Following a healthy eating plan can be an important part of managing stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD). At this stage, the kidneys have a moderate reduction in filtering ability, so some people may need to make dietary changes to help manage blood pressure, blood mineral levels, and other health concerns.

If you are searching for a stage 3 kidney disease diet food list, it is important to understand that there is no single diet that works for every person with CKD.

Your ideal food choices can depend on your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), blood potassium, phosphorus levels, urine albumin, blood pressure, diabetes status, medications, and other health conditions.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recommends working with a healthcare professional or dietitian to determine the appropriate amounts of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, and fluids.

This guide provides general information to help you understand the foods commonly included in a kidney-conscious eating pattern.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have stage 3 CKD, talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes.

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What Is Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease?

Stage 3 CKD generally indicates a moderate decrease in kidney function.

Stage 3 is commonly divided into:

• Stage 3a: eGFR approximately 45–59
• Stage 3b: eGFR approximately 30–44

However, eGFR is only one part of assessing kidney disease. Doctors may also consider urine albumin and other factors when determining a person’s kidney disease risk.

At stage 3, dietary goals often focus on maintaining adequate nutrition while avoiding excessive amounts of nutrients that may become difficult for damaged kidneys to regulate.

Important nutrients include:

• Sodium
• Protein
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Fluids

Not everyone with stage 3 CKD needs to restrict all of these nutrients. Blood tests and individual medical circumstances should guide dietary decisions.

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Stage 3 Kidney Disease Diet Food List

1. Apples

Apples can be a convenient fruit choice for many people following a kidney-conscious eating plan.

They can be eaten whole, sliced into snacks, or added to oatmeal and salads.

Apples are also naturally low in sodium.

Choose fresh apples rather than processed apple products containing large amounts of added sugar or sodium.

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2. Berries

Berries can add flavor and variety to a CKD-friendly meal plan.

Options include:

• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries

They can be added to oatmeal, yogurt when appropriate, or eaten as a snack.

Fresh or frozen berries without added ingredients are generally preferable to highly processed fruit products.

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3. Grapes

Grapes can be another convenient fruit option.

They can be served as a snack or added to salads.

As with other foods, portion size matters. Your individual potassium requirements should determine whether grapes fit comfortably into your meal plan.

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4. Pineapple

Pineapple can provide sweetness without requiring a large amount of added sugar.

Fresh pineapple or canned pineapple packed in its own juice may be preferable to products containing heavy syrups.

Always check the nutrition label when purchasing canned fruit.

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5. Cabbage

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can be used in:

• Salads
• Stir-fries
• Soups
• Side dishes
• Slaws

Cooking cabbage at home allows you to control the amount of sodium added to the meal.

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6. Cauliflower

Cauliflower can be roasted, steamed, or used in a variety of recipes.

It can also provide an alternative to some higher-potassium starchy foods, depending on your individual dietary requirements.

However, replacing foods solely because they contain potassium is not always necessary. Potassium restriction should generally be based on your blood potassium level and professional advice.

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7. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers can add flavor and color to meals without relying heavily on salt.

Try adding them to:

• Omelets
• Salads
• Rice dishes
• Homemade soups
• Roasted vegetable meals

Fresh vegetables are often useful for building a more minimally processed eating pattern.

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8. Green Beans

Green beans can be included in many balanced meals.

If you purchase canned green beans, look for no-salt-added options or drain and rinse them to reduce some of the sodium.

NIDDK recommends paying attention to sodium in canned, packaged, and prepared foods.

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Protein Foods for Stage 3 CKD

Protein is essential for maintaining muscles and supporting many functions in the body.

However, people with CKD may need to avoid excessive protein intake.

KDIGO 2024 suggests a protein intake of approximately 0.8 g/kg body weight per day for adults with CKD stages G3–G5 and advises avoiding high protein intake above 1.3 g/kg/day in adults at risk of progression.

Your healthcare professional may recommend a different amount depending on your circumstances.

9. Fish

Fish can be a source of high-quality protein and can fit into a heart-healthy eating pattern.

Options may include:

• Salmon
• Cod
• Tilapia
• Trout

Preparation matters. Baked, grilled, or steamed fish is generally preferable to heavily salted or processed fish.

