Canned tuna is high in sodium and low in taurine, so it is unsuitable. [1] 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Phosphorous: elevated phosphorous levels typically indicate kidney damage. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. Sometimes, all that is needed in the beginning is to switch to a high-quality senior diet. Raw fish contains an enzyme ( Thiaminase) that interferes with the absorption of Vitamin B in your cat. 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. Although Im long-of-fang, I can still jump up on the furniture and climb my cat tree. Cats in the earlier stages can, if the underlying disease is treated appropriately, live a normal life. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to. However, if your cat is living with kidney disease, you should start off by limiting the protein. Heres how to get your cat to drink more water. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food. In the wild, this instinct can protect them from predators or other cats that might be a threat. A kidney biopsy to determine the type of glomerular (filtering unit of the kidney) disease present. Onion in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That this info was available from and reviewed by qualified. You can also put out flavored waters, like chicken or tuna water, for your cat to encourage it to drink. Early diagnosis and intervention are keys to maintaining quality of life. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). Instead, choose a complete, nutritionally balanced cat food that has tuna on the ingredients list. My. Sodium. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. X This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. But does this mean that you should never feed your cat tinned tuna? How to Maximize the Nutritional Benefits of Tuna. Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Tuna. Urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein, bacteria, white/red blood cells, kidney cells and casts. But it's best to keep it small and infrequent. Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Sodium. 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. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien. Kittens grow a lot in their first year, so it is important to provide them with the proper nutrients early, so they grow up healthy and strong. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? Dont confuse consomm with broth. It is important to know that there are, For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our. Not sure what signs of pain to look for? Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Most cats are lactose-intolerant. It also serves to reduce the effects of renal (kidney) secondary hyperparathyroidism. 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. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Go for cat food that is advertised as low sodium. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. 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. Just two teaspoons of whisky can cause a coma in a 5-pound cat, and one more teaspoon could kill it. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Phosphorus. A kidney support diet for cats with CKD will contain the following key components on a dry matter basis: Your veterinarian will help you choose an appropriate formulation for your cat. Is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems? 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. Raw tuna contains thiaminase, which is an enzyme that destroys thiamine (vitamin B1.). WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get tips and exclusive deals. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. We'll start by looking at why tuna is bad for cats: Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium. If you notice any of the signs above, take your cat to a veterinarian for examination as soon as possible. You want to feed your cat its favorite food but arent sure if tuna is good 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. If needed, adding water, tuna juice, or low sodium chicken broth may increase the flavor and acceptance. Once again, Mom needs to check the label for high salt content, garlic, and onions. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? Whereas tuna, perch, salmon, and haddock have . Cats with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease need to maintain a special diet to stay healthy and manage their symptoms. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. For more information on this condition please see the handout "Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats". Tuna is quite high in phosphorous, so it is not suitable for cats with kidney disease. That the advice was understandable and can be easily applied. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. While Amlodipine is still the mainstay of treatment, sometimes it is not enough to lower blood pressures adequately. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. Canned tuna is not a balanced meal because it contains low levels of taurine. Any suggestions on yummy high-calorie treats that are safe for a kidney kitty? Stay informed! If you are giving tuna in moderation, then it can be a healthy treat for most cats. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning. Heres how to handle a cat thats addicted to tuna: Introduce cat foods with other flavors. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. Tuna fish can be found in many cat foods and treats. Verily, most cat owners use tuna as a way of giving their pets medicine. 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. 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 are experts at hiding illness. The old belief was to restrict protein in cats with kidney disease, but now veterinarians know better. This is a very essential vitamin for your cat as it supports the following health functions: Immune system Nervous system Digestive tract Dietary omega-3 fatty acids help reduce the production of inflammatory compounds that create oxidative stress to the tissue of the diseased kidneys, thus contributing to slowed progression of CKD. When Cats Shouldnt Eat Tuna Fish Due to the risks, there are scenarios in which cats should never be fed tuna. You can opt for a lower-level mercury product, but choose chunk light tuna. Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know whats best for them when it's time to eat. Tuna fish can be found in many cat foods and treats. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. Usually, the higher the number, the more concentrated the urine and the greater the ability of the kidneys to conserve water. Drugs prescribed in the future for any other disease process will need to be tailored or substituted for a more kidney-friendly alternative, given that kidney metabolism will be decreased. Calcium: elevated levels, though not as common, are often seen with kidney damage. My assistant has seen an improvement in her renal cats by giving the supplement red deer antler velvet. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. 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. Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. And that can of tuna can be just as dangerous. She might even put a dab of food on your paw. You dont have to throw it away, but instead, lowering the amount of protein will relieve much stress on your cats kidneys. Increasing water intake will also help your cat to stay hydrated. Doing this can make your cat not want to eat at all, which is very bad for its health. Dont serve cold food. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney disease. 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. Look for wet food that contains tuna juice, clam juice, chicken broth, and beef broth. ", 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! The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. 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. Most experts will tell you that canned tuna is fine for your pet but it is also safe. 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. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Eating too much too often can do the same thing to cats that it does to humans. No matter how cautious you are, it's possible your cat can find and swallow what it shouldn't. 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. Just 3 ounces (85 grams) of light tuna contains 10.71 mcg of mercury. 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. Just Ask Einstein in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) are often affected by the primary diseasebut also by secondary factors such as vomiting and a lack of appetite. It is an indication of infection and/or kidney damage. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. Learn more. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. Tuna is a type of fish that is high in mercury and other toxins that can be harmful to a cat's health. All Rights Reserved. I just dont want to eat much anymore. You can also consult with your vet for guidance and advice. About Us /
And a cat can choke on a bone. For more informational content and helpful videos, be sure to check out our YouTube Channel, Copyright 2022. Tuna has a strong, fishy smell that is very appealing to cats. Dr. B. recommends a one-eighth-teaspoon-size piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible. So, can cats eat tuna? Theres no harm in giving your cat tuna fish in spring water occasionally, but scientifically formulated tuna-based cat food is recommended. 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. 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. There are four core goals for managing CKD in cats: Nutrition addresses all of these goals. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Potatoes, Potato Starch. 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. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. But make sure that youre giving it alternative treats, too. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Kidney Shield For Cats & Dogs is another best-seller loaded for Optimal Kidney Health for your cat with kidney disease. According to Taylor and Francis, these symptoms can be caused by a tuna-rich diet: These symptoms can be due to other factors besides overeating canned tuna. While tuna isn't on the . . 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. Stick to carnivore-friendly foods like cooked chicken breast or oily fish like tuna and mackerel. It could lead to dehydration, high blood pressure, and urinary problems. Win a Tomlyn Cat Wellness Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES. The safest way to feed your cat tuna is through a complete cat food that contains tuna. Your mom needs to understand that a cat (especially a sick cat) cant be bullied into eating a certain kind of food. The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. The sodium in brine can cause dehydration, and excessive sunflower or olive oil consumption can cause diarrhea. 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. Look at the ingredients list on the food to make sure it contains lower protein content than regular cat food. That way, your cat will benefit from the high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in tuna but will still be eating a nutritionally balanced meal. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. Omega-3 fatty acids. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Hopefully with the help of your mom and your vet, your appetite will ramp up and your waist will fill out. There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. Usually the condition is idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. They do have many of the same ingredients. Decreased dietary protein may slow the progression of CKD by decreasing the workload on the kidneys to excrete protein waste products. Can a cat develop kidney failure if it eats canned tuna and not fish? . 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. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. Go for canned wet food that is high quality and all natural. Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common problem of older cats. By using our site, you agree to our. High-quality senior cat diets tend to contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, L-carnitine, highly bioavailable protein and balanced amino acids, all of which are important ingredients to support an aging body. ", Today. Commercial diets for cats with CKD are developed to prioritize these key goals. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian right away to determine the causes and create a treatment plan. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. Common signs that a cat is sick are vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst, and many more. A diet that is high in phosphorous will speed up the development of kidney disease. Cats with kidney issues can become easily dehydrated, as their kidneys cannot retain water efficiently. