Feline Renal Support + Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 14, 2026
This is a prescription dry diet for adult cats with chronic kidney disease that also need a hydrolyzed protein for skin or digestive issues. It uses brewer’s rice as the main carbohydrate, hydrolyzed soy protein as the primary protein source, and has controlled phosphorus and restricted but high-quality protein to help support kidney function. Added omega-3 fats, fiber sources, and antioxidants are included to support skin, coat, and digestive health while keeping calorie density relatively high for cats with poor appetite.
Nutritionally, this is a thoughtfully designed therapeutic diet for cats with kidney disease who also have suspected or confirmed food-responsive skin or gastrointestinal problems. The restricted, kidney-friendly protein level combined with low phosphorus and hydrolyzed soy protein makes it appropriate for many CKD cats needing a hypoallergenic-type option. It’s best used under veterinary supervision, especially because of the disease it’s targeting and the relatively high calorie density for a renal diet.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated with restricted, high-quality protein and low phosphorus (max 0.57%) to help support kidney function in cats with chronic kidney disease.
- Hydrolyzed soy protein can be very helpful for cats with suspected food allergies or sensitive digestion, reducing the risk of reactions to intact proteins like chicken or fish.
- Includes beneficial extras such as fish oil (EPA/DHA), GLA-rich safflower oil, prebiotic fibers (dried chicory root, fructooligosaccharides), and antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, marigold extract).
- High calorie density (about 402 kcal per cup) is useful for cats with reduced appetite who need to get more energy from smaller meal volumes.
Considerations
- Primary protein source is hydrolyzed soy rather than animal protein; while appropriate for allergies and kidney disease, some cats may find it less palatable than meat-based renal diets.
- Fat content is on the higher side for a renal food (minimum 18% as-fed), which is usually well tolerated but may not suit cats with certain fat-sensitive conditions unless a vet approves it.
- Because this is a therapeutic renal diet with restricted protein, it is not appropriate for healthy adult cats or growing kittens and should only be used under veterinary guidance.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Brewer's Rice
Brewer’s rice is a milling byproduct of rice processing made up of small broken white rice kernels commonly used in pet foods as a highly digestible carbohydrate source, filler and binder that provides readily available energy for dogs and cats while contributing little protein, fat or fiber. It is generally gentle on the stomach and cost‑effective, but diets using it must supply other ingredients for essential nutrients; pet owners should note its relatively high glycemic load (relevant for weight or diabetic pets), the potential for trace environmental contaminants associated with rice, and not confuse it with brewer’s yeast.
02
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed soy protein is a processed plant protein broken into small peptides and amino acids and is used in pet foods as a digestible protein source and flavor enhancer, often in hypoallergenic or limited‑ingredient formulations. It can improve digestibility and may reduce allergic reactions for some animals, but it may still trigger soy‑sensitive pets, does not supply certain nutrients cats need from animal proteins (e.g., taurine), and formulations should be evaluated for added sodium or flavoring compounds.
03
Chicken Fat
Chicken fat is used in dog and cat foods as a concentrated energy and flavor source that supplies essential fatty acids (notably linoleic acid) and aids absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, improving palatability and supporting skin and coat health. Because it is calorie‑dense, diets must account for added fat to prevent weight gain, and quality (proper rendering and antioxidant protection to prevent rancidity) is important; although fats are less commonly allergenic than proteins, pets with poultry sensitivities may still react in some cases.
04
Chicory Root
Chicory root is used in pet food primarily as a source of soluble fiber and the prebiotic inulin to support digestive health, improve stool quality, and assist with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness. It can benefit dogs and cats by feeding beneficial gut bacteria and enhancing nutrient absorption, but it should be introduced gradually because high amounts can cause gas, bloating or loose stools and may be unsuitable for pets with sensitive gastrointestinal conditions.
05
Natural Flavor
Natural flavor is used primarily as a palatability enhancer in pet foods to improve taste and aroma and is not intended to provide significant nutrients, typically coming from concentrated extracts of meat, poultry, plant, or fermentation sources. While it can increase acceptance in picky dogs and cats, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific sources so pets with known sensitivities or allergies may react, and presence of natural flavor should not be taken as a guarantee of overall product quality.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
Brand
Royal Canin is a premium pet food brand offering highly specific diets tailored to different breeds, life stages, sizes, and health conditions of dogs and cats. The brand is known for its science-driven approach and collaboration with veterinarians and pet professionals.
Visit Royal CaninWSAVA publishes criteria for evaluating a manufacturer (qualified nutritionists, feeding trials, published research); it does not certify or endorse brands.
Manufacturer
Royal Canin operates manufacturing facilities globally with strict quality control processes and adheres to ISO certification standards. The company maintains full traceability of ingredients, follows HACCP principles, and complies with local and international pet food safety regulations including EU and FDA requirements.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
Royal Canin Feline Renal Support + Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has Royal Canin ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for Royal Canin. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.
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