In this article
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Purina Hydra Care |
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CHECK PRICE |
Best Value
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Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat |
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CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice
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Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement |
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CHECK PRICE |
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VetriScience Renal Essentials |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 8 Best Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease
1. Purina Hydra Care – Best Overall Kidney Supplement
| Supplement Form: | Liquid |
| Size: | 3-oz pouch |
Getting enough fluids is essential for cats with kidney disease. To improve your cat’s hydration, Purina created Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Hydra Care. The product comes in pouches, and your cat needs to consume at least 2 ounces per 5 pounds of body weight daily. The components called osmolytes help cats absorb fluid on a cellular level.
When administering this supplement, monitor your cat as a few people reported their cat experienced mild stomach upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
- Increases your cat’s daily fluid intake
- Easy to administer; just shake up the pouch and pour it into a bowl
- Some cats don’t like the liver flavor
- Some people report gastrointestinal upset like vomiting and diarrhea
2. Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat – Best Value
| Supplement Form: | Crunchy treat |
| Size: | 1.8-oz bag |
Purnia snags another spot on the list! Giving our pets a snack is a bonding experience for many of us. You should be careful not to provide too many calories, but the Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat is designed to promote urinary health in our kitties. It is actually used with cats that may be at risk for developing bladder or kidney stones (struvite or calcium oxalate), but it also contains antioxidants.
- Gives cats on prescription urinary food a treatment option
- Easy to administer
- Contains antioxidants
- Some cats don’t like the flavor
3. Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement – Premium Choice
| Supplement Form: | Capsule |
| Size: | 90 capsules |
Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement contains beneficial bacteria that help eliminate wastes that build up because the kidneys aren’t working effectively. The supplement tends to be well-tolerated in both dogs and cats. Another positive for this formula is that it contains three beneficial bacterium: S. thermophilus, L. acidophilus, and B. longum.
- Studies have shown positive benefits in some animal models1
- Formula contains three beneficial bacterium
- Limited in studies in dogs and cats
- Large capsules that should not be opened for maximum effectiveness can be challenging to administer
4. VetriScience Renal Essentials
| Supplement Form: | Chewable tablets |
| Size: | 60 tablets |
Another top choice on our list is VetriScience Renal Essentials. If you are looking for a chewable supplement that maintains kidney function by supporting homocysteine balance, normal fluid retention, stress management, homocysteine balance, and liver functions, this is your answer. This supplement encompasses everything you’d need in a kidney health supplement, such as B vitamins and fish oils, at an affordable price. In addition, its ingredients help establish healthy kidney blood flow.
One issue some people had was with the size of the tablet. Some felt it was too large for their cat, so they had to dissolve the tablets in water and administer them with a syringe.
- Includes adaptogens like Cordyceps sinensis and omega-3 fatty acids
- Comes in chicken and fish flavors.
- Affordable price
- Tablets are pretty large; difficult to administer
- Not hypoallergenic
5. Nutramax Welactin Omega-3 Fish Oil Liquid Skin & Coat Supplement for Cats
| Supplement Form: | Liquid |
| Size: | 4-oz bottle |
Fish oils have a wide range of benefits that you might already be familiar with, such as improving your cat’s coat and skin. Did you know they can also lower blood pressure and decrease protein loss through the kidneys? Welactin is a quality fish oil supplement containing two major omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.
Since it is in liquid form, some cats might not like the taste.
- Quality of the fish oils in Welactin is less likely to give your cat a fishy smell
- Potentially useful for a range of health issues, including arthritis and kidney disease
- Some customers have issues with package leaking
- Not all cats enjoy the taste
6. Epakitin Chitosan-Based Phosphate Binder
| Supplement Form: | Oral powder |
| Size: | 60 grams, 180 grams, 300 grams |
When cats have kidney disease, their phosphorus levels can increase. High phosphorus levels are associated with decreased longevity, so getting those levels under control is essential. Using a phosphate binder like Epakitin helps bind phosphorus as your cat eats it and keeps it in the gastrointestinal tract, where it can be excreted.
Supplements of any kind can be a bit tricky, so some cats might not like the taste of the powder.
