59.3% protein in green lipped mussel powder. Suitable for senior cats?

[Gabbys_Mum]

Ive just purchased some green lipped mussel powder for Gabby as she has begun showing signs of arthritis in her hind leg but also has k.disease, and after reading numerous posts and links here felt she would benefit, but when I read the ingredients it said "59.3% raw protein".

Are we not supposed to be cutting down on proteins for cats with k.disease?

[fjm]

I believe the issue is less with protein than phosphorus - many meats and other high protein foods are also high in phosphorus, so reducing protein is a way of reducing phosphorus. There is evidence that elderly cats actually require more protein than younger cats - if you can keep protein levels high while managing phosphorus levels you get the best of both worlds. Although the green lipped mussel powder has a high percentage of protein, consider how much you will be feeding - probably less than a quarter of a gramme. The amount of protein it will add is tiny - I would consult your vet about whether the phosphorus content (around 10mg per gramme) is likely to be a problem.

[Gabbys_Mum]

Oooo er! Im all confused again

Ive purchased the powder but havent given yet because I noticed it was written on the side that it contains almost 60% protein

[fjm]

If 1 gramme contains 60% protein and 10% phosphorus, that is .6grammes of protein and .1 gramme of phosphorus in a gramme. The daily dose for a cat is probably around quarter of a gramme, which will contain .15 grammes protein and .025grammes phosphorus. These are very tiny amounts, but it is always best to talk to your vet before using any supplements. The YuMove supplements for cats are formulated to be low in phosphorus, so may be a better choice if your vet considers the phosphorus levels in the GLM powder too high.

[Jan]

Hello

We have been giving our cat YuMove (protein content 32%) on recommendation from a Professor of Orthopaedics when we had to take Blackie to a referral hospital last year because of an apparent luxating patella. (In the event, the op never took place). When I saw the ingredients, I asked our local vet if it was suitable for a cat with early stage CKD and she said it was as Blackie is also on a phosphate binder (Ipakitine). He's also on 2.5ml Metacam for his arthritis.

The Prof also suggested that I gave him a tin of Sardine + Mackerel once or twice a week. He loves it!

I often ask our local vet if he should have a low protein diet but every time she says 'no' - the phosphate binder is the way to go for Blackie. As he's survived for 4 years now after first being diagnosed with early stage CKD, the vet must be right!

[Gabbys_Mum]

Hi Jan!

I actually went to the vets today to see if I could grab a quick chat with them, as I wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing by giving just green lipped mussel powder (its been bugging me and my conscience wasn't letting me relax!) As I walked in, the vet who sees Gabby was standing at reception, yay!

I showed the tub of g.l.m.powder that I had bought and shared my concern that it had 59.3% protein in it. I have to say that I was really impressed (and grateful) that she gave me so much time, considering I didn't have an appointment and literally just walked in!

She basically said that as Gabby was in the early stages of arthritis, and taking on board her kidney levels (we had bloods done this week), just the powder would be too strong, so she has recommended I try YuMove.

I'm so relieved I went and asked, I'm much more at ease now that I will be giving Gabby what she needs, and the advice I was given here was also very helpful

I also agree with you about "what the vet is saying must be right", as Gabby was diagnosed 2 years ago with k.disease and for her to be where she is now...well...it is down to the vet's advice. When she told me 2 years back to stop all treats, meat, chicken etc and switch Gabby to a prescription diet, I was kind of nervous, but I'm so glad I stuck to my guns and helped Gabby to adjust. She's happy and content...it's all I can ask for!

Thank you for taking the time to reply, Jan!

[Gabbys_Mum]

The YuMove supplements for cats are formulated to be low in phosphorus, so may be a better choice if your vet considers the phosphorus levels in the GLM powder too high.

After reading this last night, my first task today was to go the vets. I'm so glad I did as what you wrote, is what happened.
The vet said the powder alone may be too strong for Gabby, and that YuMove would be a much better option.

Relief
Clear conscience
Calmer!

I was literally driving myself crazy as even though I had purchased the powder, I just wasn't sure I was doing right, so going to the vets today was the best thing I could have done (for my own sanity and for Gabby's wellbeing!)

Thank you for your advice!

[fjm]

I am sure you will find some other animal that will benefit from the powder - or perhaps even take it yourself?!

[Lilith]

I'm glad I found out about this too - I'd been giving it to Emily, who's ckd, just before she was diagnosed, but then somehow I lapsed, and anyway Emily and Mouse were pretty fit - still are; Emmy can jump on to the table in the window and jump 6' across the room on to the bed.

But if her back end had looked wonky again I'd have started her on the GLP again ... and not done her any good ...

[Gabbys_Mum]

We all just want the best for our fur babies, don't we.

Bless 'em!