Vegetarians do not consume red meat, poultry, or fowl but may eat other animal products such as fish, eggs, and dairy. Vegans only consume plant-based foods. If you are not yet on dialysis, you may need to restrict your intake of protein and minerals, such as phosphorus, calcium, and potassium. If you are on dialysis, you may need to increase protein and other nutrients.*

A vegetarian diet is adaptable for both these situations. Your dietician will help you create a meal plan that suits your nutritional and lifestyle needs. 

Food options for a CKD-friendly vegetarian diet

Contrary to popular belief, there are many protein-rich, nutritious foods besides meat. These include:

• Burgers, hot dogs, and deli slices made from soy, pea protein, or other plant sources
• Tofu and tempeh (both forms of soy)
• Beans and lentils
• Nuts and nut butters
• Whole eggs, egg whites, and egg substitutes
• Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Whole grain products, such as breads, pastas, and cereals

The nutrient content of all these food items can vary, so read nutrition labels on packaging carefully. Keep an eye out for minerals that you may need to limit on your renal diet, such as sodium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. If you’re unable to meet your protein needs with food alone, protein powders and supplements may be viable options. 

Benefits of a vegetarian diet when you have CKD

Plant-based protein sources have health benefits for most people but are especially good for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Plant proteins have been shown to:

• Decrease proteinuria (presence of protein in urine)
• Slow kidney function decline 
• Cause less kidney tissue damage than red meat and other animal proteins 
• Reduce the growth of kidney cysts
• Improve blood lipid (fat) measurements

You may find it challenging to meet your protein needs while also controlling your phosphorus and potassium consumption, but it’s possible to do. It’s a bit more difficult for vegans to meet protein and phosphorus needs, since they don’t eat eggs or dairy products. As with any diet, it’s good to include a variety of foods in your meal plan to ensure that your daily nutrient and energy requirements are met.

What might my meal plan look like?

If you’re new to vegetarianism, you may be surprised by the wide array of flavors and textures available to you on a meatless diet. If you already follow a vegetarian diet, you’ll be pleased to know that you can continue it even with kidney disease. You may just need to adjust food combinations and amounts to accommodate recommended nutrient limits.

Some meal options include:

• Breakfast: Egg scrambles, frittatas, pancakes, or a breakfast burrito
• Lunch: Eggplant casserole or pasta primavera
• Dinner: Pierogies with cabbage and/or mushrooms, or chiles rellenos
• Snacks: A soft pretzel, muffin, or trail mix
• Dessert: Sorbet, bread pudding, or a fresh fruit cup

In addition to your dietician’s suggestions, specific recipes for CKD-friendly vegetarian meals can easily be found online. 

Additional information can be found in a Davita article on “Meatless Recipes for a Kidney Diet”

*Patel, C. The Vegetarian Diet and Chronic Kidney Disease. DaVita Kidney Care. https://www.davita.com/diet-nutrition/articles/advice/the-vegetarian-diet-and-chronic-kidney-disease