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    Eating Well on a Dialysis Diet

    To feel your best and do your best on dialysis, a carefully thought-out meal plan will play a big role. Your dietitian can help you learn how to incorporate foods you enjoy—and still stay within your dialysis diet guidelines.

    While some of the key basics for an end stage renal disease (ESRD) diet are similar to when you were at the earlier stages of kidney disease—lower salt, potassium, and phosphorus—there are two key differences: proteins and fluids.

    Power up on protein with dialysis

    Now that you’re on dialysis, your protein needs are typically much higher. That’s because you lose protein during your dialysis treatments. 

    protein dialysis scale

    Include a protein with every meal and snack

    There are plenty of great protein choices for your kidney-friendly diet: beans, beef, chicken, edamame, eggs, fish, lamb, lentils, tofu, turkey, quinoa, veal, and wild game.

    Choosing all-natural, fresh meat is best. Low-sodium, frozen or canned meats (rinsed) are also acceptable. Just limit cured and deli meats while shopping to help with reducing your sodium intake.

    A typical serving size for protein on dialysis is a ½ cup or 3-5 oz, which is equivalent to the palm of your hand.
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    High-protein snacks for a dialysis diet

    Mini meals and snacks can be a great way to fit more protein into your day.
    Here are some tasty tips:
    Hard boiled eggs kidney diet friendly snack
    Snack on hardboiled eggs or have low-salt deviled eggs as a treat.
    Pasta salad mix in bowl
    Mix hardboiled eggs, tuna, salmon, shrimp or chicken into a pasta salad.
    Peanut butter on toast kidney diet friendly
    Spread a spoonful of peanut butter on toast.
    Protein bars are kidney diet friendly
    Eat protein bars or add protein powders to food. Ask your dietitian which ones may be best for you.

    Managing your fluids on dialysis

    Dialysis works to remove excess fluid, so it’s important to manage your fluid intake to feel your best. Fluids may be limited on a dialysis diet, and the exact amount you should have each day depends on the type of dialysis your doctor prescribes. Any excess fluid must be removed by dialysis, and consuming too much fluid may cause build-up between dialysis treatments. Some signs of "fluid overload" include:

    • Headaches and low energy
    • Swelling in your face, hands, and feet (edema)
    • Trouble breathing from fluid in your lungs
    • High blood pressure

    If you see signs of fluid overload like bloating, headaches, or low energy, contact your care team.

    Common dialysis diet questions

    Your care team will work with you to create an eating plan that meets your unique needs. On dialysis, some foods to avoid typically include:

    • Chocolate
    • Pickles
    • Bacon
    • Processed foods

    Eating well can help you stay healthy and live the life you love. Your lab results will show if your dialysis diet is working, but you can also notice changes in yourself, too.

    • Have you tried to make healthy protein choices?
    • Have you lost weight without trying?
    • Have you noticed changes in your energy, strength, or ability to care for yourself?
    • Have you noticed changes in the kinds or amounts of food you eat every day?

    A dialysis diet low in sodium, protein, liquids, and potassium can cut down on waste in the blood. It can also help promote kidney function and, in some cases, even slow the progression of CKD. 

    Limiting your fluid intake is key on dialysis. You can still enjoy some healthy drinks for your kidneys, like:

    • Black coffee
    • Sparkling water
    • Unsweetened green tea
    • Low-sugar smoothies
    • Water
    Planning is a critical step to feeling your best on a dialysis diet. Work with your care team to develop a meal plan you will enjoy and help your kidneys, too.


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