is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems

", 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! Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. Shop / Doing this can make your cat not want to eat at all, which is very bad for its health. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. The systemic effects and long-term implications, however, can certainly be debilitating and often lead to painful conditions. Usually the condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. 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. It is important to know that there are many things one can do for their cat with kidney disease to surely help them. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. Your vet can show your human how to do this at home. Dont confuse consomm with broth. The simple answer is that cats are attracted to tuna. There is some debate over whether or not giving your cat canned tuna is a good idea. Decreased dietary protein may slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products. These often develop into one of two categories: acute or chronic. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Fortunately, a nice lady fell in love with me and took me home with her. Can I give my cat canned tuna? ", PetWare web site: "Lactose Intolerance in Cats. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. Additionally, for all stages of kidney disease, fresh water should always be available. 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. The question came in from one of our clients who was, Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. 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. Adding condiments to your meal may help rev up your appetite. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Drinking should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily. Even though we are advocates for a raw food diet for cats, raw tuna can be bad for cats. 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. Studies show that cats with kidney disease who start receiving therapy early tend to do better, have a better quality of life and live longer. Set up your myVCA account today. An occasional taste of cooked boneless beef or brown rice can be an OK treat. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. 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. And a cat can choke on a bone. Phosphorous: elevated phosphorous levels typically indicate kidney damage. Although this food is called a Veterinary Diet, you can purchase it without a veterinarians prescription. Cats can also be allergic to fish. Is Tuna OK for cats with kidney disease? 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. Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. Many cats can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months or years, depending on the specific diagnosis. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. #Q: What foods are bad for cats with kidney disease? Kidney disease is often diagnosed based on routine blood work and a urinalysis, looking specifically at such kidney markers as: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): is a by-product of protein metabolism. While most drugs used to treat pets with kidney disease are only meant to reduce symptoms, feeding the right diet can have dramatic effects on survival - studies have shown that pets that eat diets designed for kidney . . Instructions: 1. Limiting dietary phosphorus in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression of CKD, although the precise mechanism is unknown. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished. These are as follows: Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. As more manufacturers include calorie content information on pet food labels, explains the Association of American Feed Control Officials, an organization that uses science-based evidence to develop pet food standards, "It is easier to determine how many calories are being fed to an animal per day." 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. While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately. Phosphorus. In fact, many commercial cat foods contain tuna as an ingredient. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. So since safe treats wont help you pack on the pounds, your human needs to make your food more exciting. In turn, eating too much tuna can cause your cat to gain significant weight, especially when fed in addition to their normal cat food. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. Increasing water intake will also help your cat to stay hydrated. A cat has two kidneys, one on each side of the abdomen, and they play a vital role in filtering waste from the body. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. ", professionals. Just Ask Einstein in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. ~ 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. Protein. If your cat has low potassium levels due to kidney issues, your vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. 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. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. You can also add water or warm broth to your cats wet food for added water consumption. Nutrition For Cats With Chronic Kidney Disease, Control the clinical signs associated with accumulating waste products in the blood, Minimize problems with fluid and mineral balance. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. You may struggle with feeding a cat who has kidney problems, as you do not want its condition to get worse. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. Its OK to treat your cat with tasty foods, like tuna. It is unsuitable for cats with kidney disease. In practice we have found no drawbacks to accommodating these cats with dry kidney diets. Just make sure that these are low in sodium. It consists of cysts developing within a kidney and leads to progressive kidney failure. A cat shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Sodium: 0.4 percent. . Why Do Some Cats Hang Their Heads Over Their Water Bowls? If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to determine the causes and create a treatment plan. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Probiotics can also help settle the belly, especially if youre taking antibiotics. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? But cat food is specially formulated for a cat's needs, which include more protein as well as certain vitamins and fatty acids. The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. 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. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to add supplements to your cat's diet, read on! Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Terms of Use / Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. I always urge pet parents to ask their veterinarian for nutritional information for their pet. 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. Prescription cat foodthat focuses on kidney support, such as Blue Natural Kidney and Mobility diet, fits the nutritional needs of cats with kidney disease. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. If he can address the reason for your lack of appetite, hopefully youll pack on some weight. The water should be changed daily, especially if you add flavor to it. "If theyre not eating, the best thing to feed them is anything theyll eat," Dr. Weigner tells me. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. 3. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. Give your cat wet food instead of dry food. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Approved. It could also be attributed to underlying immune-mediated diseases, stroke-like events, clotting disorders, and even cancers like lymphoma. Your veterinarian is your best resource for determining the best nutritional choice for your cat as CKD progresses. The canning/cooking process destroys thiaminase, so canned and cooked tuna is less likely to lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency than raw tuna. Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. Here are some tips for identifying the subtle signs of pain in cats and talking with your veterinarian about making sure your cat is pain-free. 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. If your cats lab tests come back indicating early kidney disease, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet change. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. Some forms of tuna contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Sodium. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. So, can cats eat tuna? If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Add just a pinch of dried shaved bonito (tuna) flakes to give your boring meal a little zest. Take a bowl and mix together 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, and 1 egg. Testimonials are not representative of typical outcomes. It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers. Thats good. Tuna on its own is not nutritionally balanced. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." By Tuna may be bad for some cats. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. All rights reserved. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. Garlic and onions they cause Heinz hemolytic anemia. Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. Dehydration, high phosphorus levels, metabolic acidosis, fluid retention, and constipation may make you want to puke up an intestine. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. 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. In addition to onions, garlic, which is 5 times as potent as onions,and chives can each cause major health and potentioanally life threatening problems. A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Your veterinarian will most likely recommend additional diagnostic testing, including: A urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio to quantify how much protein is being lost in the urine. Progression of chronic kidney disease will continue with no possible cure. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. Is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems? Kidney disease is managed mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration. It's important to be aware of your potassium because your kidneys can't filter it. A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. It is important to know that there are, For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our. Cats cannot survive without their kidneys. Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a cat. 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. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. Go for canned wet food that is high quality and all natural. Additionally, the kidneys serve to regulate the bodys balance of fluids, minerals, and electrolytes. While tuna isn't on the . About Us / All rights reserved. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? "Our Roman, a 16 years old neutered male cat, has recently been diagnosed with the start of kidney disease. . Cats in chronic kidney failure will not recover, in the sense that they will have no lingering effects of the disease, as it is not curable. You should also use food with low levels of protein, which is easier for the kidneys to process. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. Waste products are normally filtered out of the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, but cats with CKD will end up with an accumulation of these waste products in the bloodstream as the filtering process breaks down. Tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, but it lacks many nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. If your cat has high phosphate levels in its blood due to kidney issues, for example, your vet may recommend a phosphate binder that you can add to its diet. . But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our YouTube Channel, Copyright 2022. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Remove all sources of tuna until your cat is eating other foods. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. 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. We all know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning (metal poisoning). These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. Other brands are not worth considering, and it is not possible to duplicate the benefits of these CKD diets with a home-cooked diet. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. That the advice was understandable and can be easily applied. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including: Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate, Edema (fluid-filled swelling in the limbs). 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. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. About our Ads. About the author: Einsteins assistant,Dusty Rainbolt ACCBC, is the vice president of the Cat Writers Association, editor-in-chief of AdoptAShelter.com and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. {"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":"