Best Low Protein Cat Food In 2023

Last Updated on:

January 26, 2023

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Cats need an optimum protein intake to keep them healthy and active according to their nutritional needs in well-balanced diets. As carnivores, cats require protein, and seeking low-protein diets is a health practice aimed at advanced kidney care rather than a preference.

As a pet parent, striking the balance of protein and other essential nutrients in your cat’s diet is best assessed by your vet. Excess protein feeding in cats leads to regular urination and water intake leading to kidney diseases. On the other hand, underfeeding protein to your cat leads to a weak cat due to weight loss.

If your cat is diagnosed with liver or kidney complications, low-protein diets are recommended by vets. Key suggestions include low-protein diets that are highly digestible according to the ingredients used. In consultation with your vet on planning the best diet, picking your low-protein cat food choice can be challenging considering the varieties available for cats with kidney disease.

We have compiled a list of the best low-protein cat foods available today as a guide to setting up a healthy diet plan for pet parents.

07 Best Low-Protein Cat Foods

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best low protein cat food

Our best overall pick for low-protein cat food is the tasty Purina Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function Advance Care product. The limited protein load and phosphorus are well balanced with other essential nutrients based on extensive research by pet experts.

The high protein-to-calorie ratio offers a low-fat composition to help regulate weight gain keeping your cat fit and healthy. The digestible ingredients from trusted suppliers pass standard quality screening to offer the best nutrient qualities for a kidney-support diet.

The special advanced kidney care formula is also packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients to boost the renal function and immune system of your cat. Get your feline friend this tasty food cat and watch them have a developed appetite for cats with kidney problems for proper weight management.

Where is Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Produced?

The Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care is an American product developed by Ralston Purina Company. The brand is well known for its pet food product recipes centered on digestive health for maximum nutritional benefits.

Extensive research and technology development in its production facilities offers high-quality pet food. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function is a good example of a groundbreaking product focused on chronic kidney disease care dedicated to pet health that offers dietary protein at low levels.

Why Choose Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care?

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets NF Kidney Function Advanced Care is our best pick for low-protein food that provides high-quality protein. Its formula offers low protein compositions ideal for your pet with kidney complications. A product of deep research from vets and pet nutrition experts, this cat food offers the necessary nutrition for kidney problem recovery.

As a prescription food, your consultation with a vet offers the best guide to building a low-protein diet for your cat. This ensures your feeding routine and portions are in line with research on chronic kidney disease care as recommended by the product and experts for your furry friend.

Pros

  • Limited protein
  • Has limited phosphorus for healthy kidneys
  • Flavourful
  • Has antioxidants

Cons

  • Relatively pricey

Conclusion:

Purina Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function Advance Care product is the best overall pick for low protein for offering special care to cats with chronic kidney disease. The easy-to-digest formula used with limited phosphorus and protein is ideal for offering weight regulating and digestive system care solutions while offering kidney support.


forza best low protein cat food

The Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Diet Dry Cat Food is our runner-up in offering support for renal and cardiac functioning. With hydrolyzed protein from plants and fish, your furry friend will enjoy an antibiotic-free food ideal for cats with allergies or sensitivities.

Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Diet Dry Cat Food formula contains a variety of plant ingredients. Dried clovers, dandelion, cranberries and low protein offer vital nutrients that support kidney functioning and reduce strain on protein digestion.

Made from natural ingredients, this product does not contain artificial additives or preservatives giving it a natural tasty flavor. The key ingredient is wild anchovy which is packed with omega acids to give your cat a healthy and shiny coat.

Where is Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Diet Dry Cat Food Produced?

Founded in 1995 in the United States, Forza10 is a reputable pet product company founded by Dr. Canello. Focused on creating nutritional solutions for pets with sensitivities or health complications, Forza10 has come up with research-based solutions for cats with kidney and heart complications.

Why Choose Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Diet Dry Cat Food?

Forza10 extensive research on cat food production by its expert team makes it an ideal product for cats developed in its modern facilities. Focused on nutritional solutions for pet health complications, its formulas are based on science-based research to satisfy dietary needs.

Its unique plant and animal protein ingredient source make the product a pet parent-favorite for cats with kidney complications. Pick Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Diet Dry Cat Food for a well-researched low-protein cat food recipe to boost health in cats with kidney issues. 

