Can I buy a renal diet for my cat without a prescription?

In Korea and Japan these foods are legally ordinary pet food and can be bought freely; in the US they are sold through veterinary channels by policy. There is no need to rush at stage 1-2; most cats start at stage 3-4 unless they have kidney stones or metabolic acidosis.

How low should phosphorus be in a renal diet for cats?

Per 1000 kcal, 1,000 mg or less is typical of a true renal diet, 1,000-1,500 mg is the upper end, and above 1,500 mg is high for the name. Regular adult cat foods usually sit around 2,000-3,500 mg.

Is dry or wet renal food better for cats with kidney disease?

Half of kidney care is water, so wet comes first. If your cat eats only dry food, a dry renal diet beats regular kibble, but add water or mix in canned food to make up moisture.

Choosing a commercial renal diet — starting with what 'prescription' really means

12분 read 고양이연구소 리서치팀 2026-09-24 개요 처방식 및 질병별 식단 관리

In the previous article (Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats — From Diagnosis to Diet) we said a renal diet starts to make a real difference at stage 3–4. This article takes the next question: among commercial renal diets, which one — and how do you choose?

If you do not have time to study, switching to a renal diet is the easiest first step for both caregivers and clinics. But choosing by the numbers rather than by the name leads to a much better choice.

✅

The short version

Start at stage 3–4. No need to rush at stage 1–2 (exceptions: kidney stones or metabolic acidosis).
Order of choice: wet food → ingredients → phosphorus per protein → supportive ingredients
Compare phosphorus and protein per 1000 kcal.
Do not overfeed, even a renal diet. Eating more cancels out the phosphorus restriction.
Try the better options first; if your cat refuses, whatever your cat will eat comes first.

1. A 'prescription diet' is not a prescription

They feel like medicine you can only get from a clinic, but legally, in no country are they prescription-only drugs.

Country	Legal status	Buy without a prescription?
Korea	The Feed Management Act has no 'prescription diet' category. Nutrient-adjusted foods are classed as other feeds (nutrition- or diet-adjusting).	Yes. Freely sold online
Japan	Therapeutic diets (療法食) are legally treated exactly like ordinary pet food. An industry code requires a “feed under veterinary guidance” notice.	Yes. Purchase itself is not regulated
United States	A food claiming to treat disease is legally a 'drug', but the FDA does not approve these as drugs; it defers enforcement when conditions such as veterinary-channel sales are met (2016 guidance). There is no independent review of efficacy.	Veterinary channels by policy
European Union	As 'feed for particular nutritional purposes', the law sets composition requirements per purpose (renal support = low phosphorus + restricted, high-quality protein). The requirement is composition, not proven efficacy.	Veterinary advice statement required

“Prescription Diet” spread from a trademark one manufacturer registered in 1990. US veterinarian Lisa Pierson has long pointed out that no independent agency oversees these diets' medical claims — the FDA included. She also criticizes many for relying on corn, wheat, soy and by-products as main protein sources, something you can see in the list below as well (section 5).

Additional reading

The opposite problem — misuse

Without regulation there is also the opposite problem. In a 2013 report, the Japan Veterinary Medical Association confirmed cases of harm — kidney failure, urinary stones, malnutrition — from feeding therapeutic diets without diagnosis or inappropriately for too long.

So the conclusion is neither “prescription diets can't be trusted” nor “it's a prescription diet, so it's safe.” Match the contents (the numbers) to your cat's condition, not the name — that is what this whole article is about.

2. Yet they worked — what exactly worked?

Separate from the criticism, there are studies showing renal diets helped survival. Both are true.

Study	Design	Result
Elliott 2000	CKD cats, renal vs regular diet (observational)	Median survival 633 vs 264 days
Ross 2006	45 cats, stage 2–3, randomized double-masked, up to 2 years	Uremic crises 0% vs 26%, fewer renal deaths (no significant difference in all-cause mortality)

⚖️

How we read it. What these studies tested was a nutrient profile, not the label 'prescription' (protein, phosphorus, sodium and fat changed together). So a regular food with a similar profile could help in principle. The honest caveat: no study has directly tested that with regular foods.

Nor is this settled by a few studies. The foods tested were products from 20 years ago, with different formulas from today's. That is why we look less at “is it a prescription diet?” and more at “what are this product's numbers now?”

