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Can a kidney diet help lower my dog or cat's high SDMA levels?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 18 years and 5 months old | 9.5 lbs

Hi if Tony has a high-normal SDMA of 13 , is it possible to lower that number with a special early support kidney diet or a regular kidney diet food (hills RX diet in particular) or will diet only help to maintain or keep it from increasing?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 4th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Tony is experiencing early kidney disease. Yes a prescription diet has been shown to help with chronic kidney disease and there is a chance it could lower the SDMA and other kidney values. It will help with progression. I would be sure your Vet has checked a urine sample for protein and infection as well as a blood pressure. There are medications that can and should be started if those things are abnormal. I wish you and Tony the best!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2018

    Hello, these values for Tony could indeed indicate early kidney disease. Starting him on a renal protective diet may help slow the progression of his kidney disease, but will not stop it. Your options include to start him on this diet now, but it may not serve of substantial benefit or wait until he actually need a kidney diet to start it. Given his age and very mild evidence of renal disease, I do not think it is crucial for him to be started on a renal diet. Your veterinarian however, has they full picture of the case and they may have a particular reason why they are recommending a kidney diet. You should contact them and discuss why a kidney diet has been recommended. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 5th, 2018

    If all other values are good, the early support diet would be less restricted and more appropriate, this is what it has been developed for. Although kidney diets slow progression, regular monitoring is important and full k/dmay be required in time, urine specific gravity and blood tests are recommended regularly

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