Pros

  • Antibiotic-free to protect the cat from sensitivities
  • No additional preservatives for natural tasty flavors
  • Low protein food for reduced kidney functioning
  • Natural high-quality ingredients

Cons

  • Limited flavor variety

Conclusion:

The Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support formula offers an expertly balanced low plant and animal protein content for kidney support. Get this product for your pet and enjoy the nutritional benefits of a healthy cat free from allergy and sensitivity-causing ingredients. Enjoy the benefits that come with extensive research on cats with kidney problems over the years from top professionals in pet nutrition.


royal canin low protein cat food

The Royal Canin Feline Renal Support E loaf in Sauce is a tasty wet cat food made with high-quality ingredients and is our best choice for wet low-protein cat foods.

This vet-exclusive product is developed to offer kidney health support for cats. With reduced levels of protein and phosphorus, the Feline Renal Support E protects your cat's kidneys from overworking. This ensures the low protein requirement of your cat with kidney complication get the dietary levels required as prescribed by the vet.

This wet food offers a variety of flavors and aromas that will grow the appetite of your cat packed with essential amino acids. Omega-3 fatty acids will reduce inflammation risks to avoid allergies. The highly moisturized wet cat food additional hydration and easy digestion offer digestive benefits for cats.

Where is Royal Canin Feline Renal Support E Loaf in Sauce Produced?

With more than 50 years in the pet production industry, Mars Incorporated is a French brand that has Royal Canin as a subsidiary. The Royal Canin is renowned for formula creation for different breeds and is health-centered on the nutritional needs of pets. The Royal Canin Feline Renal Support is specially formulated for healthy kidney support under its research facilities by top vets. 

Why Royal Canin Feline Renal Support E Loaf in Sauce Choose?

Royal Canin's extensive experience over the years as a dedicated pet food producer places them in the best state of research and product development. Using state-of-the-art technologies and experienced experts, be assured of the highest quality low protein food formula in this product designed to reduce the progression of kidney disease.

Pros

  • Variety of aromas and flavors to provide exquisite taste
  • Anti-inflammatory Omega-3 acids
  • Low protein and phosphorus levels with essential vitamins
  • Highly moisturised

Cons

  • The buildup of teeth plaque

Conclusion:

Reduced protein and phosphorus in the Royal Canin Feline Renal Support E loaf is a product of extensive research under state-of-the-art production facilities for healthy kidneys. This product offers a range of flavors and aromas that your cat will love while keeping its health in check by offering support for safe kidney workload functioning.


blue natural kidney mobility

The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney and Mobility Support offer the best value as a low-protein food option for cats. Well-ratioed protein and essential minerals in its formula ease kidney function helping your ailing cat to recover and gain maximum nutritional benefits.

Blue Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney and Mobility Support provide antioxidants selected by top pet food experts to boost the immune system of your cat. In addition, glucosamine and chondroitin in the formula promote improved mobility in your cat.

By using cold-form technology, the selected high-quality ingredients retain their natural nutritional composition and flavor. This makes Blue Natural Veterinary Diet Kidney and Mobility Support a product that offers high-standard nutritional value food for cats.

Where is Blue Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney +Mobility Support Produced?

Blue Bufalo Pet Products Inc is an American pet food and supplies producer for its top-quality solutions for pets. The quality of pet food products is assessed in a six-point check in its modern production facilities. Through extensive research by nutritional experts, the company has a well-developed production system that satisfies international pet food standards ideal for cats in different life stages.

Why Choose Blue Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney +Mobility Support Ingredient Cat Food?

The Blue Natural Veterinary Diet K+M is a low-protein food and is a premium quality product for your cat with a low-protein veterinary prescription. Key to its recommendation by vets is the well-balanced essential nutrients with low protein formula by experts to reduce kidney function overload.

Pick Blue Natural Veterinary Diet K+M cat food for a natural and modern solution to your ailing pet's nutritional needs. In consultation with your vet, get the best value for money with this product to get your cat active and healthy with a low-protein food prescription that has essential vitamins. 

