Your shopping bag is empty
Go to the shop
A vet-formulated, freeze-dried raw kidney support diet for cats, built on whole-food ingredients selected for thoughtful, kidney-conscious nutrient delivery. The Medicus Kidney Support Diet provides controlled phosphorus levels, highly digestible proteins, balanced potassium, high-dose B vitamins, and a targeted omega-3 fatty acid profile - all from real, minimally processed ingredients rather than isolated nutrients. Available in Nugget and Paté formats to support palatability and feeding flexibility. Intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding only, under veterinary guidance.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Who This Diet Is For
- Cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or renal insufficiency, with or without azotemia
- Cats with acute kidney injury during recovery and stabilization
- Cats requiring controlled dietary phosphorus
- Cats whose veterinarian has recommended a kidney-support or low-phosphorus diet
This diet is formulated for targeted nutritional support and is not intended for healthy maintenance feeding unless directed by your veterinarian.
Diet Overview
The Medicus Kidney Support Diet is formulated to provide kidney-conscious nutrition for cats with renal disease who benefit from controlled mineral intake. Built with highly digestible proteins, carefully balanced minerals, and whole-food ingredients selected for thoughtful nutrient delivery, this recipe helps nourish the body while maintaining an appropriate mineral profile.
- Highly digestible, quality animal proteins: Reduce uremic waste production while maintaining essential amino acid supply
- Controlled phosphorus levels: Low-phosphorus ingredients plus whole-food phosphorus binders to limit absorption
- Whole-food ingredients that naturally moderate mineral absorption
- Balanced potassium levels: Supports electrolyte balance and normal muscle and nerve function
- High levels of B vitamins: Replenishes vitamins lost through increased urinary output
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA + DHA): From marine sources; Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 0.67:1
- Available in Nugget and Paté formats
How It Works
- Nourishes the body with clean, whole food: Moderate levels of high-quality protein from meat and organs; moderate healthy, digestible fats; antioxidant-rich produce
- Reduces dietary phosphorus load: Low-phosphorus ingredients combined with whole-food calcium sources - egg shell and chitosan - that help naturally bind and limit phosphorus absorption in the digestive tract
- Replenishes key nutrients that may be depleted: Added potassium and B vitamins help maintain normal nutrient balance and support everyday hydration-related nutrient turnover
- Supports renal health with targeted fatty acid balance: Marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids provide EPA + DHA with a balanced Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 0.67:1, formulated to support the body's natural inflammatory response
The Right Nutrients From the Right Sources
Kidney support diets are built around precise nutrient levels. Many rely on heavily processed ingredients and isolated nutrients to reach those numbers. The Medicus Kidney Support Diet is built differently: each recipe uses whole foods that naturally provide the nutrients cats need, while still delivering the controlled nutritional profile required for kidney-conscious feeding. Because nutrients don't exist in isolation - they come from food, and food is what nourishes the body.
Ingredients
Chicken, Rice, Egg, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Chicken Gizzards, Ground Krill, Cranberries, Blueberries, Potassium Chloride, Sea Salt, Ground Egg Shell, Chitosan, Mixed Tocopherols, Zinc Proteinate, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Key Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken: The primary protein source; fresh chicken supplies highly digestible complete protein and essential amino acids in a form easy to utilize - a cornerstone of feline nutrition. In Western nutrition, chicken provides moderate biological value protein appropriate for controlled-protein renal diets. In TCVM food energetics, chicken is Warming with Spleen and Stomach affinity, tonifying Qi and supporting digestive function - useful for cats with CKD who commonly present with Spleen Qi deficiency, poor appetite, and muscle wasting from underlying Qi and Blood depletion
- Rice: Included intentionally as a gentle, easily digested source of energy with a naturally lower phosphorus contribution. In Western renal nutrition, rice is one of the few carbohydrate sources appropriate in kidney-support diets due to its low phosphorus load and high digestibility. In TCVM, rice is Neutral with Spleen and Stomach affinity, strengthening digestive Qi and resolving Dampness - supportive for cats with CKD whose digestive function is often compromised
- Egg: A complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids with a naturally lower phosphorus level relative to its protein content - making it especially valuable in renal nutrition where protein quality matters as much as quantity. In TCVM, egg is Neutral and nourishes Yin and Blood, making it appropriate for the Yin deficiency and Blood depletion patterns common in cats with advanced CKD