Low phosphorus + good ingredients + moisture + supportive nutrients for aging kidneys — if you cannot put all of that together yourself, a renal diet is the easiest and surest help right now. There are many options today, so the next step is choosing well among them.

3. How to choose — four steps

Wet food first. Half of kidney care is water. Feeding dry renal food while giving subcutaneous fluids is draining water on one side and adding it on the other.
Good ingredients. In the list, A means a high animal-protein share (70% or more) with the first two ingredients being real meat, not by-products; B means a high animal-protein share only; C is everything else.
Low phosphorus per protein. Not just low phosphorus, but mg of phosphorus per gram of protein. Lower means a food that restricts phosphorus while protecting protein — muscle is what shapes the prognosis.
Supportive ingredients. Omega-3 (fish oil), potassium citrate (acidosis), antioxidants, gut/uremic-toxin support (oligosaccharides, chitosan). A bonus, never ahead of the first three.

Phosphorus bands (per 1000 kcal)

1,000 mg or lessTypical of a true renal diet

1,000–1,500 mgUpper end · common in early-stage lines

Over 1,500 mgHigh for a 'kidney' name

These are our starting lines for comparison, not legal standards. Regular adult cat foods usually sit around 2,000–3,500 mg.

⚖️

If this happens

Low phosphorus but protein under 55 g — marked “very low protein” in the list. Stage 3–4 cats with poor appetite are at high risk of muscle loss. If your cat is losing weight, do not rely on that product alone.
You tried the better ones and your cat refuses — work down the list; if nothing works, eating comes first. Treating nausea and appetite first (antiemetics, appetite stimulants) often makes a renal diet acceptable.
A 'kidney care' regular food — judge by the phosphorus number, not the name. Some are lower than veterinary diets; some are as high as regular food.

4. Don't overfeed a renal diet — the phosphorus actually eaten

A low-phosphorus food does not help if your cat eats a lot of it. Calculate what actually goes in each day.

Read it with your cat

Daily phosphorus and protein

Body weight (kg)

Calories eaten per day (kcal)

Food

5. Commercial renal diets — the list

Renal diets registered in the CatLab database. The default order follows the four steps in section 3. Tap a product to see its ingredients and supportive nutrients. Products are those sold in Korea.