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10. Skinless Chicken

Chicken can provide protein without requiring processed meats such as bacon, sausage, or deli meat.

Choose fresh chicken when possible and prepare it using herbs, lemon, garlic, or other sodium-free seasonings.

Avoid relying heavily on packaged chicken products because some processed meats may contain substantial sodium and phosphorus additives.

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11. Eggs

Eggs can provide protein and may be included in some CKD meal plans.

However, your overall protein and phosphorus intake should be considered when planning meals.

If you have CKD and other conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, ask your healthcare professional how eggs fit into your individual diet.

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Grains and Starches

12. Rice

Rice can be a versatile carbohydrate for CKD-friendly meals.

You can combine rice with vegetables and an appropriate portion of lean protein.

The best choice depends on your overall nutritional needs rather than simply choosing one type of rice because it is considered universally “kidney safe.”

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13. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can be a nutritious breakfast option.

Try combining it with:

• Berries
• Apples
• Cinnamon
• Appropriate portions of milk or milk alternatives

Avoid heavily processed flavored oatmeal products that contain large amounts of added sugar or sodium.

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14. Pasta

Pasta can be included in a balanced meal.

Instead of relying on commercially prepared sauces that may contain a lot of sodium, consider preparing a homemade sauce using appropriate ingredients.

Portion size remains important, especially when pasta is served with protein-rich foods.

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Healthy Fats

Healthy fats can be part of a balanced eating pattern.

Examples include:

• Olive oil
• Unsalted oils
• Avocado oil
• Certain unsalted nuts, when appropriate for your individual phosphorus and potassium needs

NIDDK recommends focusing on healthier unsaturated fats while limiting saturated and trans fats because people with CKD have increased cardiovascular risk.

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Foods to Limit With Stage 3 CKD

A kidney-friendly diet is not simply a list of foods to eliminate. It is often about choosing less processed foods and adjusting certain nutrients according to laboratory results.

1. High-Sodium Foods

Excess sodium can contribute to fluid retention and high blood pressure.

Common high-sodium foods include:

• Processed meats
• Canned soups
• Fast food
• Salty snacks
• Instant noodles
• Many frozen meals
• Soy sauce
• Some salad dressings
• Packaged sauces

KDIGO suggests sodium intake below 2 grams per day for people with CKD.

Your doctor or dietitian may provide a specific target for you.

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2. Processed Meats

Examples include:

• Bacon
• Sausage
• Hot dogs
• Deli meats
• Ham
• Pepperoni

These products can contain substantial sodium and may contain added phosphorus.

When possible, choose fresh, minimally processed protein sources.

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3. Foods With Added Phosphorus

Phosphorus deserves attention because damaged kidneys may have difficulty removing excess phosphorus from the blood.

Look at ingredient lists for words containing “PHOS.”

Examples include:

• Phosphoric acid
• Sodium phosphate
• Disodium phosphate
• Other phosphate additives

NIDDK recommends checking ingredient lists for phosphorus additives when phosphorus restriction is needed.

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4. Foods High in Potassium—When Your Potassium Is Elevated

Potassium is an important mineral, but CKD can make it harder for some people to maintain normal potassium levels.

Foods that can be high in potassium include:

• Bananas
• Oranges
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Dried fruit
• Some beans
• Certain fruit juices

However, do not automatically eliminate these foods simply because you have stage 3 CKD.

NIDDK emphasizes that potassium needs should be individualized because both high and low potassium levels can cause health problems.

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What About Salt Substitutes?

Salt substitutes may appear to be a good way to reduce sodium, but some contain potassium chloride.

For people who need to control potassium, these products may not be appropriate.

Instead, flavor foods with:

• Garlic
• Onion
• Lemon
• Black pepper
• Fresh herbs
• Vinegar
• Sodium-free seasonings approved by your healthcare professional

Always check the ingredient label before using a salt substitute.

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Hydration and Stage 3 CKD

Many people assume that everyone with CKD needs to drink large amounts of water.

That is not necessarily true.

Fluid requirements vary depending on kidney function, medications, heart health, urine output, and other medical conditions.

Some people with CKD may need to monitor fluid intake, while others may not require a specific restriction.

Ask your healthcare professional how much fluid is appropriate for you.