- Chicken Liver: A nutrient-dense organ meat that provides concentrated vitamins A, B12, iron, and micronutrients in small portions - delivering meaningful nutrition without requiring large meal volumes, which is important for cats with reduced appetite. In TCVM, liver is Neutral with Liver organ affinity; it nourishes Liver Blood and Yin, supports the eyes and tendons, and is a classical food therapy ingredient for Blood deficiency patterns
- Flaxseed: Provides plant-based ALA omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber that support normal digestion and nutrient utilization. In Western nutrition, flaxseed contributes to the omega-3 profile and helps maintain healthy bowel function - relevant for cats with CKD who may experience constipation. In TCVM, flaxseed is Cool and moistens the intestines, nourishes Yin, and supports Blood - appropriate for the dryness and Yin deficiency patterns associated with late-stage CKD
- Chicken Gizzards: A whole-food lean protein source that adds texture and bioavailable nutrients cats instinctively recognize and digest well. In TCVM, chicken gizzard tonifies Spleen Qi, supports digestive function, and warms Yang - complementary to the Spleen Qi tonification direction of this formula for cats with digestive weakness from CKD
- Ground Krill: Supplies marine-sourced omega-3 fatty acids including EPA and DHA, along with naturally occurring astaxanthin - a potent antioxidant. In Western renal nutrition, EPA and DHA from marine sources support a balanced inflammatory response relevant to kidney health, and the Omega-6:Omega-3 ratio of 0.67:1 is anti-inflammatory. In TCVM, marine ingredients generally carry a Salty, Cool nature with Kidney affinity - particularly appropriate for a formula targeting renal support
- Cranberries: Contribute naturally occurring phytonutrients, proanthocyanidins, and antioxidants that support urinary tract health and overall wellness. In Western nutrition, cranberry is widely associated with urinary tract support and antioxidant activity. In TCVM, cranberry is Cool and slightly sour, with Kidney and Bladder affinity, clearing mild Heat from the lower jiao and supporting normal urinary function
- Blueberries: Rich in anthocyanins and antioxidants that support the body's normal response to everyday oxidative stress - particularly relevant for kidneys under increased metabolic demand. In TCVM, blueberries are Cool and slightly Sweet/Sour, nourishing Yin and supporting Kidney and Liver function
- Ground Egg Shell: A whole-food calcium source that serves double duty in this formula: providing bioavailable calcium and acting as a natural phosphorus binder in the digestive tract, helping limit phosphorus absorption before it enters circulation - a key mechanism for phosphorus management in renal diets
- Chitosan: A natural polymer derived from shellfish shells that binds phosphorus in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing dietary phosphorus absorption. Alongside egg shell, it forms the formula's dual whole-food phosphorus-binding strategy without relying on aluminum- or calcium-based synthetic binders
- Potassium Chloride: An essential electrolyte added to help maintain balanced potassium levels and support normal nerve and muscle function. Cats with CKD frequently develop hypokalemia due to increased urinary losses; maintaining adequate potassium is critical for normal cardiac and skeletal muscle function
- B Vitamins (Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Pyridoxine, Folic Acid): A comprehensive B vitamin complex added at high levels to replenish vitamins lost through increased urinary output in CKD cats. B vitamins are water-soluble and are shed in proportion to urine volume; CKD cats are at particular risk of B vitamin depletion. In TCVM, B vitamins support Qi production, energy metabolism, and nervous system function - aligned with the Qi and Blood tonification goals of this formula
Guaranteed Analysis
- Crude Protein (Min): 30%
- Crude Fat (Min): 15%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 6%
- Moisture (Max): 5%
Calorie Content (Calculated ME)
- 4,227 kcal/kg
- 409.5 kcal/cup
Cups Per Bag
- Nuggets: 96.88 g/cup - 4 2/3 cups per 16oz bag
- Paté: 130.4 g/cup - 3 1/2 cups per 16oz bag
Cup amounts are estimates. Because this food is freeze-dried, volume can vary from bag to bag. What's consistent is weight: each bag contains 16oz with a +/-5% tolerance.
Daily Feeding Guidelines
Use only as directed by your veterinarian. Feeding amounts and duration should be adjusted based on your cat's individual response. Always provide access to fresh water.
| Weight (lbs) | Cups/Day (Average Metabolism) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 1/2 |
| 10 | 3/4 |
| 15 | 1 |
| 20 | 1 1/3 |
| 25 | 1 1/2 |
Rehydration Instructions (Strongly Recommended)
Water is essential for supporting normal kidney function. Adequate hydration helps maintain healthy blood flow and fluid balance, allowing the kidneys to perform their natural role in filtering blood and eliminating metabolic waste. Supporting hydration is an important part of maintaining overall renal health.
- Nuggets: Add approximately 3/4 cup of warm water per cup of food. Mix and wait 3-4 minutes, then serve.
- Paté: Add 1 1/2 cups of hot water (120 degrees F) per cup of Medicus paté powder. Mix and let rest for 5 minutes. Prior to serving, add two additional tablespoons of warm water and mix.
VETERINARY AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED: Submit Your Authorization Request or Request a TCVM Telemedicine Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this diet require veterinary authorization?