Pros

  • Natural ingredients without artificial ingredients for a tasty flavor
  • Low protein from high quality protein source to ease kidney functioning
  • Has Antioxidants, essential vitamins and minerals to improve cat immunity and urinary health
  • Retained maximum nutrient quality from cold-form technology production

Cons

  • Relatively pricey

Conclusion:

The Blue Natural Veterinary Diet K+M is a unique pick of low protein cat food special for its cold form technology that promotes retention of ingredient nutrients. This cat product offers the maximum nutritional value of its ingredient composition. This makes it a good pick for your cat which requires all the dietary nutrients availed in the low-protein food.


almo nature holistic sterilised

Almo Nature Holistic Sterilized Adult Cat is an ideal pick for low protein for sterilized cats. Neutered cats are likely to gain weight if the caloric intake is not regulated making this formula with lower magnesium levels perfect for your sterilized cat.

Made with high-quality human-grade ingredients of fresh meat and fish, making it is highly palatable and tasty. It offers the protein-rich requirements required for healthy cats. This promotes shiny coats and active cats as supported by the essential nutrients required for healthy cats.

Almo Nature Holistic Sterilized Adult cat food gives it natural tastes and flavor for an appetized cat with no artificial ingredients. The limited mineral content regulates the pH value of your pet’s urine promoting the overall urinary health of your cat.

Where is Almo Nature Holistic Sterilized Adult Cat Produced?

Almo Nature is part of Fondazione Capellion an Italy company brand. The nonprofit commercial pet food producer focuses on biodiversity conservation with its profits directed to the foundation's mission activities. This makes the brand a reputable company based on its charity and nonprofit commitment to making pet solutions.

Why Choose Almo Nature Holistic Sterilized Adult Cat Choose?

Be part of the drive towards the preservation of biodiversity through the brand by purchasing Almo Nature food for a better future for our pets. This food product is an ideal pick for your neutered cat, providing the necessary low-protein diet while taking care of the health consideration of your sterilized cat.

Pros

  • Reduced magnesium levels for sterile cats
  • Human-grade ingredients from high-quality sources
  • Limited mineral content for improved renal diet health
  • Natural delicious taste and flavor for increased appetite

Cons

  • Limited variety of flavors

Conclusion:

The Almo Nature Holistic Sterilized Adult Cat is the best choice for cats that are neutered offering low protein while offering limited magnesium recommended for the sterilized cat. With quality human-grade ingredients, your cat will get the best nutrient value for optimal health and weight of your pet.


darwins intelligent kidney support food

Darwins Intelligent Design™ Veterinary Formulas provides tasty raw cat foods that offer a natural taste that appeals to the feeding instinct of your cat. This food product is not pasteurized or processed making it retain its natural composition and flavor.

The Darwin’s Intelligent Design KS Kidney Support Formula unprocessed high ingredients offer packed vital nutrients ideal for cats that require kidney and liver issues support. By offering highly digestible quality protein nutrients, the product formula offers less strain on your cat's kidneys.

The product does not have additives like grains, fillers, hormones, or other chemical preservatives making it a formula that is natural to the cat's nutrition. This promotes less strain on your cat’s digestive system for a healthy cat with minimal digestion complications

Where is Darwin’s Intelligent Design KS Kidney Support Produced?

Located in the United States, Darwins Natural Pet Products is a company that has grown its reputation as a raw diet for cat producers for over fifteen years. The pet food company follows USDA-approved ingredients in its products for safety and maximum nutritional benefits of pet food products.

Why Choose Darwin’s Intelligent Design KS Kidney Support Formula for Felines Choose?

Darwin’s Intelligent Design KS Kidney Support Formula is a product of long-term research stretching up to 15 years by the Darwin Natural Pet experts. With its commitment to raw food solutions, the minimal processing makes it an ideal low-protein pick for raw cat foods to counter kidney disease in cats.

Pros

  • No added artificial ingredients like  preservatives or additives
  • Raw natural unprocessed ingredients for maximum nutrient
  • Natural flavor promoting cat feeding instincts
  • Highly digestible proteins for reduced kidney stress

Cons

  • Limited ingredients offering select nutrients

Conclusion:

Darwins Intelligent Design™ Veterinary Formulas is our best choice for cats who like raw foods that appeal to the cat's natural diet instincts making it an appetizing diet plan for your cat. This food formula offers highly digestible protein that eases kidney functioning. Feed your pet with minimal concerns about sensitivity to preservatives and additives as they are not included in the product.


hills kidney k/d

The Hills Prescription Diet K/D Kidney and Mobile Care give balanced nutrition for your cat with well-researched kidney care formula for senior cat food. The product is ideal for the early-stage intervention of cat kidney complications for adult cats.

