Sponsored: Discover how Hill's® Prescription Diet® k/d® stimulates appetite with as much as 34% greater caloric intake

Nutrition is a cornerstone of therapy for pets with chronic kidney disease.

Prescription Diet® k/d® Canine and Prescription Diet® k/d® Feline are the only foods with clinically proven nutrition to decrease episodes of uremic crisis and lengthen and improve the quality of life for pets with chronic kidney disease.

But it can be difficult to care for pets with chronic kidney disease because they often have a reduced appetite that can lead to lower caloric intake and compromised nutrition. This can lead to further complications like a loss of muscle mass and reduced energy.

Palatability is critical for chronic kidney disease patients with metabolic changes that may impact their appetite.

In a recent study, it was shown that eight out of nine renal cats significantly preferred Prescription Diet k/d with Enhanced Appetite Trigger (E.A.T.)™ Technology for cats over the Royal Canin® Renal Support, and their caloric intake was increased as much as 34%.

Prescription Diet k/d had 34% greater daily food intake than Royal Canin Renal Support A, 14% greater intake over Renal Support F, and 19% greater intake than Renal Support S.

In developing the E.A.T. technology for cats, scientists and veterinarians at Hill's worked to find recipes that stimulate the appetites of cats with CKD. They measured their unique food preferences, identified the key aromas and flavors that trigger food intake, and mapped the taste profiles against a database of ingredients to create maximum appetite improvement.

“Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d was formulated to ensure these pets have a food that they love to eat and that provides them the nutrients they need to support kidney health, sustain weight and muscle mass and boost vitality,” said Ellen Lowery, DVM, PhD, MBA, Hill’s director of U.S. Professional & Veterinary Affairs.

While it is essential to avoid excess protein for pets with chronic kidney disease, it is also important that the animal’s daily-recommended protein allowance is met. Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Feline and Canine both contain appropriate protein levels above those outlined in the National Research Council’s (NRC) Nutrient Requirements for Dogs and Cats.

To support healthy kidney function while maintaining lean muscle mass, Prescription Diet k/d is formulated to be calorically dense; contains controlled amounts of phosphorous and sodium, and increased amounts of antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and soluble fiber; and has a neutralizing effect on acid base balance.

This content was provided by Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Photo credit: © iStock/cscredon

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