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Best Low Protein Cat Food (2024): 5 Top Wet & Dry Picks

Posted in: Cat Food - Last Updated: December 4, 2023 - Author: Rebekah Carter
Posted in Cat Food 
Last Updated: December 4, 2023  
Author:  Rebekah Carter

Cats with some conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (often called just 'CKD'), are often prescribed a low protein diet to help them manage their illness with properly balanced nutrition.

Discovering that your beloved best friend needs a special diet can be unsettling and a bit of a shock, at first.

However, with the best low protein cat food, you can manage their health condition effectively and guarantee that they lead a comfortable life. 

There are plenty of great options for low protein cat food, that are all designed to cater to cats with low protein dietary needs.

We put together this comprehensive cat low protein diet guide to assist you in selecting the best low protein cat foods. They are suitable for your cat's unique health requirements and we have tested recipes that are low protein wet cat food as well as nourishing low protein dry cat food, ensuring that all bases are covered

While protein levels are reduced in these special food recipes, it’s crucial that a low protein cat diet still provides sufficient levels of nutrients including fats, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, we have also covered the importance of maintaining that all important balanced low protein cat diet.

Whether your cat requires a prescription low protein diet or you're exploring low protein cat food non prescription options, these are the top low protein diets for cats on the market.

Best Low Protein Cat Food

Best Low Protein Cat Food

Best Overall

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food+, Veterinary Diet, 4 lb. Bag

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care

Best Low Protein Cat Food

Best Overall Choice

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food+, Veterinary Diet, 4 lb. Bag

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care stands out as the overall best low protein cat food due to its specialized formulation that specifically supports and protects kidney function in cats.

Its unique blend of nutrients, including reduced phosphorus and sodium levels, coupled with innovative features like Enhanced Appetite Trigger (E.A.T) supplements, make it exceptionally effective in improving the quality of life for cats with kidney challenges

3 Top Low Protein Cat Food Picks – Best, Value & Premium

We’re lucky to have a huge family of cat lovers on our social media channels (a whopping 1 million plus followers!), so we often ask that group of cat owners for advice for those with cats needing a low-protein diet. Their real-world experiences are golden nuggets of wisdom, helping us to understand what works best for our low protein needing feline friends.

Based on the recommendations from this amazing community and our trusted vet advisors, we’ve gathered a list of top selections.

These options cover a spectrum of food options, from those that are kind to your wallet, to premium choices, all while ensuring that the taste is kitty-approved for their low-protein needs! 

Our Top 3 Choices

Best Overall

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food+, Veterinary Diet, 4 lb. Bag

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care

  • Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology to boost food intake
  • Clinically proven to support kidney function
  • Dry cat food is easy to distribute throughout the day

Best Value

Delectables Lickable Wet Cat Treats - Tuna & Chicken, 1.4 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Hartz Delectables Bisque Lickable Wet Cat Treats

  • Convenient packaging easy to add to any food
  • Wide range of flavor options to choose from
  • Added vitamins for better health management

Premium Choice

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food, Chicken 5.5-oz cans (Pack of 24)

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support

  • Great for highly digestible chicken protein
  • No additives or by-products which might cause food allergies
  • Extra vitamins and minerals for organ and joint care

So that’s a quick chart showing our top three best low protein cat foods. Now let’s take a deeper look at these and a few more alternatives.

To start with, let’s look at the top 3 in a little more detail.

1. Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care - Best Overall 

Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food+, Veterinary Diet, 4 lb. Bag

Hill’s Science is one of the best picks among vets and pet parents alike when it comes to prescription-based low protein cat food and scientifically formulated foods. 

The k/d kidney care dry food from Hill’s Science is specially manufactured for cats with kidney issues which might prevent them from digesting large amounts of protein as easily as other felines. 

This isn’t just a regular cat food; it’s a clever mix made to help our furry friend's kidneys feel at their best.

Hill's science kidney care is carefully designed to make sure they get all the correct levels of nutrients they need without any extra stuff that could be tough on them.

What’s really cool about this food is that it has some extra special ingredients, like ActivBiome+ Kidney Defense. Both of these ingredients jump into action to help protect our kitties’ kidneys!

And because sometimes kitties with kidney problems don’t feel like eating, this food has a secret weapon called Enhanced Appetite Trigger (E.A.T) that makes the food super yummy and helps our cats want to eat more.

So, Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care is not just about feeding our cats; it’s about giving them a food that’s been cleverly created and is packed with all the goodness they need to help their kidneys be as healthy as possible.

Pros

  • Enhanced Appetite Trigger technology to boost food intake
  • Clinically proven to support kidney function
  • Dry cat food is easy to distribute throughout the day
  • Contains amino acids and extra vitamins
  • Reduced phosphorous and sodium

Cons

  • Not ideal for moisture intake
  • Requires a vet prescription

2. Hartz Delectables Bisque Lickable Wet Cat Treats - Best Value

Delectables Lickable Wet Cat Treats - Tuna & Chicken, 1.4 Ounce (Pack of 12)

There isn't truly a budget option as a main food if your cat requires a low protein diet, but if value is your goal, you should look for the best price on any of the recipes recommended in this guide.

One other option is what we've chosen for our value pick: we've decided to pick a treat that is both healthy and not too expensive. Cats with specific dietary needs still deserve the occasional treat. Unfortunately, a lot of treats come packed with protein and additional fillers which can make certain conditions a whole lot worse. 

Hartz Delectables Bisque Lickable Wet Cat Treats are a delightful value choice for cats, especially when focusing on a low-protein cat treat that supports kidney health.

These low protein cat treats are not just about being tasty on your cat’s taste buds; they are also about delivering a well designed blend of ingredients that are gentle on a cat's kidneys.

The treats are produced with real chicken and vegetables, ensuring that your cat gets a dose of natural and wholesome nutrition.

What makes these Hartz treats stand out is their lickable texture! But why is that? 

Well, this helps with keeping your kitty hydrated and they are particularly appealing to senior cats or those with dental issues who may find more standard treats too hard, crunchy and challenging to consume.

Customer reviews of Hartz Delectables also show that these treats are a big hit even with fussy eaters, making them a great option to encourage better eating in cats with these type of health issues. 

These low protein cat treats are super affordable but subtly powerful! 

Pros

  • Convenient packaging easy to add to any food
  • Wide range of flavor options to choose from
  • Added vitamins for better health management
  • Tasty texture for older cats
  • Restricted ingredients to protect your cat’s health

Cons

  • Not a full and complete food source
  • Can have quite a strong smell

3. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support - Premium Choice

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support Wet Cat Food, Chicken 5.5-oz cans (Pack of 24)

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet K+M Kidney + Mobility Support is a premium low protein cat food made especially to help our furry friends’ kidneys feel super strong and happy.

It’s filled with all the right things, like controlled levels of protein and high-quality ingredients, to make sure it’s just perfect for cats dealing with low protein or kidney issues.

But wait, there’s so much more!

This wholesome low protein food doesn’t just stop at taking care of kidneys; it’s also filled with plenty of vitamins and minerals (like potassium and antioxidants) that act as effective health boosters for cats.

To top things off, this Blue Buffalo low protein cat food is not just healthy but also extra delicious!

It has proven a big hit on our online community with cat owners requiring low protein options. As with our overall pick this does require a vet's prescription but online retailers make the process of approving this very simple.

It’s made to really appeal to a cat's taste buds whilst ensuring the food delivers all those crucial natural ingredients, making sure our cats get nothing but the best nourishment.

With Blue Buffalo, cats get a delicious low protein meal that’s also a a mountain of strength for their overall health and wellness.

Pros

  • Great for highly digestible chicken protein
  • No additives or by-products which might cause food allergies
  • Extra vitamins and minerals for organ and joint care
  • Convenient portion sizes with all the nutrition needed in one can
  • Restricted ingredients

Cons

  • Requires a vet prescription
  • They may not last very long
best-low-protein-cat-food

Additional Picks

If the three options above don’t work for your cat, don’t worry, we still have some extra suggestions up our sleeves. 

Some other products you can try include:

4. Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free

Weruva TruLuxe Cat Food, Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy, 3oz Can (Pack of 24), Purple

If you’re looking for the perfect wet cat food for your feline friend, this could be it. The Weruva Truluxe cat food is available in a variety of flavors, so you’re sure to find something which appeals to your kitty’s personal preferences. 

All of the products also include high-quality ingredients, like easily-digestible protein and vegetables. 

Low in phosphorous and other problematic ingredients like grain,Weruva Truluxe are produced to human quality standards, so you know you’re giving your kitty the very best. 

Weruva cat food can also help with supporting a healthy urinary tract if your cat suffers from bathroom problems.

