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Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common issues in cats. After my cat’s SMDA blood test numbers came back elevated, I felt compelled to find the best low protein cat food that she would actually eat.
To us, the best commercially available choice is Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Wet Cat Food,
- Perfect for kidney disease, no prescription required
- Low phosphorous, low ash, low magnesium
- Real food, not mush, variety of flavors
- Grain free, limited ingredient, gluten free
- 61.9% protein by dry matter basis
- 0.57% phosphorus by dry matter basis
and the top prescription pick being Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food.
After the initial shock of discovering she was in the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) zone, and then leaning into disease management, I learned all about low protein diets, its benefits for CKD management, some top picks for it.
But the top pick for us may not be the best for you. Maybe your cat is still in the early phases of the disease, and is really picky!
That’s why in this post, I have an assortment of cat foods with low protein in different categories, followed by a buyer’s guide.
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
Forza 10 RENAL ACTIWET Wet Cat Food
- Lamb Flavor
- Low Protein, Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Plant Therapeutics
- 0.70% Phosphorus by Dry Matter Basis
- 33% min Protein by Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
Forza10 Active Renal Diet Dry Cat Food
- Anchovy Flavor
- Low Protein, Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Plant Therapeutics
- 0.87% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 28.26% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food
- Chicken, Tuna Flavors
- Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Moderate Protein
- 0.47% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 29.7% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Cat Food
- Chicken Flavor
- Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Moderate Protein
- 0.52% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 29.5% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support E Wet Cat Food
- Chicken & Pork Flavors
- Low Phosphorus, Low Protein
- 0.73% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 29.27% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Early Care Dry Cat Food
- Various Flavor
- Low Phosphorus, Low Protein
- 0.91% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 28.26% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Best Low Protein Wet Cat Food
- Runner-Up Wet Food
- Best Low Protein Dry Food
- Ideal for Kidney Disease
- Great Low Phosphorus Low Sodium Dry Cat Food
- For Cats with Kidney Disease and Mobility Issues
- Low Protein Canned Cat Food For Undereaters
- Also Great Low Phosphorus Cat Food
- Our Experience with Low Protein Cat Food
- What Is Low Protein Cat Food?
- Why Do Some Cats Benefit From Low Protein Diets?
- Buying Guide
- Know This About Protein and Cats
- DIY Low Protein Cat Food
All cat foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet, especially one as drastic as lowering protein.
Best Wet Low Protein Cat Food
- Perfect for kidney disease, no prescription required
- Low phosphorous, low ash, low magnesium
- Real food, not mush, variety of flavors
- Grain free, limited ingredient, gluten free
- 61.9% protein by dry matter basis
- 0.57% phosphorus by dry matter basis
- Caloric Content: 62 kcal/3 oz can
- First 5 Ingredients: Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 1.3% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 86% Moisture, Taurine 0.05%
- Life Stage: Adult
Familiar with that acronym, IYKYK? It stands for “if you know you know.” And that seriously applies to our best low protein wet cat food available without a prescription.
Weruva Truluxe simply checks all the boxes in a kidney cat food. You’d be hard pressed to find another low phosphorus low protein cat food with low ash, low magnesium, low carb, and low sodium too.
Of course, the above means nothing if your cat won’t eat it.
So I’m happy to report the wide assortment of flavors for picky eaters. Hundreds of reviews say these tempting recipes are gobbled up, even if your cat needs some help with appetite.
Weruva TruLuxe Wet Cat Food supports a healthy urinary tract. I also echo the praise many cat owners heap on this food for not being overly processed. It’s great to see a non prescription low phosphorus wet cat food that hasn’t been turned into paste.
While the steak frites version is a top pick for kidney care, several people who have tried this brand with their cats say that the duck and chicken combination called “ducken” is the only thing they can get their cats to eat!
Overall, this cat food gets my approval for offering a balanced diet for adult cats that just happens to have the protein level tweaked for kidney, liver, and urinary health.
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 8/10
- Ingredient Quality: 9/10
- Flavor Variety: 10/10
- Price: 8/10
- Overall Score: 8.75
What We Liked:
- Super quality, looks like real food
- Low phosphorus, low magnesium,
- Low ash, limited ingredient
- Grain-free, gluten-free
What We Didn’t Like:
- Texture may not be for all cats who are used to normal wet food
Runner-Up Low Protein Wet Cat Food
- Lamb Flavor
- Low Protein, Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Plant Therapeutics
- 0.70% Phosphorus by Dry Matter Basis
- 33% min Protein by Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 80 kcal/tray
- First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Salmon, Chicken Liver, Lamb, Rice
- Guaranteed Analysis: 6% Crude Protein, 4.5% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
- Life Stage: Adult
Forza10 is a pet food brand founded by a veterinarian and a pharmacist with phytonutrient expertise, and their renal cat food is definitely one of the best in this space.