1WetRegular food
Wx Phos Focused Chicken & Tilapia Formula in Gravy Weruva
P 646Protein 129P/protein 5Ingredients A
First ingredients · 닭 육수, 닭고기, 틸라피아
Animal protein · 97%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
99kcal/100g · moisture 81.5%
2WetRegular food
Wx Chicken Formula Gravy Type Weruva
P 808Protein 131P/protein 6.2Ingredients A
First ingredients · 닭육수, 닭고기, 달걀흰자
Animal protein · 100%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
95kcal/100g · moisture 81.7%
3WetRegular food
Wx Phos Focused Chicken Formula in a Hydrating Purée Weruva
P 781Protein 122P/protein 6.4Ingredients A
First ingredients · 닭육수, 닭고기, 난백
Animal protein · 85%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
92kcal/100g · moisture 81.7%
Where to buy ↗
4WetVeterinary dietVery high moisture · low calorie
Renal Medicopet
P 902Protein 104P/protein 8.6Ingredients A
First ingredients · 가수분해 닭고기, 닭가슴살, 크랜베리
Animal protein · 98%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Taurine
78kcal/100g · moisture 97.8%
5WetVeterinary dietVery high moisture · low calorie
Prime Pocket Meal Renal 30g MedicoPet
P 860Protein 76P/protein 11.3Ingredients A
First ingredients · 가수분해 닭고기, 닭가슴살, 고구마
Animal protein · 93%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Taurine
81kcal/100g · moisture 97.2%
Where to buy ↗
6WetVeterinary diet
Cat Prescription Wet Food Renal + Cardiac 200g Dr. Link
P 783Protein 64P/protein 12.2Ingredients A
First ingredients · 닭고기(심장/위/간/지방 포함)47%, 닭육수45.5%, 오트플레이크6%
Animal protein · 73%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
115kcal/100g · moisture 77%
7WetVeterinary diet
Kidney Support FKW Heart & Kidney Wet Food 100g Specific
P 824Protein 64P/protein 13Ingredients A
First ingredients · 돼지고기, 생선, 해바라기유
Animal protein · 91%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
170kcal/100g · moisture 68.3%
8WetVeterinary diet
Cat Renal Loaf Pouch 85g Royal Canin
P 965Protein 72P/protein 13.3Ingredients A
First ingredients · 육류(닭, 돼지), 옥수수가루
Animal protein · 83%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
104kcal/100g · moisture 78.3%
Where to buy ↗
9WetVeterinary diet
Vet Diet Renal Nass
P 862Protein 60P/protein 14.3Ingredients A
First ingredients · 연어 35%, 참치 25%, 완두콩 4%
Animal protein · 86%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
116kcal/100g · moisture 78%
10WetVeterinary diet
Prescription Diet Renal k/d Tender Gravy Beef Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 990Protein 68P/protein 14.5Ingredients A
First ingredients · 닭고기, 돼지고기, 쇠고기(4%)
Animal protein · 97%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsTaurine
91kcal/100g · moisture 79%
11WetVeterinary dietVery high moisture · low calorie
Renal Sachet Pouch 85g Nass
P 1,333Protein 67P/protein 20Ingredients A
First ingredients · 필레(고기 85%, 닭고기 간 15%, 연어 5%)
Animal protein · 98%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateGut / uremic-toxin support
75kcal/100g · moisture 82%
12WetVeterinary diet
Integra Cat Renal Pork 100g Animonda
P 1,183Protein 58P/protein 20.5Ingredients A
First ingredients · 돼지고기, 닭고기, 감자
Animal protein · 92%
Supportive ingredients · Taurine
135kcal/100g · moisture 76%
13WetVeterinary dietVery high moisture · low calorie
VD Cat Grain-Free Renal Brit
P 2,564Protein 71P/protein 36.4Ingredients A
First ingredients · 닭고기65%, 닭 간15%, 연어5%
Animal protein · 98%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
78kcal/100g · moisture 82%
14WetRegular food
WX Tilapia & Chicken Pate 85g Weruva
P 530Protein 110P/protein 4.8Ingredients B
First ingredients · 생선육수, 틸라피아, 치킨
Animal protein · 100%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
100kcal/100g · moisture 81.2%
Where to buy ↗
15WetRegular food
Wx Phos Focused Tilapia & Tuna Formula in a Hydrating Purée Weruva
P 626Protein 122P/protein 5.1Ingredients B
First ingredients · 생선 육수, 틸라피아, 참치
Animal protein · 97%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
93kcal/100g · moisture 81.8%
16WetVeterinary diet
Recovery Renal Tonic for cats Recoactiv
P 500Protein 60P/protein 8.3Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 물, 동물성 단백질, 유지류(유채유 및 가금류 지방)
Animal protein · 83%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
200kcal/100g · moisture 66%
17WetVeterinary diet
Renal Diet Taurine 100g Beaphar
P 771Protein 69P/protein 11.1Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류(90%), 동물성 부산물(닭고기 5.5% 포함), 곡물
Animal protein · 100%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsTaurine
104kcal/100g · moisture 80%
18WetVeterinary diet
Renal Diet Duck Viapet
P 771Protein 69P/protein 11.1Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물 90%(오리 5%, 간 5%), 곡물
Animal protein · 75%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsTaurine
104kcal/100g · moisture 80%
19WetVeterinary diet
Kidney Diet Chicken Viapet
