does iams cat food cause kidney failuredoes iams cat food cause kidney failure

So, he created the Iams 999 dog food in 1950, which was the very first IAMS product. Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Answers: Kittens Go Through Teething, Too. 14. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and When the first ingredient listed in a cat food is any whole-food animal-based protein, its usually a good sign. Once the kidneys of a cat are severely damaged, chances are he already has a very limited chance to recover. The end result of this imbalance causes calcium to be drawn from the cat's bones and deposited into the tissues and organs, including the kidneys, further impairing their function.. - The signs of kidney failure. 3. Does dry food cause kidney failure in cats? 8. As much as 75% of kidney function must be lost before we can detect abnormally high blood values for these substances. As phosphorus builds up in the bloodstream, your cat will start to feel ill and kidney function declines even more quickly. That may not sound like a lot, but this is wet food, so 78% of it is water. He may also search your cat's mouth for ulceration and pinch skin for signs of dehydration. Citrus fruits because theyre used in commercial cat repellents and it can also upset our tummies. 55, 2002, 1-15. ', Answers: What Dry Food Does to Your Cat's Appetite. 1. WebKidney disease in cats may be either acute or chronic. They also started making cat food around the same time. Dry cat food can be a good source of nutrition for cats, but it is important to read the labels and make sure you are providing them with a balanced diet. Acetaminophen-containing medications such as Tylenol, Dayquil, Excedrin, Robitussin Cold, Cough and Flu, Sudafed PE, Theraflu Sore Throat. He also started having seizures. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. They maintain fluid balance and the appropriate balances of nutrients in the blood. Studies have shown that these diets can reduce the symptoms of kidney disease; meaning our cats get to enjoy a better quality of life. Feeding a raw diet that is naturally rich in moisture is a great option for cats needing to increase hydration. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 28, September 2015. That doesnt sound as good as chicken by itself, but by-product meal is actually quite nutritious for cats. However, studies have also shown that EHQ can accumulate in the kidneys over time and become toxic to them. The hybrid cat breed is a result of mixing a wild cat with a domestic cat. Feline Nutrition's Easy Homemade Cat Food Recipe. Updated on September 27, 2022 Worst Cat Foods 8 Brands You Should Absolutely Avoid Vet-Checked Pet-Tested Owner-Approved Mallory Crusta Cat Nutrition Expert with support from the EasyPet Research Team At EasyPet, we are committed to presenting the most accurate and up-to-date information to assist you in This ingredient is called ethoxyquin, or EHQ. 1114NorthRollingRoad, Catonsville,MD21228, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), How to Spot the Warning Signs of Cancer in Cats, Protect Your Feline Friend From These 13 Common Cat Emergencies, Understanding and Managing Feline Diabetes: A Guide for Cat Owners, How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Household: A Step-by-Step Guide, 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Aging Cat Care, Frequent urination due to the kidney inability to hold water, Increased water consumption to replace fluids lost through urinating. It can be difficult to encourage cats to consume an appropriate amount of water via drinking. A member of our team will investigate this further. IAMS was started in 1946 by Paul Iams; a self-taught animal nutritionist. Kidney diets (also called renal diets) are probably one of the first things that your vet will suggest to support your cat if they are diagnosed with kidney disease. There is a connection between what cats are fed and what diseases they might get. Blood and urine cultures may also be performed. They may be able to offer further suggestions. Cats dont need carbohydrates since theyre obligate carnivores. However, in 2020, Spectrum sold the European IAMS and EUKANUBA to United Petfood who says they will continue to manufacture the foods moving forward. It is best to try to keep the phosphorous level in the blood to within the normal range or only slightly above. Unfortunately, theres no cure for chronic type of kidney disease in cats. Peter J. Markwell, BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS, "Recent Advances in the Dietary Management of Chronic Renal Failure in Cats," Proceedings of the 23rd Waltham/OSU Symposium, 1999, 50-54. Usable muscle meat is removed before rendering, and so meat meals may contain high levels of calcium and phosphorous, which can harm the kidneys., Rather than restricting protein that cats depend upon for their energy requirements, reducing phosphorus in the diet can help many cats with kidney disease. More than just making feeding quick and easy, this also helps to maintain your cats weight, ensuring that theyre never overeating. Want to see more cat food reviews? Genetic conditions such as polycystic kidney disease in Persian breeds, toxins such as anti-freeze and lilies, infections and cancer are all known to cause kidney disease. There is a connection between what cats are fed and what diseases they might get. It can develop quickly, because of something like an infection or exposure to antifreeze, or over many years for no apparent reason. Cats who have suffered acute renal failure from the ingestion of nephrotoxins are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease down the road. