Eating and Drinking on Peritoneal Dialysis

Choosing home peritoneal dialysis (PD) for kidney failure treatment at stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) can give you more flexibility in lifestyle, scheduling and diet compared to other treatments. There are some kidney diet basics for people on any kind of dialysis—like choosing high-protein, low-sodium foods and drinks, following a low-phosphorus diet and managing potassium intake as directed by your care team. However, people on home dialysis may have fewer restrictions for eating and drinking because treatment is done more frequently.

Why does PD give me more freedom with my diet?

Whether you choose to do PD throughout the day or overnight, daily PD treatment gives wastes and toxins less time to build up in your blood between dialysis sessions. The frequency of home dialysis also is closer to natural kidney function and can mean better results.

What can I eat on a peritoneal dialysis diet?

Your dietitian will help you create a personalized meal plan that’s perfect for what your body needs on a peritoneal dialysis diet—and incorporates your favorite flavors and foods. If you’re going to stick to a dialysis diet, it’s best if you enjoy it.
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PROTEINS



Beans, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, pork... and much more
See full list here
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BREADS, CEREALS & GRAINS

Bagel (half), cereal, corn tortilla, old-fashioned or steel-cut oatmeal, pasta, rice... and much more
See full list here
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FRUITS



Apple, blueberries, cherries, grapes, pear, strawberries... and much more
See full list here
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VEGETABLES



Broccoli, carrots, cherry tomatoes, corn, mushrooms, spinach... and much more
See full list here
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DAIRY

Cheese (brie, cheddar, goat, mozzarella, ricotta, Swiss), Greek yogurt, milk and milk substitutes... and much more
See full list here
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FLUIDS

100% fruit juice, fresh-brewed coffee, fresh-brewed tea (black, herbal), fresh-squeezed lemonade, club soda, water (sparkling, tap)... and much more
See full list here
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DESSERTS & SNACKS

Frozen fruit bars, homemade fruit pie or cobbler, Rice Krispies Treats®, unsalted snacks (crackers, popcorn, pretzels, tortilla chips)... and much more
See full list here
DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE LIST OF FOODS AND PORTION SIZES ON A PD DIET

Can I drink more fluids on PD?

Daily peritoneal dialysis sessions help prevent fluid buildup in the body, so you may be able to drink more fluids than you would if you were treating less frequently with another option. It is still important to keep your fluid intake to the amount recommended by your care team. Your dietitian can tell you what’s right for you—and give you tips for recognizing foods that are mostly fluid and count toward your fluid intake (e.g., soup, popsicles and ice).

Dialysate and extra calories

Maintaining a healthy weight is important to your overall health. While your dietitian is educating you about creating balanced meals on a peritoneal dialysis diet, there’s another factor to consider in terms of intake.

The PD solution (dialysate) you use to fill your abdomen contains dextrose—a form of sugar. During dialysis dwell time, the sugar solution is absorbed by your body. Depending on the strength of solution you’re using and your dwell time, you could be absorbing an extra 400 calories per day. This is something to be mindful of when you’re managing your nutrition.
CALORIES IN DIALYSATE
Solution strength Numbers of calories absorbed
1.5% dextrose 100-200
2.5% dextrose 150-250
4.25% dextrose 200-400