DiscoverThe Vet Nurse Hacker PodcastFuelling Recovery: Hospital Feeding Strategies for Renal Cats and Dogs | Ep3
Fuelling Recovery: Hospital Feeding Strategies for Renal Cats and Dogs | Ep3

Fuelling Recovery: Hospital Feeding Strategies for Renal Cats and Dogs | Ep3

Update: 2025-06-09
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In this episode of The Vet Nurse Hacker Podcast, we dive into one of the most underestimated — but absolutely life-saving — tools in your hospital arsenal: nutrition support for renal patients. From cranky kidneys to even crankier appetites, feeding hospitalised cats and dogs with renal disease can feel like a never-ending battle. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back (and your syringe). We break down:
  • The real difference between CKD and AKI (without the textbook snooze)
  • What’s actually happening in those sad little kidneys
  • Key nutritional goals for renal patients (and why they matter so much)
  • Practical feeding strategies: from hand-feeding to tube feeds
  • How to troubleshoot common issues like food refusal, nausea, and feeding aversions
  • And yes… why food left in a cage for 6 hours is a crime against cats everywhere
This episode is packed with gold for vet nurses, techs, and vets alike — whether you're new to renal patients or just looking to level up your feeding game. Because food isn’t just fuel — in renal care, it’s medicine. Takeaways:
  • Nutrition is essential for renal patients' recovery.
  • Nausea management is crucial before feeding.
  • Behavioural strategies can enhance feeding success.
  • Early intervention in feeding leads to better outcomes.
  • Quality of protein is more important than quantity.
  • Feeding should be tailored to individual patient needs.
  • Calm feeding environments improve appetite.
  • Monitor intake closely to prevent complications.
  • Use appetite stimulants to encourage eating.
  • Food is a critical part of the treatment plan.
Chapters
  • 00:00 Introduction to Hospital Feeding Strategies
  • 01:50 Understanding Renal Disease in Pets
  • 05:25 Nutrition Goals for Renal Patients
  • 15:19 Feeding Techniques for Renal Patients
  • 23:30 Diet Options for Hospitalized Renal Patients
  • 32:14 Creative Feeding Solutions for Renal Cats and Dogs
  • 37:01 Understanding Renal Patient Feeding Challenges
  • 39:58 Nausea Management and Its Impact on Feeding
  • 42:31 Appetite Support Strategies for Stubborn Patients
  • 45:22 Behavioral Techniques to Encourage Eating 4
  • 7:29 The Importance of Monitoring and Nutrition Plans  
www.vetxir.com to learn more!
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Fuelling Recovery: Hospital Feeding Strategies for Renal Cats and Dogs | Ep3

Fuelling Recovery: Hospital Feeding Strategies for Renal Cats and Dogs | Ep3

Victoria Koks