• alfalfa   Alkalizes and detoxifies.  Acts as a diuretic.  Good for anemia, digestive disorders and increases appetite.
• astragalus   Protects immune system.
• cornsilk   Aids chronic kidney problems.  Acts as a diuretic.
• dandelion   Cleanses the bloodstream and liver.  The leaves act as a diuretic.  Improves kidney function, and is useful for anemia.
• garlic  Detoxifies and protects.  Helps immune function.
• ginger   Helps relieve nausea. A strong antioxidant.
• gingko  Good for heart and kidney disorders.
• hawthorn   Restores heart muscle.  Useful for anemia.
• marshmallow  Acts as a diuretic.  Good for kidney problems.
• milk thistle   Protects the liver, and kidneys.
• oatstraw    Antidepressant.

Sammy was on this regime shortly after his diagnoses, June 1997, until his death September 14, 2000.  Sammy died from renal failure brought on by a cancer drug, Piroxicam (feldene).  Sammy was, and is, the love of my life.

Sammy's Memorial Garden
 

Bon Appetit!

When switching to a homemade diet, please consult with your vet about your kitty's particular needs.
Some of these recipes have 'general' guidelines, which may or may not be suitable for your cat!

Dr. Pitcairn's Feline Diet for Kidney Problems

1 1/3 cups (2/3 pound) ground chicken, turkey or lean heart
4 cups cooked white rice
4 eggs
2 tablespoons cold-pressed safflower, soy or corn oil
1,500 milligrams calcium
1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
1/8 teaspoon potassium chloride (optional , for a saltier flavor)
1 teaspoon parsley, finely grated carrot or other vegetable (optional)
5,000 IU vitamin A
Taurine and other cat vitamins (about 5 days' worth)
50 milligram level B complex (or 10 milligrams per day)
2,500 milligrams vitamin C (½ teaspoon sodium ascorbate)

Mix everything together in a large bowl.  Serve raw if the cat will accept it.  Otherwise, mix all but the vitamins together, bake about 20 minutes in a moderate oven and then wait until it cools to mix in the vitamins.  Occasionally, substitute 1 to 3 teaspoons of liver for part of the meat.
 

Anitra Frazier's Diet for the Cat with Kidney Problems

4 parts carbohydrate: Pureed barley flakes and /or baby food creamed corn
2 parts protein: Lightly broiled chicken or beef or raw organic egg yolk and cooked white (used with meat, not alone) you can also use baby food chicken
1 part vegetable: Chopped of finely grated raw vegetable or vegetable juice-carrots, zucchini, and alfalfa sprouts are best
2 Tablespoons Vita-Mineral Mix
2 teaspoons soft butter

Blend above ingredients together and store in glass jar.

Each day mix the following into each meal or administer by dropper after the meal:
1/8 teaspoon mixed mineral powder;
1/16 teaspoon ascorbic acid crystals or sodium ascorbate powder (250 units Vitamin C)
1/8 teaspoon Pet Tinic (a B vitamin and iron tonic available from the veterinarian) or 1/2 of a low-potency B complex capsule (10 mg level)
1/4 teaspoon or 1/2 tablet mixed digestive enzymes.
Once a week give:
400 units of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol);
A capsule containing 10,000 units vitamin A and 400 units vitamin D.
 
 

Cheryl Schwartz DVM Renal Diet for Cats

White meat chicken, chicken gizzard plus 2 hard-boiled eggs with a touch of clam juice or chicken broth: 20%
Kidney beans, mashed: 10%
Well-cooked white/basmati rice, polenta, barley: 60 %
String beans, squash, asparagus, kale: 10%
 
 

Hill's Feline Restricted Mineral and Sodium Diet

1 lb. Regular ground beef, cooked
1/4 lb. Liver (beef, chicken or pork only), cooked
1 cup cooked white rice without salt
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 t (5 grams) calcium carbonate
1/8 teaspoon KCI (salt substitute)

Also add a balanced supplement which fulfills the feline MDR for all vitamins and trace minerals, and 250 mg taurine/day
 
 

Hill's Feline Restricted Protein Diet

1/4 lb. Liver (beef, chicken or pork only)
2 large hard-boiled eggs
2 cups cooked white rice without salt
1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 t (5 grams) calcium carbonate
1/8 teaspoon KCI (salt substitute)

Also add a balanced supplement which fulfills the feline MDR for all vitamins and trace minerals, and 250 mg taurine/day

Dice and braise the meat, retaining fat.  Combine all ingredients and mix well.  This mixture is somewhat dry and the palatability may be improved by adding some water (not milk).

Dr. Strombeck's Chicken and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low--phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 55 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

1/4 cup cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 calcium carbonate tablet (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 297 kilocalories, 16.3 grams protein, 14.5 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 48 percent, potassium at 215 percent, sodium at 169 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Chicken and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 46.4 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

1/4 cup cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 calcium carbonate tablet (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 399 kilocalories, 18.5 grams protein, 14.7 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 43 percent, potassium at 164 percent, sodium at 124 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Egg Whites and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 53 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

Egg whites from 3 eggs, large, hard-boiled
1 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute- potassium chloride
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 312 kilocalories, 19.7 grams protein, 13.8 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 41percent, potassium at 341 percent, sodium at 603 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Egg Whites and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 46.6 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

Egg whites from 2 eggs, large, hard-boiled
1 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 399 kilocalories, 18.6 grams protein, 13.9 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 41 percent, potassium at 341 percent, sodium at 603 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Egg Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 54.2 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

2 eggs, large, hard-boiled
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
calcium carbonate tablets (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 308 kilocalories, 16.7 grams protein, 25 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 89 percent, potassium at 274 percent, sodium at 673 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Eggs and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 45.7 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