Using high-quality animal protein sources, the delicious taste formula is developed to reduce kidney workload by using limited phosphorous and sodium and packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Additional L-Carnitine and essential amino acids prevent muscle loss for healthy as recommended for a renal diet.

The Hills Prescription Diet K/D Kidney and Mobile Care are created with Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology that promotes healthy feeding behavior by boosting the appetite of your cat. Formulated with antioxidants, give this tasty meal to your cat to offer immune-boosting benefits for a healthy kidney support diet under veterinary prescription. 

Where is Hills Prescription Diet K/D Early Support Kidney and Mobile Care Produced?

Established in 1948 in the United States, Hills Pet Nutrition is reputable for therapeutic pet nutrition solutions offering easy-to-digest formula. The Hills Prescription Diet K/D Kidney and Mobile Care is a product of long-term research and nutrition technology development as a senior cat food.

Why Chose Hills Prescription Diet K/D Early Support Kidney and Mobile Care?

The Hills Prescription Diet K/D Kidney and Mobile Care is an excellent choice for adult cats based on its Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology making it ideal for kidney diets. Adult cats with kidney issues need low-protein cat food with exquisite taste as they are likely to lose their appetite. This food product offers a solution to adult cats with kidney disease affected by appetite loss by boosting your cat's craving for food.

Pros

  • Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology for boosted appetite
  • Has L-Carnitine and antioxidants for healthy weight and muscles
  • Have antioxidants to boost immune system functioning
  • Ideal for early-stage kidney complications

Cons

  • Relatively pricey

Conclusion:

The Hills Prescription Diet K/D Kidney and Mobile Care are the best for adult cats with kidney complications that lose their appetite. Created with Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology, this product will be your cat’s favorite diet plan as they will crave its taste and flavor and its easily digestible ingredients. This makes the product a good option for cats with kidney problems as it promotes healthy feeding routines for an active and fit cat.


Best Low Protein Cat Food Buyers Guide

Our low-protein cat food recommendations act as a guide to selecting a suitable low-protein for your pet on consultation and approval with your vet on the need for such a special diet. Your cat will have specific nutritional requirements based on factors like age, breed, and overall health status. Quality protein sources are essential in food for cats making controlled levels of low-protein options a special case that needs vet insights.

The key to selecting your cat’s low-protein food is to focus on the quality of protein levels, phosphorus, and sodium. Vets can best assess the need to switch to low-protein food that offers the best levels of these nutrients for optimal health results for your cat Although vet consultation is important, the need for veterinary prescription does not apply to all low-protein food products in the market.

The best low-protein foods in the market require a prescription and offer the best vet and nutritional formulas for kidney care available today. These are developed by vets associations that aim at health optimization as compared to cat food companies targeting food solutions. To make a safe choice on whether to go for prescription-only or non-prescription food, visit your vet for an evaluation of the need and to adopt this diet.

Common FAQs:

Q.1 How much protein does your cat need?

Ans. Protein is a vital component in a cat's diet and meeting the diet needs of the cat is important for their health. Lowering or exceeding the ranges can cause health complications. Adult cats will require about 25% while those above twelve years require up to 50 % protein food according to PetMD.

Q.2 Why would you need to put your cat on a low-protein diet?

Ans. Low-protein cat foods are included in cat diet plans for health reasons rather than a preference. They are ideal for cats that have developed kidney or liver-related complications as recommended by your vet.

Q. 3 Will you need a prescription to get low-protein cat food for your cat?

Ans. Some low-protein foods will require a prescription, especially the high-quality ones that are vet solutions for cat kidney and liver complications. Some low-protein foods however do not need a prescription. It is important however to seek vet insights on changing your cat's diet.

Q.4 What types of cat foods have low amounts of protein?

Ans. The amount of protein included in low-food products is indicated by the producer. Food products with low proteins as low as 15% usually have high carbohydrate and fat content. Such foods offer a well-balanced meal plan with other ingredients to offer essential vitamins and materials that promote healthy kidney functioning for kidney diets for cats. 

Q.5 Does low-protein cat food prolong my cat’s life?

Ans. Low-protein cat foods play an important role in easing the workload of the cat kidneys that have developed health complications. The highly digestible protein used and reduced amount of protein compositions ensures the kidney operates within an optimal range of its condition. This helps the cat to properly digest the food and gain important energy and nutrients for body maintenance that can help prolong your cat's life.

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