EXPRESS: Mineral Analysis of Feline Treats: Unrecognized Sources of Phosphorus and Calcium in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.

OBJECTIVES

Dietary phosphorus restriction is a cornerstone of chronic kidney disease (CKD) management in cats. While therapeutic renal diets are formulated to limit phosphorus intake, treats also contribute to total dietary phosphorus and calcium intake. The objective of this study was to quantify the phosphorus and calcium content of some feline purée-style treats and evaluate their potential contribution to dietary mineral intake in cats with CKD.

METHODS

A convenience sample comprising four flavors of commercially available Inaba Churu purée treats and three flavors of Weurva low-phosphorus purée treats were analyzed. Phosphorus and calcium concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry and reported descriptively as milligrams per sachet and milligrams per 100 kcal.

RESULTS

Phosphorus content varied widely across products, ranging from 9 to 36 mg per sachet (64-600mg/100kcal). The evaluated Churu treats contained higher phosphorus concentrations (29-36 mg/ sachet) than the evaluated Weruva low-phosphorus formulations (9-10 mg/sachet). Calcium concentrations ranged from 0.14 to 4.06 mg per sachet (2.3-67.7 mg/100 kcal), with corresponding calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratios ranging from 0.004 to 0.119.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Phosphorus and calcium content, including Ca:P ratios, varied substantially among the products evaluated. These differences should be considered as part of the overall dietary management of cats with CKD, particularly when treats are administered routinely.