Pros

  • Conveniently portioned can sizes
  • Lots of flavor options to choose from for different cats
  • Limited ingredient recipes with premium cuts of meat
  • Human-standard production quality
  • Added minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants

Cons

  • It may include too much gravy for some cats
  • Can be quite expensive

5. Dave's Pet Food Pet Food Restricted Phosphorus Diet

Dave's Pet Food Kidney Support Wet Cat Food for Renal Health (Chicken Liver & Chicken in Juicy Pate), Non-Prescription Low Phosphorus, Vet Recommended (5.5 oz cans, Case of 24)

Restricted diet food options are often a good choice for kitties with specific nutritional needs. 

This “Dave’s pet food” option is a great choice if you’re worried about your cat’s protein intake. The restricted phosphorous will help to protect your cat’s kidneys, and the protein included is highly digestible to promote better internal health. 

The restrictive cat food formula features a host of high-quality ingredients, like chicken liver and broth, as well as pumpkin and omega-3 fatty acids.

There’s added vitamin E supplementation to protect skin and joints, as well as Thiamine and other bonus supplements baked into every portion.

Dave's pet food an excellent choice for cats with sensitive stomachs too.

Pros

  • Limited ingredient food choice for sensitive cats
  • Lots of added vitamins and minerals
  • High-quality digestible protein
  • Lower levels of phosphorous than most cat foods
  • Good for cats with allergies

Cons

  • Can be quite expensive
  • Limited flavor options

Low Protein Cat Food Buyers Guide

Usually, when you’re searching for the ideal food for your cat, protein will be one of the first ingredients you prioritize. 

After all, cats are carnivores that rely heavily on a high intake of protein to keep them as fit and healthy as possible.

However, there are cases where protein might cause a number of problems for your kitty if they get too much of the wrong type. 

If your cat has a health condition like kidney or liver disease, research indicates that a lower protein diet might be a better choice. 

Your vet might recommend switching to more highly digestible sources of protein, as well as cutting out certain ingredients like sodium and phosphorous. 

low-protein-cat-food

Protein produces something called “nitrogenous waste”, which can place an additional burden on your cat’s kidneys, as well as other essential organs. 

For cats, protein is a life-giving substance necessary for a healthy diet. You won’t be able to cut this product out of your cat’s food entirely, but you can adjust their intake with a limited-ingredient meal option. 

As always, you’ll need to talk to your vet to ensure you’re choosing the right diet options for your kitty. Don’t switch to a low-protein diet without a vet recommendation.

Picking a Low Protein Cat Food Diet

Because low-protein diets for cats are often recommended on a prescription basis, there’s a good chance your vet will give you advice on what kind of food you should be buying for your furry friend. 

However, if you’re free to do your research yourself, there are a few things to consider aside from a low protein content when making the right choice. 

First, keep in mind that low-protein cat food isn’t the same as giving your cat no protein at all. 

Your kitty will still need protein to survive, but you’ll need to focus on choosing proteins that are high-quality, easy to digest, and highly “bioavailable”.

Other factors to look at include:

  • Taste and appeal: Cats with health issues can sometimes have lower appetites than their counterparts. Looking for a food that’s highly appealing to your cat’s personal preferences is a good idea here. You could even consider using broths to make the food more attractive.
  • Restricted ingredients: Try to cut down on other ingredients which might be problematic for your cat’s internal organs. Lower levels of phosphorous are a good idea when you’re trying to delay the progression of chronic kidney disease.
  • Vitamins and minerals: A low-protein cat food should usually contain added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids, to support good health. The more beneficial supplements added to the food, the better.

If you’re not sure about any of the cat food available for your furry friend, consider speaking to your vet for their recommendations.

Risks of a Low Protein Cat Diet 

Low protein diets for cats generally aren't the best option for a standard cat. 

In general, high amounts of protein are better suited to your feline friend, as they help with things like weight management, reduced risk of obesity, and energy production. 

Switching to a low-protein cat food without your vet’s recommendation could lead to:

  • Malnutrition: As obligate carnivores, cats rely on getting most of the nutrition they need from high-quality sources of animal protein. Low-protein cat food for a regular cat might lead to issues with weight loss and malnutrition.
  • Obesity: If your cat isn’t getting enough of the substances it needs in its standard meals (like protein), it may end up eating more food to try and fill the gap. This can increase your cat’s chances of weight gain and obesity, which leads to a host of other problems.
  • Poor health: Protein is an essential part of a cat’s diet. Failing to provide your cat with enough protein could cause significant issues with their organs and their general functioning. Make sure you always follow your vet’s recommendations when feeding your cat.
Non-prescription-low-protein-cat-food

Why Is Protein So Important For Cats?