The company uses science-backed information on feline nutrition to develop products that are medicinal without being “prescription” cat food. I’m surprised something of this caliber doesn’t require a vet’s note.
Made in Iceland, Forza 10 RENAL ACTIWET wows with real pasture-raised lamb paired with therapeutic natural ingredients like dandelion, rosemary and dried clover extract. It’s free of corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and anything artificial.
This low protein canned cat food is specifically designed to address renal and other issues in cats requiring lower protein, phosphorous, and sodium.
Many reviewers are excited about watching their sick cats gain some healthy weight after gobbling this recipe up! More than a few purchasers also said when their cat would not eat their prescription food, Forza10 came to the rescue.
The only disclaimer is that you should watch out for the smell! This low phosphorus wet cat food leads to a very pungent experience when you first open the tab.
But while off putting for humans, cats have been found to enjoy foods with a strong odor, so don’t worry about it.
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 7/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Flavor Variety: 4/10
- Price: 8/10
- Overall Score: 7.75
What We Liked:
- Contains therapeutics specifically for renal issues
- Lower protein, low phosphorus,
- No corn, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, flavors
- Made in Iceland
What We Didn’t Like:
- Strong odor
Best Dry Low Protein Food
- Anchovy Flavor
- Low Protein, Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Plant Therapeutics
- 0.87% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 28.26% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- No Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 461 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Rice, Hydrolyzed Fish Protein, Hydrolyzed Potato Protein, Anchovy Meals, Vegetable Oil
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 18.5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture
- Life Stage: Adult
My pick for the best low protein dry cat food without a prescription actually comes from the same brand as my runner up wet food pick.
Forza10 is honestly just really good at making wholesome, holistic cat food with low protein meant for supporting kidney function. Low phosphorus, low sodium, high quality salmon and anchovies – all aspects befitting a great renal cat food.
Forza10 Active Renal Diet Dry Cat Food does a good job of providing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are important for a cat’s brain, coat, skin, heart and eyes.
Some proteins are hydrolyzed as well, which promotes easy digestibility and make it easy on immune system.
You’ll be blown away by reviews of this non prescription low protein cat food written by cat owners who were told to “prepare for the worst” before seeing their cats improve after starting this food.
Many reviewers also post that they could see the difference when having blood panels done. Definitely a mark of one of the best non prescription food for cats with kidney disease!
I’m not a fan of rice being the first ingredient, but with endorsements like the above, I give it a pass. And like their wet food, Forza10’s kibble is pretty strong smelling.
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 7/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Flavor Variety: 4/10
- Price: 8/10
- Overall Score: 7.75
What We Liked:
- Low protein, low sodium, low phosphorus
- Free of wheat, soy, antibiotics, GMOs, artificial preservatives and flavors
- Made in Italy with Icelandic fish and salmon
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Some talk on inconsistent batches
The cat foods below require a veterinarian’s recommendation.
Flavor variety will also not be a review criteria as most low protein cat food come in 1 flavor. However, a bonus point is given if the food has multiple flavors.
Ideal Low Protein Food for Cats with Kidney Disease
- Chicken, Tuna Flavors
- Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Moderate Protein
- 0.47% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 29.7% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 183 kcal/5.5 oz
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Pork Liver, Chicken, Egg Product, Brewers Rice
- Guaranteed Analysis: 6% Crude Protein, 4% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber
- Life Stage: Adult
My recommendation for the best prescription low protein wet cat food is Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food. This is because the recipe packs so much therapeutic benefit in each can!
Low sodium and low phosphorus make it ideal for supporting kidney health. Hill’s k/d Kidney Care Wet Cat Food also uses amino acids strategically to help your cat build lean muscle.
In food where protein is reduced, it’s important to maintain amino acid intake as that is what protein breaks down into! High levels of l-carnitine in this blend promote vibrant heart and muscle function.
Finally, this food is an asset if you’re worried about your cat under-eating. The pâté uses something called E.A.T. (Enhanced Appetite Trigger) technology for cats whose appetites need a little coaxing!