P 771Protein 69P/protein 11.1Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물 90%(닭가슴살 5%, 간 5%), 곡물
Animal protein · 73%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsTaurine
104kcal/100g · moisture 80%
20WetVeterinary diet
Kidney Diet Fish Flavor 100g Viapet
P 771Protein 69P/protein 11.1Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류(85%) 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 5.5% 포함), 생선 및 생선 부산물(폴락 5%), 곡물
Animal protein · 97%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
104kcal/100g · moisture 80%
21WetVeterinary diet
Pro Plan Renal Function Advanced Care Can 195g Purina
P 804Protein 63P/protein 12.9Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물 부산물 생선 및 생선 부산물 곡물, 오일 및 지방 미네랄 물질 당류
Animal protein · 88%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
112kcal/100g · moisture 79%
22WetVeterinary diet
VetSolution Renal & Oxalate Wet Diet Monge
P 714Protein 54P/protein 13.2Ingredients B
By-products · ⚠ Very low protein
First ingredients · 닭 간(10%), 건조 계란(6%), 타피오카 전분
Animal protein · 93%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
126kcal/100g · moisture 75.4%
Where to buy ↗
23WetVeterinary diet
Metabolic Balance Renal Cat Chicken 85g Disgual
P 478Protein 36P/protein 13.2Ingredients B
⚠ Very low protein
First ingredients · 닭고기(30%, 살코기, 간)
Animal protein · 99%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
105kcal/100g · moisture 80.1%
24WetVeterinary diet
Renal With Fish 85g Royal Canin
P 947Protein 69P/protein 13.6Ingredients B
First ingredients · 육류(닭 돼지), 소맥분, 어류(연어)
Animal protein · 74%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
95kcal/100g · moisture 80%
Where to buy ↗
25WetVeterinary diet
Prescription Diet Renal k/d Tender Gravy Chicken Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 1,006Protein 69P/protein 14.5Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 닭고기, 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 17%), 식물성 부산물
Animal protein · 80%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin support
90kcal/100g · moisture 79%
26WetVeterinary diet
Concept for Life Hypoallergenic Salmon Concept for Life
P 1,192Protein 80P/protein 15Ingredients B
First ingredients · 연어 65%, 육수 33.5%, 미네랄 1%
Animal protein · 100%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
134kcal/100g · moisture 75%
27WetVeterinary diet
Vet Life Renal Can 85g Farmina
P 915Protein 61P/protein 15.1Ingredients B
First ingredients · 닭고기, 고구마, 가수분해된 생선 단백질
Animal protein · 88%
Supportive ingredients · Gut / uremic-toxin support
120kcal/100g · moisture 74.5%
28WetVeterinary diet
PURINA PRO PLAN Feline NF Advance Care Veterinary Diets com frango Purina
P 921Protein 60P/protein 15.3Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 8% 포함), 생선 및 생선 부산물, 곡물
Animal protein · 84%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
119kcal/100g · moisture 77.2%
29WetVeterinary diet
PRO PLAN VETERINARY DIETS Feline NF Renal Function ADVANCED CARE Saquetas com Frango 85g Purina
P 916Protein 60P/protein 15.3Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 8% 포함), 생선 및 생선 부산물, 곡물
Animal protein · 84%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
120kcal/100g · moisture 77%
30WetVeterinary dietNot yet verifiedVery high moisture · low calorie
Rx Cat Renal Anorexia R/A Stew 80g V.O.M Rx
P 1,075Protein 68P/protein 15.8Ingredients B
First ingredients · 정제수, 참치적육, 기초배합사료(쌀
Animal protein · 84%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
84kcal/100g · moisture 81.6%
31WetVeterinary diet
k/d Feline Wet Food (Chicken) Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 1,234Protein 75P/protein 16.5Ingredients B
First ingredients · 물, 돼지고기(간), 닭고기
Animal protein · 89%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsTaurineL-carnitine
113kcal/100g · moisture 71.3%
Where to buy ↗
32WetVeterinary diet
k/d Feline Wet Food (Vegetable & Tuna Stew) 82g Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 1,165Protein 68P/protein 17.2Ingredients B
First ingredients · 물, 돼지간, 당근
Animal protein · 86%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
94kcal/100g · moisture 78.2%
Where to buy ↗
33WetVeterinary dietVery high moisture · low calorie
Rx Cat Renal Anorexia R/A Mousse 80g V.O.M Rx
P 1,221Protein 69P/protein 17.8Ingredients B
First ingredients · 정제수, 참치적육, 기초배합사료(셀룰로오스(정제섬유소)
Animal protein · 100%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
82kcal/100g · moisture 82.2%
34WetVeterinary diet
Vet Care Renal Cat Salmon and Chicken 100g MAX
P 1,269Protein 71P/protein 17.9Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 고기(닭고기 50%) 및 동물성 부산물(닭 심장, 닭 위, 닭 지방)
Animal protein · 82%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
110kcal/100g · moisture 77.5%
35WetVeterinary diet
Renal Kidney Pouch Beef 85g Kattovit
