This guide provides a comprehensive list of US canned cat foods, meticulously organized by their phosphorus content. The data aims to assist cat owners, particularly those managing feline chronic kidney disease (CKD), in making informed dietary choices. All nutritional values are presented as percentages, with the exception of calories, which are measured per ounce of the food as fed.
The information compiled here has been sourced directly from the brands, either in writing or from their official websites, to ensure accuracy and minimize potential misunderstandings. Each entry has been cross-verified, underscoring the commitment to reliable data. It is important to note that food formulations can change without prior notification, and manufacturers may occasionally provide inaccurate information. Therefore, no responsibility can be accepted for any errors or omissions.
Understanding Food Composition and Your Goals
The primary purpose of these tables is to present food data in order of phosphorus content. It is crucial to understand that inclusion in this list does not constitute a recommendation of any specific food. The author has not evaluated the ingredients or suitability of these foods for cats with CKD. It is the owner’s responsibility to consult with their veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for their cat.
When selecting food for a cat with CKD, consider the following goals, calculated on a dry matter analysis (DMA) basis:
- Phosphorus: Aim for a level under 0.5%. While no complete non-therapeutic food achieves this, getting as close as possible is key.
- Protein: Target a level of 35% or as close to it as achievable.
- Sodium: Ideally, keep sodium levels around 0.2% or lower. While important, this is less critical than phosphorus and protein levels.
Factors such as fat and carbohydrate content are also provided, which may be relevant for cats with concurrent conditions like diabetes.
Key Considerations for CKD Cat Diets
Cats with CKD often benefit from specific dietary adjustments. Foods designed for urinary tract health, for instance, may be too acidifying for typical CKD cats and should be approached with caution.
Please refrain from asking for specific food recommendations. Due to the vast number of foods analyzed and the individual variations in a cat’s condition and taste preferences, providing a personalized recommendation is not feasible. For general advice on food choices and to discuss specific dietary needs, joining the support group is highly recommended.
Therapeutic Kidney Wet Foods
Certain therapeutic kidney diets are marked with an asterisk (*), indicating that the listed values for protein, fat, and sometimes phosphorus are minimums, and the actual content could be higher. ‘na’ signifies that the data was not available.
Notable therapeutic options with lower phosphorus content include:
- Weruva Wx Tilapia & Chicken Purée (Phos: 0.28%)
- Weruva Wx Tilapia & Tuna Purée (Phos: 0.32%)
- My Perfect Pet Low Phosphorus Chicken Carnivore Grain-Free Blend (Phos: 0.35%)
- Weruva Wx Chicken & Tilapia in Gravy (Phos: 0.35%)
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care (Phos: 0.39%)
Standard Wet Foods
This category lists standard wet foods, also with phosphorus content as the primary sorting metric.
Examples of standard wet foods with relatively lower phosphorus levels include:
- My Perfect Pet Bengal’s Beef Carnivore Grain-Free Blend (Phos: 0.50%)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner (Phos: 0.52%)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner (Phos: 0.54%)
- Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels Chicken & Chicken Liver Pouch (Phos: 0.55%)
- Wellness Healthy Indulgence Morsels Chicken & Salmon Pouch (Phos: 0.56%)
Raw Foods
The raw food section provides data for raw or freeze-dried diets, which can be an alternative for some cats.
Lower phosphorus raw food options include:
- Quest Prey Model Beef Diet* (Phos: 0.42%)
- Lotus Free-Range Chicken (Phos: 0.52%)
- SoJos Turkey Recipe Freeze-Dried (Phos: 0.55%)
The data presented in these tables is intended to be a helpful resource for cat owners navigating the complexities of feline nutrition, especially in the context of chronic kidney disease. Always prioritize veterinary consultation for personalized dietary plans.