So many reviewers share that they wish they knew about this low protein food for cats with kidney disease earlier! The only downside is that this food is the price. Good thing there are a few flavors to choose from!
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 10/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Price: 6/10
- Bonus for multiple flavors +1
- Overall Score: 8
What We Liked:
- Low phosphorus, low sodium, moderate protein
- Stimulates appetite
- Nutritionist and veterinarian developed
- Made in USA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Great Low Phosphorus Low Sodium Dry Cat Food
- Chicken Flavor
- Low Phosphorus, Low Sodium, Moderate Protein
- 0.52% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 29.5% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 541 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Brown Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken, Pork Fat, Whole Grain Wheat
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 23% Crude Fat, .09% Crude Fiber, Taurine 0.29%
- Life Stage: Adult
For the best prescription only low protein dry cat food, I am not deviating much from the above pick.
Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Food: it’s the same great benefits, yummy flavor, and clinical nutrition from Hills team of veterinarians and nutritionists but in a dry kibble format. Variety is important!
The main objective of this product line is to have your fluffy friend eat more, eat appropriately for their condition, and maintain muscle mass, which leads to a better and prolonged life
Like the wet food, Hill’s k/d Kidney Care Dry Cat Food uses a big dose of l-carnitine strategically to help your cat continue to build and maintain lean muscle in a time of reduced protein intake.
Phosphorous is controlled and sodium is low to prevent further kidney damage.
A great pick for cats who don’t want to give up the crunch, this dry food still uses the same E.A.T. (Enhanced Appetite Trigger) technology as the wet food to stimulate a cat’s appetite.
The great news is that many reviewers share that this low protein low phosphorus cat food helped them to keep their cats thriving for a bit longer than expected! It’s very common for cats to really take to the flavor of this food.
Rating Breakdown:
The main downside that people have with this formula is the price.
- Low Protein Formula: 10/10
- Ingredient Quality: 6/10
- Price: 6/10
- Bonus for multiple flavor and textures +1
- Overall Score: 7.6
What We Liked:
- Low phosphorus, low sodium, moderate protein
- Stimulates appetite
- Nutritionist and veterinarian developed
- Made in USA
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Just 1 flavor
Low Protein Dry Cat Food for Kidney Disease and Mobility Issues
- Low protein
- Supports healthy joint function for better mobility
- Free of by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Wet and dry variety available
- Caloric Content: 425 kcal/cup
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Potato Starch, Dried Egg Product
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture, Taurine 0.20%
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue Buffalo Veterinary Diet KM Dry Cat Food is the ideal therapeutic cat food for cats who suffer from the common issues of kidney care and mobility issues or stiffness, especially in older cats.
Real chicken is the first ingredient here and that’s definitely better than many other prescription only renal cat foods! DHA, glucosamine and chondroitin are present to help support joints.
Lower protein, phosphorous and sodium make it one of the best cat food for cats with kidney disease too.
Diving into the complete ingredient list shows off a wholesome, holistic recipe. Blue Buffalo uses a proprietary mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall immune system support.
Many reviewers were very happy that they could provide this food to their senior cat – anything to get them walking around again! Others said their cats eat prefer this after turning down the kidney cat foods from other popular brands.
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 8/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7
What We Liked:
- Low protein
- Supports healthy joint function for better mobility
- Free of by-product meals, corn, wheat or soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Wet and dry variety available
What We Didn’t Like:
- Flavor not for all cats
Low Protein Canned Cat Food For Undereaters
- Chicken & Pork Flavors
- Low Phosphorus, Low Protein
- 0.73% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 29.27% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 151 kcal ME/can
- First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient for Processing, Pork Product, Chicken Product, Chicken Liver, Chicken
- Guaranteed Analysis: 9.6% Crude Protein, 5% Crude Fat, 1.7% Crude Fiber, 79.5% Moisture
- Life Stage: Adult
Cats can be picky, finicky eaters. Cats under veterinary care for kidney care – even more so! That’s why the “E” in Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support E Wet Cat Food stands for “Enticing.”
This soft paté provides enticing, dense nutrition for cats who aren’t big on meals. The delicious loaf in sauce texture encourages eating and happens to be helpful for any dental or jaw issues – common in with older cats!
This low phosphorus low protein cat food supports kidney health. I really like the use of fatty acids from fish oil and an antioxidant blend for overall feline health.
