Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

How much bonito can my cat with kidney disease safely eat?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 18 years and 8 months old | 9.5 lbs

Hi earlier I spoke with Petco Pet Education Center about an opinion on trying bonito flakes on my cats kidney food in hopes of getting him to eat it. My vet says he’s in early stages of kidney trouble and trying the kidney food would help. If the Bonito flakes help him to eat the kidney diet, what is a safe amount to use? Because I read Bonito flakes are hi in protein and that’s not good for aging kidneys right? Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on September 22nd, 2018

Calorie intake is extremely important in cats with kidney disease and although high protein (and salt) levels are a consideration as the kidneys need to actively excrete the protein by-products, a tiny sprinkle of bonito in order to tempt his appetite are highly unlikely to aggravate his condition and a good appetite for a wet kidney diet will be a huge advantage to long term management of his condition and will delay progression and improve wellbeing

Vote icon

8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Oneal Bogan, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 22nd, 2018

    Hi there. The bonito flakes won't hurt Tony, and it's worth a try. I would try both Science Diet and Royal Canin kidney foods and see if you can get him to like one. You can mix it for sure with his current food, I would do a 10:90 % ratio of new:old for 3 weeks, then increase by 5-10% weekly. Cats are so picky it's not easy. As far as Calcitriol, I would speak with your vet and determine if that's a good strategy based on his kidney values. I hope that helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?
Can you use contact lens saline for your mouse's eye drops? A certified vet discusses ingredients like boric acid and potassium chloride. Find safe solutions for your pet!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored