Cats, Kidney Disease, and Cordyceps
Sep 30th 2024
Did you know that kidney disease is particularly common in cats?
While aging and biology play a role, diet is also a key factor.
Many dry, processed kibbles contain at least 50% carbohydrates, necessary for shaping them into nuggets. However, cats have no nutritional need for carbohydrates—they thrive on a mostly carnivorous diet. In the wild, they also get most of their moisture from prey, leading to a naturally low thirst drive. Unfortunately, domestic cats haven't evolved to compensate for this, which can put extra strain on their kidneys, especially when fed a dry diet.
Transitioning a cat from kibble to a different diet can be challenging. Many cats develop a preference (or even "addiction") to kibble, making them reluctant to try new foods. Ideally, introducing a variety of fresh or homemade foods at a young age helps, but this isn’t always an option with older cats.
As a veterinarian, I often recommend Cordyceps mushroom extract to help support kidney health in cats. To make things easier, we've included Cordyceps in our SilverCat Chews, which are salmon-flavored and made to appeal to even the pickiest cats. For those who prefer a different format, we have Cordyceps extract that can be mixed in or sprinkled on top of their food.
If you’re looking for natural ways to support your cat’s kidney health, I believe these options could be helpful.