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Do phosphorus binders work in regular cat food for kidney disease?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 19 years and 10 months old | 9.5 lbs

Hi Are there any studies on effectiveness of phosphorus binder powders being mixed into non kidney foods in cats with kidney issues? Tony is 20 and in early stages renal disease and won’t always eat a kidney diet and when he won’t I mix a phosphorus binder into his senior diet which is for age 12+ cats and is already lower in phosphorus. Thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 4th, 2019

Hello. Yes, there are studies done to indicate that phosphorous binders added to non-renal diets will be effective. Many cats will not touch the kidney diets, so adding the binders is the next best way to go. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 16th, 2019

    I’m sorry you are going though this with Tony. It is a very common problem in cats with renal disease. I would recommend trying a different brand of kidney diet and see if that helps. Or, maybe try adding some low sodium chicken broth to the food and see if that helps stimulate the appetite. If these ideas aren’t working then yes, I think you could continue to feed the fancy feast with a phosphate binder. The most important thing is that Tony keeps eating! I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on December 20th, 2018

    Phosphorus binders are important in cats whose kidney failure makes them high in phosphorus, however many of them taste incredibly bad! If you have exhausted all of the other options, I would discuss some things with your vet: 1. appetite stimulants (entyce or mirtazapine) 2. a flavor enhancer like purina's fortiflora 3. choosing a low protein over the counter canned cat food (some of the ones from Fancy Feast are 'ok') 4. Not using the binder In end-stage kidney failure, we have to decide which is the best for the pet. In my opinion, keeping them happy and preventing excessive weight loss by feeding them something that tastes good is the best option.

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