This recipe is formulated specifically for cats who need kidney-conscious nutrition and controlled mineral levels. Because these dietary needs are typically identified and monitored by a veterinarian, authorization is required to ensure the diet is used appropriately as part of a vet-guided care plan. Your veterinarian can evaluate your cat's bloodwork, staging, and individual presentation to confirm this is the right dietary approach and advise on feeding duration and quantity, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Why is phosphorus controlled, and how is it managed in this recipe?
Cats with kidney concerns often benefit from carefully managed phosphorus intake because impaired kidneys have reduced ability to excrete phosphorus, which can accumulate and contribute to further renal deterioration. The Medicus Kidney Support Diet manages phosphorus through two complementary mechanisms: first, by selecting ingredients that are naturally lower in phosphorus (chicken, rice, egg, and flaxseed rather than high-phosphorus organ meats or legumes); and second, by including ground eggshell and chitosan as whole-food phosphorus binders that limit absorption in the digestive tract before phosphorus enters circulation. This approach is designed to reduce the phosphorus burden without relying on synthetic binders, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Why does this formula include rice when most Medicus recipes are meat-forward?
Rice is included intentionally. While meat-forward recipes are appropriate for healthy cats, kidney-support nutrition has different priorities. Highly digestible carbohydrates like rice provide calories with minimal phosphorus contribution, helping maintain energy intake and a controlled mineral balance without the phosphorus load of additional protein sources. For CKD cats with reduced appetite, easily accessible calories from a digestible, low-phosphorus source like rice support overall food intake, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Do I need to rehydrate this food before serving?
Yes - rehydration is strongly recommended. Adding warm water increases your cat's moisture intake, which supports normal digestion, circulation, and overall fluid balance. For cats on a kidney-support diet, consistent hydration is an important part of a thoughtful feeding routine - cats with CKD are prone to dehydration, and increasing moisture from food is a meaningful strategy alongside fresh water access. Rehydration also enhances aroma and palatability, which can help encourage intake in cats with reduced appetite. See the rehydration directions above for format-specific instructions, or as directed by your veterinarian.
What if my cat has a poor appetite or is a picky eater?
The Kidney Support Diet is available in both Nuggets and Paté formats specifically to support cats who may be more selective at mealtime. The Paté format mixed with warm water allows you to adjust texture and moisture level to suit your cat's preferences. You can also mix rehydrated nuggets into the paté for added texture and variety. Serving the food fully rehydrated and slightly warm enhances aroma and palatability, which can help encourage more consistent intake. If appetite remains a concern, consult your veterinarian for additional guidance, or as directed by your veterinarian.
Is this diet intended for long-term feeding?
The Medicus Kidney Support Diet is formulated for targeted nutritional support and is intended for intermittent or supplemental feeding under veterinary guidance. Your veterinarian can advise whether it is appropriate as a long-term feeding strategy based on your cat's individual bloodwork, staging, and response to the diet. Feeding amounts and duration should be adjusted based on your cat's clinical progress or as directed by your veterinarian.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Ask a Question-
Is this okay to use if also putting CKD feline on Epakitin? 100mg Calcium carbonate 80mg Chitosan. I was going to order the beef liver.. but maybe that's too much now along with the chicken liver included? I may also be adding a kidney glandular. Like is like
HI, thank you for your question!
Yes, the Medicus Kidney Support Diet is safe to use alongside Epakitin. In fact, they can work well together—Epakitin helps bind phosphorus and reduce the kidney’s workload, while the Medicus diet is already formulated with lower phosphorus and kidney-supportive ingredients
That said, since this food already contains chicken liver, we wouldn’t recommend adding extra beef liver right now. Liver is nutrient-rich but also high in phosphorus, which we’re trying to limit in a CKD cat. Too much could cancel out the benefits of both the diet and Epakitin.
If you’re considering adding a kidney glandular, it may help support kidney function, but not all glandulars are the same. I’d recommend choosing one that’s specifically formulated for kidney health and low in phosphorus—ideally with guidance from your vet.
Here's our Inside Scoop: TCVM Veterinarians Share Holistic Cat Renal Failure Protocol
Thank you for supporting Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine!
-
I would like to know the nutritional detail of this ckd diet . Im interested in the freeze dried raw firmula. Thank you for providing that detail.
Thank you for your question!
Medicus Veterinary Diets Kidney Support Nutrition Facts
Crude Protein - 35.88%
Total Fat - 21.61%
Calcium - 0.66%
Phosphorus - 0.53%
Magnesium - 0.12%
Sodium - 1.1%
Potassium - 1.2%
Crude Fiber - 5.8%
Carbohydrate. - 32.4%kcal/kg 4,227
Calorie Content (calculated): 4227 kcal/Kg, 409.5 kcal/
We require vet authorization for Medicus Diets. To request, please use this link: https://tcvmpet.com/pages/get-an-authorization.Thank you for supporting Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine!