P 1,333Protein 67P/protein 20Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(쇠고기 5% 포함), 곡물, 식물성 부산물
Animal protein · 71%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrate
90kcal/100g · moisture 80%
36WetVeterinary dietNot yet verified
KATTOVIT Kidney/Renal Chicken 24x85g Kattovit
P 1,333Protein 67P/protein 20Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 12% 포함), 곡물, 식물성 부산물
Animal protein · 77%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrate
90kcal/100g · moisture 80%
37WetVeterinary diet
Veterinary Diet Renal Beef 100g Smilla
P 1,277Protein 62P/protein 20.5Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 46% 육류 및 동물성 부산물(쇠고기 14% 포함), 유지류, 채소
Animal protein · 94%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
125kcal/100g · moisture 77%
38WetVeterinary diet
Integra Protect Renal Duck Animonda
P 1,183Protein 58P/protein 20.5Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(송아지 고기, 닭고기, 오리고기 5%)
Animal protein · 72%
Supportive ingredients · Taurine
135kcal/100g · moisture 76%
39WetVeterinary diet
Veterinary Diet Renal Chicken 100g Smilla
P 1,194Protein 58P/protein 20.5Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물 46%(닭고기 14% 포함), 유지류, 채소
Animal protein · 98%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
134kcal/100g · moisture 77%
40WetVeterinary diet
Integra Protect Renal Turkey 100g Animonda
P 1,183Protein 58P/protein 20.5Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(칠면조 43%), 채소(감자), 유지류(카놀라유)
Animal protein · 92%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
135kcal/100g · moisture 76%
41WetVeterinary dietNot yet verifiedVery high moisture · low calorie
Rx Cat Renal Anorexia R/A Mousse 80g V.O.M Rx
P 1,221Protein 55P/protein 22.2Ingredients B
⚠ Very low protein
First ingredients · 정제수, 참치적육, 기초배합사료(셀룰로오스(정제섬유소)
Animal protein · 100%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
82kcal/100g · moisture 89.9%
42WetRegular foodNot yet verified
Kidney Vitality Tuna Paste (JK-1) Aixia
P 1,790Protein 68P/protein 26.5Ingredients B
First ingredients · 어개류(참치, 피쉬엑기스), 유지류(DHA함유정제어유
Animal protein · 98%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
102kcal/100g · moisture 83%
Where to buy ↗
43WetRegular foodNot yet verified
Grain-Free VD Cat Renal Tuna & Salmon & Pea 200g Brit
P 2,137Protein 60P/protein 35.7Ingredients B
First ingredients · 참치(30%), 연어(26%), 청두콩(3%)
Animal protein · 88%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
117kcal/100g · moisture 78%
44WetVeterinary diet
Renal Liquid 200ml Royal Canin
P 743Protein 67P/protein 11.1Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 우유 및 유제품, 곡물, 유지류
Animal protein · 41%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
105kcal/100g · moisture 85%
45WetVeterinary diet
Renal Chicken Pouch 85g Royal Canin
P 765Protein 66P/protein 11.5Ingredients C
First ingredients · 육류(닭, 돼지), 소맥분
Animal protein · 64%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
118kcal/100g · moisture 77%
Where to buy ↗
46WetRegular foodVery high moisture · low calorie
Supreme Senior Cat Tuna Flakes with Brown Rice and Matcha Green Tea Monge
P 2,690Protein 183P/protein 14.7Ingredients C
First ingredients · 가다랑어(Katsuwonus pelamis) 50%, 현미 4%, 말차 녹차 4%
Animal protein · 0%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin support
85kcal/100g · moisture 80%
47WetVeterinary diet
Cat Renal Wet Food 85g Advance
P 1,028Protein 67P/protein 15.4Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 19%, 돼지고기 14%), 식물성 부산물(치커리 이눌린 0.1%)
Animal protein · 67%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
97kcal/100g · moisture 81%
48WetVeterinary diet
Kidona Tube Diet Green Morinyu
P 1,074Protein 65P/protein 16.6Ingredients C
First ingredients · 중쇄지방산(MCT)을 함유한 조절지방, 덱스트린, 소화유단백질
Animal protein · 65%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
495kcal/100g · moisture 3%
49WetVeterinary diet
Cat Early Renal Thin Slices in Gravy Pouch Royal Canin
P 1,534Protein 87P/protein 17.6Ingredients C
First ingredients · 육류(닭, 돼지)*, 소맥분
Animal protein · 68%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin support
98kcal/100g · moisture 78%
50WetVeterinary diet
Kidney Pouch Turkey 85g Kattovit
P 1,333Protein 67P/protein 20Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 닭고기(9.5%), 칠면조고기(5%), 간(11%)
Animal protein · 52%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateAntioxidantsTaurine
90kcal/100g · moisture 80%
51WetVeterinary diet
Renal Pouch Duck 85g Kattovit
P 1,333Protein 67P/protein 20Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물 부산물(오리 6% 포함), 곡물, 식물성 부산물
Animal protein · 66%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateAntioxidantsTaurine
90kcal/100g · moisture 80%
52WetVeterinary diet
Renal Pouch Chicken 85g Kattovit
P 1,368Protein 68P/protein 20Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 12% 포함), 곡물, 식물성 부산물