Cats can’t live without protein. As obligate carnivores, cats can live their entire lives eating nothing but animals and animal by-products without suffering from any nutritional deficiencies. 

In fact, cats require a lot more protein than other animals, like dogs, who are omnivores.

Protein is a life-giving substance for your feline friend, and it gives it the strength and energy they need to function every day.

 Protein is vital to every process in your cat’s body. 

While the exact dietary requirements of your cat may vary when compared to other felines, most cats need at least 2.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight on a daily basis.

Studies show anything less than this amount could make it difficult for your cat to maintain muscle mass.

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Cats With Kidney Disease

The most common reason to switch a cat onto a low-protein diet is that it’s suffering from kidney disease. 

Currently, research into a low-protein diet’s benefits for cats with kidney disease is still ongoing. 

However, we do know the kidneys play a crucial role in processing the nitrogenous wastes created by protein digestion. 

Because cats with kidney disease aren’t able to process this waste as effectively, it can build up in their bloodstream and cause significant problems. 

A low-protein food can help to reduce this issue, but it can also lead to other problems in its own right. 

For instance, a cat with kidney disease still needs protein as much as other cats. 

While they might feel a little better than they did on their previous diet with low-protein food, you might find your cats struggle to get the right level of nutrition and end up losing weight. 

Most vets say instead of focusing on reducing protein, pet parents should instead focus on changing the source of the protein to ensure it’s as digestible as possible.

Cats With Liver Disease

Cats with liver disease may also be recommended a low-protein diet. The liver also plays a role in removing some of the toxic waste from protein digestion. 

This means a diet high in low-quality protein could place additional strain on an already problematic liver. 

Switching to a low-protein diet focused heavily on high-quality sources of protein can make it easier for your cat to manage their food. 

Your vet may recommend a low-protein diet for your cat as a way of reducing the amount of ammonia the liver allows to remain in the body. 

Recent research, however, does suggest it’s more valuable to provide your cat with the right kind of high-quality protein than it is to reduce their intake entirely.

low-protein-wet-cat-food

Older Cats

In some circumstances, it may also be recommended that your cat reduce its protein intake with age. 

This is generally because senior cats are more likely to suffer from kidney disease. This means their kidneys need a little more support. 

However, the reality is that older cats generally need more protein and calories than they did in their earlier years. 

With this in mind, it’s not a good idea to simply switch your cat to a low-protein diet based on their age alone. 

Speak to your vet if you’re not sure about the right diet strategy and especially if your cat's appetite drops off.

FAQs

Why might a cat need a low-protein diet?

Cats might need a low-protein diet due to a range of health issues such as kidney or liver disease. A low-protein diet can help manage these conditions by reducing the workload on these organs. This ensures that your cat’s body can process and eliminate waste products much more efficiently.

Can low-protein cat foods also support other aspects of a cat’s health?

Yes, some low-protein cat foods are designed specifically to support other aspects of a cat’s health. These include joint mobility and overall wellness, by including ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients to managing feline health..

How does low-protein cat food support cats with kidney disease?

Low-protein cat foods are very beneficial for cats with kidney disease as they help reduce the workload on their kidneys. These diets contain less protein, phosphorus, and other minerals that the kidneys would need to process and eliminate.

Best Low Protein Cat Food: The Verdict

If your cat has a specific medical issue that makes it harder for them to digest protein than most other felines, your veterinarian may recommend either a restricted or one of these best low-protein cat food picks.

If we were to pick just one for a low protein diet for cats, we’d recommend Hill’s Prescription Diet as the ideal choice for feeding your feline buddy.. 

t’s easy to use thanks to its dry kibble formula and comes packed with extra nutrition, vitamins, and minerals.

Good luck finding your perfect low protein food for cats! We hope this guide has helped.

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About the author

Rebekah Carter is a dedicated animal lover. Her Savannah cat, Roscoe, has a lot of attitude, while her Maine Coon, Dukino, is full of love. When not writing, she’s looking after her cats and researching ways to help them live their best possible life. Her passion for animals and natural skill for writing led her to pursue pet blogging.

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