In this article, “Buyer Beware, This Pet Food Mineral Damages Kidney Function,” Dr. Karen Shaw Becker explores the effects of high phosphorus levels in commercial cat food on feline kidney health. Previous research has shown that high phosphorus intake worsens existing kidney disease, but a recent study suggests that it can also damage kidney function in healthy cats. The study found that cats fed a high-phosphorus diet experienced markers of kidney damage and a drop in overall kidney performance. These findings could shed light on the high incidence of chronic kidney disease in elderly cats. Additionally, canned cat foods in Germany were found to contain up to nine times the recommended amount of phosphorus, which may be sufficient to damage healthy feline kidneys within a short period. To preserve your cat's kidney health, it's recommended to steer clear of dry cat food, cat food containing meat meal, and prescription renal diets. Instead, opt for a varied diet of high-quality protein sources and consider a human-grade, fresh food diet formulated for kidney disease. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and probiotics may also be beneficial for cats with kidney disease. Ultimately, vigilantly monitoring organ systems and identifying risks early can help manage and prevent kidney disease in cats.
Study Shows High Phosphorus Levels in Cat Food Damage Kidney Function
Effects of high phosphorus levels in commercial cat food
A recent study published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery suggests that high phosphorus levels in commercial cat food can both exacerbate existing kidney disease and damage kidney function in healthy cats. The study conducted by researchers at Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich, Germany, looked specifically at the effect of excess phosphorus on mature, healthy cats with normal kidneys. The results showed that cats fed diets high in phosphorus experienced glucosuria (high levels of glucose in the urine) and albuminuria (abnormally high amounts of the protein albumin in the urine), both markers of kidney damage. Additionally, the cats' creatinine clearance dropped significantly during the 28 days they were fed the high-phosphorus diet. These results suggest that excess phosphate has a detrimental effect on kidney function indicators and could contribute to the high incidence of chronic kidney diseases in elderly cats.
Appearance of glucosuria and albuminuria in cats fed high-phosphorus diets
The study conducted by LMU researchers showed that cats fed diets high in phosphorus experienced glucosuria and albuminuria, both signs of kidney damage. Glucosuria occurs when the kidneys are unable to reabsorb glucose efficiently, leading to its presence in the urine. Albuminuria refers to the presence of abnormally high levels of the protein albumin in the urine, which is an indicator of kidney damage. These findings suggest that high phosphorus levels in cat food can have a detrimental impact on kidney function, even in healthy cats with normal kidneys.
Significant drop in creatinine clearance in cats fed high-phosphorus diets
The study conducted by researchers at LMU also showed a significant drop in creatinine clearance in cats fed high-phosphorus diets. Creatinine clearance is a measure of the overall performance of the kidneys and indicates how well the kidneys are able to filter waste products from the blood. The drop in creatinine clearance seen in the cats fed the high-phosphorus diet suggests that excess phosphorus can impair kidney function and has a negative impact on the kidneys' ability to filter waste products. This finding further supports the claim that high phosphorus levels in cat food can damage kidney function.
Commercial Cat Food in Germany Contains Excessive Phosphorus
Test results of commercial cat foods in Germany
Tests conducted on commercial cat foods sold in Germany revealed that canned formulas contain, on average, several times the amount of phosphorus required to keep cats healthy. This level of phosphorus in cat food has typically been viewed as harmless, but the recent study conducted by LMU researchers suggests that it could be sufficient to damage healthy feline kidneys within a few weeks. The study results indicate that manufacturers need to reevaluate the phosphorus levels in their cat food formulations to prevent potential kidney damage in cats.
Phosphorus sources in pet foods
The phosphates found in pet foods come from both “natural” sources, such as bone and cereal, and inorganic phosphates that are added to achieve a certain texture and shelf life. The LMU researchers are looking into the impact of different sources of phosphate on feline kidney function. They believe that the water-soluble potassium monophosphate, which is an inorganic phosphate additive, may have a greater effect on kidney function than phosphate derived from calcium salts found in natural sources. Unlike bound phosphate, water-soluble inorganic phosphate additives are immediately available for absorption, making them potentially more harmful to kidney function.
Impact of different sources of phosphate on kidney function
The LMU researchers are also evaluating the impact of excess dietary phosphate on the health of dogs. Initial results suggest that the concentration of phosphate in the blood significantly increases following the intake of inorganic phosphates. This finding raises concerns about the potential impact of high phosphorus levels in pet foods on the overall health and kidney function of both cats and dogs. Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of different sources of phosphate on kidney function and to inform pet food manufacturers about safe phosphorus levels in their products.
