Best Low Protein Dry Cat Food

The best low protein dry cat food provides controlled quantities of high-quality protein for easy digestibility to help your cat manage renal (kidney) disease, liver impairment, or heart-related issues.

If your cat enjoys dry food more than low protein wet food, then check out these 5 high-quality reduced protein dry foods that will definitely help your cat feel better.

Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 5 reviewed products for the best low protein dry cat food:

1. Dr.Elsey's CleanProtein Dry Cat Food
2. Forza10 Renal Diet for Cats Dry Food
3. Hills' Prescription Kidney Care Diet Dry Cat Food
4. Royal Canin Feline Renal Support
5. 9Lives Dry Cat Food

Best Low Protein Dry Cat Food – 2022 Top 5 Picks

1.  Our Editor’s Pick: Dr. Elsey'S Cleanprotein Salmon Formula Dry Cat Food, 2 Pound (Pack of 1)

At first glance, this seemingly ‘high protein’ cat food might seem like an odd choice in our list of best low protein dry cat food list.

However, Dr. Elsey’s ‘clean protein’ formula contains absolutely no meat by-products – a feature that greatly reduces the workload on a cat’s impaired kidneys.

According to the food’s product label, nearly 93% of protein comes from natural animal-prey of cats in the wild.

Being very pure, these protein sources are highly digestible and have the highest biological value or bioavailability (Biological value indicates how well the cat’s body digests and assimilates protein. We have explained this in detail later on in this guide).

Once your cat starts getting this highly digestible protein, you will see a vast improvement in all its body functions. It is little wonder that Dr. Elsey’s CleanProtein formula is suitable for all life stages.

It is also no wonder that cats with kidney issues that were prescribed low protein diets and were ‘wasting away on those’, started thriving after switching to Dr.Elsey’s Clean Protein Formula!

An advantage of feeding this fantastic GMO-free, no-filler, and no-preservative best low protein cat food is that your pet will feel full longer. This could result in weight loss – an advantage for obese cats.

What we like about it

• High-quality, easy-to-digest clean protein with highest bioavailability
• No.1 ingredient is high-quality protein found in natural cat prey.
• Keeps cats full longer
• No grains, non-GMO, no-fillers, no preservatives

What we don’t like

• Caused stinky poop. Not an issue if your cat is thriving otherwise.

Also Read: Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop

2. Forza10 Active Kidney Renal Diet Dry Cat Food for Adult Cats, Kidney Care Cat Food for Heart and Kidney Problems, Wild Caught Anchovy Flavor, 1 Pound Bag

Forza10 high quality low protein cat food for kidney disease is low not only in protein (30%) but also in phosphorus (0.54%) and sodium (0.22%).

This means complete kidney care for your cat!

This vet-formulated food is made using highest-quality ingredients and is manufactured in Italy. It is backed by decades of scientific studies and has even been referenced in scientific veterinarian research papers.

It uses very limited ingredients which makes it ideal for cats with sensitive digestion.

Forza10’s single protein source is formulated to be hypoallergenic and is free from corn, wheat, soy, and harmful antibiotics, etc.

This best renal diet for cats has been known to improve kidney function and is also prescribed for cats with heart diseases.

Its optimal balance of Omega 6 and Omega 3 improves skin coat, vision, and even helps in weight management.

Your cat will enjoy the taste of Forza10 which contains wild caught anchovies, cranberries, dandelions, and dried clover.

These herbs and berries enhance your cat’s immunity and also prevent urinary tract infections.

For cats that prefer wet food, Forza10 also makes a canned version of this diet.

What we like about it

• Specially formulated food for renal, heart, and urinary issues in cats.
• Known to improve appetite and energy levels in ailing cats.
• Contains limited ingredients with wild-caught anchovies, herbs, and berries
• Low in protein, sodium, and phosphorus compared to other dry cat foods
• Highest quality ingredients free from GMO, corn, soy, wheat, antibiotics, fillers, etc.
• Balanced Omega 6 and omega 3.

What we don’t like

• Some bags had a strong fishy smell. But you won’t find cats complaining about it!

3. Hill's Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food+, Veterinary Diet, 4 lb. Bag

Hill’s Prescription is one of the top-rated low protein cat food brands that is specially formulated to improve and prolong a cat’s life after receiving a kidney disease diagnosis.

It has low levels of protein (26%), sodium, and phosphorus.

Highly-experienced vets and nutritionists have formulated this dry cat food for increasing lean muscle mass, protecting vital kidney and heart function, and also increasing the food intake in ailing cats.

Hill’s impressive EAT (Enhance Appetite Trigger) Technology helps stimulate appetite in cats that are too nauseated or sick to eat.

Besides providing kidney support, Hill’s high-quality, low protein dry cat food also comes with the S+OX shield which prevents the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate stones.

What we like about it

• Low protein, low phosphorus, and low sodium food – has helped regulate kidney-related numbers – seen in the cats’ blood tests!
• Great flavor, taste, and texture which most cats love
• Made in USA based on inputs by vets and nutritionists

What we don’t like

• Twice the price of most dry cat foods but totally worth the money!

4. ROYAL CANIN Feline Renal Support S Dry (6.6 lb)

As the name indicates, ROYAL CANIN low protein cat food has optimal (low) levels of protein (22%) and phosphorus (0.55%).

It also contains antioxidants along with a balanced ratio of EPA and DHA which can aid in the management of chronic kidney disease in cats.

Since it is lower in phosphorus levels, it reduces toxic buildup of this mineral in your cat’s blood.

Also, being low in protein, your cat’s kidneys do not have to work as hard for assimilating the protein.

