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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.
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.
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The 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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
- 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 a veterinarian on a diet that works for your cat.
Whether you use a homemade or commercial diet, an experienced veterinarian can provide the best advice on boosting your cat’s potassium level.
If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.
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
