A nutriaceutical diet based on Laspedeza spp, Vaccinuim macrocarpon and Tarassaco officnale improves spontaneus feline chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by structural and/or functional impairment
of one or both kidneys persisting for more than 3 months. In cats,
chronic kidney disease can frequently occur in animals aged over 9 years with
an incidence of approximately 10%. Thirty-four client-owned, neutered cats,
suffering from stage II-III chronic kidney disease and diagnosed according to
the International Renal Interest Society guidelines were randomly assigned to
receive either a control diet (n = 17) or a nutraceutical diet (ND; n = 17) for
90 days. Both diets were commercialized for management of CKD symptoms.
The diets were identical except that the ND contained tablets that consisted of
60–80% hydrolysed proteins, 20–40% minerals and active substances, that are,
Lespedeza spp. 0.0588%, Vaccinium macrocarpom 0.0371%, and Taraxacum
officinale 0.0231%. No adverse effects were reported during this study. Both
diets resulted in an improvement in CKD symptoms. After a 90-day evaluation,
creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, and aspartate aminotransferase
significantly decreased in cats that received the ND. A significant
decrease was also observed in urine turbidity score, color score, and total proteins
in cats that received the ND. We have found that a ND based on Lespedeza
spp., Vaccinium macrocarpon, and Taraxacum officinale improves key
indicators of renal failure in cats affected by chronic kidney disease.