Why Dogs and Cats with CKD Lose Their Appetite? And How You Can Help!

Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. The following guidance is general, but it can help you understand what to look for when supporting dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are experiencing a loss of appetite.

Understanding Anorexia in CKD Pets

Anorexia, or reduced food intake, is a common challenge for pets with chronic kidney disease. It is not simply a reluctance to eat; it is often caused by a combination of physiological and environmental factors associated with CKD:

• Accumulation of uremic toxins: Reduced kidney function leads to a build-up of waste products in the blood, which can make pets feel nauseous and reduce their interest in food.

• Altered taste and smell: Uremia can change how food smells and tastes, making previously enjoyed meals unappealing.

• Digestive discomfort: Vomiting, nausea, and mild gastrointestinal irritation can contribute to reluctance to eat.

• Metabolic changes: Imbalances in minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and sodium can affect appetite.

Even small amounts of food can make a significant difference. For example, in cats, gaining just 10–20 grams per day can help maintain body condition and energy levels. Every gram counts, and careful monitoring can make a noticeable impact on your pet’s wellbeing.

How to Recognise Appetite Changes

Regular monitoring is key. Look for early signs:

• Refusal to eat regular meals or only eating part of their meal.

• Sniffing or tasting food but not consuming it.

• Loss of body weight or muscle mass over a short period.

• Lethargy or reduced interest in treats and favourite foods.

Tracking progress:

• Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your pet’s daily food intake.

• Keep a simple journal of daily intake and body weight to show your veterinarian.

• Measure weight at least once a week to detect small changes early.

How to Support Appetite in CKD Pets

1. Hydration is Essential

Pets with CKD can become dehydrated quickly, which worsens nausea and reduces appetite. Strategies include:

• Wet food and broths: Encourage hydration through moisture-rich meals.

• Fresh water always available

• Electrolyte supplements: Products designed for renal pets can help maintain hydration balance.

2. Food Choices and Protein Management

Feeding CKD pets requires balancing high-quality protein with kidney-friendly mineral levels.

• Protein: Focus on digestible, high-quality proteins such as chicken, turkey, or hydrolysed proteins. Avoid generic by-products.

  • Dogs: 18–25% crude protein (dry matter).

  • Cats: 25–35%, slightly higher due to their natural dietary needs.

• Phosphorus: Controlled phosphorus is essential. Low-phosphate diets or supplements like VBS Renal-PhosLess can help bind excess phosphate.

• Sodium: Moderate levels help reduce kidney stress and maintain blood pressure.

• Fat: Moderate fat content ensures energy intake, particularly when appetite is low.

Tip: Heating wet food slightly or adding a kidney-safe topper can increase palatability.

3. Supplements That Can Help

• Amino acids and vitamins: Products like Protexin b12 folate support energy metabolism and nutrient balance.

• Probiotics: Promote digestive comfort and help maintain gut health.

• Calcium and phosphate binders: Prevent accumulation of minerals that can worsen kidney stress.

These supplements can be sprinkled over meals or mixed into broths to encourage intake without adding stress.

4. Feeding Techniques

• Offer smaller, more frequent meals rather than one or two large meals.

• Monitor how much your pet eats and gently encourage intake with familiar flavours.

• Rotate protein sources if approved by your veterinarian to maintain interest.

5. Monitoring and Veterinary Follow-up

• Keep a daily food log and weekly weight record.

• Check for subtle changes in behaviour or hydration.

• Regular blood tests (creatinine, urea, phosphorus, electrolytes) help adjust diet and supplements.

Key Takeaways

• Even small amounts of food make a difference in CKD pets.

• Hydration, palatability, and frequent monitoring are crucial.

• High-quality protein, controlled phosphorus, and targeted supplements support appetite and overall wellbeing.

• Careful observation of appetite, weight, and behaviour allows early adjustments and better quality of life.

Where to Find Kidney-Friendly Products

At Indar Pet, we stock a wide range of products to support pets with kidney and urinary sensitivities:

• Vitamins– essential amino acids and potassium for energy and renal support.

• Phosphate Binder  – binds excess phosphorus to protect kidney function.

• Probiotics – to aid digestion and comfort.

• Hydrating broths and palatable treats – encourage eating and hydration.

We’re here to help you find the right combination of food, supplements, and monitoring tools to keep your pet happy, healthy, and eating well.