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9 Foods With Potassium for Cats: Vet Reviewed Advice

Written by: Cassidy Sutton

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat eating canned tuna

9 Foods With Potassium for Cats: Vet Reviewed Advice

VET APPROVED

Dr. Lauren Demos (DVM) Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lauren Demos (DVM)

Veterinarian

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps maintain a healthy heart, muscles, and neurological function. Without potassium, a cat’s body would be completely out of whack. Thankfully, potassium is abundant in several food sources, even for an obligate carnivore. In this post, we’ll share nine potassium-rich food sources your cat will love.

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How Much Potassium Do Cats Need Daily?

The average healthy cat needs about 0.33 grams of potassium daily. However, since cats have different health needs, this number can vary. For instance, cats with renal disease need more potassium in their daily allowance to regulate kidney functions and account for urine losses of the mineral.

Potassium in Commercial Pet Food

Since potassium is an essential mineral, commercial cat foods must contain the minimum potassium levels in their formulas. Depending on the ingredient list, some pet foods will have more potassium in their recipes than others.

cat paw dividerThe 9 Foods With Potassium You Can Feed Your Cat

Try these nine foods to add more potassium to your cat’s diet. Odds are your cat is bound to like one of them.

1. Chicken

Boiled chicken strips drained
Photo Credit: mariannagraf, Pixabay

You can’t go wrong with chicken. One cup of cooked chicken equals about 312 to 332 milligrams of potassium, which is close to your cat’s daily potassium intake.


2. Canned Tuna

Open Canned Tuna
Photo Credit: P Maxwell Photography, Shutterstock

Canned tuna has about 153 milligrams of potassium, and it’s easy to serve. If you feed your cat tuna, serve the low-sodium or salt-free type.


3. Salmon

cooked salmon on plate
Photo Credit: amenic181, Shutterstock

Cooked salmon has 332 milligrams of potassium in roughly a 3-ounce serving. You could also serve a dry food salmon formula if you can’t afford fresh salmon.


4. Banana

Banana
Image Credit: t_watanabe, Pixabay

Not all cats like bananas, but those that do can enjoy a few pieces. You don’t need to give your cat an entire banana since one contains about 422 milligrams of potassium.


5. Pumpkin

homemade pumpkin puree in bowl
Image Credit: Ildi Papp, Shutterstock

Several pet foods and treats contain pumpkin. You can also find canned pumpkin in the baking aisle at your local grocery store. One cup of pumpkin contains about 394 milligrams of potassium.

Of course, your cat won’t eat an entire cup of pumpkin, but cat foods and treats are a good start.


6. Spinach

steamed spinach in a bowl
Image Credit: Nicola_K, Shutterstock

Cooked spinach contains 466 milligrams of potassium on a 3.5-ounce basis. Some cats love to munch on fresh spinach, but others may not be too fond of it.


7. Potatoes

cooked potatoes
Image Credit: Taken, Pixabay

You shouldn’t feed your cat too many potatoes, but they are high in potassium. A 3.5 ounce of potato contains 544 milligrams of potassium.


8. Lamb

a rack of cooked lamb meat
Image Credit: Dale Berman, Shutterstock

Lamb is an excellent choice for giving carnivorous cats extra potassium. A 3-ounce serving contains about 260 milligrams of potassium, and it’s delicious. When you serve lamb, ensure it isn’t seasoned with onion, garlic, or additional seasonings.


9. Prescription Food

cat eating food in the bowl
Image Credit: Okssi, Shutterstock

Cats with chronic kidney disease benefit from a prescription renal diet designed to help their kidneys function. The diets are supplemented with potassium, so you don’t want to go overboard with other potassium-rich foods.

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What Causes Low Potassium in Cats?

Low potassium, or hypokalemia, is commonly found in cats with chronic kidney disease. About 20% to 30% of cats with this issue struggle with low potassium levels.

Malnourishment will also cause low potassium levels in cats, eventually leading to other health concerns if the cat’s nutrition doesn’t improve.

Typical signs of hypokalemia include:
  • Weight loss
  • Neurologic disorders
  • Heart arrhythmias
  • Severe muscle weakness
  • Poor coat quality
  • Difficulty standing and walking
  • Depression
  • Constipation

Can My Cat Have Too Much Potassium?

Cats can consume too many vitamins and minerals if cat owners aren’t careful. The best way to know if your cat is getting the proper nutrition is to work with your veterinarian on a diet that works for your cat.

Whether you use a homemade or commercial diet, your veterinarian can provide the best advice on boosting your cat’s potassium level.

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Conclusion

Low potassium, or hypokalemia, is more common in cats than we realize. It all boils down to proper diet and kidney health. A nice snack here and there using the foods we listed above is a great place to start. But if your cat is at a stage in life when they need veterinary help with potassium levels, work with your vet on the best action plan.


Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock

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