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8 Best Cat Kidney Supplements – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

person gives a pill to a cat

As our beloved cats age, their bodies start to slow down and struggle to keep up with the tiresome demands of the life of a domestic cat. Organs become worn out by natural decline, and often the kidneys tend to be one of the first to begin struggling, with 30% of cats over ten years of age suffering from chronic kidney disease. If your cat battles with declining kidneys, your vet will arrange care that may involve special diets or medications, but this can also be supported with the use of supplements. Supplements can also be used for general health and preventative care for cats of all ages.

With a wide array of products on the market, it can be hard to know where to begin, and you want nothing but the best for your feline family member. We’ve compiled a list of the most effective cat kidney supplements for which many cat owners give glowing reviews.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Vetoquinol Epakitin Urinary Supplement Vetoquinol Epakitin Urinary Supplement
  • Naturally derived
  • It can be used lifelong
  • No reported side effects
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Vet's Best Chewable Tablets for Cats Vet's Best Chewable Tablets for Cats
  • Natural ingredients
  • Supports the entire urinary system
  • Does not interfere with medications
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Pet Wellbeing Kidney Support Pet Wellbeing Kidney Support
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Palatable bacon flavor
  • AminAvast Kidney Support Cat Supplement AminAvast Kidney Support Cat Supplement
  • Long shelf life
  • Additionally supports coat and appetite
  • Does not interfere with a protein-restricted diet
  • Animal Essentials Tinkle Tonic Cat Supplement Animal Essentials Tinkle Tonic Cat Supplement
  • Safe for both cats
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suitable for preventative supplementation
  • The 8 Best Cat Kidney Supplements

    1. Vetoquinol Epakitin Urinary Supplement – Best Overall

    Vetoquinol Epakitin Powder Urinary Supplement

    Supplement type: Powder
    Primary active ingredient(s): Chitosan (derived from shrimp and crab shells)
    Dosage: 1g/11lbs of body weight, twice daily
    This supplement is the best overall kidney supplement for cats due to its proven efficiency in slowly CKD (chronic kidney disease). Other products from the same brand are also highly related to supporting kidney health, but this is the only one that acts as a phosphate binder. Blood phosphorus can remain high in ill cats even when they are on specifically formulated kidney health diets with low phosphate. This is due to the over-absorption of phosphate. Phosphate binders such as Chitosan bind phosphate cells to reduce the amount absorbed through the gut wall. T

    his product is highly reviewed with testimonials of excellent results in use as a kidney supplement. It is also suitable for dogs and cats, so if your dog tends to eat your cat’s leftovers when you aren’t looking, then no harm can be done!

    Pros
    • Naturally derived
    • It can be used for life
    • No reported side effects
    Cons
    • Must be mixed with food

    2. Vet’s Best Chewable Tablets Urinary Supplement – Best Value

    Vet's Best Chewable Tablets Urinary Supplement for Cats

    Supplement type: Chewy tablets
    Primary active ingredient(s): Cranberry, parsley, corn silk, marshmallow root
    Dosage: 1 or 2 tablets a day
    Vet’s Best Chewable tablets are packed full of naturally derived plant ingredients that all have proven to assist with multiple facets of kidney and urinary function, including cranberry, parsley, corn silk, and marshmallow root, just to name a few! Despite this product being loaded with beneficial supplements, it is also very affordable as far as supplements go. Many owners report that the tablet form isn’t palatable, but they have crushed them for use in powder form.

    Good reviews, proven ingredients, and agreeable prices make this product the best cat kidney supplement for the money available.

    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Does not interfere with medications
    • Supports the entire urinary system
    Cons
    • Disliked by some pets
    • May require crushing

    3. Pet Wellbeing Kidney Support Supplement – Premium Choice

    Pet Wellbeing Kidney Support GOLD Liquid Kidney Supplement

    Supplement type: Liquid
    Primary active ingredient(s): Rehmannia root, astragalus root, dong quai root
    Dosage: 1 drop per 2lb of body weight
    This product often finds itself on the top lists of cat kidney supplements for a good reason! While this product is more expensive than our other choices, it boosts glowing reviews of success as a kidney supplement for many ill cats. A blend of scientifically formulated ingredients with naturally derived supplements, this product is well-balanced.

    The low liquid dose disappears into your pet’s food virtually unnoticed; there are few reports of cats refusing this supplement.

    Pros
    • Palatable bacon flavor
    • Natural ingredients
    • Suitable for all ages
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Comes in a small bottle

    4. AminAvast Kidney Support Cat Supplement

    AminAvast Kidney Support Cat Supplement

    Supplement type: Capsule
    Primary active ingredient(s): AB070587, magnesium stearate
    Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily
    This capsule supplement is another highly rated product, which is reviewed widely to support kidney function and general well-being, including coat health and appetite. The product is unique due to its primary ingredient, “AB070597”, a lab-created supplement made from various amino acids.