Animal protein · 65%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrate
88kcal/100g · moisture 80%
53WetVeterinary dietNot yet verified
Integra Protect Adult Renal Chicken 85g Animonda
P 1,506Protein 73P/protein 20.6Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 육류 및 동물성 부산물(닭고기 34%, 돼지고기 34%), 채소
Animal protein · 67%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
86kcal/100g · moisture 81.2%
54WetRegular foodNot yet verified
Kidney Vitality Tuna Flake Healthy Pouch Aixia
P 3,421Protein 78P/protein 43.9Ingredients C
First ingredients · 어개류(참치, 피쉬액기스, 가다랑어포분말)
Animal protein · 34%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
98kcal/100g · moisture 85%
55WetVeterinary diet
Hill's Pet Nutrition Prescription Diet k/d Feline Wet Food (Chicken & Vegetable Stew) Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 1,061Protein 61P/protein 17.3Ingredients ?
First ingredients · Not available
Animal protein · Not available
Supportive ingredients · Not found
98kcal/100g · moisture 80%
Where to buy ↗
56WetVeterinary dietNot yet verified
High Nutrition Soft Aixia
P 2,071Protein 61P/protein 34.1Ingredients ?
First ingredients · Not available
Animal protein · Not available
Supportive ingredients · Not found
150kcal/100g · moisture 76.2%
57DryVeterinary diet
Vet Solution Renal Monge
P 787Protein 63P/protein 12.5Ingredients B
By-products
First ingredients · 건조 닭고기(24%), 타피오카, 동물성지방(닭기름)
Animal protein · 85%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin support
381kcal/100g · moisture 8%
Where to buy ↗
58DryVeterinary diet
Veterinary Diets Renal for cats NATH
P 1,003Protein 58P/protein 17.4Ingredients B
First ingredients · 계란(26%), 노란 완두콩(26%), 가수분해 연어 단백질(10%)
Animal protein · 75%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateGut / uremic-toxin support
399kcal/100g · moisture 10%
59DryVeterinary diet
VD Cat Grain-Free Renal Diet Brit
P 1,000Protein 58P/protein 17.4Ingredients B
First ingredients · 계란(26%), 노란 완두콩(25%), 가수분해 연어 단백질(10%)
Animal protein · 75%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateGut / uremic-toxin support
400kcal/100g · moisture 10%
60DryVeterinary diet
Kidney Care Food Le Chat
P 1,351Protein 70P/protein 19.2Ingredients B
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀가루, 쇠고기분, 소지방
Animal protein · 85%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Taurine
370kcal/100g · moisture 10%
61DryVeterinary diet
Renal Dry Food Happy Cat
P 888Protein 72P/protein 12.3Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀, 유지류, 크래클링 15%
Animal protein · 49%
Supportive ingredients · Gut / uremic-toxin support
394kcal/100g · moisture 8%
62DryVeterinary diet
Cat Renal Food Royal Canin
P 765Protein 59P/protein 13Ingredients C
By-products · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수 가루, 쌀, 동물성 지방
Animal protein · 0%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin support
392kcal/100g · moisture 5%
63DryVeterinary diet
Prescription Renal Diet for Cats Nine Care
P 1,034Protein 76P/protein 13.5Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수글루텐, 밀, 쌀
Animal protein · 34%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
377kcal/100g · moisture 10%
64DryVeterinary diet
Renal Hypoallergenic Royal Canin
P 1,000Protein 63P/protein 15.8Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀가루 32%, 가수분해 대두단백 23.2%, 동물성 지방
Animal protein · 13%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
410kcal/100g · moisture 8%
65DryVeterinary diet
Prescription Diet k/d Early Support Dry Food for Cats (Chicken) Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 1,237Protein 78P/protein 15.9Ingredients C
First ingredients · 닭고기, 현미, 통밀
Animal protein · 21%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsTaurineL-carnitine
412kcal/100g · moisture 6.3%
66DryVeterinary diet
Farmina Vet Life Renal Farmina
P 943Protein 58P/protein 16.3Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀, 옥수수 글루텐, 건조 닭고기 단백질
Animal protein · 43%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
424kcal/100g · moisture 6%
67DryVeterinary diet
Kidney Support FKD Heart, Kidney Specific
P 916Protein 55P/protein 16.5Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수, 옥수수 단백질, 돼지기름
Animal protein · 20%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin support
415kcal/100g · moisture 7%
Where to buy ↗
68DryVeterinary diet
Renal Select Royal Canin
P 1,012Protein 60P/protein 16.7Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 동물성 지방 (돼지), 쌀, 밀가루
Animal protein · 36%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
405kcal/100g · moisture 10%
Where to buy ↗
69DryVeterinary diet
RX Cat Renal Recovery R/R VOM
P 1,110Protein 65P/protein 17.2Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top
First ingredients · 가수분해대두단백, 쌀, 정제닭기름
Animal protein · 21%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