Reviews say some cats will absolutely gobble up Royal Canin Veterinary Diet E even if they have been turning their noses up at food for months.
Overall, this is a very popular and well-regarded for under eating cats, and a good tool to have for a wet kidney cat food, where paw-rents can cheer on every bite!
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 10/10
- Ingredient Quality: 7/10
- Price: 5/10
- Bonus for multiple flavor and textures +1
- Overall Score: 8.3
What We Liked:
- Low-protein, low phosphorus
- Highly palatable, energy dense, compensates for loss of appetite
- Multiple textures/flavors available (E, A, D)
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Also Great Low Phosphorus Cat Food
- Various Flavor
- Low Phosphorus, Low Protein
- 0.91% Phosphorus By Dry Matter Basis
- 28.26% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prescription Required
- Caloric Content: 159 kcal/can
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Meat By-products, Liver, Rice, Powdered Cellulose
- Guaranteed Analysis: 6.5% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 77% Moisture
- Life Stage: Adult
I could not leave Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Cat Food off my list because it’s such a flexible product line. For cats in any stage of kidney care, Purina has a dry or wet option for them, making them a useful brand.
The Veterinary Diet NF line is a low phosphorus cat food with restricted sodium and fewer amounts of high quality protein to lessen strain on kidneys. See the dry versions below if your cat is a crunch lover.
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Early Care is for overall feline kidney health.
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Advanced Care is specifically to reduce the symptoms of kidney failure and lessen disease progression.
- The Advanced Care formula has less protein, more fat, and less phosphorous vs Early Care formula.
Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids in both versions support skin, coat, and joint health, with antioxidants providing overall protective effects.
I don’t always like cat foods with grains and carbs, or too much fiber, but Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Dry Cat Food justifies it as it’s a comforting, nourishing low protein food with important vitamins and minerals.
In fact, most reviewers say that their cats enjoy this low protein cat food for kidney disease. Even picky eaters seem to come to the dish for it, making it one of the best kidney cat foods. Honestly, with some cats and their disease progression, we are happy just to see them eat.
Rating Breakdown:
- Low Protein Formula: 9/10
- Ingredient Quality: 6/10
- Price: 6/10
- Overall Score: 7
What We Liked:
- Reduced protein and phosphorous, low sodium
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids
- Great tasting, energy dense
- Many options: early or advanced care + wet or dry varieties
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
- Meat by-products as second ingredient
Our Experience with Low Protein Cat Food
My cat, Chelle, would go through periods of lethargy and picky eating. I chalked it to up the usual mysterious cat behavior, she was drinking a lot of water, and this behavior was intermittent, so I did not pay it that much attention.
However, one night she started to retch extremely hard, only to vomit up a bit of white foam. This would continue every few hours and into that evening. It was a stressful night to be sure!
The next morning, we visited the vet, where they did an urgent examination, 5 panel blood test, and a couple of X-rays (we were curious if she had swallowed something she shouldn’t have). They also gave an anti-nausea medication and subcutaneous fluids, see above image.
A few days later, the vet called with and reported that Chelle’s SDMA levels were elevated, at about a 22, which puts her at about a stage 1 or 2 kidney disease. The test itself can only give results when about 40% of kidney function has been lost, so it was a real shock.
So faced with difficult emotions, I turned outward and funneled the feelings into a drive to absorb all I could about this new reality.
Tanya’s Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease was the truly the best resource on this topic, and I spent many hours reading, just getting a grip, academically and emotionally. She even mentions common symptoms of CKD such as:
- lethargy
- no appetite
- drinking more water
- vomiting white foam
with the last symptom being the first indicator that something may be amiss. Chelle is such a textbook example. A repeat blood screen will be done in a few months to verify the results, but in the meantime, I’m looking up one of the best tools to slow down CKD – low protein cat food.
What Is Low Protein Cat Food?
It can seem strange to shop for quality food with low protein levels when most of us have been trained as cat owners to look for high protein and avoid carbs and fillers.
However, cats with health issues like CKD, liver disease, or just advanced age benefit from low protein diets for cats with protein levels below the 30 percent that is the standard minimum recommendation for healthy adult cats.
This low protein diet for cats is sustainable while mixing in the correct proportions of vitamins and minerals needed for good health.
Why Do Some Cats Benefit From Low Protein Diets?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Low protein is primarily used for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Switching your cat’s cat food in the early stages of CKD can potentially help to expand the cat’s life.
