Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They need to consume a lot of water on a regular basis to stay healthy. While tuna is fine for cats in moderation or as a treat, too much canned tuna can be bad for your cat.Fish is a great source of protein, but there are a few reasons why a steady diet of human-grade canned tuna can cause health problems for your cat. Even giving canned tuna as a treat can lead to health issues, especially if it is given in large amounts or frequently. But dog food is not a substitute for cat food. While the other kitties in the house may think your kidney cuisine is positively delectable, you turn your nose up at it. This article has been viewed 35,467 times. Due to technological advancements, the most beneficial component of tuna (docosahexaenoic acid) can now be found in other foods. Shes the award-winning author of eight fiction and non-fiction books including her most recent paranormal mystery, Death Under the Crescent Moon. 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. Start by selecting food that will help your cats kidneys improve and adjusting your cats diet. 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. Tuna in brine is unsuitable for cats with diabetes because it will cause dehydration. K/D Mobility 6.35 lb 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. 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. However, if your cat is living with, Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. But cats are carnivores, and protein is what makes their diet palatable. This is made from smaller tuna fish, such as Skipjack and Tongol. 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. And, a small amount can make a cat ill. Onion in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. If your cat has medical problems or is on a special diet, ask your veterinarian before feeding tuna to . ", professionals. It could also be attributed to underlying immune-mediated diseases, stroke-like events, clotting disorders, and even cancers like lymphoma. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. 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. While tuna isn't on the . In addition, an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin for your cat. Give it to your cat at the same time every day and make sure your cat eats all of it. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? References WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. 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. 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. Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the kidney disease and underlying cause. Your server should offer small meals throughout the day rather than one big meal. 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. Fortunately, quite a number of cats like cantaloupe, of all things, and that's a great treat. Phosphorous. These often develop into one of two categories: acute or chronic. This works by reducing protein 'leaking' through the kidneys. Soybeans because of the high protein content. Its Ok To Give Cats Tuna As A Treat. Dry: K/D Chicken 4 lb, 8.5 lb. Dehydration, high phosphorus levels, metabolic acidosis, fluid retention, and constipation may make you want to puke up an intestine. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate and unsweetened baking chocolate. The life expectancy of a cat with kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the stage at which it is diagnosed. A cat with heart disease is fed a low sodium and high taurine diet. We'll start by looking at why tuna is bad for cats: Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium. To limit your cats exposure to toxins, keep lilies out of the home and block off access to the garage, household cleaners, and medications. Among the many edible species of fish, tuna is not good for your dog with kidney disease. But does this mean that you should never feed your cat tinned tuna? The question came in from one of our clients who was puzzled about how to feed tuna to their cat with kidney disease. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Moreover, tuna-flavored cat food still smells and tastes like tuna, so its ideal for cats that crave tuna or cats with a poor appetite. 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. "Most of these cats are forced to eat renal diets, which are low in protein (of course). Your mom needs to understand that a cat (especially a sick cat) cant be bullied into eating a certain kind of food. Thats good. Learn how to make homemade cat treats that are healthy for your pet with this recipe from Hills Pet Nutrition. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Richard, the lead writer for Senior Cat Wellness. Subscribe / Knead the dough and roll it out to 1/4 inch thickness. Symptoms of mercury poisoning include dizziness and loss of coordination and balance. Small amounts of liver are OK, but eating too much liver can cause vitamin A toxicity. Got a question for he who knows everything feline? Thiaminase. Tuna may be bad for some cats. Consomm contains too much sodium. To feed a cat with kidney problems, give it wet food instead of dry food, since cats with weak kidneys struggle to stay hydrated. 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. Tuna is a decent food option for cats with kidney disease if served in moderation. But it's not just the water or liquid that the tuna is sitting in that can be problematic. In addition, SDMA is much less affected by dehydration and protein loss than BUN and creatinine. In this report on Science Direct, experimenters tested the mercury levels in 101 pet foods, and heres what they found: Vets do not commonly see Mercury toxicity, but that doesnt mean that minor, gradual damage isnt being caused by moderate levels of mercury in cats diets. Your vet can show your human how to do this at home. They will lose more water-soluble vitamins in the urine, so these may need to be supplemented. One consequence of CKD is a decreased ability of the kidneys to concentrate the urine. It has a unique flavor that is different from white-fleshed fish. Other non-kidney-related issues could also make you ignore your food bowl: pain, dental disease, antibiotics, and pancreatitis. Ask a Vet: Can You Save a Cat with Kidney Disease? A lack of thiamine can cause serious neurological problems and lead to convulsions and coma. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. Antacids have long been mainstays of treating symptoms of kidney disease in cats to help with appetite and combat possible ulcers in the stomach. 17 Foods to Avoid or Limit If You Have Bad Kidneys. When compared with normal maintenance adult cat food, a kidney support diet contains less protein, sodium, and phosphorus, and increased omega-3 fatty acids. It's also in some cold medicines and painkillers. Add tuna water or chicken broth to make water taste better. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms. If you dont like the kibble, then check out the canned version. However, though not on the list of toxic foods for cats, tuna that's meant for people can cause health issues for cats. Terms of Use / That this info was available from and reviewed by qualified. 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. 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. There are different types of kidney disease in cats and various underlying causes. Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. Testimonials are not representative of typical outcomes. Is Canned Tuna Fish Good For Dogs. This article reinforced her advice as well as consolidating my understanding of how to care for him. In addition to standard renal diet features, this food is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health support. Some cats may show muscle-wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness. She might even put a dab of food on your paw. Tuna is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and as tuna is a fish, it provides our cats with omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) which are good for skin and coat health. If your cat has a chronic health condition, such as kidney disease, you should not feed it canned tuna. Cats with certain health issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, should not eat tuna because it may cause flare-ups. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Cats are carnivores and need meat. And can cats eat tuna that's made for human consumption? Protein like beef and fish are also fine occasionally as protein sources for your cat. Research source The safest way to feed your cat tuna is to offer them tuna-based cat food. It may be necessary to work with your veterinarian as you start making your homemade food for cats with kidney disease . Nutrition plays an important role in managing CKD in cats. Dr. B. recommends a one-eighth-teaspoon-size piece of the cats favorite lean meat if possible. (Letters dont have to be written from the cats point of view.) You can also put out flavored waters, like chicken or tuna water, for your cat to encourage it to drink. Consuming this food could lead to dehydration and urinary problems, especially in senior cats. Remember, any change in your cats behavior or activities could be a symptom of disease and should be investigated by your vet, even if it unfortunately involves glass tubes and cat posteriors. they are known to cause acute kidney failure in dogs. That's true even for the onion powder that's found in some baby foods. So since safe treats wont help you pack on the pounds, your human needs to make your food more exciting. Phosphorus: 0.3 to 0.6 percent. 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. Grapes or raisins, since they can cause kidney damage even in healthy cats. If you keep feeding them tuna, your cat may be at an elevated risk for mercury toxicity. But the possible causes are legion. This in turn helps to maintain a reasonable blood pressure. Cookie Consent Tool. Look for wet food that contains tuna juice, clam juice, chicken broth, and beef broth. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. If you suspect a food allergy, start eliminating foods one by one to determine which one is to blame. ~ When there is a normal cat or cats in the house with the cat with CKD it is fine to feed all the cats the kidney diet; it is high-quality maintenance food for normal cats. Your veterinarian is your best resource for determining the best nutritional choice for your cat as CKD progresses. In general, tuna is something that our cats can eat. Try to get your cat mostly wet food made with proteins like rabbit or chicken. You should also use food with low levels of protein, which is easier for the kidneys to process. Omega-3 fatty acids. However a new study found that cats with kidney disease may not have elevated stomach acidity as compared to healthy cats. Polycystic kidney disease is another inherited condition seen in Persians. SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment. Unfortunately, foods that taste good are not always the healthiest for cats. Win a Tomlyn Cat Wellness Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES. It also serves to reduce the effects of renal (kidney) secondary hyperparathyroidism. Canned tuna (in brine) is very high in sodium (salt). Nonetheless, one main issue in tuna is mercury toxicity. When I was a youngster of 20, my equally elderly owner went into a nursing home and I found myself on death row. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common kidney-based disease in cats. About our Ads. Your vet should also instruct you on how often you should feed your cat the prescription cat food. Go for cat food that is advertised as low sodium. Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. In practice we have found no drawbacks to accommodating these cats with dry kidney diets. The answer is Yes. Dont serve cold food. Aside from that, consistent mercury consumption can lead to kidney disease. While most drugs used to treat pets with kidney disease are only meant to reduce symptoms, feeding the right diet can have dramatic effects on survival - studies have shown that pets that eat diets designed for kidney . It is an indication of infection and/or kidney damage. 