406kcal/100g · moisture 10%
70DryVeterinary diet
Cat Renal Special Royal Canin
P 1,148Protein 66P/protein 17.3Ingredients C
By-products · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수, 쌀, 육분(돼지)
Animal protein · 41%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
392kcal/100g · moisture 5.5%
Where to buy ↗
71DryVeterinary diet
k/d Feline Dry Food (Ocean Fish) Hill's Pet Nutrition
P 1,125Protein 65P/protein 17.4Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top
First ingredients · 현미, 옥수수글루텐박, 계유
Animal protein · 14%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurineL-carnitine
408kcal/100g · moisture 10%
72DryVeterinary diet
Cat Early Renal Royal Canin
P 1,313Protein 74P/protein 17.9Ingredients C
By-products · Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수, 밀 글루텐, 밀
Animal protein · 21%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin support
381kcal/100g · moisture 5.5%
73DryVeterinary diet
Prescription Diet k/d Feline Dry Cat Food (Chicken) Hill's
P 1,208Protein 65P/protein 18.5Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top
First ingredients · 닭고기, 현미, 옥수수글루텐박
Animal protein · 21%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsTaurineL-carnitine
408kcal/100g · moisture 8%
Where to buy ↗
74DryVeterinary diet
Cat Kidney Care PP Level Vets Selection
P 1,351Protein 73P/protein 18.5Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀가루, 돼지고기 밀, 치킨밀
Animal protein · 20%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Gut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
370kcal/100g · moisture 10%
75DryVeterinary diet
Concept for Life Veterinary Diet Renal Concept for Life
P 1,229Protein 61P/protein 20Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀, 옥수수, 가금류 지방
Animal protein · 49%
Supportive ingredients · Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
391kcal/100g · moisture 5%
76DryVeterinary dietNot yet verified
Diet Cat Renal/Urinary Eminent
P 1,606Protein 70P/protein 22.9Ingredients C
First ingredients · 건조돼지고기, 쌀, 옥수수
Animal protein · 59%
Supportive ingredients · Gut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
399kcal/100g · moisture 14%
77DryVeterinary dietNot yet verified
Alleva Cat Renal Alleva
P 1,506Protein 65P/protein 23.1Ingredients C
First ingredients · 수분을 제거한 통 달걀(42%), 감자전분, 콩 전분
Animal protein · 55%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3Potassium citrateAntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
399kcal/100g · moisture 8%
78DryVeterinary dietNot yet verified
Recipe V Feline Renal Prescription Diet Yuhan Yanghaeng
P 1,513Protein 64P/protein 23.8Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 곡류(쌀, 옥수수), 닭고기분말
Animal protein · 66%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
331kcal/100g · moisture 12%
79DryVeterinary dietNot yet verified
Renal Cat Dry Prescription Recipe V
P 1,513Protein 64P/protein 23.8Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 쌀, 옥수수, 닭고기분말
Animal protein · 61%
Supportive ingredients · Not found
331kcal/100g · moisture 12%
80DryRegular food
Fish Recipe 15 Years Old (Kidney Care) Silver Spoon
P 1,793Protein 75P/protein 23.9Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수, 옥수수 글루텐 가루, 밀가루
Animal protein · 37%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
400kcal/100g · moisture 10%
81DryRegular food
Fish Recipe 20+ Years Old (Kidney Care) Silver Spoon
P 1,793Protein 75P/protein 23.9Ingredients C
Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 옥수수, 옥수수 글루텐 가루, 밀가루
Animal protein · 39%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
400kcal/100g · moisture 10%
82DryVeterinary dietNot yet verifiedVery high moisture · low calorie
E Eminent
P 8,333Protein 333P/protein 25Ingredients C
By-products
First ingredients · 건조 돼지고기, 쌀, 옥수수
Animal protein · 50%
Supportive ingredients · Gut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
84kcal/100g · moisture 0%
83DryRegular foodNot yet verified
Kaiseki Dual Benefits for Kidney Health Maintenance Nissin
P 1,924Protein 74P/protein 25.9Ingredients C
By-products · Plant protein near the top · Grain listed first
First ingredients · 곡물(옥수수, 콘글루텐밀, 콘글루텐 사료
Animal protein · 21%
Supportive ingredients · AntioxidantsTaurine
370kcal/100g · moisture 10%
84DryVeterinary diet
Cat Renal Forza10
P 1,578Protein 60P/protein 26.3Ingredients C
Grain listed first
First ingredients · 도정된 쌀, 유지류(그 중 어유 2%), 가수분해된 어류 단백질 7%
Animal protein · 25%
Supportive ingredients · Omega-3AntioxidantsGut / uremic-toxin supportTaurine
399kcal/100g · moisture 8%
85DryVeterinary diet
TROVET Cat Veterinary Diet RID (Kidney Disease/Stone Prevention) TROVET
P 1,214Protein 63P/protein 19.2Ingredients ?
First ingredients · Not available
Animal protein · Not available
Supportive ingredients · Not found
412kcal/100g · moisture 8%