However, low protein dies for cats in the later stages of CKD can still help with managing the illness.
“Decreased dietary protein may slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products,” according to Ryan Llera and Robin Downing at VCA Hospitals. This can help to preserve kidney function in some cats.
Liver Disease
Going low protein may also help cats with liver disease. If a cat is suffering from liver disease, the key is to select a food offering very high-quality, easily digestible protein to provide adequate energy without taxing the liver.
Senior Cats
Lastly, senior cats can sometimes benefit from low protein. I want to add that going low protein just because your cat is older isn’t advised. Senior cat foods contain just as much protein as those for adult cats.
However, you may want to consult with your vet if you suspect that your elderly cat is having liver, kidney or digestive issues to see if reducing protein intake may take the burden off of key organs.
Buying Guide
Wet vs. Dry
Is wet or dry cat food better? Ideally, you want any cat food you select for a cat with liver or kidney issues to be wet.
In addition to boosting hydration, this simply makes it easier for aging or ailing cats to safely and comfortably consume their meals.
At the same time, if your cat loves crunchy kibble, get a great non-prescription low phosphorus dry cat food to free feed.
Low Carb
You also want to keep carbs low. A quality cat food will adjust carb levels to be balanced with protein levels to ensure your cat isn’t overloading on empty calories. Good low carb cat food should be free of too much wheat or grain entirely.
You should also look for all of the essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids that are recommended for all cats.
Taurine
A cat food that’s low in protein should also feature taurine. Taurine is an organic amino acid that’s found naturally throughout animal tissues.
A building block of protein, taurine is essential for cats because it supports vision, heart function and digestion. Your cat would be getting plenty of taurine in the wild!
Low Phosphorus
When shopping for a low protein cat food, it’s very important to make sure that it’s labeled as having low phosphorus.
Research shows that limiting dietary phosphorus in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression of CKD. Limiting phosphorous also apparently reduces the effects of renal (kidney) secondary hyperparathyroidism in cats.
Low phosphorus cat foods recommended by vets for cats with CKD have levels between 0.3 percent and 0.6 percent.
High Quality Real Food
Lastly, a quality commercial cat food with low protein is going to have high-quality ingredients. I like to see real protein and fats – foods that cats might eat in the wild.
Real nutrition labels, they are your best friend in judging a packaged low phosphorus cat food for kidney disease. A short ingredient list that is approved by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials ) with items you recognize is best.
Don’t fall for “healthy” items meant for humans in cat food too much, they have no biological need for kale, goji berries, or veggies on that nature.
It’s important to avoid ingredients like fillers (by-products, meals, excess carbs) and artificial preservatives or colors as much as possible,
Easily Digestible
It’s also best if you’re selecting a cat food with highly digestible proteins like animal flesh, animal organs, or egg whites. Fish, seafood, and plant protein are less easily digestible.
Every bite counts for your cat’s skin, coat, eyes, heart and muscles when you’re limiting protein intake. We want it to be as bioavailable as possible to the body!
Selecting quality, easily digestible ingredients also helps the kidney, liver and other organs to do less work because there’s not as much filtering required. CKD cats can also throw up more frequently due to toxins build up, so any food that prevents vomiting in some matter is helpful.
Know This About Protein and Cats
One final take on protein in cat food brands – this post isn’t meant to vilify protein in any way!
Cats are obligate carnivores. Failing to give your cat enough protein can cause some very serious health problems to kick in very rapidly.
As a general rule, the recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 28 percent to 35 percent based on information from VCA Hospitals. If you go too low with protein intake, vets warn that CKD will start to break down muscle mass.
Remember, going low protein with your cat isn’t something you should jump into alone. Bring whatever cat food you select to your vet to make sure it offers what your cat needs.
It’s so important to make sure protein, phosphorous and sodium are completely in check to avoid serious health repercussions with your cat.
And remember, this food type is strictly cats with conditions who demand it. If other cats or dogs are getting into it instead of the intended, a microchip cat feeder or dog proof cat food bowl are options.
DIY Low Protein Cat Food
I wanted to share this very thorough recipe for making a DIY low protein cat food at home, if that is your thing. I recommend you bring it to your vet to show them the full nutritional breakdown!
Full disclaimer: I am too busy to store, prep, and make homemade cat food. I prefer to research, find, and test products (then write about them here!) that do the hard work for me in providing perfectly proportioned food formulas ready to feed.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
