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Managing Appetite Loss and Nausea in Pets with Kidney Issues

Pet Care Tips 4 min read

The kidneys play an important role in the bodily functions of your pets. These hardworking organs function to filter waste from the blood to produce urine, which helps to eliminate toxins from the body. They are also responsible for regulating hydration, blood pressure, red blood cell production, pH, and mineral balance. Tiny filtering units, called nephrons, work inside the kidney to act as filters. Sadly, when the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, it can lead to what’s known as kidney disease. Kidney disease can cause appetite loss and nausea in pets, but there are ways to help your pet manage these symptoms.

Why Kidney Disease Causes Appetite Loss and Nausea in Pets

Kidney issues can happen for a variety of reasons

Kidney issues can happen for a variety of reasons. They can even be idiopathic, which means that there is no cause and can happen spontaneously. On the other hand, kidney disease can occur when there is not enough working tissue in the organ to maintain normal function. The causes of kidney disease in pets are broad and include medications, dehydration, age, infection, toxicity, and medical conditions. For example, if your pet ingests antifreeze, which is toxic to their system, their kidneys can take a hard hit.

Signs to Watch Out For

Nausea and loss of appetite can accompany kidney issues. This is because there can be increased toxins in the bloodstream as the kidneys are not functioning at full capacity. Dehydration is another side effect that can cause nausea and vomiting. When your little one is nauseous, they may exhibit signs of anxiety, hypersalivation, vocalization, and lip smacking.

Other signs to watch for include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Increased urination
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Out of character behaviour
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty breathing

Gentle Ways to Support Appetite and Digestion

One way to help your little one with appetite and digestion is to increase hydration, as kidney disease can cause dehydration. Some good ways to increase water intake are to offer wet food, use water fountains, and set up multiple water bowls around the house. You can also try adding flavours to their water or mixing water with their food. Some pets will be more willing to eat when their food is warmed up or when warm water is added, as it can bring out the flavour and increase palatability.

Addressing nausea will also be important

Addressing nausea in pets will also be important. You can do this by balancing their electrolytes and offering small, frequent meals of bland food. When pets are nauseous, they may be extra sensitive to strong odours, so it’s important to try to neutralize this as best as you can.

If your pet is not taking to food, you can try syringe feeding them a liquid mixture. We have a guide on how to force feed a pet that isn’t eating, but always consult a vet first if they are not.

Herbal and Holistic Support Options

The use of herbal supplements can be beneficial to supplement your pet’s regimen.

NHV Yucca

  • May help stimulate hunger in pets with decreased appetite due to illness
  • Commonly used to support arthritis and other inflammatory conditions

Tripsy

  • Our main urinary and kidney support supplement, which has been studied at the University of Georgia in a clinical trial for its benefits.
  • Assists in the maintenance of kidney function and has properties to aid in flushing kidney stones

NHV PetOmega 3

  • Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, especially for the kidneys
  • It’s a great addition to your pet’s diet to support renal and kidney function, the immune system, and a healthy coat

Milk Thistle

  • Has strong antioxidant and detoxifying properties to support cellular regeneration, liver repair, and offer support to the kidneys
  • Supports liver regeneration, detoxification, and function. The active ingredient is Silymarin, which contains flavonoids that have many beneficial properties: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying

NHV Turmeric

  • Has a variety of beneficial properties
  • Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent
  • Contains curcumin, which is known to play a role in the inflammation responses
  • It has antioxidant and nutritive properties and can help reduce discomfort and inflammation

Importance of Vet Oversight

With kidney issues, it’s important to always check with your regular veterinarian to make sure that they’re getting the best treatment. Your veterinarian may prescribe a specialized diet, normally one that is low in protein, sodium, and phosphorus. Reducing protein intake may help reduce the workload on the kidneys.

Your veterinarian may also prescribe some medication to help manage the kidney issues, nausea, and/or lack of appetite. It’s important to note that you should consult your regular veterinarian regarding the treatment plan for your little one, as they know their case the best.

Introducing natural supplements? All NHV supplements can be taken alongside veterinary medications. We just advise that you leave a gap of 30 minutes to (ideally) 2 hours between the medications and the supplements.

Conclusion

Caring for a pet with kidney issues often requires a holistic and proactive approach. That’s why it is important to address each symptom, whether it is appetite loss or nausea in pets.

We’re committed to supporting you and your furbabies on their health journeys and are here to help in any way we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, as our dedicated team of Pet Experts would be happy to help create the perfect regimen to best suit the needs of your little one.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: May 30, 2025

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