At the same time, Royal Canin has formulated the food in such a way that it helps maximize energy density to prevent weakness, depression, and lethargy in cats with CKD.

Most cats love the perfect kibble-size and aroma of this dry cat food which, unlike other specialty diets, has been formulated with the picky nature of sick cats in mind.

Your cat will definitely receive many health benefits form this low protein diet for cats.

What we like about it

• Has helped thousands of cats prolong life after receiving a diagnosis of CKD
• Lower level of phosphorus
• Great taste and perfect kibble-size

What we don’t like

• The brand recommends using this food for supplemental or intermittent feeding only – so you might need to switch to another food in order to ensure that your cat receives all the nutrition it needs.
• You need a vet’s prescription while buying this food.

Also Read: Best Cat Food for Kidney Disease

5. 9Lives Protein Plus Dry Cat Food, 3.15 lb. Bag

9Lives Protein Plus Dry cat food contains 33% crude protein per 100 grams of food and very low levels of phosphorus (0.8%).

The chicken and tuna in this food provide highly digestible protein to ailing cats and helps maintain lean muscles mass in skinny pets.

9Lives cat food is also packed with antioxidants for supporting your pet’s immune system.

Many pet parents have noticed fewer kidney and urinary infections in their cats after switching to this food.

What we like about it

• Optimal balance of high-quality protein with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Low levels of phosphorus
• Boosts immunity
• Delicious flavor

What we don’t like

• Contains corn and soybean meal which some cats could be allergic to.

Do All Cats Need the Best Low Protein Dry Cat Food?

It is very important that you only switch your pet to low protein dry cat food if your vet has recommended it.

Low protein diets sometimes help cats having certain ailments, particularly kidney and liver impairment, heart-related diseases, congestive heart failure, etc. These diets work by reducing the burden that normal (high protein cat foods) can cause your pet’s compromised organs.

However, the medical community is greatly divided on this.

You see, some pet parents noticed no difference in their cats after making the switch to low protein dry cat food.

In fact, the loss of protein led to ‘wasting away’ of muscles in some pets.

That is why, it is very important to consider low protein diets only after careful consideration of your cat’s complete health profile.

Also, not all low protein diet for cats are the same. You need to ensure very high-quality protein which is easier to digest and assimilate for your cat’s weakened organs.

That is why, we need to consider the ‘bioavailability’ of the protein in the best low protein dry cat food.

What does Bioavailability of Protein Mean for Your Cat?

Bioavailability of protein means the effectiveness and ease with which a given protein works for your cat.

Cats need proteins since they are born carnivores.

In the wild, their diets comprise of nothing but meat.

And that is why, some vets are not really in favor of reducing a cat’s protein intake too much after it has been diagnosed with liver disease, renal impairment, or chronic kidney disease (CKD)

In fact, many vets believe in using a high-quality protein food with larger bioavailability to reduce the burden on a cat’s kidneys and liver.

It is therefore imperative to select a highly digestible protein source for your CKD cat rather than just considering the crude protein percentage printed on the food’s label.

That brings us to the next question bound to be on your mind: how to select the right low protein dry cat food for a cat with kidney disease?

How to Select the Best Low Protein Dry Cat Food?

Here are some features to consider when choosing the best low protein dry cat food:

1) Contains an easy-to-digest protein with high bioavailability

Look for a no-filler, no-byproduct food.

Avoid foods with ‘meals’ because they are usually heavier on your cat’s weakened organs.

Select a food that is purely made of an easy-to-digest protein source such as tuna, salmon, chicken, etc. as its first ingredient.

Of course, you may also want to consider your pet’s digestive system.

No two cats are the same. While one cat might easily handle the aforementioned protein sources with ease, another might show sensitivity symptoms to that food – vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, excess grooming, etc.

Therefore, some trial and error may be necessary to find the best protein with higher bioavailability which is also easy on your cat’s digestive system.

Also Read: Best Cat Food for Cats with Skin Allergies

2) Is low in sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium

Apart from low protein cat treats and low protein dry cat food for kidney disease, you must consider the selected food’s phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium content as well.

When it comes to protecting your pet’s urinary and kidney health, the lower the values of these ingredients, the better.

Speak to your vet about the right values for these minerals.

Thankfully, many of the best low protein dry cat food products listed above are also quite low in phosphorus and sodium.

3) Choose between wet or dry food

The choice of wet or dry cat food is entirely a matter of your pet’s preference as well as your convenience.

If you have to leave your pet home alone all day, then feeding it a low protein dry cat food might be more convenient for you since it is less prone to spoiling.

The best low protein wet cat food on the other hand can provide more moisture and hydration to your pet. This can be beneficial to cats that are prone to bladder or struvite stone formation.

Also, this choice can entirely be left to your cat. Some cats simply do not like the gelatinous/pate texture of canned food and prefer crunchy kibble instead.

Your cat’s age and the condition of its teeth can also decide whether it needs wet or dry food. (Check out a list of the best Soft Dry Cat Foods for Older Cats with Dental Issues).

Thankfully, there is plenty of choice available in cat foods and you will always find something that your cat loves. Again, trial and error may be needed!

Conclusion

The best low protein dry cat food has higher protein bioavailability and helps reduce the burden on a cat’s kidneys, liver, heart, and other organs.

We recommend Dr. Elsey’s ‘clean protein’ dry cat foodbecause it closely mimics the diet of cats in the wild and uses very high-quality protein sources without fillers, meals, or byproducts. This could help reduce the burden on a cat’s weakened organs.

Do check out our other recommendations as well.

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