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. Fat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause intestinal upset, with vomiting and diarrhea. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans. Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur. Some commercial cat foodtends to be high in phosphorus, which is not a good food to feed cats with kidney disease. And never give your cat any over-the-counter medicine unless advised to do so by your vet. In order to continue to rid the body of its toxins despite more dilute urine, the body compensates by stimulating greater thirst. These statements have not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. If youre concerned about the health risks of canned tuna, its recommended that you get some tuna-flavored cat food. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. 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. If your cat is having difficulty eating, warm up its food to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit to make it more enticing. This should stop your cat from becoming obsessed with eating tuna. What could be wrong with offering your cat a saucer of milk or a piece of cheese? Tuna also provides the omega-3 essential fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can contribute to overall skin and coat health and may also help improve inflammatory conditions like allergies, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney . Urine sediment: indicates the presence of protein, bacteria, white/red blood cells, kidney cells and casts. The problem is that tuna is naturally very high in mercury. Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Phosphorus. Protein. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. 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. Farmed tuna contains lower levels of mercury than wild-caught fish. When your senior cat was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may have felt worried, confused, and overwhelmed.. Getting a diagnosis of CKD is never easy. Many cats do not like canned food and will eat better when fed some dry food or exclusively dry food. Allergies are hard to diagnose if a cat eats a mix of foods. And a cat can choke on a bone. Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): an additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present. For cats with kidney disease, two to three times a week is considered safe. It can lead to obesity and even diabetes. 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. 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. Unless cats have bloody stool or vomit, antacids arent really going to help with inappetence or nausea. When you think about kidney disease in cats, pain control is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. . 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. Avoid tuna in brine and opt for tuna in water instead. If a urinary obstruction is noted, relieving the obstruction would be the treatment of choice. Higher values can often indicate kidney failure. ~ Ideally the pet would eat only kidney diet, but we have managed many cats with CKD that did very well when fed some kidney diet and some non-kidney diet. Be patient and do not try to rush your cat into eating the new food right away. Some cats will seem to reject all attempts to be converted to kidney diet. Contact. The meat of tuna is also high in potassium and contains several B vitamins. Just as you would do for your children, put all medicines where your cat can't get to them. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. Tuna is not nutritionally balanced and should not be fed as a large part of your cat's meal plan. When human foods are converted to kitty calories, it is easy to see that foods intended for humans have far too many calories for our feline companions. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 35,467 times. Even with the best testing, in some cases, the underlying cause remains unknown. So, why do cats love tuna fish? Prescription cat food that focuses on . Other cats may become aggressive if they dont get their tuna fix. If not, overdosages and/or worsening of the kidney disease could occur. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the abdomen and cause severe pain. Find and follow her on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien. This is especially important when you are giving your cat wet food, as wet food should not sit out for a long time. 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. The recommended phosphorus range on a dry matter basis for cats with CKD is 0.3-0.6%. 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. This is a serious condition that can affect your cat's bones. However, large and long-living fish, such as albacore or bluefin tuna, contain higher levels of mercury than smaller fish. Red blood cell count: if low, it may indicate kidney failure. Although tuna is a healthy snack for most cats, for some cats it can cause problems. Featured Image: iStock.com/Phynart Studio. Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.4 to 2.5 percent. About the author: Einsteins assistant,Dusty Rainbolt ACCBC, is the vice president of the Cat Writers Association, editor-in-chief of AdoptAShelter.com and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. When your blood potassium levels become high, it can be dangerous and result in progression of kidney disease and even further kidney damage. There are two problems with giving your cat raw eggs. 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. Limiting dietary phosphorus in cats with CKD appears to help delay the progression of CKD, although the precise mechanism is unknown. Category. Your mom might want to try different brands to see if another food appeals to you. We are all guilty of overfeeding our cats or giving them too many treats. . If you feed your cat canned tuna, make sure its in spring water rather than brine (saltwater) or sunflower oil. We all know about the dangers of fish and mercury poisoning (metal poisoning). Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Cat Tuna. Because they're such picky eaters, we sometimes think cats know whats best for them when it's time to eat. SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine. Due to water pollution, all fish and shellfish contain some mercury. 1. 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. Monitoring food consumption is very important when managing your cat's health. Tuna has many other health benefits, should it be part of a balanced diet and given . 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. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors. 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. Tuna is often served in brine or sunflower oil, which can be lapped up. Here are the healthiest ways to feed your cat tuna: Although raw food has some health benefits, you should not feed raw tuna to cats. Most cats will exhibit symptoms including: Urinary accidents, incontinence, or inability to urinate, Edema (fluid-filled swelling in the limbs). It is fine to feed an assortment of kidney diets, including foods from not just one, but two or all three of the companies. Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life. ", 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. Although most cats won't eat it on their own, they can be coaxed to eat it by owners and others who think they are giving the cat a treat. These diets are formulated to help cats with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Stay informed! Some cats may become extremely fussy about food and refuse to eat anything besides tuna. It isnt easy to say no to a cat when its begging for its favorite fish-based food. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relatively common problem of older cats. Here are a few things your mom can try to make that kidney diet more palatable: You also need to stay hydrated. Fish like halibut, tuna, cod, and snapper tend to be high in potassium. When enough damage has occurred (losing about two-thirds of kidney function), signs become apparent and regeneration will not occur, leading to chronic kidney disease. Tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, but it lacks many nutrients that cats need to stay healthy. A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be severely malnourished. Heritable conditions, for example, are not preventable, but affected cats, or cats with the genetic copies of the disease, should not be bred. Why Do Some Cats Hang Their Heads Over Their Water Bowls? Over time, cats can develop an unhealthy addiction to tuna. Here are the reasons why tuna is unhealthy for cats: Sodium. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Cats love tuna fish for its powerful smell and robust flavor. Avoid fried or processed foods as well as dairy products, especially if your cat is lactose intolerant. Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. Canned tuna can be really useful for helping stressed or senior cats to regain their appetites. Is tuna bad for cats with kidney problems? Cats love seafood, and most cats are especially fond of canned tuna and tuna juice. ", University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine: "Killer Grapes and Other Concerns in Animal Poison Control. If youre suffering from dehydration, subcutaneous fluids may temporarily relieve the pukes and increase your appetite. White blood cell count: if high, it may indicate infection or inflammation. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. Set up your myVCA account today. Unlike processed, tuna-flavored cat food, real tuna does not contain preservatives, coloring, fish meal, additives, or other synthetic chemicals that can damage cat's organs and digestive system. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may also help cats with kidney disease. 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. Your mom might want to have your vet check you out. Giving your cat wet food will ensure it gets enough water when it eats. VCA Hospitals gives an appropriate ratio of protein to phosphorous in a homemade kidney care cat food: Protein: 28 to 35 percent. This makes it critical for you to provide your cat with an unlimited supply of fresh water. Nonetheless, one main, Adding other kidney-friendly foods into their diet can bring the additional flavor. The Feline Quality of Life Scale Helps You Determine If Its Time to Say Goodbye to Your Cat, 9 Things You Should Know About Feline Chronic Kidney Disease. Here are the top five things from her talk that owners of senior cats and cats with kidney disease need to know. When your kitty eats too little or too much of certain nutrients, health complications can arise. 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. You and your human might want to attack your waning waistline on several fronts. Can I give my cat canned tuna? Tuna can become addictive to cats due to its rich texture and strong aroma. Some causes of kidney disease may be preventable (such as toxicologic causes), but unfortunately, most causes are not. The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. Try feeding your cat specially-formulated cat treats or treating it in other ways. Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones, infarcts (areas of dead tissue), and cysts. ", Petalia.com: "Human Foods That Poison Pets. 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. Instructions: 1. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Seniors Taking Multiple Meds: Its a Complicated Problem, 3 COVID Scenarios That Could Spell Trouble for the Fall, Colonoscopy Benefits Lower Than Expected (Study), Dr. Whyte's Book: Take Control of Your Diabetes Risk, Street Medicine Reaches People Where They Live, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox. Both fat and bones may be dangerous for cats. Advanced Acacia / Table scraps often contain fat trimmed off of meat and bones. It is unsuitable for cats with kidney disease. Ask Einstein: Im a Cat with Kidney Disease; What Can I Eat? The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. The safest thing to do is always feed your cat canned food, especially when she has developed kidney problems.