A chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis changes everything about how your pet needs to eat. The kidneys' diminishing ability to filter waste means that what accumulates in the bloodstream — phosphorus, nitrogenous waste, certain minerals — is largely determined by what goes in the food bowl. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Renal Support is the vet-exclusive therapeutic nutrition system built specifically around this reality.
The foundational strategy for CKD nutrition:
- Restricted phosphorus — phosphorus is the single most critical dietary factor in the progression of CKD; reducing intake slows the rate of kidney deterioration
- Controlled high-quality protein — enough protein to maintain muscle mass and body condition, but not so much that nitrogenous waste (urea) overwhelms damaged kidneys
- S/O Index® — maintains a urinary environment that protects against crystal formation, a common complication in CKD patients
- B vitamins — replenish vitamins lost through the increased urination typical of CKD
- Omega-3 fatty acids — reduce glomerular inflammation that accelerates nephron loss
The palatability challenge in CKD: Cats and dogs with kidney disease often develop profound food aversions and appetite suppression. Royal Canin addresses this with multiple palatability profiles across the Renal Support range — A (aromatic), D (different texture), E (enticing), S (savory), T (tasty), P (palatability-focused) — so your vet can find the one your pet will actually eat.
Also available: Early Consult (IRIS Stage I–II), standard Renal Support (IRIS Stage II–IV), Renal + Hydrolyzed Protein (concurrent food allergy), Renal Support Liquid (tube feeding), and multiple wet formats for increased hydration — critical in CKD management.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet — the most comprehensive renal nutrition range available, exclusively through veterinarians.