Tabby cat inspecting a bowl of raw food formulated for kidney health, ideal for holistic treatments supporting cats with CKD

Holistic Treatments to Support Your Cat with CKD [Diet]

🔗 Read Part 1: A Holistic Approach to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease [Mini-Series] 
🔗 Read Part 2: Common Causes and Early Detection of CKD in Cats

Before we dive in, you might find that some of the information here is different from what you’ve heard from your allopathic or conventional vet. For example, you may have been advised to feed a “prescription” kibble diet to help manage kidney disease. But many holistic veterinarians, feline nutritionists, CKD cat experts, and experienced cat parents with CKD cats believe that this type of highly-processed food may actually do more harm than good. I encourage you to keep an open mind as you read, and to explore other credible sources—like holistic veterinarians, the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), and CKD cat communities—to help guide your decisions. All of these resources are listed at the bottom of this blog post.

It’s important to remember that your vet has your cat’s best interest at heart, but there are other ways to support healing beyond conventional kibble and medications. So let’s jump into the key steps you can take to help your kitty thrive, naturally.

The Best Diet for Cats with CKD

If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you might be feeling overwhelmed with questions. How can I slow the disease? What should I feed my cat? What are my options?

The good news is that diet plays one of the most important roles in managing CKD. The right nutrition can reduce inflammation, support kidney function, and help your cat feel better overall.

But if you’ve been advised to feed a prescription kibble diet, you may be wondering: Is this really the best choice?

Many holistic veterinarians, feline nutritionists, and experienced cat parents believe that highly processed prescription diets—which are often high in carbohydrates, low in quality protein, and filled with synthetic additives—may not be the ideal solution for CKD cats.

While your vet has your cat’s best interests at heart, it’s worth exploring alternative, species-appropriate diets that can support kidney health naturally. Let’s take a closer look at how nutrition impacts CKD and what you should (and shouldn’t) feed your cat.

Why Diet Matters for CKD Cats

CKD affects your cat’s ability to filter toxins, regulate hydration, and balance essential minerals like phosphorus and calcium. As kidney function declines, toxins build up in the bloodstream, causing nausea, appetite loss, and fatigue.

A proper diet can:

  • Reduce strain on the kidneys by controlling phosphorus intake.
  • Maintain hydration with moisture-rich, species-appropriate foods.
  • Support energy & muscle mass with high-quality, digestible proteins.
  • Lower inflammation through nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory ingredients.

While prescription kidney diets are often recommended for CKD, they come with several downsides.

The Problem with Conventional Prescription Kidney Diets

  • Many are high in carbohydrates & low in protein. Since cats are obligate carnivores, they thrive on animal protein, not plant-based fillers. Many CKD diets reduce protein levels too much, leading to muscle loss and weakness.
  • They contain synthetic additives & inflammatory ingredients. Many commercial kidney diets include artificial preservatives, gums, and synthetic vitamins, which can increase inflammation—exactly what CKD cats need to avoid.
  • Dry kibble worsens dehydration. One of the biggest risks for CKD cats is dehydration. Feeding dry food makes kidney function worse because it lacks the moisture needed to support proper hydration, forcing the kidneys to work even harder to filter waste, which can accelerate disease progression and lead to further complications.

While these diets may help lower phosphorus levels, they don’t necessarily provide the best overall nutrition for CKD cats.

Why the Emphasis on a Low-Phosphorus Diet?

Phosphorus plays a crucial role in many vital functions in your cat’s body, including the formation of bones and teeth. However, when a cat develops Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), phosphorus can quickly become harmful. In cats with healthy kidneys, excess phosphorus is filtered out through urine, maintaining a proper balance. But for a CKD cat, the kidneys lose their ability to properly regulate phosphorus levels, leading to dangerous buildups in the bloodstream. This buildup, known as hyperphosphatemia, can lead to several issues, including:

  • Increased Disease Progression: Elevated phosphorus levels cause further damage to the kidneys, creating a vicious cycle where kidney function deteriorates more rapidly as phosphorus levels rise.
  • Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: This condition occurs when high phosphorus levels throw off the balance between calcium and phosphorus. As a result, the body pulls calcium from the bones to balance the scales, leading to weak bones, tissue calcification, and further harm to the kidneys.
  • Loss of Appetite & Lethargy: High phosphorus levels can make cats feel sick, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and overall lethargy.

