Choosing the right type of cat food for your cat can be a very difficult process, especially if your cat has specific nutritional needs. Providing your cat with specialized nutrition is an essential part of pet care. There has been recent conflicting research regarding the protein content of cat food formulas, and how much protein is actually required for a cat to maintain optimum health. While cats are classified as carnivores, some pet nutritional experts have suggested that cats may not need as much protein as previously thought. The research surrounding this subject is fairly conflicted, as the majority of pet nutritionists maintain the belief that cats require a high protein cat food. It’s been a fairly well-known fact that cats are “obligate carnivores”, and cats in the wild consume a diet that is extremely high in protein.
HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE LOW PROTEIN CAT FOOD
Given the research surrounding the use of low-protein diets for cats, it has been identified that a low-protein diet may be beneficial for cats with certain health conditions. One of the most common health conditions in a cat that may require a low-protein diet is renal failure, or kidney disease. However, this is not definitive. It is true that protein in a cat’s diet is converted to BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), which is one way of measuring how well a cat’s kidneys are functioning. It could be surmised that minimizing a cat’s consumption of protein could also minimize the production of BUN. However, the effectiveness with which a low-protein diet is able to be used to treat kidney problems is fairly inconclusive. Though some veterinarians will still recommend that a cat with renal failure be put on a low-protein diet, many veterinarians admit that the actual benefits of a low-protein diet for a cat with weak kidneys are not very helpful in managing this condition. Kidney failure is a fairly common problem among older cats, and usually requires extensive veterinary care. Though diet may be used as one part of treatment, it is always best to first seek the advice of your veterinarian.
POTENTIAL NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF LOW-PROTEIN CAT FOOD
Since cats are classified as “obligate carnivores”, they need to consume a diet consisting mainly of animal products. Cats in the wild survive off of an extremely high-protein diet, mostly eating caught animals as their sole source of sustenance. Though wild cats do consume some fruits, vegetables and grains, they only consume this type of nutrition from the stomach contents of their ingested prey. Some cat food formulas are marketed as being a “balanced” blend of grains, fruits, vegetables and protein. However, the word “balanced” can be slightly misleading when referring to cat food formulas. Most cats require a high level of protein in their diet, unless they have specific health needs that require them to consume less protein. As such, the marketing of lower-protein cat food formulas for a cat’s complete diet are still subject to much debate, both among veterinarians and pet nutritional experts. As of current research, there are minimal health benefits that have been associated with consuming a low-protein diet.
9 Responses to “Low Protein Cat Food”
It is not the protein that causes a problem, but the phosphorous. Cats in the wild would eat protein and some grasses. I think God knows what He was doing, so I tend to give my cats higher protein and grain free food. They are very healthy and now 11years old. The vet just did a senior exam/labs on one of my cats last week. Her labs were incredible! He could not believe it. She shows no signs of any illness and he was impressed.
I give my cats distilled water…no tap water ever! I think this makes a huge difference as well.
Here are some commercially available cat cans that contain Low Fat and Low Protein. All are healthy, and trustworthy brands, and most of which are cheaper than vet formulas.
Halo, All Flavors 6-7% Protein, 3.5-5% fat
Fromm, All Flavors 8% Potein, 2% Fat
Wellness, All Flavors in Cubed and Minced 8% Protein, 4% Fat
Tuna 8% Protein, 3% Fat
Natural Balance-Platefuls, All Flavors 8% Protein, 3.5% Fat
hope this helps
I agree with the above post; where is relevant information hmmm? My 13 year-old has bad kidneys and the vet is recommending “science diet – kidney” food which is low protein/calcium (for the hypercalcemia) but I am looking for something cheaper frankly. I’ll re-post if I am successful and locate a more reasonable substitute. Thank you for your attention.
I have found hallo cat food found only at petco. This can food is very low in protein 6%. You can get coupons from the web site.
For CRF, subcutaneous fluid treatments work miracles. Talk to your vet about it. Easy to do at home. Plastic bag of fluids (can add vitamins to it) a tube and a needle, put like 100cc of fluid under the skin into abdominal cavity like every day or 2 depending on age and condition. Again, talk to vet, it works wonders, dramatically prolongs happy, comfortable life, easy to administer at home by lay people.
My 2 oldest cats bloodwork now indicates the start of Kidney (renal) failure and other then the Veterinary Prescription Diets the lowest protein cat food (over the counter) that I found is Natural Balance Green Pea & Duck Formula. It is a GRAIN FREE food which is excellent for not only healthy cats but also kidney problem cats. This comes in can and dry. All my cats eat this, not only the Kindney ones and they love it. My 2 oldest cats are 19 and 22 and the 19 year old also had a Thyroid problem and we had the Radio Cat Iodine treatment done and his thyroid issues are cured!
Yes, please. What are recommended brands of low protein cat food. I did a google search for “low protein cat food and this thread is in 2nd place; yet there is only a stub amount of information available here. Any recommendations are appreciated.
My Cats are getting older and they have kidney issues. The vet recommened a low protein diet. What cat food would you recommend that is low protein but doesn’t contain too many of the grain fillers?
Thank you.
It has also been suggested for my cat to go on a low protein diet due to her kidneys, what foods do you recommend?