Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 2/19/2009

Question
My 18 year old male cat has been diagnosed with renal failure. I guess it's in the 'early' stages, as he is eating okay, but drinks excessively. He seems alright for now, & the vet thinks we can help him for awhile with a special diet. She also wants to do subcutaneous fluids. I
agreed to the special diet for now...
Any suggestions as to what he should eat & what avoid?
I read that he'll need a low protein diet; should I stop giving him little bits of cheese or bacon? What would put less strain on his kidneys?

Answer
Hi Janet, I have some recipes for cats with this renal failure problem...
Sorry, A VERY common problem in senior citizen cats!

Here are a few recipes you can try:  Tell your Vet about them...OK?
Tell the vet you talked with Pet Nurse Marie at AllExperts...


For feeding you may want to try:

Dr. Pitcairn's Feline Diet for Kidney Problems -
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Please note;  If you buy the NuVET FElINE vitamin powder, you will not need to add all the vitamins in this recipe....
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1 1/3 cups (2/3 pound) ground chicken, turkey or lean heart
4 cups cooked white rice
4 eggs
2 tablespoons cold-pressed safflower, soy or corn oil
1,500 milligrams calcium
1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
1/8 teaspoon potassium chloride (optional , for a saltier flavor)
1 teaspoon parsley, finely grated carrot or other vegetable (optional)
5,000 IU vitamin A
Taurine and other cat vitamins (about 5 days' worth)
50 milligram level B complex (or 10 milligrams per day)
2,500 milligrams vitamin C (½ teaspoon sodium ascorbate)

Mix everything together in a large bowl.  Serve raw if the cat will accept it.  Otherwise, mix all but the vitamins together, bake about 20 minutes in a moderate oven and then wait until it cools to mix in the vitamins.  Occasionally, substitute 1 to 3 teaspoons of liver for part of the meat.

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When switching to a homemade diet, please consult with your vet about your kitty's particular needs.
Some of these recipes have 'general' guidelines, which may or may not be suitable for your cat!
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Anitra Frazier's Diet for the Cat with Kidney Problems

4 parts carbohydrate: Pureed barley flakes and /or baby food creamed corn
2 parts protein: Lightly broiled chicken or beef or raw organic egg yolk and cooked white (used with meat, not alone) you can also use baby food chicken
1 part vegetable: Chopped of finely grated raw vegetable or vegetable juice-carrots, zucchini, and alfalfa sprouts are best
2 Tablespoons Vita-Mineral Mix
2 teaspoons soft butter


Canned Cat Foods - See here?

Cats diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure require a diet low in phosphorus)

http://webpages.charter.net/katkarma/canfood.htm


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I sure hope this helps you!
Here is the ordering info for NuVET Feline vitamin/immune system booster:  I am sure this will help a bunch...I have a number of CAT clients that are 18 to 21 years old - EVEN a 22 year old girl.

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http://www.apluspetcare.com/untitled4.html
My personal page for NuVET plus and NuVET feline ..
Order Discount code : 81098 / write this down
and you can call too...
                        1-800-474-7044  
NuVET Feline will help to gain her appetite back....


Marie Peppers LPN MA
Ask the Pet Nurse


JOIN my yahoo group:  free to join us

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/nuvetsavesmoneyonvetbills/