Ep 3: Fuelling Recovery: Hospital Feeding Strategies for Renal Cats and Dogs

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

• 00:00Introduction to Hospital Feeding Strategies
• 01:50Understanding Renal Disease in Pets
• 05:25Nutrition Goals for Renal Patients
• 15:19Feeding Techniques for Renal Patients
• 23:30Diet Options for Hospitalized Renal Patients
• 32:14Creative Feeding Solutions for Renal Cats and Dogs
• 37:01Understanding Renal Patient Feeding Challenges
• 39:58Nausea Management and Its Impact on Feeding
• 42:31Appetite Support Strategies for Stubborn Patients
• 45:22Behavioral Techniques to Encourage Eating 4
• 7:29The Importance of Monitoring and Nutrition Plans  

www.vetxir.com to learn more!