For CKD cats, it’s essential to lower phosphorus intake to reduce the workload on the kidneys. The good news? A well-balanced, species-appropriate CKD diet can provide better nutrition and lower phosphorus levels than many prescription options.

What to Feed a CKD Cat Naturally

Instead of focusing only on phosphorus reduction, a holistic CKD diet prioritizes:

  • Moisture-Rich Food: Hydration is key for CKD cats, as their kidneys struggle to conserve water. Feeding a moisture-rich diet helps support kidney function and prevents further dehydration. Feed your cat high-quality wet food (without fillers & synthetic additives), raw or gently cooked homemade diets, and bone broth or goat’s milk to provide an extra hydration boost.
  • High-Quality, Easily Digestible Animal Protein: While CKD cats need to manage protein waste buildup, they still require protein to maintain muscle mass and energy levels. Instead of restricting protein entirely, focus on high-quality, easily digestible animal proteins instead of plant-based proteins like pea protein, soy, and lentils, which lack the essential amino acids cats need.
  • Low-Phosphorus: Since phosphorus builds up in the bloodstream of CKD cats, selecting low-phosphorus meats and whole foods (like egg whites, dark meat poultry, and properly balanced raw diets) helps reduce kidney stress while still providing balanced nutrition.
  • Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from sardines, krill oil, or salmon oil help reduce inflammation, protect kidney function, and support energy levels—especially in CKD cats prone to weight loss.

What to Look for in CKD-Friendly Cat Food

When shopping for the best food for your CKD cat, keep these key factors in mind:

✅ Choose a food with less than 2% phosphorus (on a dry matter basis) to reduce strain on your cat’s kidneys.

✅ Look for whole, named meat sources like chicken, turkey, lamb, pork, or beef—not generic terms like "meat" or "poultry meal." The first two to three ingredients should be animal-based proteins, not plant fillers.

✅ Look for a food with high protein (60-80%), moderate fat (15-35%), and low carbs (11% or less).

✅ Choose foods with a moisture content of 70% or higher (which most raw or wet foods will have).

✅ Look for foods with carbohydrates that include low-oxalate vegetables like zucchini, carrots, green beans, or pumpkin. Oxalates are compounds that can contribute to kidney stone formation and mineral imbalances, so it's best to avoid high-oxalate vegetables.

✅ Make sure to have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1:1 to 1.5:1. This helps balance mineral levels and prevents secondary hyperparathyroidism, a common issue in CKD cats.

✅ Look for low sodium (.20% - .62%) options. While sodium restriction isn’t as critical in CKD cats as phosphorus control, excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention, putting additional strain on the kidneys.

What to Avoid in Cat Food for CKD

Even if a food is labeled “natural” or “grain-free,” not all formulas are created equal. Watch out for these red flags when choosing food for a CKD cat:

❌ Avoid high-carb fillers like potatoes, legumes, and quinoa, which can artificially inflate protein levels without providing real nutrition.

❌ Avoid foods with ingredients like peas, chickpeas, and lentils. These high-carb diets can make a food appear higher in protein but lack the bioavailability of animal proteins.

❌ If possible, look for foods without gums. Things like carrageenan, xanthan gum, and guar gum can cause inflammation and be difficult for your cat to digest.

❌ Steer clear of unnamed proteins such as "meat meal" or "poultry" instead of specific proteins like "chicken" or "turkey".

❌ Avoid meat byproducts. These can contain 4D meats (from dead, diseased, dying, or downed animals), which are not fit for human consumption (nor animal consumption).

❌ Ditch foods with ingredients like brewers rice, wheat bran, and corn gluten meal which are just cheap fillers that don’t provide real nutrition.

❌ Avoid preservatives like BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin which are linked to cancer and immune system issues.

❌ Ditch foods that include artificial colors and flavors which serve no nutritional purpose and may cause digestive upset.

❌ While small amounts of fish (sardines, green lipped mussels, wild salmon) are fine, don’t go overboard. Fish is a common source of heavy metals, toxins, and contaminants, such as mercury, which can build up in your cat’s system over time.

