Renal Diet Calculator (CKD Protein, Sodium, Potassium & Fluid)
Estimate daily protein, calories, sodium, potassium, phosphorus and fluid targets for chronic kidney disease stages 1–5, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (KDOQI 2020).
How it works
Protein = body weight (kg) × g/kg for the stage · Calories = 25–35 kcal/kg/day · Hemodialysis fluid ≈ urine output + 1,000 ml/day
The KDOQI 2020 nutrition guideline recommends a low-protein diet of 0.55–0.60 g/kg/day for metabolically stable adults with CKD stage 3–5 who are not on dialysis, 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day if they also have diabetes, and 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day once on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, with 25–35 kcal/kg/day of energy and sodium below 2.3 g/day. KDIGO 2024 suggests about 0.8 g/kg/day in earlier CKD and avoiding more than 1.3 g/kg/day. Potassium, phosphorus and fluid limits depend on your blood tests and urine output, so the values shown are typical starting points a renal dietitian adjusts.
Worked example
A 70 kg adult with CKD stage 3–5, not on dialysis and without diabetes: protein = 70 × 0.55 to 70 × 0.60 = 38.5 to 42, so the daily protein target is 39–42 g/day. Energy is 70 × 25 to 70 × 35 = 1,750–2,450 kcal/day, sodium stays under 2,300 mg/day and phosphorus around 800–1,000 mg/day.
Sources: Ikizler TA et al. (2020) KDOQI Clinical Practice Guideline for Nutrition in CKD: 2020 Update. Am J Kidney Dis 76(3 Suppl 1):S1–S107 · KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of CKD · NIDDK — Eating right for chronic kidney disease
Frequently asked questions
How much protein should I eat with kidney disease?
Before dialysis, KDOQI 2020 suggests about 0.55–0.60 g per kg of body weight a day (0.6–0.8 g/kg with diabetes) under dietitian supervision. Once on dialysis you lose protein in the treatment, so needs rise to about 1.0–1.2 g/kg a day.
Why does protein go up on dialysis?
Dialysis removes amino acids and protein, and the treatment itself increases protein breakdown. Eating too little protein on dialysis raises the risk of muscle wasting and malnutrition, which is linked to worse outcomes.
Do I have to cut potassium?
Not always. Many people with CKD before dialysis have normal potassium and do not need a strict limit. Restrict it only if your blood tests show high potassium; on hemodialysis a limit of about 2,000–3,000 mg a day is common.
How much fluid can I drink on hemodialysis?
A common rule is your daily urine output plus about 1,000 ml (roughly 32 oz), so that weight gain between sessions stays modest. Your dialysis team sets your exact limit.
Which weight should I use?
Use your dry weight on dialysis, or the standard or adjusted body weight your dietitian gives you if you are very underweight or overweight — using actual weight in obesity can overestimate protein needs.
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This calculator gives general nutrition estimates for education only and is not medical advice. Needs differ with illness, medication, pregnancy and growth — follow your doctor or a registered dietitian, especially for children and anyone with a medical condition.