Why Kibble Might Be Harming Your Cat’s Kidneys

Understanding Pet Food Labels – Cat Edition

Let’s not sugar-coat it: dry kibble is one of the worst food types you can feed a cat. It’s cheap, it’s convenient, and some cats seem to love it—but long-term, it can seriously affect their health.

One of the biggest concerns? Kidney disease—which just so happens to be one of the most common causes of illness and death in older cats.

This blog breaks down why kibble is such a problem, how it’s linked to kidney stress, and what you can do to feed better—whether you’re ready to ditch it entirely or just make smarter compromises.

🐱 Cats Are Designed to Get Moisture From Their Food

Cats evolved as desert animals. In the wild, they barely drink water—they get most of their hydration from the prey they eat. A typical mouse is around 70–75% moisture.

Kibble? Just 6–10% moisture. That’s not just low—it’s the total opposite of what a cat’s body is built for.

💧 Dehydration: The Silent Killer

Cats aren’t natural drinkers. Even if they have access to fresh water, most won’t drink enough to make up for the lack of moisture in dry food. Over time, this leads to chronic, low-grade dehydration.

And that’s where the trouble starts.

🧬 The Link Between Kibble and Kidney Disease

Prolonged dehydration puts a massive strain on the kidneys. Cats fed kibble long-term are more likely to suffer from:

• Urinary tract issues (like crystals and blockages)

• Cystitis and bladder inflammation

• Kidney stress and degeneration

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in later life

By the time symptoms appear, damage is often already done. That’s why prevention is key—and it starts with feeding moisture-rich food.

🧂 What Else is Wrong With Kibble?

Beyond the lack of water, most dry foods are:

• Low in meat

• High in carbs

• Bulked out with grains or cereals

• Filled with plant-based proteins cats can’t use properly

• Highly processed and stripped of natural enzymes and nutrients

Even the premium-sounding ones often hide behind vague terms like meat meal, derivatives, and vegetable protein extracts.

🐾 If You Really Must Feed Kibble…

We get it. Some cats are hooked on it. Or maybe you want to leave something out for them to graze on when you're not home. That’s fine—but it shouldn't be the main part of their diet.

Here’s how to do it better:

✅ Choose the right kibble:

• At least 80% meat or fish content

• Clearly named ingredients (e.g. chicken, duck, turkey, salmon)

• No cereals, grains, or vegetable proteins

• No sugars or artificial additives

• Ideally cold-pressed or gently baked—not extruded

🥩 Use it as a graze or back-up:

• Offer it in small amounts, not as the main meal

• Let your cat nibble on it if needed, but don’t rely on it

• Think of it as the snack, not the main course

💧 Always pair with a moisture-rich main food:

• Raw 80:10:10 minces

• High-meat wet food (70%+ named meat)

• Gently cooked or freeze-dried food rehydrated with water or broth

This way, your cat still gets the moisture, protein, and species-appropriate nutrition they need, even if they graze on a bit of dry in between.

Final Word: Moisture Matters More Than You Think

Kibble might be convenient, but your cat’s kidneys will pay the price in the long run. If you want to keep it in the diet, choose wisely and keep it minimal. Prioritise real, moisture-rich food built for carnivores—because that’s what cats are.

You can’t hydrate a cat by topping up their water bowl. You hydrate them through their food.