Factors influencing commercial renal diet prescribing for cats with chronic kidney disease: (CKD) by veterinarians in Australia

Prescription renal diets are well established for treating cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In Australia, there are only two companies that manufacture commercial prescription diets for kidney disease, limiting options for owners and their pets. Veterinarians have the option to prescribe renal diets for cats with CKD but the factors influencing the decision-making behind this have not been explored. A survey of veterinarians working with small animals was conducted to identify factors influencing dietary treatment decisions. Although 98% of respondents thought CKD cat owners would buy and feed a commercial renal diet, only 72% considered the owners would continue long-term. The most common barriers for long-term use of commercial renal diets were considered to be perceived poor palatability and expense.