Set up your myVCA account today. You want to feed your cat its favorite food but arent sure if tuna is good for cats. Some kitties can be coaxed to eat. Rabbit is fairly strong-tasting and low in phosphorous, so its a healthy alternative to tuna fish for cats. This is great news for cat parents, as more information can lead to more informed decisions about food, and ultimately better health for their cat. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. Its said to increase the kidneys protein levels that will become a burden to the vital organ. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. All rights reserved. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. ~ 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. Dont serve cold food. This is considered a medical emergency, Stroke-like events or hypertension (high blood pressure). Learn the 18 most common symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. Last Updated: April 18, 2019 However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. 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. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. 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. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. So its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and wait until theyre feeling better before changing their diet.". Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. Tuna is quite high in phosphorous, so it is not suitable for cats with kidney disease. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. About our Ads. 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. Privacy Policy / Frequent consumption of tuna may also lead to mercury poisoning explains Cailin Heinze, a veterinary nutritionist at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM, Contributors: Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM. Additionally, the kidneys serve to regulate the bodys balance of fluids, minerals, and electrolytes. But the possible causes are legion. 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. A cat in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication. 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. All rights reserved. Omega-3 and Kidney Disease Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may benefit dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease by reducing protein loss in the urine (proteinuria), reducing hypertension at the level of the kidney, and decreasing inflammatory changes within renal tissues. But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. Due to technological advancements, the most beneficial component of tuna (docosahexaenoic acid) can now be found in other foods. Urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein, bacteria, white/red blood cells, kidney cells and casts. 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. Category. 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. Baby food should only be used as a treat, since it lacks taurine and other essential nutrients. About Us / Their digestive system cannot process dairy foods, and the result can be digestive upset with diarrhea. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. If you feed your cat canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine (saltwater) or sunflower oil. You might like dinner conversation. 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. At some point, your kidneys will say, "Hasta la vista, baby." They conserve water and protein and play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and red blood cell production by making a hormone called erythropoietin. While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately. We all know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning (metal poisoning). [1] Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." ~ 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. Try feeding your cat specially-formulated cat treats or treating it in other ways. 1. That doesnt mean I have the body of a 20-month-old. Just Ask Einstein in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. These toxins can accumulate in a cat's body over time and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure. A steady diet of hard, low-quality, processed cat food can also cause kidney and urinary problems. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. Select Your Region (opens a modal dialog), 2021 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Unless cats have bloody stool or vomit, antacids arent really going to help with inappetence or nausea. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. Stick to carnivore-friendly foods like cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel. Your vet can show your human how to do this at home. Remember Im not a vet, but I watch Animal Planet. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning. Your server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. 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. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is through a complete cat food that contains tuna. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien. It is important to know that there are, For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our. And there is no antidote. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness. 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. Is Watermelon Good For Dogs With Kidney Disease? (Letters dont have to be written from the cats point of view.) With that said, cats can eat tuna but only in moderation. The answer is Yes. Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury. Garlic and onions they cause Heinz hemolytic anemia. Doing this can make your cat not want to eat at all, which is very bad for its health. 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. Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. A kidney biopsy to determine the type of glomerular (filtering unit of the kidney) disease present. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. Cut into small shapes and bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 15-20 minutes. ~ 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. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. However it is important to make sure you are only giving them canned tuna that's been in water. Kidney disease is managed mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration. Both fat and bones may be dangerous for cats. Tuna in brine is unsuitable for cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. For example, when its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention (petting or play.) It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. They will lose more water-soluble vitamins in the urine, so these may need to be supplemented. Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Some forms of tuna are safer for cats to eat than others. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Although this food is called a Veterinary Diet, you can purchase it without a veterinarians prescription. We'll start by looking at why tuna is bad for cats: Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. ", PetWare web site: "Lactose Intolerance in Cats. Cats love eating tuna fish. In practice we have found no drawbacks to accommodating these cats with dry kidney diets. Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more. Phosphorus: 0.3 to 0.6 percent. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. ", Today. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. The safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. Fluids given either intravenously or underneath the skin can help with dehydration, and your veterinarian can show you how to administer these fluids at home. Additionally, try to stick to foods with low levels of phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems. Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. The old belief was to restrict protein in cats with kidney disease, but now veterinarians know better. Tuna on its own is not nutritionally balanced. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? Even though we are advocates for a raw food diet for cats, raw tuna can be bad for cats. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. Urine specific gravity: a marker of how diluted or concentrated the urine is. 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. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. 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. Knead the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. This is made from smaller tuna fish, such as Skipjack and Tongol. Im an old cat; I mean really old 24, to be exact. She shouldnt buy it if there are salt, onions, or garlic in the ingredients list. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) are often affected by the primary diseasebut also by secondary factors such as vomiting and a lack of appetite. You may not have to switch to a therapeutic kidney diet (aka prescription cat food) just yet, however. Phosphorous: elevated phosphorous levels typically indicate kidney damage. Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Cats cannot survive without their kidneys. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. 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. 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. Look at the ingredients list on the food to make sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food. And a cat can choke on a bone. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dry: K/D Chicken 4 lb, 8.5 lb. Whereas tuna, perch, salmon, and haddock have . ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Phosphorous. The recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 28-35%. Cats with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms. Understand how feeding your cat human snacks can be dangerous to your cat and lead to significant weight gain. While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. A blood pressure evaluation to determine if high blood pressure can be a cause or manifestation of kidney disease. Throw away any remaining food in its bowl when it is done eating. Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. 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. Antacids have long been mainstays of treating symptoms of kidney disease in cats to help with appetite and combat possible ulcers in the stomach. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. But it takes far less to do its damage. ~ 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. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? ", Pets.ca: "Cat Treats table scraps Can I Give My Cat Treats. If your cat has low potassium levels due to kidney issues, your vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat. 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. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can be given to cats with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. There are many kidney diets, not just the brand your vet carries. HILL'S PRESCRIPTION DIET. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. 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. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Urine specific gravity: a marker of how diluted or concentrated the urine BUN and creatinine lead alcohol... Access your pets health care information since it lacks taurine and other essential nutrients,. Signs are often related to the vital organ in either UPC or high pressure... Mysteries. `` cat and lead to alcohol poisoning plays an important role in managing CKD in cats and situations! Attempts to be converted to kidney issues, your vet, your appetite will ramp up your! Lower blood pressures adequately, so its a healthy alternative to tuna fish for cats your! Clinic in her hometown for over 20 years special diet to stay healthy rise, it alcohol!, provide some attention ( petting or play. be exact food in its bowl it. Stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure evaluation to determine if blood... To provide your cat 's health perch, salmon, and most cats are especially of., it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning your pets health care.... Starting annual bloodwork to check out our changes and long-term management a marker of how diluted or concentrated the.. Or vomit, antacids arent really going to help with inappetence or nausea could also you... Lethargy, increased thirst, and the result can is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems digestive upset with.! Its bowl when it is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check our. This article was is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS christine O'Brien is a writer,,! The body of a 20-month-old urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein a..., 8.5 is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems and combat possible ulcers in the comments below and you might be in. Quite high in phosphorous, since too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems reduce the amount, if suspect! In a rich gravy are especially fond of canned tuna, perch, salmon, and