Potassium is an essential mineral that helps keep the heart, muscles, and neurological function happy and healthy. Without potassium, a cat’s body would be completely out of whack.

Thankfully, potassium is abundant in several food sources, even for an obligate carnivore. In this post, we share nine potassium-rich food sources your cat will love.

How Much Potassium Do Cats Need Daily?

The average healthy cat needs about 0.33 grams of potassium daily. But since cats have different health needs, this number can vary.

For instance, cats with renal disease need more potassium in their daily allowance to help regulate kidney function and account for urine losses of the mineral.

Potassium in Commercial Pet Food

Since potassium is an essential mineral, commercial cat foods must contain the minimum potassium levels in their formulas. Some pet foods will have more potassium in their recipes than others, depending on the ingredient list.

The 9 Foods With Potassium You Can Feed Your Cat

Try these nine foods to add more potassium to your cat’s diet. Odds are your cat is bound to like one of them.

1. Chicken

You can’t go wrong with chicken. One cup of cooked chicken equals about 312 to 332 milligrams of potassium, just about your cat’s daily potassium intake.

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2. Canned Tuna

Canned tuna has about 153 milligrams of potassium, plus it’s easy to serve. If you feed your cat tuna, offer the low-sodium or salt-free option.

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3. Salmon

Cooked salmon offers about 332 milligrams of potassium in roughly a 3-ounce serving. You could also serve a dry food salmon formula if you can’t afford fresh salmon.

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4. Banana

Not all cats like bananas, but those that do can enjoy a few pieces of a whole banana. You wouldn’t want to give your cat an entire banana since one contains about 422 milligrams of potassium. With a cat, this shouldn’t be a problem!

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5. Pumpkin

Several pet foods and treats contain pumpkin these days. You can also find canned pumpkin cheaply in the baking aisle at your local grocery store. One cup of pumpkin contains about 394 milligrams of potassium, deeming it a high-potassium food.

Of course, your cat won’t eat an entire cup of pumpkin, but cat foods and treats are a good start.

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6. Spinach

Cooked spinach contains 466 milligrams of potassium on a 3.5-ounce basis. Some cats love to munch on fresh spinach, so it’s a win-win.

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7. Potatoes

You shouldn’t feed your cat too many potatoes, but they are high in potassium. A 3.5 ounce of potato contains 544 milligrams of potassium.

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8. Lamb

Lamb is an excellent choice for offering carnivorous cats extra potassium. A 3-ounce serving contains about 260 milligrams of potassium, plus it’s delicious. When you offer lamb, ensure the lamb isn’t seasoned with onion, garlic, or additional seasonings.

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9. Prescription Food

Cats with chronic kidney disease would benefit from a prescription renal diet designed to help their kidney function. These diets are supplemented with potassium already, so you wouldn’t want to go overboard with other potassium-rich foods.

What Causes Low Potassium in Cats?

Low potassium, or hypokalemia, is commonly found in cats with chronic kidney disease. About 20% to 30% of cats with this issue struggle with low potassium levels.

Malnourishment will also cause low potassium levels in cats, eventually leading to other health concerns if the cat’s nutrition doesn’t improve.

Can My Cat Have Too Much Potassium?

Cats can consume too many vitamins and minerals if cat owners aren’t careful. The best way to know if your cat is getting the proper nutrition is to work with your veterinarian on a diet that works for your cat.

Whether homemade or commercial, your veterinarian can provide the best direction with your cat’s potassium level.

Conclusion

Low potassium, or Hypokalemia, is more common in cats than we realize. It all boils down to proper diet and kidney health. A nice snack here and there using the foods we listed above is a great place to start. But if your cat is at a stage in life when it needs veterinary help with potassium levels, work with your vet on the best action plan.

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Featured Image Credit: Veera, Shutterstock