    It doesn’t have a very catchy name, but it is approved and patented and seems to produce excellent results in supporting cats with kidney issues.

    https://www.biohealthsolutions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RJVP_7_2_39-52-Feline-Study.pdf

    Pros
    • Long shelf life
    • Additionally supports coat and appetite
    Cons
    • Can cause allergies or sensitivities

    5. Animal Essentials Tinkle Tonic Herbal Cat Supplement

    Animal Essentials Tinkle Tonic Herbal Dog & Cat Supplement

    Supplement type: Liquid
    Primary active ingredient(s): Couchgrass root, dandelion root, echinacea root, horsetail herb, marshmallow root
    Dosage: ½ ml daily
    This all-natural supplement supports kidney and urinary health, focusing on treating UTIs and urine crystals. While the natural extracts help kidney health, their strong taste may put off picky eaters.
    Pros
    • Natural ingredients
    • Safe for both cats and dogs
    • Suitable for preventative supplementation
    Cons
    • Can upset sensitive stomachs
    • Strong taste not ideal for picky eaters

    6. UroMAXX Urinary, Kidney & Bladder Cat Supplement

    Animal Nutritional Products UroMAXX Urinary, Kidney & Bladder Dog & Cat Supplement

    Supplement type: Liquid
    Primary active ingredient(s): Cranberry, vitamin C, cornsilk, dandelion
    Dosage: 5ml daily
    This product is made in the US and is commonly used in vet clinics across the country. It is used for both preventative care and treating kidney and urinary-related diseases and illnesses. The liquid is cold pressed to maximize the absorbency of crucial ingredients in the body.
    Pros
    • Contains glucosamine
    • Fast-acting
    • Frequently used by vets
    Cons
    • Cats may not like the taste

    7. VetClassics Cranberry Comfort Cat Supplement

    VetClassics Cranberry Comfort Urinary Tract Support Dog & Cat Supplement

    Supplement type: Chewable tablet
    Primary active ingredient(s): Cranberry, echinacea, marshmallow root
    Dosage: 1 tablet per day
    Cranberry is the star ingredient in this supplement, as it is in many others. It also contains other natural ingredients such as marshmallow root and echinacea to support optimal kidney and bladder function. The large tablets need breaking apart or crushing and mixed with food for the average cat to eat them easily.
    Pros
    • Fortified with vitamin C to strengthen the immune system
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Extra inactive filler ingredients

    8. PRN Pharmacal CranMate Cat Supplement

    PRN Pharmacal CranMate Dog & Cat Supplement

    Supplement type: Chewable tablet
    Primary active ingredient(s): Cranberry
    Dosage: 1 per day
    This supplement is a simple but effective one. It has just one active ingredient: cranberry, but this one ingredient is a higher dose than many others, about 100mg per dose. This supplement will be a good choice if cranberry has proven to work well as part of kidney management for your cat as it offers high levels without too many extra ingredients.
    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Flavored with pork liver
    Cons
    • Contains soy and dairy, which may cause allergies

     

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Kidney Supplement For Your Cat

    Kidney Disease in Cats

    Kidney disease may arise in cats of any age but is more prominent in elderly cats over the age of 12. As a cat’s body ages, many organs can become tired and inefficient; the kidneys tend to be the most common. Cat kidneys keep their body in homeostasis by managing water and electrolyte levels and removing waste from the blood. Early signs include excessive thirst and strange urination habits such as frequent and large amounts. As the kidney and urinary health declines, toxins can build up in the blood and cause general illness and discomfort. Kidney supplements can provide support in preventing kidney disease by maintaining general health and vigor.

    Combined with special vet care, medication, and diet change, supplements can also help treat kidney disease and failure. Supplements help cats by providing them with essential nutrients for normal healthy kidney functioning. Many supplements will lower the inflammation involved with poor functioning kidneys. While supplements certainly have their benefits, you should consult your veterinarian for specialized support if your cat displays signs of illness or discomfort.

    What to Look for In Cat Kidney Supplements

    • Low protein – while protein is vital for a healthy metabolism, excess protein can increase the workload on kidneys, contributing to the progression of kidney disease. Supplements should have no added protein sources.
    • Low phosphorus – the link between kidneys and phosphorus is not apparent, but lower phosphorus levels tend to reduce the effects of secondary issues from kidney illness.
    • No added sodiumextra sodium can increase the workload of suffering kidneys.
    • Omega-3 – fatty acids play a part in reducing inflammation and assisting in slowing kidney decline. Fish oil is also proven to lower blood pressure and reduce unwanted proteins in urine.
    • Phosphate binders – while specialized kidney health diets will have low phosphate (which damages the kidneys), your cat will also benefit from phosphate binders in supplements. Binders will reduce the absorption of phosphate in the diet.
    • Vitamin C and vitamin B – both vitamins are water-soluble, so they are easily lost from frequent and improperly processed urine. They are both critical for general well-being and immune systems, so it is helpful to supplement them.
    • Cranberriescranberry is great for cats and contains properties that prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the cells in the kidney and urinary tract lining and prevent UTIs.
    • Alkalizers – kidneys play the lead role in regulating the acid-base balance in the body. Cats with kidney disease tend to be more acidic internally due to poor kidney function. Alkaline ions (sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, calcium carbonate) are recommended to help bring back the pH balance and reduce symptoms.

    Final Thoughts

    For cats suffering from kidney decline, disease, or failure, taking them to see a professional veterinary is essential. Kidney disease is irreversible, so your vet will help you support your cat comfortably to live with their condition. Alongside correct nutrition, hydration, and medication, supplements can be exceptional support for your cat’s kidneys. Our top pick is Vetoguinol Epakitin Powder for its active ingredient, chitosan. Our close runner-up and best value is Vet’s Best Chewable Tablets for their naturally derived ingredients for a holistic approach to your cat’s health. These products hold many high reviews, are successful for owners and their adored pets, and may help support your cat!

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    Featured Image Credit: Piskova Photo, Shutterstock

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