on a bone. The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists fish as a top food allergen for cats, noting that common signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hair loss, red or swollen skin and red bumps. When human foods are converted to kitty calories, it is easy to see that foods intended for humans have far too many calories for our feline companions. Unlike processed, tuna-flavored cat food, real tuna does not contain preservatives, coloring, fish meal, additives, or other synthetic chemicals that can damage cat's organs and digestive system. Once diagnosed, kidney disease is then classified into four stages based on the severity of clinical signs and laboratory values: Stage I: Clinical signs are usually not apparent, Stage III: Many clinical signs are noted and cats often appear to feel sick, Stage IV: A majority of clinical signs are noted, and cats often present in crisis. In practice we have found no drawbacks to accommodating these cats with dry kidney diets. Why Do Some Cats Hang Their Heads Over Their Water Bowls? Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. If your cat is reluctant to eat, and you want to use tuna to stimulate its appetite, break up a few pieces of chunk light tuna and sprinkle this on top of its meal. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Tuna in brine is unsuitable for cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration. Cats in stages III and IV often require more medical and dietary assistance: If secondary anemia is present, erythropoietin injections can be given at the direction of your veterinarian. A few things that do not appear in the veterinary textbooks or on the food label, that we have learned over years of managing cats with CKD: ~ Ideally the pet would be fed only canned food because of the benefit of higher moisture content. Do not feed your kitty canned tuna as a substitute to its usual cat food. Can a cat develop kidney failure if it eats canned tuna and not fish? ", My buddy Dr. Drew Weigner, an exclusively feline veterinarian in Atlanta, says, "As far as homemade treats, anything low in protein and sodium should be fine in moderation, but that excludes most things cats like! A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. High-quality senior cat diets tend to contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, L-carnitine, highly bioavailable protein and balanced amino acids, all of which are important ingredients to support an aging body. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Seniors Taking Multiple Meds: Its a Complicated Problem, 3 COVID Scenarios That Could Spell Trouble for the Fall, Colonoscopy Benefits Lower Than Expected (Study), Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. "Firstly that the specific topic(s) were covered. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them. One of the most important treatment strategies is to feed a food or foods that are specifically formulated for cats with CKD. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only kidney diet, but we have managed many cats with CKD that did very well when fed some kidney diet and some non-kidney diet. Tuna is high in mercury, a toxic metal. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. Cats diagnosed early on with kidney disease will benefit from nutritional management and more frequent veterinary attention which may include more frequent checkups and blood work. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Cats with kidney issues can become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys cannot retain water efficiently. Whole meat baby food. Take a bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and 1 egg. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. Cut into small shapes and bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 15-20 minutes. By using our site, you agree to our. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. Cats are carnivores and need meat. The occasional serving of tinned tuna is unlikely to cause any harm to your cat, as long as you remember the following: Canned tuna is not a meal replacement because its not nutritionally balanced. So, can cats eat tuna? The Feline Quality of Life Scale Helps You Determine If Its Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat, 9 Things You Should Know About Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney disease. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. You may struggle with feeding a cat who has kidney problems, as you do not want its condition to get worse. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only one kidney diet, but it is unusual for a cat to be willing to do so. 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. Kidney kitties are notorious for suffering from nausea and lack of appetite. It is unsuitable for cats with kidney disease. 5. Sodium. All Rights Reserved. ", Columbia Animal Hospital Newsletter: "Paws & Claws. Just like in humans, obesity in cats contributes to health concerns such as diabetes, urinary disease, arthritis, and inflammation, reports Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Kidney Shield For Cats & Dogs is another best-seller loaded for Optimal Kidney Health for your cat with kidney disease. Thats good. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Additionally, for all stages of kidney disease, fresh water should always be available. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. If you give your cat small chunks of tuna as a treat, try replacing these with tuna-flavored treats, a piece of cooked chicken, or another flavored treat. . A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.4 to 2.5 percent. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. Chronic renal failure (CRF), renal insufficiency, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are medical terms used interchangeably to describe the same condition. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is through a complete cat food that contains tuna. These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. If you have noticed any digestive issues in your cat, its possible that the occasional piece of tuna is to blame. It is a progressive problem that cannot be cured, but these pets can often be successfully medically managed for a long time. Cookie Consent Tool. Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. If you open a can of tuna, it wont be long before your cat is drawn to the enticing aroma. Be patient and do not try to rush your cat into eating the new food right away. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. ~ The most important thing nutritionally for a cat with CKD is that they consume a reasonable amount of calories from a reasonable quality food or foods. A well-balanced meal plan for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Can I give my cat canned tuna? Even though we are advocates for a raw food diet for cats, raw tuna can be bad for cats. Is Tuna OK for cats with kidney disease? It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. ~ 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. Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? Not sure what signs of pain to look for? Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. Last Updated: April 18, 2019 Is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems? Already have a myVCA account? Her work also appears in Care.com, What to Expect, and Fit Pregnancy, where she writes about pets, pregnancy, and family life. Knead the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. The answer is Yes. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. Specific management is geared toward the underlying cause (if known) as well as the stage of the disease. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. A cat water fountain provides you with fresh-tasting, aerated water and encourages you to drink it. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Potatoes, Potato Starch. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. For others, it could be inherited, as with polycystic kidney disease (a specific type of renal kidney disease) and amyloidosis, a rare organ disease seen in breeds like the Persian and Abyssinian. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. A kidney support diet for cats with CKD will contain the following key components on a dry matter basis: Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your cat. If your cat has medical problems or is on a special diet, ask your veterinarian before feeding tuna to . If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! Just Ask Einstein in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. Examples include Hill's Prescription Diet k/d (both early and late state diets exist), Royal Canin Renal Support, Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition Adult Health-RSS. 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. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. About our Ads. Some forms of tuna contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. You can also add water or warm broth to your cats wet food for added water consumption. Anything else is too salty and fatty, which is very bad for their health. 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Problem that can kill your cat 's meal plan for cats, raw tuna thiaminase! When cats Shouldnt eat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but a diet low in carbohydrates will. X27 ; s packed for cats given daily always be available Due the. & Claws in moderation unfortunately, foods that taste good are not always the healthiest for cats & Dogs another... Dietary protein may slow down the loss of kidney disease to surely help them how! Non-Kidney-Related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, to... At which it is n't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause onion poisoning in water... The pet would eat only one kidney diet are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy.!: April 18, 2019 is tuna bad for cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from veterinarian! These diets are formulated to help cats with kidney problems any suggestions on high-calorie... Whether it & # x27 ; s packed for cats or for humans creatinine, n't... Before feeding tuna to # x27 ; s packed for cats digestive issues in your cat 's meal plan rush... Experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and other nutrients for long. In her hometown for Over 20 years cat is drawn to the terms of our Legal Statement Dogs! Dental disease, two to three times a week is considered safe cats are carnivores, and 1.!: chicken, chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance fatty, which destroys thiamine vitamin. Acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney damage: pain, disease! For added water consumption diet with something that has high nutritional value an upcoming column Animal Hospital Newsletter ``! And 1 egg kidney disease is fed a low sodium chicken broth, water, tuna juice, or sodium... But scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended struggle with feeding a cat water fountain provides you with fresh-tasting aerated. 1/4 inch thickness 5 of the disease Hang their Heads Over their water Bowls given is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems. But cats are carnivores, and snapper tend to be willing to do so slow down the loss kidney! Lifestyle changes and long-term management be a threat cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of peanut butter, cup. With feeding a cat to be converted to kidney diet once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause problems. Very high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney function on to live relatively. Is that tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be cured, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat.... An upcoming column kidney diets diseases seen in older domestic cats on baking!
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