Dietary Recommendations to Preserve Cat’s Kidney Function
Avoidance of dry cat food diet
One of the most important dietary recommendations to preserve a cat's kidney function is to avoid feeding them a dry cat food diet. Dry cat food, also known as kibble, is not ideal for cats because it does not meet their hydration requirements. Cats are designed to meet most or all of their body's water requirements through their diet, not at the water bowl. Feeding cats exclusively dry food can lead to chronic dehydration, which puts stress on the kidneys over time. It is crucial to provide cats with a diet that includes moisture-rich foods to support their kidney function and overall health.
Avoidance of cat food containing meat meal
Cat food containing meat meal, such as chicken meal, fish meal, turkey meal, rabbit meal, and lamb meal, should also be avoided to preserve a cat's kidney function. Meat meals are primarily composed of ground-up bones and connective tissue, which can contain high levels of phosphorus and calcium. Excessive amounts of these minerals can be harmful to the kidneys, especially in cats with kidney disease. It is important to choose cat food that uses high-quality protein sources and avoids meat meals to minimize the risk of kidney damage.
Potential dangers of prescription renal diets
Although prescription renal diets are often recommended for cats with kidney disease, they may not be the best option to preserve kidney function. Many prescription renal diets, especially dry diets, do not meet the hydration requirements of cats and can contribute to chronic dehydration. Additionally, these diets often have reduced levels of protein, which is not ideal for cats that require high levels of high-quality animal protein for optimal health. It is important to discuss dietary options with a veterinarian and consider alternative, nutritionally balanced diets that support kidney health while providing adequate hydration and nutrient requirements.
Recommendation of fresh food diet formulated for kidney disease
To maintain a cat's kidney function, a fresh food diet formulated specifically for kidney disease is highly recommended. This can be a homemade diet or a prepared diet like Darwin's Intelligent Design, which contains the natural phosphorus binder chitosan and increased calcium to minimize the absorption of phosphorus. Fresh food diets can be fed lightly cooked or raw, depending on the preferences and health needs of the cat. It is important to choose a human-grade, high-quality diet that meets the necessary nutrition requirements for cats with kidney disease.
Additional Recommendations for Cats with CKD
Beneficial vitamins and minerals for cats with CKD
In addition to a kidney-friendly diet, certain vitamins and minerals can be beneficial for cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). B vitamins, in particular, can help with anemia, relieve nausea, and improve overall well-being. Other antioxidants, such as L-carnitine and medium-chain triglycerides present in coconut oil, can also offer benefits. Adding blood-building supergreens like chlorophyll or chlorella can help combat low red cell count. Detoxification support, such as dandelion and superoxide dismutase (SOD), may also be beneficial if the cat will consume them. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vitamins and minerals based on the cat's specific condition.
Importance of probiotics and kidney-specific strains
Probiotics can play a crucial role in supporting kidney health in cats with CKD. Certain probiotics containing kidney-specific strains, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, casei, and plantarum, Streptococcus thermophiles, and Bifobacterium longum, can be extremely beneficial. These strains support healthy urea metabolism and can be found in “kidney-specific” probiotics or over-the-counter probiotics. It is essential to read product labels carefully to ensure the inclusion of these specific strains. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which can indirectly support kidney health.
Use of Feline Renal Support and other supportive treatments
Supplements like Feline Renal Support by Standard Process can be helpful in supporting cats with CKD. Phosphorus binders and sodium bicarbonate may also be recommended by a veterinarian based on the cat's specific situation. Every cat's condition is unique, so it is essential to work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best combination of treatments and supplements to support kidney function. Regular monitoring of kidney function and overall organ systems is crucial to identify risks and subtle changes early on.
Stress management and vigilant monitoring of organ systems
Managing stress is crucial for cats with CKD as stress can worsen the condition and affect overall organ function. Creating a stress-free environment for the cat and minimizing stress-inducing factors can help support kidney health. Additionally, vigilant monitoring of organ systems is essential to detect any changes or signs of worsening kidney function. Regular veterinary check-ups and diagnostic testing can provide valuable information to guide treatment and management decisions. Early identification of risks and proactive care are key to preventing and managing kidney disease in cats.
Conclusion
Prevention and early management of kidney disease in cats is crucial for their overall health and well-being. The recent study showing the detrimental effects of high phosphorus levels in cat food on kidney function highlights the importance of being aware of potential risks and making informed dietary choices for cats. Avoidance of dry cat food and cat food containing meat meal, as well as considering fresh food diets formulated for kidney disease, can help preserve a cat's kidney function. In addition to dietary recommendations, supporting supplements, stress management, and vigilant monitoring of organ systems play a vital role in maintaining kidney health in cats. By providing proactive care and early identification of risks, cat owners can help prevent kidney disease and ensure their furry friends live long, fulfilling lives.
