Low protein diet in cats - Answered by Dr. Van Lienden

[KarenJean]

My other cat needs a low protein diet. What exactly is a low protein diet for a cat? She prefers dry food. IAMS is what is in her bowl now. Is there anything else to feed her? I understand canned is not it. Thanks again for helping me.

[Lucky Rescue]

Usually senior cat food has lowered protein. You can check around and compare the different brands.

[raingirl]

try this site:

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

[petdr]

Cats are obligate carnivores, they can not manufacture certain amino acids. If feeding a diet, then use a premium diet that has as its protein source some animal product.

Plant proteins are not easily digestible and can cause a fair amount of wear and tear on the kidneys. If your kitty suffers from liver disease or kidney disease, then use a prescription diet such as Hill's/Iams/Purina/etc. Prescription diets come in wet and dry preparations.

If you are cooking for your pet, than make certain that animal protein is a key ingredient. I would consider anything less than 18% as low protein, other sources will have moderately different levels according to methods used to measure protein percentage, whether on a dry or wet basis, etc.

Dr. Van Lienden

Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490