Kidney disease in cats & dogs

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) creeps up quietly, especially in older cats. Catching it early and supporting the body every day can make a real difference to quality of life.

How common is it?

Very common in senior cats: studies have found CKD in about 31% of cats aged 10–15 and 32% of cats aged 15 and over.1 Dogs get it too, more often as they age.

Signs to watch for

  • Drinking more water and peeing more
  • Weight loss and a fading appetite
  • Vomiting, bad breath or mouth ulcers
  • A dull, unkempt coat
  • Tiredness and less interest in play

Many signs only appear once a lot of kidney function is already lost, so yearly blood and urine tests are worth it for older pets.

How vets manage it

CKD is managed, not cured, usually with a kidney-friendly diet, good hydration and regular monitoring. Omega-3 fatty acids are often part of that plan: many kidney diets now include extra omega-3s, and in one study of cat kidney diets, the one highest in the omega-3 EPA was linked to the longest survival.1

What you can do at home

  • Make water irresistible. Fresh bowls in several rooms, a pet water fountain, or adding wet food all help pets drink more.
  • Ask for SDMA at senior check-ups. This blood test can flag kidney changes earlier than older markers.
  • Weigh them monthly. Gradual weight loss is an early clue in older cats.
  • Ask about blood pressure checks. High blood pressure is common with kidney disease and can harm the eyes and heart.
  • Never give human painkillers. Common ones like ibuprofen can seriously damage pets' kidneys.

How Optimus Pet fits in

  • Gentle, clean nutrition. Highly digestible single-cell food that's easy on a body under strain, and tested batch by batch for freedom from heavy metals and contaminants.
  • Natural omega-3s. The Potent Vials are extracted from microalgae to deliver ten omega fatty acid components, including EPA and DHA.
  • Detox and delivery. Our natural gene activators are designed to direct nutrients where they're needed and help clear waste efficiently, easing the load on the kidneys and liver.
  • Appetite support. Nutrient-dense in small amounts, for cats who've gone off their food.

Owners have told us about improvements in kidney issues after adding Optimus Pet. Every pet is different, and results vary.

Which formula?

For pets with kidney disease we recommend The Potent Vials together with The Gold Series. Because kidney diets carefully balance protein and phosphorus, please check amounts with your vet. Our nutritionists can help you plan around your pet's renal diet.

Working with your vet

Optimus Pet is a whole food, so it sits alongside your vet's plan rather than replacing it. Keep your vet in the loop about everything your pet eats and takes, and book a check-up whenever symptoms are new, severe or getting worse. Our nutritionists can help you fit Optimus Pet around your pet's current care, free of charge.

Sources

  1. Vet Times: chronic kidney disease in cats, early dietary intervention

Quality Assurance

As part of our commitment to you, our customers, we are working closely with our partners at independent pet specialty stores and regional chains to provide them with the resources they need to ensure that their employees possess not only an extensive knowledge of pet nutrition, but also a complete understanding of our recipes – which will serve as a valuable resource to help you choose the best food for your pet. Optimus Pet® is available exclusively at local independent pet stores and regional chains.

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