is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems

When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. 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. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. 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. Tuna is often served in brine or sunflower oil, which can be lapped up. Board-certified veterinary nutritionist Tony Buffington isnt a fan of treats. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. 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). Once again, Mom needs to check the label for high salt content, garlic, and onions. Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. Privacy Policy / Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Some forms of tuna are safer for cats to eat than others. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. So its best to just keep kitties eating until they respond to treatment, and wait until theyre feeling better before changing their diet.". In fact, you may be surprised to learn some of the common foods your cats should never eat. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. The second is rare problem in which a protein in raw egg whites, called avidin, could interfere with the absorption of the B vitamin biotin. She might even put a dab of food on your paw. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. Drinking should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily. Contact. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. CURRENT OPTIONS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE DIETS FOR CATS . It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. There is some debate over whether or not giving your cat canned tuna is a good idea. Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. Decreased dietary protein may slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products. Usually the condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. This is a very essential vitamin for your cat as it supports the following health functions: Immune system Nervous system Digestive tract Cats instinctively prefer food thats the body temperature of a mouse. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? Your server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. Be patient and do not try to rush your cat into eating the new food right away. Additionally, the kidneys serve to regulate the bodys balance of fluids, minerals, and electrolytes. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. Knead the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. Learn more. Canned food can help increase your cat's intake of moisture. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. Increasing water intake will also help your cat to stay hydrated. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. Nevertheless, if you suspect you are feeding your cat too much tuna, you should reduce the amount. Instructions: 1. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. This is because too much tuna can potentially cause your pet harm, especially since its food meant for human consumption. Many cats can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months or years, depending on the specific diagnosis. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets. Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? However, if your cat is living with, Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. In addition, SDMA is much less affected by dehydration and protein loss than BUN and creatinine. Approved. Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. So now theyre sick and not eating well, and made to eat a diet that you dont particularly like. Phosphorus binders may be prescribed to treat high phosphorus levels. 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. Cats shouldnt be fed canned tuna in oil or brine. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. Since phosphorus content is related to protein content, it is impossible to achieve these lower levels of phosphorus without limiting protein content. Cats with food allergies may also vomit and experience diarrhea, gas and a loss of appetite if they encounter an ingredient they're sensitive to. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. CURRENT OPTIONS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE DIETS FOR CATS, NF Kidney Function Early Care 3.15 lb, 8 lb, NF Kidney Function Advanced Care 3.15 lb, 8 lb, **BOARDING PICK-UP AT 4PM SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship: The VCPR, Inspired by the VIN community, part of the VIN family. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. If your cat has low potassium levels due to kidney issues, your vet may suggest a potassium supplement for your cat. These are as follows: Kidney Problems Although cats with kidney disease benefit from quality, digestible protein, canned tuna is unsuitable because it is high in phosphorous. 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. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. There are a variety of potential causes for CRF, including diseases such as feline leukemia, tumors, infections, and various toxins. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? It's important to be aware of your potassium because your kidneys can't filter it. You may struggle with feeding a cat who has kidney problems, as you do not want its condition to get worse. "Firstly that the specific topic(s) were covered. ", VeterinaryPartner.com: "Feline Mysteries.". I have arthritis, some of my teeth have gone AWOL, and Im skinny as a supermodel cause my vet says I have chronic renal failure. Chocolate can be lethal for cats. 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. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Congenital kidney dysplasia is a condition that leads to small, nonfunctional, or underdeveloped kidneys. Its said to increase the kidneys protein levels that will become a burden to the vital organ. Chronic renal failure (CRF), renal insufficiency, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are medical terms used interchangeably to describe the same condition. Farmed tuna contains lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish. 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. A cat in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication. If you have kidney disease, it's important to watch your intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. 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. If you dont like the kibble, then check out the canned version. 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? Dominican Republic - Repblica Dominicana, Greater China - Hong Kong SAR (English), World Small Animal Veterinary Association, human foods are converted to kitty calories, Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, Association of American Feed Control Officials, Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. But it's not a good idea. If you notice any of the signs above, take your cat to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. 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. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common kidney-based disease in cats. 3. If your cats lab tests come back indicating early kidney disease, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a diet change. Look at the ingredients list on the food to make sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food. But how do you know if your cat is eating too much tuna? Cats love eating tuna fish. MSNBC.com: "'People Foods' That Can Kill Your Pet. And if you think your cat has consumed something that's toxic, call for emergency help at once. 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. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? 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. 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. Other brands are not worth considering, and it is not possible to duplicate the benefits of these CKD diets with a home-cooked diet. Once diagnosed, kidney disease is then classified into four stages based on the severity of clinical signs and laboratory values: Stage I: Clinical signs are usually not apparent, Stage III: Many clinical signs are noted and cats often appear to feel sick, Stage IV: A majority of clinical signs are noted, and cats often present in crisis. However, canned tuna is high in sodium. If youre suffering from dehydration, subcutaneous fluids may temporarily relieve the pukes and increase your appetite. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. Perhaps she can mix your kidney food with your favorite canned food. Eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. These fish live in shallower waters and will have consumed less prey during their lifetime, so the mercury concentrations in their bodies will be significantly lower. Your vet can show your human how to do this at home. It could lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and urinary problems. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. For example, try petting or playing with your cat when it uses its manipulative skills to beg for extra food. Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Phosphorous. Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. Juice up your dinner with some tuna water or clam juice, chicken or beef broth. However, if your cat is living with kidney disease, you should start off by limiting the protein. While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. 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. Stay informed! 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. 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. Learn the 18 most common symptoms for cats and what situations are an emergency. 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. Phosphorous: elevated phosphorous levels typically indicate kidney damage. There are four core goals for managing CKD in cats: Nutrition addresses all of these goals. For example, tuna has too much unsaturated fat and is not supplemented with Vitamin E or other antioxidants. 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. According to recommendations set forth by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, a cat that weighs 11 pounds should consume 290 calories per day. Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Healthy Kidney Inc. and Robert Galarowicz, unless otherwise noted. Water. (Ask) Thats good. 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. Cats with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms. 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. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common problem of older cats. While tuna isn't on the . 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. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? Although Im long-of-fang, I can still jump up on the furniture and climb my cat tree. Go for cat food that is advertised as low sodium. Thiaminase. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat. 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. Talking with your vet about the cat food you provide and following the directions on the label will help ensure your cat's diet is balanced and your cat stays healthy. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney disease. Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. If you have noticed any digestive issues in your cat, its possible that the occasional piece of tuna is to blame. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? ", professionals. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. Garlic and onions they cause Heinz hemolytic anemia. Throughout your cats life, any disease process or illness that could affect hydration should be treated promptly with IV fluids. 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 shouldnt be given tuna daily because it can cause mercury poisoning. Unfortunately theres no cure for CRF, but a diet low in sodium and phosphorus may slow down the loss of kidney function. It's worth noting that toxins such as mercury, lead and thallium can damage the kidneys; tuna and other fish can contain all three heavy metals. Some forms of tuna contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. 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 safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. Polycystic kidney disease is another inherited condition seen in Persians. And that can of tuna can be just as dangerous. For most conditions listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease in of itself as painful. Rabbit is fairly strong-tasting and low in phosphorous, so its a healthy alternative to tuna fish for cats. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Eating chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. Why Do Some Cats Hang Their Heads Over Their Water Bowls? Can I give my cat canned tuna? Urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein, bacteria, white/red blood cells, kidney cells and casts. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can be given to cats with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Cut into small shapes and bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 15-20 minutes. There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. Im an old cat; I mean really old 24, to be exact. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. Look for wet food that contains tuna juice, clam juice, chicken broth, and beef broth. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien. It is important to follow your veterinarians recommendations if she suggests starting annual bloodwork to check for signs of hidden feline kidney disease. 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. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. "If theyre not eating, the best thing to feed them is anything theyll eat," Dr. Weigner tells me. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Arthritis is really common in older cats, and grossly underreported in the pet feline population because cats hide their pain, and owners are unfamiliar with the signs of pain in cats. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. Research source These healthy treat options will be an amalgam of a clean protein diet with something that has high nutritional value. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. It also provides some moisture to a . I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. 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. 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. When your kitty eats too little or too much of certain nutrients, health complications can arise. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. All rights reserved. Allergies are hard to diagnose if a cat eats a mix of foods. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? 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. In general, tuna is something that our cats can eat. Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. To ensure your feline friend is getting the balanced nutrition they need without extra calories or toxic metals, choose a healthy cat food that uses tuna in a way that still meets their nutritional needs and satisfies their taste buds. (Letters dont have to be written from the cats point of view.) Verily, most cat owners use tuna as a way of giving their pets medicine. {"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":"