Hi there, new member here. I have an older cat with Stage 1 or 2 CKD, + 2 healthy, younger cats. would love to give all 3 cats the same food if possible, but have been told absolutely not. Very difficult to give dedicated food to 1 cat only, they graze amongst all 3 bowls. Any suggestions? TY!
CKD diet food for healthy kitties?
- Thread starter Barb
- Start date
Hi Barb and welcome!
I’ll start by saying I’m learning here with you too, but I can share some thoughts and try to work through it with you. Depending on the labs and phosphorus levels, I’ve seen some caregivers with early stage cats focus on slightly lower phosphorus wet foods, hydration, and keeping the cat eating well overall. Which would probably be good for all three of them. From what I've read so far, it seems like protein restriction in early stages is somewhat debated. Which makes sense to me. You don't want them losing muscle mass early, but also while their appetite is good in the early stages maybe there is a benefit to introducing the kidney foods. But then you're back to the three cat dilemma. If you haven't seen, there are some food charts here that list calories, phosphorus, etc.
For hydration, with my stage 2 guy I add a decent bit of water to his wet food and have a fountain and bowl near his favorite hang out spots.
If you do end up separating their meals, some folks use microchip feeders if that's an option.
Hopefully you get some input from the other members here too. I would be curious to see the bloodwork and what food they're eating now.
I’ll start by saying I’m learning here with you too, but I can share some thoughts and try to work through it with you. Depending on the labs and phosphorus levels, I’ve seen some caregivers with early stage cats focus on slightly lower phosphorus wet foods, hydration, and keeping the cat eating well overall. Which would probably be good for all three of them. From what I've read so far, it seems like protein restriction in early stages is somewhat debated. Which makes sense to me. You don't want them losing muscle mass early, but also while their appetite is good in the early stages maybe there is a benefit to introducing the kidney foods. But then you're back to the three cat dilemma. If you haven't seen, there are some food charts here that list calories, phosphorus, etc.
For hydration, with my stage 2 guy I add a decent bit of water to his wet food and have a fountain and bowl near his favorite hang out spots.
If you do end up separating their meals, some folks use microchip feeders if that's an option.
Hopefully you get some input from the other members here too. I would be curious to see the bloodwork and what food they're eating now.
Tim, thank you for your reply. The food list is great, although I’m in Portugal and the EU chart mostly lists foods in Germany or the UK. I have heard of microchip feeders, but hate to go to that option unless someone confirms: 1. Cats w/o kidney failure absolutely should not eat dedicated kidney food, and 2. Cats with any stage of kidney failure should be eating dedicated kidney food. I’ll see if I can get info. on the nutrients in their current, non kidney food. At a minimum, I absolutely am providing lots of water, that’s easy! Also hoping someone else can weigh in on the multiple cat dilemma. i am also starting with a new vet and will see what they have to say. Thank you again
Great! Keep us posted on what your vet says.
I know @Marje and Gracie and @Chai&mocha have had multiple cats. Maybe they'll stop by.
I know @Marje and Gracie and @Chai&mocha have had multiple cats. Maybe they'll stop by.
Chai&mocha
Member Since 2026
Hi Barb. You don’t want to put the younger healthY cats in a kidney diet. The good news is since your cat is only stage 1 or 2 you probably will be able to find a food they all can eat. Early ckd cats do not need a strict kidney diet. Look for a food that is lower in phosphorus. I know Tanya’s has an extensive food list. You want to feed quality protein.