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and Feline Nutrition: Who Bears the Responsibility? During the economic hardship of the great depression, Paul survived by selling dog food. 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved. Brown, W.A. Read more about cat insurance here: We could not find any results for your search. Five months earlier, in March of 2013, IAMS issued a voluntary recall on several foods for potential mold growth. You want to ensure your cat gets high nutritional value from its diet. 15. Antioxidants are compounds that help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells and cause disease. Why Diet Matters For cats suffering from kidney problems, however, the best cat food can mean the difference between life and death. We help you provide the best care for your cats. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. She practices holistic and integrative medicine focusing on proper diet and nutrition. Without examining Wally I cannot determine the severity of his symptoms and without seeing the blood test report I cannot determine the overall severity of the kidney failure; if you have concerns about the treatment, ask your Veterinarian to explain the what is happening and why treatment x is being given. But later on, as the kidney disease progresses, they will likely experience dehydration, loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, emaciation, lethargy and vomiting, among others. Your email address will not be published. Thats how they managed to pack a minimum of 30% crude protein into this recipe. In terms of chronic kidney disease, a special diet for cats suffering from this disease is the highly recommended together with the proper treatment your veterinarian advises since your cat will now need a restricted phosphorus diet that has high levels of DHA/EPA and antioxidants as it can help support diseased kidneys. While thats more than other brands, its only a little more protein than other blends from IAMS. Granted, there are always a myriad of flavors to try, so you might get lucky, but you might not. And since protein is so important for cats, thats going to get a thumbs-up in our book. Slater, S. Geller, W. J. Burkholder and C. Fitzgerald, "Diet and Lifestyle Variables as Risk Factors for Chronic Renal Failure in Pet Cats," Preventive Veterinary Medicine,no. Crowell, "Effect of Dietary Phosphorus Restriction on the Kidneys of Cats with Reduced Renal Mass," American Journal of Veterinary Research 43, June 1982, no. Some major symptoms of kidney failure include: If you notice any of the signs, consult a veterinarian immediately. How Much Does Iams Cat Food Cost. Your veterinarian can perform certain tests or investigate values in the blood and urine cultures that differentiate one condition from the other. Of course, protein isnt all that this food contains. Some are made with more high-quality ingredients than others and may be better for your cats health. The answer to the question is raw food good for cats with kidney disease is yes. The condition progresses rapidly and early intervention is the key to an improved prognosis. You know how we feel about IAMS, but we wanted to make sure that were providing you with the whole picture. Also, a vet would recommend the best options and tips to care for your cat. This is an idea that is becoming much more widely accepted. Usually, cats that eat dry food dont take enough water, and low water intake will increase chronic kidney disease. Feeding a raw diet that is naturally rich in moisture is a great option for cats needing to increase hydration. Acetaminophen-containing medications such as Tylenol, Dayquil, Excedrin, Robitussin Cold, Cough and Flu, Sudafed PE, Theraflu Sore Throat. During that time period, allergies, urinary problems, digestive problems and kidney disease in cats have all increased. But with the right management, most chronic kidney disease cases progress slowly. Special diets are one of the most important treatments that we have for kidney disease in cats, and can help them to live longer, happier lives. Cooked egg whites are high in protein and very low in phosphorus. Kenneth C. Bove, DVM, MMedSc, "Mythology of Protein Restriction for Dogs with Reduced Renal Function," Supplement to Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian 21, no. At Excited Cats, weve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! It would cost about $0.30 per day to feed a 10-lb cat one of the Iams dry foods reviewed above. Today, their products are sold in over 70 countries and theyre the seventh-largest pet food brand in the United States. One of the most serious of these ingredients is one that can lead to kidney failure. Periods of time where their symptoms become more intense, and they may need extra medical treatment to improve the situation. Diet plays a role in disease syndromes such as kidney disease, urinary problems such as stones and crystals, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and gastrointestinal problems such as IBD. Why Diet Matters Low-grade persistent bacterial infection in the bloodstream, such as that which occurs with advanced dental disease, may injure the kidneys over time. The phosphorous content of 100 grams of cooked egg white is 15 mg. For comparison, 100 grams of raw chicken has 198 mg of phosphorus and 100 grams of raw beef has 177 mg of phosphorus. Phosphorous binders can also be used. Two decades later, in 1969, Paul founded Eukanuba. When your cat ingests nephrotoxins (substances that are toxic to the kidneys of cats), the toxins