Recommended Low-Phosphorus Wet, Raw & Freeze-Dried Cat Foods

Here are some high-quality, low-phosphorus cat food options that support kidney function naturally:

Best Whole Foods to Support CKD Cats

If you’re preparing raw or gently cooked meals for your CKD cat, choosing the right protein sources is key. Cats with kidney disease still need high-quality protein, but it’s important to limit phosphorus intake to avoid further kidney strain. Here are some CKD-friendly, low-phosphorus whole food options to include in your cat’s diet:

  • Chicken Thighs/Legs: These dark meat cuts contain less phosphorus than chicken breast, making them a better option for CKD cats. Serve raw or gently cooked, and remove the skin if your cat needs lower fat intake.
  • Rabbit: A lean, easily digestible protein that’s naturally low in phosphorus. However, since rabbit is low in fat, CKD cats that need extra calories may require additional fat sources like fish oil or egg yolks.
  • Hare & Possum: These novel proteins are naturally low in phosphorus and great alternatives for cats with sensitivities to common proteins. If your cat has never had these meats before, introduce them slowly to check for tolerance.
  • Pork Shoulder: Lower in phosphorus than beef or lamb, pork shoulder is a great option for CKD cats that need more fat in their diet. Opt for pasture-raised pork when possible and cook lightly to eliminate any risk of parasites.
  • Cooked Egg Whites: One of the best low-phosphorus protein sources available. Egg whites contain just 15 mg of phosphorus per 100g, compared to 198 mg in raw chicken breast. They should be cooked because raw egg whites contain a protein called avidin, which can block the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin important for skin and coat health). Lightly cooking them neutralizes avidin while preserving their high-quality, kidney-friendly protein content.
  • Ground Eggshells: A low-phosphorus alternative to bone meal, ground eggshells provide natural calcium to balance the phosphorus-to-calcium ratio. Sprinkle a small amount into meals to help prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism—a common issue in CKD cats.
  • Salmon, Sardines, and Flaxseed: These omega-3 rich foods provide anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect kidney function. Omega-3s have been shown to slow CKD progression by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys. Use wild-caught salmon and sardines in small amounts to avoid excessive phosphorus.
  • Sweet Potato and Millet: These fiber-rich ingredients help with digestion and provide potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy electrolyte balance in CKD cats. They’re also a gentler carbohydrate option than grains like rice or wheat.
  • Turmeric: This powerful natural anti-inflammatory can help reduce kidney inflammation and support overall kidney health. A small pinch added to food can be beneficial, but be sure to pair it with a healthy fat like salmon oil to improve absorption.

Choosing low-phosphorus muscle meats, kidney-supporting fats, and digestion-friendly whole foods ensures your cat gets the high-quality nutrition they need while keeping phosphorus levels in check. These foods are hydrating, digestible, and ideal for raw or gently cooked homemade diets, making them a smart choice for CKD management.

🔗 Related Read: Surprising Way to Reduce Litter Box Odor: Diet Change

CKD-Friendly Homemade Recipes

Now that you know which whole food ingredients can best support a CKD cat, you might be wondering: How do I put it all together into a balanced meal?

If you're new to home-prepared diets, it can feel overwhelming to ensure your cat is getting the right balance of nutrients while keeping phosphorus levels in check. That's where holistic veterinarians, like Dr. Judy Morgan, can help.

Dr. Judy has created these two kidney-supportive, homemade recipes using the best whole food ingredients for CKD cats. In the video below, she walks through exactly how to prepare these meals, making it easy for cat parents to create fresh, nutrient-dense meals at home.

Recipe 1: Turkey & Salmon CKD Friendly Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces dark meat turkey without skin
  • 8 ounces cooked salmon
  • 4 whole eggs without the shells
  • 4 ounces pork muscle meat (95% lean)
  • 4 ounces chicken liver
  • 2 ounces cooked millet
  • 2 ounces baked sweet potato, flesh only
  • 2 ounces oysters
  • 3 teaspoons ground flaxseed
  • 3 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon wheat germ oil
  • 9 grams ground egg shells
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried kelp powder

