Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

What treats are safe for my cat with kidney disease and special diet?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | spayed | 8.75 lbs

My cat has early stages of kidney disease. We have put her on a hills science diet prescription food and she's doing well on it. But I wonder about treats. I don't want to mess with what she eats to much cause her levels are stabled. But I'd like to give her something once in awhile. I tried baking her food into treats and she didn't like it. Are there any treats you recommend for cats with kidney issues? What about human food as treats?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on December 17th, 2018

That’s good that Isabella is eating the diet and doing well. I am not aware of any treats specifically for renal disease but Royal Canin makes a cat treat that has a low phosphorus and can be given as a treat. Most vets would agree that Isabella could have a single normal cat treat here and there. You do want any ‘normal’ treats to be minimal (like 3 treats in a week) and even the Royal Canin treats should not be more than 5% of her daily calorie intake. Whenever you look at treats, you want a low phosphorus and ideally a lower protein. I would avoid human food as treats. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Sarah Box, BVSc

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 12th, 2017

    This is a very good question! Treats can often be a source of extra calories and potentially unwanted ingredients. When I have a patient who needs to be on a special diet I recommend using the canned food which the pet likes, and cutting it into small pieces/cubes. You can bake these cubes in the oven on a baking sheet until they are soft and chewy.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
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