can cause acute renal failure, a very serious situation that can be fatal without early veterinary intervention. Iams Cat Food has been under scrutiny in recent years, with allegations that its products may be linked to kidney failure. Kidney disease is extremely common in cats. The most recent recall of IAMS pet food was in August 2013 for possible contamination by salmonella. The ideal diet for a cat with CKD contains less than 0.5% phosphorus on a dry matter basis. The wrong food could be contributing to a cats kidney problems, and pet owners should pay special attention to what they are feeding their cats. Thank you for your help. It can be difficult to encourage cats to consume an appropriate amount of water via drinking. If the kidney disease is chronic, there will be no cure for it. The first five ingredients could be considered to be the primary ingredients of any cat food, and in the case of the IAMS ProActive Health Healthy Adult Dry Cat Food, those ingredients are chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn, corn grits, and corn gluten meal. Answers: What Dry Food Does to Your Cat's Teeth, Answers: What Dry Food Does to Your Cat's Fur, Answers: What Dry Food Does to Your Cat's Pee, Answers: What Dry Food Does to Your Cat's Gut, Answers: One More Reason to Ditch Dry Cat Food. Two of the most common signs of kidney disease in cats include increased urination and thirst. WebChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a persistent health issue that is thought to affect between 30-40% of cats over the age of ten. Watson and H.P. But it is worth persevering, as the long-term benefits are worth the short-term effort. Webi. Cat food that is good for kidney health is specifically formulated to prevent renal damage and improve overall wellbeing. If youve done your research and wondered if dry food causes kidney failure in cats, our Baltimore vets have some answers for you. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Lets have a look at the evidence! Webtaurine, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. 7. One pointer to tell if your cat is a hybrid is by their appearance. Both chronic and acute kidney disease are serious and can be fatal. For domestic cats, these are glaringly absent from their diet. Multiply that number by ten and youll get the protein content of this food; 9%. And since its harder for your cat to digest, the calories arent used well, which can lead to obesity and even diabetes. This means that the protein source should be from actual meat and not a meat meal. On the other hand, chronic kidney failure is an irreversible and slow-moving destruction of the cats kidneys. This means a cat would only be at risk of kidney failure not because of the dry food content but because Still, this is a very affordable cat food for any pet owner and the overall quality is great. WebWhen compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. High Pressure Processing: The Future of Raw Cat Food? You can tell a human with kidney disease to be sure to drink plenty of extra water, but unfortunately you can't do that with your cat. What Cat Food Is Best for Cats With Kidney Problems. Other common treatments for cats with acute renal failure due to kidney toxicity include vasodilators to treat renal hypertension and dialysis to rapidly remove toxic substances and waste products from the blood. So, the first ingredient listed is the most prevalent, and the last ingredient is used in the smallest amount. This can make it smell more appealing, which may encourage some cats to eat it. Read on to learn why. On the other hand, chronic kidney failure is an irreversible and slow-moving destruction of the cats kidneys. K.L. Before the investigation, scientists didnt know why 35% of older It would cost about $0.30 per day to feed a 10-lb cat one of the Iams dry foods reviewed above. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM. The most common substances that lead to kidney toxicity in cats include. If diagnosed in the early stages, acute kidney failure can be reversed. Your cat will require a follow-up appointment within a week or two of returning home. Other users were pleased with the affordable price of IAMS cat food. WebTrauma, toxins, and infection are also causes. Check out our review page here! Our cat is in full renal failure. Unfortunately, we see one of those cheaper fillers a bit farther down the list with the corn gluten meal. Dry cat food can cause kidney problems in cats, but it is important to note that not all dry cat foods are created equal. Slater, S. Geller, W.J. Both chronic and acute kidney disease are serious and can be fatal. With so many food choices to pick from, it seems like IAMS might be a fit for most cats. Of course, protein isnt all that this food contains. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. When selecting a cat food for cats with kidney problems, it is important to consider both nutrition and palatability. Many different studies have shown that feeding cats with kidney disease a special diet will help them to live longer. Now the vet says they cant do anything else for him. Thank you for this article it was very informative, Registration confirmation will be emailed to you, By joining the Forum, I agree that I am aged over 18 and that I will abide by the Community Guidelines and the Terms. Your Kitty May Need to Go to Chunk School, Cats and Cantaloupe: A Method to their Madness, Bug Patrol and Cat Stampedes: Life with Lots of Cats, Feeding Raw Food In Australia: What's Up Down Under, Cats Are Paying Attention to Your Feelings, It Started With a Caracas Cat Named Caterpillar, Tales from the Trenches: Feeding Kittens a Raw Diet, Saving Alistair: How Lyn Thomson Helped Stop IBD 11,000 Miles Away. While there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has Hey Come Back! Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Don't Let Calcium/Phosphorous Ratios Scare You, Arginine: Essential and Abundant for Cat Nutrition, Care to Compare? Answers: Taking the Complexity Out of B Vitamins for Cats, Answers: The Paradox of Prescription Diets for Cats. Carbohydrates, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and binders are not at all necessary and likely to be rather harmful. Whenever we want to get a better understanding of a pet food, the first place we look is the ingredients list. Acute kidney failure is a sudden shutdown of the cats kidneys. While not all cats that are suffering from acute type of kidney disease will need a diet change, your veterinarian will still advice you basing on the specific needs of your cat. Dr. Katz shares her home with four kitties and one dog. The most common substances that lead to kidney toxicity in cats include. Many different studies have shown that feeding cats with kidney disease a special diet will help them to live longer. If you prefer a food packed in a tray, Iams Perfect Portions food is more expensive at about $2.76 per day. Kidney disease is extremely common in cats. Ingredients are listed in descending order according to the amount of each thats in the blend. He cannot urinate and looks disoriented.He is in the vet right now with IV. There are also certain foods with toxic effects on cats that may manifest as acute renal failure, including: In order to confirm a diagnosis of acute renal failure due to kidney toxicity, your veterinarian will begin with a thorough physical exam and collect a comprehensive history of your cat's diet, medication management and whereabouts. Feeding a raw diet that is naturally rich in moisture is a great option for cats needing to increase hydration. The type of diet you feed your cat can directly affect your cat's kidneys. Crowell, G. Sunvold and T.L. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. These diets have lower levels in the parts of the diet that our cats kidneys have difficulty dealing with, such as phosphorus and sodium. 1 Hills Science Diet Dry Cat Food Ideal for all Breed sizes Natural ingredients Good for cats aged 11+ Average Review 9.9 Check Price 2 Royal Canin 12+ Health Cat Food Ideal for senior cats 12 years Best for pickiest eaters Supports kidney health Average Review 9.8 Check Price 3 Hills Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control This is one reason that the urine of intact male cats has such a strong odor. The fact that cats produce such highly-concentrated urine, especially when fed low moisture foods such as kibble, makes them more susceptible to urinary crystals and stones and to urinary bladder irritation, a contributing factor to FLUTD. IAMS Perfect Portions Healthy Grain Free Wet Cat Food, 2. Which Cats and Owners Might Do Better with a Different Brand? Both comments and pings are currently closed. That said, we do like whole-food ingredients and all dry cat foods use carbohydrates of some kind to bind the food together and act as filler calories. Carbohydrates, preservatives, flavorings, colorings, and binders are not at all necessary and likely to be rather harmful. This is an idea that is becoming much more widely accepted. The kidney performs important functions. Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds! Symptoms and treatment for kidney disease vary depending the specifics of the case, but oftentimes, a diet change can help. Timothy A. Allen, David J. Polzin and Larry G. Adams, "Renal Disease," Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 4th ed. WebWhen compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. This means a cat would only be at risk of kidney failure not because of the dry food content but because of low fluid intake common in It may take some time for your cat to get used to eating the new food. There is a connection between what cats are fed and what diseases they might get. link to How to tell if your cat is a hybrid, Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Disease in Cats. For cat parents drawn to raw foods diets for their cats, certain high-quality types of meats may put less stress on the kidneys while providing the nutrients these carnivores need. Iams Cat Food has been under scrutiny in recent years, with allegations that its products may be linked to kidney failure. This recipe uses pate, which is easy for cats to eat and offers complete nutrition. After seeing two great protein sources listed, youll notice that there are three corn ingredients next. This content is archived from the Feline Nutrition Foundation. Both chronic and acute kidney disease are serious and can be fatal. WebTrauma, toxins, and infection are also causes. The kidney problems prognosis is quite variable basing on the response to the treatments initial stage as well as your ability to maintain the follow-up care. The Iams canned food reviewed above costs roughly $1.62 each day. When it comes to cats and their health, there is no denying that a healthy diet is key. Dr. Elisa Katz, DVM, is a graduate of Ohio State University and is the owner of Natural Pet Animal Hospital in Bourbonnais, Illinois. When they purchased IAMS from Proctor & Gamble, the European arm of the corporation was sold to Spectrum Brands. Could they be giving him too many medications? This increases the cat's water intake, dilutes the urine and decreases the probability of crystals. Raw cat food, which contain adequate moisture as well as appropriate amounts of protein and fat, can also help cats get back to a more natural urinary balance of pH and urine concentration. Types of Kidney Disease There are two types of kidney failure in cats. Ethoxyquin is a preservative used in many pet foods, including cat food. 10. Once you know what ingredients were used in a food, you can get a good feel for its overall quality. 