- Easy to dose powder
- Well-tolerated by most cats and safe for all life stages
- Some cats don’t like the flavor
- Customers have noted issues with the packaging
7. Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites
| Supplement Form: | Soft chews |
| Size: | 60 chews |
Urinary tract infections are more common in cats with renal disease than cats with a healthy pair of kidneys because the urine is more dilute in cats with kidney disease. Cranberry supplements like Zesty Paws Cranberry Bladder Bites may have some bladder-protective properties. This formula contains D-mannose, which helps maintain healthy urinary tract function. Additionally, the Zesty Paws chews contain vitamin B6 (80 mcg per two chews), helping with immune system support.
- Easy-to-dose chewable formula
- Contains antioxidants and healthy bacteria
- Some cats don’t enjoy the bacon flavor
8. Pfizer Animal Pet-Tinic Vitamin-Mineral Supplement
| Supplement Form: | Liquid |
| Size: | 4-oz bottle |
Some cats with renal disease have a decreased appetite, so they may not get all the nutrients they need from their food. Pet-Tinic supplements iron and several vitamins, which can be necessary for red blood cell production and immune support.
- Liquid formula that can be added to food or administered directly to your cat
- Designed to be highly palatable
- Some customers have noted that they did not get a dropper included in the package for accurate dosing
- Contains sugar, so it may not be ideal for some pets, especially those with diabetes
Buyer’s Guide: Understanding Kidney Disease in Cats
Unfortunately, kidney failure is very common in cats. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, 81% of cats over 15 have kidney disease. A variety of factors can cause kidney disease:
- Genetics
- Neoplasia
- Infections
- Kidney stones (nephroliths)
Your veterinarian will diagnose kidney disease based on several tests. They’ll typically start with blood work and a urinalysis. Possible changes in laboratory values associated with kidney disease include:
- Elevated BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine
- Elevated SDMA
- Decreased urine specific gravity
- Increased protein in the urine
- Decreased red blood cell count
- Increased blood pressure
Dietary management is the mainstay of treating kidney disease. Several prescription diets aim to support the kidneys by restricting protein and phosphorus intake. Research into supplements is ongoing, with variable results. Make sure you discuss any supplements with a veterinarian to ensure they won’t interfere with your cat’s treatments.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there supplements to help a cat with kidney disease gain weight?
Many cats with renal insufficiency lose weight. Rather than utilizing a supplement, your veterinarian might try a prescription appetite stimulant like mirtazapine or capromorelin.
Why do cats with kidney disease lose weight?
Cats with kidney disease lose protein through their kidneys, resulting in muscle mass loss. Many of these kitties also have a decreased appetite, consuming fewer calories.
Our Supplements for Cats With Kidney Disease Selection Process
Catster’s dedicated team of writers and editors collaborate with expert veterinarians, considering a wide range of factors when selecting the best supplements for cats. These parameters include customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, and in some cases, hands-on testing. Of course, our cats have a say in the process, too! We strive to select and review the highest-quality products available, to help you choose the best possible product and make the most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.
Why Trust Catster?
Catster has been a trusted online brand since 2001, so we know a thing or two about cat supplements. We’re a team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision for your feline. We deeply believe in providing the best information for cat owners to help their cats live their best life possible. We look at reviews from the most trusted sources available, and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options on the market. Our team is invested in the welfare and health of cats around the world, and believe that expert knowledge is one of the best ways to achieve this.
Conclusion
Cats with kidney disease may benefit from a kidney supplement. Purina’s Hydra Care helps your cat stay hydrated, which is essential for a kitty in kidney failure. Purina Urinary Health Crunchy Cat Treat is an affordable and balanced supplement. Vetoquinol Azodyl Kidney Health Supplement might be a bit pricey, but studies have confirmed it to be effective in many cases.
Always consult your veterinarian before giving your cat a supplement to ensure it won’t interact with its other medications.
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Featured Shutterstock: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
2 Responses
my cat will not eat the prescription food for chronic kidney disease. is there anything I can add to the food to make it more palatable?
Hi Sherrie Shaner. Because nutrition is a critical part of CKD management, you must consult your vet before adding anything new to the prescription diet.
While we cannot give specific food recommendations, there are widely known, basic techniques to improve palatability:
Warm it up: Gently warming the food (to body temperature, not hot) can enhance the aroma and make it more appealing.
Add Low-Phosphorus Liquid: A common strategy is to add a tiny amount of warm water, low-sodium chicken broth, or the juice from tuna packed in water (if permitted by your vet) to make a gravy or mush. Always check with a veterinary professional first to ensure any addition is safe and does not add excessive phosphorus or sodium, which must be restricted in CKD