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. I'm a proud owner of 5 adult cats (all adopted strays), including a senior cat who is now 20. Thats good. Many cats do not like canned food and will eat better when fed some dry food or exclusively dry food. ", http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-kidney-disease#1, http://consciouscat.net/2016/02/15/the-right-diet-for-cats-with-kidney-disease/, https://www.medicanimal.com/The-truth-about-renal-diets-for-cats/a/ART111494, https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach/Pet-Health-Topics/categories/diseases/chronic-kidney-disease-and-failure, http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/cat-kidney-disease#2-7, https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/chronic-kidney-disease-cats-%E2%80%93-management. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. Avoid fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially if your cat is lactose intolerant. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. Cut into small shapes and bake on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 15-20 minutes. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your cat. Low sodium is also important for the maintenance of your cats kidneys, especially if it has kidney issues. Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. A urine culture, because cats with CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections. Category. You may struggle with feeding a cat who has kidney problems, as you do not want its condition to get worse. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and thats a great treat for cats with kidney disease.". ~ 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. 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. 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. But it takes far less to do its damage. If youre concerned about the health risks of canned tuna, its recommended that you get some tuna-flavored cat food. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The protein in this fish is rich in thiamine, an anti-inflammatory. There is some debate over whether or not giving your cat canned tuna is a good idea. Remove all sources of tuna until your cat is eating other foods. Sodium: 0.4 percent. Shop /
Anything else is too salty and fatty, which is very bad for their health. A well-balanced meal plan for cats includes protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. A few ounces of canned tuna in water contains almost 100 calories, which is more than a third of the recommended daily caloric intake for many cats. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. For most conditions listed above, I wouldnt classify kidney disease in of itself as painful. However, canned tuna is high in sodium. It can be used for early detection of kidney disease. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. Set up your myVCA account today. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. I'm experienced in all cat health-related matters, behavioral issues, grooming techniques, and general pet care. About our Ads. However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Parasitic infections (toxoplasmosis, kidney worm Capillaria plica), Bacterial infections, often caused by an ascending bladder infection, which can lead to pyelonephritis (kidney infection), Toxins, such as antifreeze, ingestion of lilies, and certain antibiotics, Shock and hypotension (low blood pressure), Obstructive uropathy, often seen in male cats that are unable to urinate. "Most of these cats are forced to eat renal diets, which are low in protein (of course). Ask a Vet: How Do I Treat Kidney Failure in My Cat? 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. It is because a high amount of protein adds strain to the kidneys, a healthy combination would be a better choice. It is unsuitable for cats with kidney disease. Tuna may be bad for some cats. Vitamin A toxicity can also cause death. It is critical to maintain adequate calorie density in order to support good body condition, so food portion calculations and regular weigh-ins are important. ", Pets.ca: "Cat Treats table scraps Can I Give My Cat Treats. CURRENT OPTIONS FOR KIDNEY DISEASE DIETS FOR CATS . Fortunately, veterinarians and researchers are hard at work to discover new ways to catch feline kidney disease earlier so they can better treat and manage the condition. Drinking should be encouraged and adequate nutrition should be given daily. Add tuna water or chicken broth to make water taste better. Do Cats Understand Human Smiles And Facial Expressions? Phosphorus: 0.3 to 0.6 percent. The recommended range of protein on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 28-35%. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. Even though we are advocates for a raw food diet for cats, raw tuna can be bad for cats. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Although some cats show no ill effects, it's best not to give your cat any grapes and to keep grapes and raisins off countertops and other places accessible to your cat. 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. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs. Kitties are perfectly capable of starving ourselves to death if the food doesnt appeal to us. It's a smart idea to always keep the numbers of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center -- (888) 426-4435 -- where you know you can find them in an emergency. 1. The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. Many of these conditions are progressive in nature and debilitating which can lead to death. Last Updated: April 18, 2019 However, cats can go on to live a relatively normal life, with some lifestyle changes and long-term management. Although tuna is a healthy snack for most cats, for some cats it can cause problems. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. Remember Im not a vet, but I watch Animal Planet. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. Some forms of tuna contain the enzyme thiaminase, which destroys thiamine (vitamin B1). Today were discussing if tuna fish is safe for cats with kidney disease. For example, when its looking around for something to nibble on, provide some attention (petting or play.) They will lose more water-soluble vitamins in the urine, so these may need to be supplemented. This is a serious condition that can affect your cat's bones. And there is no antidote. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only one kidney diet, but it is unusual for a cat to be willing to do so. A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. Christine O'Brien is a writer, mom, and long-time cat parent whose two Russian Blues rule the house. Do not give your cat canned tuna more than once a week, and keep portion sizes small. If you have kidney disease, it's important to watch your intake of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
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