2 eggs, large, hard-boiled
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 calcium carbonate tablets (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 411 kilocalories, 18.8 grams protein, 25.2 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 69 percent, potassium at 189 percent, sodium at 440 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Chicken and Potato Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 57.4 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

1/2 cup cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup potato, boiled with skin
2 Tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 453 kilocalories, 26 grams protein, 30.6 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 52 percent, potassium at 198 percent, sodium at 201 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Chicken and Potato Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorus, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 46.2 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

1/3 cup cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup potato, boiled with skin
2 Tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 418 kilocalories, 19.3 grams protein, 29.9 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 47 percent, potassium at 198 percent, sodium at 172 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Beef and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorous, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 56.8 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

4 ounces lean ground beef (raw weight), cooked
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
1 Tablespoon chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 443 kilocalories, 25.2 grams protein, 26.6 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 52 percent, potassium at 123 percent, sodium at 206 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Beef and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorous, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 44.3 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

4 ounces lean ground beef (raw weight), cooked
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
2 Tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 569 kilocalories, 25.2 grams protein, 40.5 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 45 percent, potassium at 105 percent, sodium at 175 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Beef Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorous, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 55.3 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

4 ounces lean ground beef (raw weight), cooked
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
5 Tablespoon chicken fat
1 calcium carbonate tablets (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 430 kilocalories, 23.8 grams protein, 35.8 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 50 percent, potassium at 126 percent, sodium at 234 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Beef and Potato Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorous, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 46.7 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

4 ounces lean ground beef (raw weight), cooked
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup potato, boiled with skin
2 Tablespoons chicken fat
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 540 kilocalories, 25.2 grams protein, 40.5 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 46 percent, potassium at 194 percent, sodium at 185 percent of a cat's daily needs.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Tuna and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorous, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 53.4 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

3 ounces tuna, canned in water
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/2 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
2 Tablespoons chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 1/2 calcium carbonate tablets (600 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 468 kilocalories, 25 grams protein, 30 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 50 percent, potassium at 190 percent of a cat's daily needs.  Sodium depends on using low-salt tuna.
 

Dr. Strombeck's Tuna and Rice Diet
(low-protein, low-phosphorous, normal potassium, normal sodium diet providing 44.8 grams protein/1000 kilocalories)

2 ounces tuna, canned in water
1/2 ounce clams, canned, chopped in juice
1/3 cup rice, long-grain, cooked
2 Tablespoons chicken fat
1/8 teaspoon salt substitute-potassium chloride
1 calcium carbonate tablet (400 milligrams calcium)
1/4 multiple vitamin-mineral tablet
[author recommends a supplement prepared for humans with allergies; without vitamins A or D]
1/10 B-complex vitamin-trace mineral tablet

Provides 406 kilocalories, 18.2 grams protein, 29.6 grams fat
Provides phosphorus at 46 percent, potassium at 209 percent of a cat's daily needs.  Sodium depends on using low-salt tuna.

In a correspondence with Dr. Strombeck, in regards to canned clams in his recipes, Strombeck wrote:

         You will do better in feeding clams that you prepare yourself. Canned
clams are used in the recipes because the nutrient analyses are standard
and most people would probably rather use a source that is already
prepared. Pennington's book Food Values does not indicate that the sodium
content of canned clams is any higher than cooked fresh clams.

Anitra Frazier's Chicken Soup Recipe

2 to 3 lbs. chicken (I prefer thighs)
1 lb. chicken necks and backs Don't worry if you can't find backs and necks, I've made this using only thighs
Water to cover Distilled water is my preference
1/4 cup tomato juice (not V8 Juice)
I also add approximately 1 1/2 inch piece of Kombu, for added minerals

Put all chicken into a soup pot large enough so the chicken fills the pot only halfway.  Cover with water until water is one to two inches above chicken.  Cover the pot loosely (tip the lid).  Bring to a low sinner.  Simmer three to five hours, occasionally breaking up the chicken and adding more water if necessary.  During the last hour remove the lid and let the water cool down until the chicken is barely covered.  Broth is now deliciously strong.  Pour off broth, cool to room temperature, and then store in refrigerator.

While the broth is cooling, pour enough cold water over the chicken left in the pot to cover.  Then let it cool some more until it's cool enough for you to be able to touch.  With your hands, knead, squeeze, and stir the chicken around in the water to get all the good out of the meat and into the water.  The water will begin to look milky.  Finally, take handfuls of chicken meat, wring out the liquid into the pot, and throw the meat away.  (The hours of simmering have succeeded in transferring the usable nutrition from the meat into the broth.  What little nutrition is left in the meat at this point would be largely indigestible.)  Leave the bones and the broth behind in the pot.

Pour this broth off and store it with the first batch of broth.  Transfer the bones into a smaller pot.  Crack them up so they form a fairly compact mass in the bottom of the pan.  Cover the bones with water ad add the one-fourth cup tomato juice.  Simmer one-half to one hour.

Pour off this broth, again combining it with the other broth.  Throw the bones away.  Store about two cups of the broth in a jar in the refrigerator;  store the rest in the freezer in pint-sized covered freezer containers to be thawed as needed.  To thaw, stand the container in a bowl of hot water.

Chicken Super Soup

Here's how to make your homemade chicken broth even more nutritious.
        Combine the following ingredients:

1/4 cup broth
1/16 teaspoon ascorbic acid crystals (250 units of vitamin C)
1/2 teaspoon food yeast (flaked, brewer's or tarula) I omit the yeast because it is high in phosphorus
1/16 teaspoon feline digestive enzymes word of caution with this - digestive enzymes speed up the spoiling process.  If you use this, add it to the broth right at serving.

For commercial food phosphorus/sodium/protein/fat levels, visit Noreen's cat food analysis page

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