My senior cat likes Hills 7+. Is it good for his kidney diet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 17 years and 8 months old | 9.5 lbs
Hi I was speaking with one of your vets before about senior diet cat foods that are less stressful on the kidneys. Suggestions were purina pro plan 11+, hills science 11+ & royal canin aging 12+, all canned. He wasn't crazy about these but seems to like hills science diet mature 7+ savory chicken minced canned entree. It says its also lower in phosphorus but would love someone's opinion or experience with this food. Thx!!
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 7th, 2017
Hello, & thank you using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The most important thing for you to consider is the palatability of food for Tony. The best food for the kidneys will do him no good if he will not eat it. That being said, I think the Sci. Diet Adult 7+ is an excellent choice. The phosphorous level is actually a bit lower or about the same than in some of the Royal Canin renal diets. He should do quite well on this. Take care.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 11th, 2017
Unless Tony has had labwork to show decreased kidney function, he doesn't need to be on a diet with restricted phosphorus levels. The most important thing is that he does eat, and if he has renal disease ensuring adequate nutrition is very important. I would talk to your vet about what types of diets they recommend, but for me it is much better for a cat to eat a diet they like rather that not eat the diet they're supposed to. Phosphorus binders are always an option as well, and generally I recommend wet foods compared to dry for the increased moisture content. I hope that helps, good luck!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 28th, 2017
Yes, mature or senior cat formulas from either Hill's Science Diet, Purina One, or Purina ProPlan are all good choices for senior cats in the earliest stages of kidney disease. Generally speaking, most of these senior diets are formulated with slightly lower protein content and less phosphorous than typical diets for adult cats. However, there is no concrete evidence that suggests that lower protein diets will necessarily slow the progression of kidney disease in cats (this debate has been going on the veterinary community for 20+ years!). If Tony is showing early stages of kidney disease, switching to a senior/mature cat diet is unlikely to cause any harm and may provide some benefit. If you do decide to change his diet, be sure to do so gradually by mixing the old and new foods together over 5-7 days. I hope this helps and that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 20th, 2018
Yes, it is a good thing that Tony is on a kidney diet now. Studies have shown that cats with kidney failure who are placed on a kidney diet live on average of two years longer than cats with kidney failure who are not on a kidney diet. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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