It is an indication of infection and/or kidney damage. 1. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Pet parents should keep albacore tuna, in particular, away from cats because it "is from a larger species of tuna with mercury levels almost three times higher (than chunk-light)," says Heinze. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Kelly St. Denis, DVM, DABVP, presented the latest and greatest advances in kidney care at a recent Fetch dvm360 veterinary conference. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common problem of older cats. Just make sure to avoid any plant-based proteins since these are lower quality and will not provide the proper nutrients to a cat with renal disease. A cat water fountain provides you with fresh-tasting, aerated water and encourages you to drink it. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. 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. Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only one kidney diet, but it is unusual for a cat to be willing to do so. 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. No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Onion in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. Is Canned Tuna Fish Good For Dogs. Take a bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and 1 egg. Kidney disease is managed mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. But it's best to keep it small and infrequent. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. One supplement we have that can drastically improve your cats kidney function and revitalize their kidneys is Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is through a complete cat food that contains tuna. Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. Dietary supplements may be prescribed to help with low potassium. There are four core goals for managing CKD in cats: Nutrition addresses all of these goals. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. When enough damage has occurred (losing about two-thirds of kidney function), signs become apparent and regeneration will not occur, leading to chronic kidney disease. Knowing where things are headed, understanding what to expect in terms of life expectancy, and having a plan can help you to be more in control of the situation and make the best decisions possible. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. So now theyre sick and not eating well, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Although Im long-of-fang, I can still jump up on the furniture and climb my cat tree. You've probably seen or heard countless stories of cats loving fish, but as far as cats eating tuna goes, is it really a good idea? Cats instinctively prefer food thats the body temperature of a mouse. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. Over time, cats can develop an unhealthy addiction to tuna. Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. ~ 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. That way, your cat will benefit from the high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in tuna but will still be eating a nutritionally balanced meal. Is Tuna OK for cats with kidney disease? Usually the condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. Stick to carnivore-friendly foods like cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel. Kidney Shield For Cats & Dogs is another best-seller loaded for Optimal Kidney Health for your cat with kidney disease. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kidney issues tend to show up in older cats or cats who have other health issues like high blood pressure, a hereditary disease, or cancer. If you feed your cat canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine (saltwater) or sunflower oil. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to determine the causes and create a treatment plan. Most veterinarians will recommend annual bloodwork for cats that are seven years of age and older. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your cat's coat. Citrus fruits because theyre used in commercial cat repellents and it can also upset our tummies. Your human can sit with you at mealtime and talk to you, stroke you, encourage you to take one more bite or even hand-feed you. You can opt for a lower-level mercury product, but choose chunk light tuna. But cat food is specially formulated for a cat's needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids. The professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Ohio State University says there are a few veterinary treats that are low in phosphorus and sodium, but theyre not high in calories. The answer is Yes. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain tuna as an ingredient. The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Learn the 18 most common symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life. For example, when its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention (petting or play.) Prescription cat food that focuses on . Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). Water. Privacy Policy / In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Start treating your cat in other ways. But how do you know if your cat is eating too much tuna? The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. If this is a problem in your cat, ask your veterinarian about a new drug called Semintra, which can help normalize blood pressure in cats that arent responding well to Amlodipine. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Commercially available kidney support diets tend to be quite palatable because it is so important for these cats to eat in a way that slows the progression of their CKD. 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. Many cats can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months or years, depending on the specific diagnosis. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. All rights reserved. Canned tuna is high in sodium and low in taurine, so it is unsuitable. 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. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. So its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and wait until theyre feeling better before changing their diet.". It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. Cats diagnosed with kidney disease are often prescribed a kidney-friendly diet which may include feeding your cat canned, wet foods that contain additional water. Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. It is worthwhile to keep trying, but, at the same time, the cat should be fed plenty of the non-kidney diet food(s) it likes. My assistant has seen an improvement in her renal cats by giving the supplement red deer antler velvet. Keeping food items where your cat can't get to them and keeping pantry and cupboard doors closed will help protect your cat from serious food-related illness. . We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 28-35%. If your cat has low potassium levels due to kidney issues, your vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat. 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. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. Sodium: 0.4 percent. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. A cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. 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. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Sodium. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. Heres how to handle a cat thats addicted to tuna: Introduce cat foods with other flavors. Specific management is geared toward the underlying cause (if known) as well as the stage of the disease. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. It may be necessary to work with your veterinarian as you start making your homemade food for cats with kidney disease . Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. Go for cat food that is advertised as low sodium. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. Its OK to treat your cat with a few chunks of canned tuna, but this should be in addition to its regular meals. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food. "Our Roman, a 16 years old neutered male cat, has recently been diagnosed with the start of kidney disease. Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help improve inflammatory conditions like allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney . Sodium. Dry: K/D Chicken 4 lb, 8.5 lb. The earlier you can transition your cat to a specialized diet for kidney support, the more quickly you can support your cats special nutritional needs and maintain quality of life. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? Vitamin A toxicity can also cause death. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Its OK to treat your cat with tasty foods, like tuna. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers. Canned tuna is not a balanced meal because it contains low levels of taurine. They will lose more water-soluble vitamins in the urine, so these may need to be supplemented. "Firstly that the specific topic(s) were covered. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. Cats with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms. 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. But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. 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. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Dr. B. recommends a one-eighth-teaspoon-size piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. But the possible causes are legion. Get tips and exclusive deals. But it takes far less to do its damage. It is worthwhile to keep trying, but, at the same time, the cat should be fed plenty of the non-kidney diet food(s) it likes. Less protein also means lessneed for the excretion of protein itself through the filtration mechanism of the kidney, which helps preserve kidney function. 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 might want to have your vet check you out. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems? So since safe treats wont help you pack on the pounds, your human needs to make your food more exciting. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? By It could also be attributed to underlying immune-mediated diseases, stroke-like events, clotting disorders, and even cancers like lymphoma. Just make sure that these are low in sodium. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 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. What is the life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease? The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. Add tuna water or chicken broth to make water taste better. In practice we have found no drawbacks to accommodating these cats with dry kidney diets. Phosphorus. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. Some kitties can be coaxed to eat. Stay informed! ", Today. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. You can also add water or warm broth to your cats wet food for added water consumption. they are known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. Follow your vets instructions when feeding your cat so your cats condition improves. 3. They love the powerful smell and the robust flavor of this fish, and a spoonful of tuna has been known to make the medicine go down easily. % of people told us that this article helped them. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Instructions: 1. The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. We'll start by looking at why tuna is bad for cats: Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium. Farmed tuna contains lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish. Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. Phosphorus binders may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels. While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. Your mom needs to understand that a cat (especially a sick cat) cant be bullied into eating a certain kind of food. Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. For more information on this condition please see the handout "Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats". 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. 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. And a cat can choke on a bone. Perhaps she can mix your kidney food with your favorite canned food. Some causes of kidney disease may be preventable (such as toxicologic causes), but unfortunately, most causes are not. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. ", PetWare web site: "Lactose Intolerance in Cats. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. 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). White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. Shop / Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. To encourage more water intake, change your pets water several times a day, clean your pets water bowl daily, and consider the use of a running water fountain to increase water interest. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Your mom can always boil a chicken for broth and share a treat of meat with you (if your vet says okie dokey). Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. ~ Because the kidney diets from Hills, Purina, and Royal Canin are so highly digestible it is usually not necessary to convert gradually to the new food; however, sometimes a slow introduction helps a cat accept the new food. Phosphorus: 0.3 to 0.6 percent. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and thats a great treat for cats with kidney disease.". Oftentimes, they will require kidney medication for cats, like Amlodipine, to lower blood pressure. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content. If your cat is having difficulty eating, warm up its food to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to make it more enticing. Commercial diets for cats with CKD are developed to prioritize these key goals. Instead, choose a complete, nutritionally balanced cat food that has tuna on the ingredients list. She can ask your vet about some prescription appetite stimulants like cyproheptidine or Mirtazipine and anti-nausea meds or antacids. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Juice up your dinner with some tuna water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth. Polycystic kidney disease is another inherited condition seen in Persians. Cats with certain health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should not eat tuna because it may cause flare-ups. Soybeans because of the high protein content. 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. We all know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning (metal poisoning). Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats, Kidney Disease Caused by Multiple Cysts in Cats, Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Monitoring Nutrition is Essential. Add just a pinch of dried shaved bonito (tuna) flakes to give your boring meal a little zest. Is Watermelon Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease? However, if your cat is living with, Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. When I was a youngster of 20, my equally elderly owner went into a nursing home and I found myself on death row. It is important to know that there are, For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our. The sodium in brine can cause dehydration, and excessive sunflower or olive oil consumption can cause diarrhea. First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Potatoes, Potato Starch. Subscribe / Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors: For some cats, the disease could have occurred after a serious kidney injury, from a severe infection (including feline infectious peritonitis, feline immunodeficiency virus, and pyelonephritis), ingestion of a toxic substance (like antifreeze or lilies), and from certain medications. There are many kidney diets, not just the brand your vet carries. For most conditions listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease in of itself as painful. 14 of the 101 samples had abnormally high levels of mercury compared to the rest (greater than 100 ng g1), Foods containing tuna and prawn had the highest concentrations of mercury, Two samples of the same cat food from different batches had different amounts of mercury. However, canned tuna is high in sodium. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. You may find that some cats are disinterested in tuna, but they will usually be the exception to the rule. Low sodium is also important for the maintenance of your cats kidneys, especially if it has kidney issues. Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? This in turn helps to maintain a reasonable blood pressure. 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 addition to tea and coffee -- including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It also provides some moisture to a . If your cat has a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease, you should not feed it canned tuna. There are three pet food lines that have products that are very effective for CKD management: Hills Prescription Diet is the best, and Purina Veterinary Diets and Royal Canin are decent alternatives. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. However a new study found that cats with kidney disease may not have elevated stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated.
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