Hello, I’m Alex Shin, a pharmacist at Greycoat Research.
Today, we are recommending four products from other companies for cats with CKD.

Greycoat Research recommends what works—not only what we make.
Through more than 5,000 CKD consultations, we have seen what works in real-world care.

When a product proves useful, we recommend it confidently—even when another company makes it.

We have grouped these four products into three practical categories.

1. Royal Canin Renal Liquid

Royal Canin Renal Liquid is one of the most important products for cats with Stage 3 CKD or beyond. It contains far less protein than standard renal diets.

At Greycoat Research, we sometimes recommend adding Renal Liquid to a regular renal diet when a cat’s BUN reaches 60 mg/dL and continues to rise.

In our experience, signs related to uremia may begin to appear when BUN rises above 70 mg/dL.

• Appetite may decline.
• Energy may drop.

The cat’s overall condition may become noticeably worse.
This is why we try to act before BUN rises further.

For cats with significantly reduced kidney function, an even lower-protein form of nutrition has often been helpful in our experience. Renal Liquid is commonly given through a feeding tube.

However, when a cat parent is able to do this safely, Renal Liquid can also be given slowly with a feeding syringe instead of a feeding tube.

Greycoat Research has used this method many times and has seen good results. In our experience, we have never seen a cat voluntarily consume Renal Liquid.

To provide the amount of nutrition they need, syringe feeding is essential.
Never push a large amount too quickly.

Give a small amount at a time, and make sure the cat has swallowed before giving more. This helps reduce the risk of the liquid entering the airway.

When to use it

Consider Renal Liquid when your cat has Stage 3 CKD or beyond, BUN is above 60 mg/dL and still rising, and an even lower-protein form of nutrition is needed.

In these cases, Greycoat Research actively uses Renal Liquid together with a regular renal diet.

2. Two Dry Renal Diets We Recommend

A good renal diet is not only about its nutrient profile. Your cat must also eat it consistently.

Among the dry renal diets we have used, these two have been among the most palatable:

• Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d
• Royal Canin Renal Select

Both diets have well-controlled levels of protein, phosphorus, and sodium. They offer a strong balance between nutrition and palatability.

All cats currently under Greycoat Research’s care eat one of these two diets. Other brands may also offer good renal diets. We will continue reviewing other options and recommend them when our experience supports them.

Based on our experience, Hill’s k/d and Royal Canin Renal Select are reliable first choices for cats with CKD.

When to use them

Consider these diets when your cat refuses other renal foods or needs a dry renal diet with both good palatability and well-balanced nutrition.

3. Ipakitine

In Stage 3 CKD or beyond, two problems require close attention:
Metabolic acidosis and high phosphorus levels.

When access to subcutaneous fluid therapy or prescription phosphate binders is limited, Ipakitine can be a valuable option.

Ipakitine contains calcium carbonate and chitosan. Calcium carbonate may help manage metabolic acidosis, which is a common and persistent problem in Stage 3 CKD.

When given with food, chitosan may help bind phosphorus from the diet. We use Ipakitine for two main purposes:

• Managing metabolic acidosis and controlling phosphorus.

How to schedule it with Greycoat supplements

When using Ipakitine together with Greycoat Research supplements, give them at different times.

• Give the Greycoat supplements with a small treat one to two hours before Ipakitine.
• Give Ipakitine with the main meal or immediately after the meal.

This makes the daily schedule easier to maintain.

Using empty capsules

Some cats refuse their food when Ipakitine powder is mixed into it. In this situation, putting the powder into empty capsules can be a practical option.

Some cat parents already give Ipakitine this way. Cats with Stage 3 CKD often need several products every day.

For cats that take capsules well, this can make the routine easier and keep the daily amount and timing more consistent.

Even when using capsules, give Ipakitine with the meal or immediately after the meal.

If your veterinarian can provide subcutaneous fluid therapy for metabolic acidosis and prescribe a phosphate binder such as sevelamer, it may not be necessary to add Ipakitine.

However, when this support is difficult to access, we consider Ipakitine one of the best options for managing both metabolic acidosis and phosphorus.

When to use it

Consider Ipakitine when your cat has Stage 3 CKD or beyond, but access to subcutaneous fluid therapy or prescription phosphate binders is limited.

Our Goal Is to Solve Real Problems in CKD Care

Greycoat Research does not recommend only its own products. When another product can be useful in CKD care, we are happy to recommend it.

At the same time, CKD care often works best when diet, hydration, supplements, and veterinary treatment are used together based on your cat’s individual needs.

These products can also be used alongside other parts of your cat’s CKD care routine, depending on their individual needs.

CKD care is not about finding one perfect product.
It is about choosing the right combination and staying consistent every day.

Thank you,

Alex Shin
Pharmacist
Greycoat Research

[Educational Disclaimer]

This content is provided for general educational and informational purposes only.
It is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Please consult your veterinarian regarding your cat’s health and before making any changes to your cat’s diet, supplements, or care routine.