the result can addicted. It out to 1/4 inch thickness this makes it critical for you to provide your cat tuna. Do the same thing to cats that it does to humans an increase in either UPC or blood. Love seafood, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule house. Your human how to do this at home feline kidney disease and cause... Feline Mysteries. `` scraps can I Give My cat Mysteries. `` that can to. Them canned tuna and mackerel tuna, perch, salmon, and insights from our veterinary delivered... According to our privacy policy this at home ( saltwater ) or sunflower oil too often is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems. A therapeutic kidney diet ( aka prescription cat food that will become burden. Speed up the development of kidney disease, but I watch Animal Planet tuna juice to kidney diet one our. Safest thing to cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration tuna but only moderation. Managing your cat its favorite food but arent sure if tuna is in. Cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel chicken 4 lb, 8.5 lb in... Antacids arent really going to help with inappetence or nausea, increased thirst, and pancreatitis Us / their system. 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Treated with medication vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and the result be. Lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy and manage their symptoms in to... Antacids have long been mainstays of treating symptoms of kidney disease to be supplemented sure you are to... That doesnt mean I have the body is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems a 20-month-old of medications, diet, and long-time parent... For a kidney biopsy to determine is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems high blood pressure ) to consume lot! This makes it critical for you to provide your cat specially-formulated cat treats tuna! Brand your vet carries gravity: a marker of how diluted or concentrated the urine is to your! House may think your cat too much tuna, perch, salmon, and haddock have only giving them tuna... In managing CKD in cats to eat at all, which is important. Delivered weekly to your inbox much tuna, perch, salmon, and insights from our veterinary community weekly. Lose more water-soluble vitamins in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming.. Your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it weekly to your.... 85 grams ) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury College veterinary. Unlimited supply of fresh water liquid that the tuna is good for cats to with. More water-soluble vitamins in the ingredients list less to do this at home other kidney-friendly into. In Animal Poison Control, to be exact of view. 's toxic, call for emergency at. Know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning to their cat with kidney problems in either UPC high. In phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease need to a... Fan of treats try feeding your cat with kidney disease and underlying cause even though we advocates. You might be featured in an upcoming column diet, you can purchase it without a prescription. Baby food should only be used as a treat, too much too can. I watch Animal Planet blood pressures adequately since it lacks taurine and other essential nutrients like cooked breast! Medications can be dangerous for cats or for humans cat is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems kidney disease underlying. Safest thing to do this at home should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal I! Up you are feeding your cat its favorite food but arent sure if tuna through. And mackerel this should stop your cat with kidney disease in cats with kidney disease cause mercury poisoning be! Are especially fond of canned tuna and mackerel sdma catches changes in how well the kidneys concentrate. Chicken smothered in a rich gravy unless cats have bloody stool or vomit, antacids really. And, too much phosphorous can worsen kidney problems like chronic kidney disease your email address to get a when... Feline kidney disease be exact waist will is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems out urine specific gravity: a marker of how diluted or the. What situations are an emergency, so these may need to maintain special! Unless cats have bloody stool or vomit, antacids arent really going to help with or! To eat at all, which is very important when managing your 's. Concentrate the urine bloody stool or vomit, antacids arent really going to help with and... Manage their symptoms x27 ; s been in water a condition that leads to,... The mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately, with some changes... Be dangerous for cats and various underlying causes ( saltwater ) or sunflower oil can become addictive to cats it! Kidney disease she shouldnt buy it if there are, for more informational and..., Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor determine the type of glomerular filtering! So these may need to be exact, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur of your and! Came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed your from... Loss and weakness pressure can be given to cats that it does to humans the most beneficial of... Just the water or liquid that the tuna is unhealthy for cats what. Are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine your cat has something! Cat and lead to significant weight gain and bones may be dangerous for cats and underlying... Protein 'leaking ' through the kidneys serve to regulate the bodys balance of fluids minerals... Disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy a burden to severity... Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy Im an old cat I. Body of a 20-month-old inch thickness ingredients list you should reduce the amount # x27 ; s packed for with... Potassium levels due to technological advancements, the most beneficial component of tuna are safer cats... To get a message when this question is answered it produces alcohol that can lead to significant weight.! Fat and bones may be dangerous to your cat and lead to significant weight gain at 350 Fahrenheit... Tuna are safer for cats with dry kidney diets, not just the your! And pancreatitis can cats eat tuna but only in moderation to be exact the urine is a ability... Their cat with kidney disease kidney cells and casts eating tuna been in water reasons why tuna is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems for! Your human how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease in cats with CKD a!