Recipe 2: Dark Meat Chicken & Sweet Potato CKD Support Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces dark meat chicken without skin
  • 6 ounces chicken liver
  • 3 whole eggs
  • 4 ounces baked sweet potato, flesh only
  • 4 ounces vegetable medley (cabbage, zucchini, kale, carrots, green beans, red or green peppers)
  • 3 ounces cooked salmon
  • 2 ounces oysters
  • 4 teaspoons ground flaxseed
  • 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon bonemeal powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon wheat germ oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried kelp powder

Phosphorus Binders: When Diet Alone Isn’t Enough

A low-phosphorus, kidney-supportive diet is one of the best ways to manage CKD, but in some cases, diet alone may not be enough—especially as the disease progresses. When this happens, veterinarians often recommend the use of phosphorus binders, which prevent phosphorus from being absorbed in the gut, reducing the strain on your cat’s kidneys.

This helps:

  • Slow CKD progression by lowering phosphorus buildup.
  • Improve energy & appetite—high phosphorus levels can make cats feel nauseous.
  • Reduce risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism—a condition that further damages the kidneys.

Common Phosphorus Binders for CKD Cats

1. Aluminum Hydroxide: Aluminum Hydroxide is a highly effective phosphorus binder that prevents phosphorus absorption in the gut, commonly used in cats with moderate to severe CKD. It’s a go-to option due to its effectiveness, but long-term use can pose a slight risk of aluminum toxicity. Some cats may also dislike the taste, making it harder to administer.

  • Pros: Very effective, tasteless (easy to mix with food), widely used for CKD cats.
  • Cons: Long-term use may lead to aluminum buildup, but this is rare when given in appropriate doses.

💡 Best for: Cats who need a highly effective, easy-to-administer binder.

2. Calcium Carbonate: Calcium Carbonate binds phosphorus in the gut while also supplementing calcium, making it ideal for early-stage CKD with mild phosphorus elevation. It’s beneficial for its dual action but can lead to hypercalcemia if overused. It’s generally not sufficient for advanced CKD.

  • Pros: Binds phosphorus while also supplementing calcium, which can be beneficial for some CKD cats.
  • Cons: Not ideal for cats with high calcium levels (hypercalcemia risk).

💡 Best for: Cats who need a calcium boost along with phosphorus control.

3. Lanthanum Carbonate: Lanthanum Carbonate is a non-calcium, non-aluminum phosphorus binder suitable for advanced CKD cases or for cats who cannot tolerate aluminum or calcium-based binders. It’s highly effective and safe for long-term use but is less commonly prescribed and can be more expensive.

  • Pros: Safe for long-term use, highly effective, and does not contain aluminum or calcium.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive and harder to find than other options.

💡 Best for: Cats who cannot tolerate aluminum-based or calcium-based binders.

Phosphorus binders can be a game-changer for managing CKD and slowing the disease’s progression, but they should always be used under the guidance of your holistic veterinarian.

Wrap It Up

Managing CKD can feel overwhelming, but the right species-appropriate, kidney-supportive diet is one of the most powerful ways to slow disease progression and improve your cat’s quality of life.

By focusing on:

✔ Moisture-rich foods to combat dehydration

✔ High-quality, digestible animal proteins to maintain muscle mass

✔ Low-phosphorus ingredients to reduce kidney strain

✔ Healthy fats and anti-inflammatory nutrients to promote overall well-being

—you’re giving your cat the best chance at living comfortably with CKD.

But diet is just one piece of the puzzle. Supporting other organs and systems—like the gut, liver, and immune system—can further enhance your cat’s resilience and vitality. In the next post, we’ll explore holistic treatments to support your cat with CKD, including:

  • Gut health & microbiome support
  • Natural ways to reduce inflammation
  • Kidney-supportive herbs & supplements
  • Gentle detox & liver support
  • Strengthening the immune system

By taking a whole-body approach, you’re helping your cat to feel better, stay stronger, and live longer—naturally.

🔗 Read Part 1: A Holistic Approach to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease [Mini-Series] 
🔗 Read Part 2: Common Causes and Early Detection of CKD in Cats

Additional Resources

Communities

Videos/Podcasts

Courses

Websites

Recipes

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with a qualified holistic veterinarian or professional feline specialist. Every cat is unique, and individual circumstances may vary. We recommend consulting with a licensed veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet, lifestyle, or healthcare regimen. Additionally, we encourage readers to conduct their own research and consider multiple sources of information before making any decisions regarding their cat's health.

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