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Veterinary-formulated diets as protective factors against chronic kidney disease: A case-control study in domestic cats (Felis catus)
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A. Jamshidi   , B. Akhtardanesh * |
| Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran |
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Abstract: (342 Views) |
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 30–40% of cats over 10 years old, highlighting the need to identify modifiable dietary risk factors. This case-control study (2021–2023) evaluated pre-morbid diets in 194 client-owned cats (97 CKD cases, 97 controls) from southeastern Iran, excluding those with comorbidities and exclusively outdoor housing. CKD diagnosis was based on IRIS criteria (serum creatinine ≥1.6 mg/dL, urine specific gravity <1.030/proteinuria). Dietary intake was assessed using validated owner questionnaires, categorizing diets as commercial dry/wet, non-formulated homemade, or veterinary-formulated mixed diets. Cats with CKD had significantly higher creatinine levels (2.1 vs. 1.4 mg/dL, p<0.001), with 65% at IRIS Stage 2. Non-formulated homemade diets (28.9% vs. 16.5% controls; OR=2.1, p=0.04) and commercial wet foods (29.9% vs. 16.5%; OR=2.1, p=0.027) were associated with increased CKD risk, whereas veterinary-formulated mixed diets were protective (10.3% vs. 22.7%; OR=0.4, p=0.02). Subgroup analyses linked non-formulated diets to underweight status (p=0.003) and dry food consumption to obesity (p=0.01). These findings emphasize the critical role of diet formulation quality, particularly phosphorus-protein balance, in mitigating renal stress. Despite the observational design and potential residual confounders limiting causal inference, results support early nutritional counseling, IRIS-aligned diets, and routine screening to prevent CKD in aging cats. Future research should explore biomarker-guided dietary interventions to enhance feline renal health.
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| Keywords: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), Domestic cats, Veterinary-formulated diets, Dietary risk factors |
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Full-Text [PDF 386 kb]
(309 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/04/19 | Published: 2025/10/12
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