1 Hills Science Diet Dry Cat Food Ideal for all Breed sizes Natural ingredients Good for cats aged 11+ Average Review 9.9 Check Price 2 Royal Canin 12+ Health Cat Food Ideal for senior cats 12 years Best for pickiest eaters Supports kidney health Average Review 9.8 Check Price 3 Hills Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Diet plays a role in disease syndromes such as kidney disease, urinary problems such as stones and crystals, Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease and gastrointestinal problems such as IBD. Does Wet Cat Food Cause Kidney Problems? Each has different causes, treatments, and outlooks. Youll also find omega fatty acids on the nutritional label that are great for keeping your cats coat soft and healthy. Since were on the subject of protein, lets take a quick look at the nutritional label, where we can see that this food contains a minimum of 32% crude protein. That doesnt mean corn is bad for them, but we dont like to feed our cats too much of it. While IAMS makes food thats meant to keep cats healthy and happy, not every cat owner is going to be as happy looking at the ingredients list. Acute kidney failure is a sudden shutdown of the cats kidneys. At a Glance: The 5 Best IAMS Cat Food Recipes: Which Types of Cats is IAMS Best Suited For? Your veterinarian may also recommend therapy to increase urine output, and thereby the release of toxic substances and metabolic waste. Manage Settings 4. The accumulation of this compound in the kidneys leads to inflammation and scarring, which eventually leads to kidney failure. Updated on September 27, 2022 Worst Cat Foods 8 Brands You Should Absolutely Avoid Vet-Checked Pet-Tested Owner-Approved Mallory Crusta Cat Nutrition Expert with support from the EasyPet Research Team At EasyPet, we are committed to presenting the most accurate and up-to-date information to assist you in your pet care Pet Food and Feeding: Personal Ruminations, Bio-Inappropriate: The Dangers of Dry Cat Food, Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Nature and Treatment, Feline Hyperthyroidism: What You Need to Know, A Diet for Your Cat's Urinary and Kidney Health, Feline Cystitis and Bladder/Kidney Stones, High Blood Pressure: Yes, Your Cat Can Get It, Too, Nutrition is Vital When Treating Feline Leukemia, Another Furball? If you have a cat with kidney disease, youre maybe thinking of many things right now on how to help your cat. The exact mechanism by which EHQ causes kidney damage is unknown, but it is believed to be related to its antioxidant properties. Also, the low magnesium content in diets designed to decrease urinary stone and crystal formation may adversely affect the kidneys over time., You may have been told to feed your kidney-compromised cat a diet that has a reduced protein content. Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. The Iams canned food reviewed above costs roughly $1.62 each day. Regardless of whether you feed your cat dry or wet food, you need a bowl that is sure to keep the mess containedyou can do just that with the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl. How Much Does Iams Cat Food Cost. The ideal diet for a cat with CKD contains less than 0.5% phosphorus on a dry matter basis. Increasing water intake through food or, if necessary, through fluids given under the skin, can go a long way towards decreasing the stress on the kidneys and slow the progression of the disease. If youve done your research and wondered if dry food causes kidney failure in cats, our Baltimore vets have some answers for you. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. But a good strategy for treatment with the help of a specialized medication, diuresis, and diet, can help a lot in controlling the symptoms as well as providing comfort. Before the investigation, scientists didnt know why 35% of older They even make special blends for cats in different life stages, so from kitties to seniors, theyve got you covered. The second biggest flaw of Iams is that it contains meat byproducts. M. Hashimoto, M. Funaba, M. Abe and S. "Dietary Protein Levels Affect Water Intake and Urinary Excretion of Magnesium and Phosphorous in Laboratory Cats," Japanese Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Experimental Animals 44, no. At Catonsville Cat Clinic, we see more of this than wed like to. The best way to counteract this effect is to reduce the amount of phosphorus in your cats diet. Acute kidney failure is a sudden shutdown of the cats kidneys. It controls blood pressure, produces hormones and red blood cells, removes metabolic waste, and much more. Recent research demonstrates that diets high in protein have no detrimental effect on the kidneys, and animals with mildly decreased kidney function do not benefit from reduced protein diets. There is evidence that restricting protein may actually slow down the filtering action of the kidneys. It is important that cats receive good quality protein in appropriate amounts without excessive levels of phosphorous to help maintain kidney function. While there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an investigation into the matter. Acute kidney failure is a sudden shutdown of the cats kidneys.