P mg/1000kcal · Protein g/1000kcal · P/protein mg phosphorus per g protein · Ingredients A/B/C as defined in section 3 · Not yet verified means our team has not finished checking the entry. Phosphorus is corrected for products that publish only guaranteed (min/max) values.

Some “Where to buy” links are Coupang Partners links; we may receive a commission on purchases. The order of this list is not affected. Updated automatically from the CatLab product database.

6. Where opinions differ

Additional reading

Is dry renal food acceptable?

Why views differ — By nutrients alone (phosphorus, protein), dry renal foods meet the targets. The other side holds that dry food at around 10% moisture is fundamentally a poor fit for a cat with kidney disease.

Our view — If your cat eats canned food, go canned. If your cat eats only dry, a dry renal diet beats regular kibble — while adding water or mixing in some canned food to make up moisture.

Check it in your own cat — Log total daily water (drinking + food moisture + fluids). If it dropped after switching to dry, make up the difference elsewhere.

Can a regular low-phosphorus canned food replace a veterinary diet?

Why views differ — The survival studies were done only with veterinary renal diets. So clinics recommend them, while the other side says the name does not matter if the nutrients match.

Our view — Possible in principle (section 2). The advantage of veterinary diets is that sodium, potassium, alkalinization and omega-3 are adjusted together with phosphorus and protein. If you go with regular food, confirm those with blood tests.

Check it in your own cat — 4–8 weeks after switching, recheck phosphorus, potassium and TCO₂ against previous results. If phosphorus leaves the target range (stage 3: 2.7–5.0 mg/dL), add a phosphate binder or revisit the food.

📌

In one line — switch to a renal diet at stage 3–4, wet first, compare phosphorus and protein per 1000 kcal, no overfeeding. And above all, eating.

What this article is based on

Elliott J, Rawlings JM, Markwell PJ, Barber PJ. Survival of cats with naturally occurring chronic renal failure: effect of dietary management. J Small Anim Pract. 2000;41(6):235-242
Ross SJ, Osborne CA, Kirk CA, et al. Clinical evaluation of dietary modification for treatment of spontaneous chronic kidney disease in cats. JAVMA. 2006;229(6):949-957
FDA CPG Sec. 690.150 — Labeling and Marketing of Dog and Cat Food Diets Intended to Diagnose, Cure, Mitigate, Treat, or Prevent Diseases (2016)
Japan Veterinary Medical Association, Committee on Therapeutic Diets — Issues and responses toward appropriate use of therapeutic diets (2013)
Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/354 — list of intended uses of feed intended for particular nutritional purposes
Korean Feed Management Act — standards for other companion-animal feeds (nutrition-adjusting / diet-adjusting)
Lisa A. Pierson, DVM. Feeding Your Cat — Prescription/Therapeutic Diets. catinfo.org
CatLab product database (user_foods) — phosphorus per 1000 kcal, corrected for guaranteed-analysis labels

CatLab Research Team · last reviewed 2026-09-24

We only publish what we can trace to a source. Always discuss diagnosis and treatment with your vet.

목차로