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Simple Stage 3 CKD Meal Ideas

Here are some general meal ideas that can be adapted to individual nutritional needs.

Breakfast

Oatmeal topped with berries and a small serving of apple.

Lunch

A homemade chicken and vegetable bowl with rice, cabbage, and bell peppers.

Snack

Fresh berries or apple slices.

Dinner

Baked fish with rice and a side of green beans or cauliflower.

Flavoring

Use lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and black pepper instead of relying heavily on salt.

Remember that these examples are not individualized medical meal plans.

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Kidney-Friendly Meal Planning Resources

Planning meals at home can make it easier to control sodium and identify ingredients that may contain phosphorus additives.

If you want a dedicated cookbook for kidney-conscious meal ideas, you can check this Amazon resource:

Kidney-Friendly Cookbook – View on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure: CKDOnline.org may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through this affiliate link at no additional cost to you. This recommendation is for informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent kidney disease.

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Can a CKD Program Replace Medical Treatment?

Some commercial programs claim to provide strategies for supporting kidney health.

It is important to remember that dietary programs, supplements, and online courses should not replace medical treatment prescribed by your doctor.

If you want to learn more about a commercially available CKD-focused program, you can review the information here:

Learn More About a CKD Support Program

Affiliate Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. CKDOnline.org may receive compensation from qualifying purchases. This does not constitute an endorsement of the product as a medical treatment or a guarantee of health outcomes.

Always discuss supplements, major diet changes, and alternative approaches with your healthcare professional before using them.

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How to Build a Stage 3 Kidney Disease Diet

Instead of focusing only on a list of “good” and “bad” foods, use these principles:

1. Choose More Minimally Processed Foods

Fresh or minimally processed foods can make it easier to control sodium and identify added phosphorus.

2. Watch Sodium

Read nutrition labels and reduce heavily salted packaged foods.

3. Avoid Excessive Protein

Protein is necessary, but excessive intake may not be appropriate for people with CKD.

4. Monitor Potassium Based on Blood Tests

Do not unnecessarily eliminate nutritious fruits and vegetables unless your healthcare professional recommends potassium restriction.

5. Pay Attention to Phosphorus

If your phosphorus is elevated, ask your dietitian about reducing foods with phosphorus additives.

6. Maintain Adequate Calories

Overly restrictive eating can lead to inadequate nutrition.

The goal is a balanced diet that supports overall health while addressing your specific kidney-related needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What foods are good for stage 3 kidney disease?

Depending on individual laboratory results and dietary requirements, options may include apples, berries, grapes, cabbage, bell peppers, green beans, cauliflower, rice, oats, fresh fish, and fresh chicken.

However, no food list is universally appropriate for everyone with stage 3 CKD.

Should I avoid bananas with stage 3 CKD?

Not necessarily. Bananas contain potassium, but whether you need to limit them depends on your blood potassium level and medical advice.

How much protein should I eat with stage 3 CKD?

KDIGO suggests approximately 0.8 g/kg/day for adults with CKD stages G3–G5, but individual needs can differ. A renal dietitian can help determine an appropriate target.

Is oatmeal good for stage 3 kidney disease?

Oatmeal may fit into some CKD meal plans. However, the appropriate portion and toppings depend on your potassium, phosphorus, protein, carbohydrate, and calorie requirements.

What should I drink with stage 3 CKD?

Water is generally a common beverage choice, but individual fluid requirements vary. Some people with CKD may need fluid restrictions, while others do not.

Ask your healthcare professional about your appropriate daily fluid intake.

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Final Thoughts

Following a thoughtful stage 3 kidney disease diet food list can help you make more informed choices about everyday meals.

The most important nutrients to pay attention to include sodium, protein, potassium, and phosphorus. However, these nutrients should not automatically be restricted in every person with stage 3 CKD.

Current kidney-disease guidance emphasizes individualized nutrition. KDIGO recommends healthy, diverse diets with more plant-based foods and fewer ultra-processed foods, while sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein should be adapted according to kidney function, laboratory results, and other health conditions.

If you have stage 3 CKD, consider asking your doctor for a referral to a renal dietitian. A personalized nutrition plan can help you protect your nutritional status while addressing your specific kidney-related needs.

Do not make major dietary changes or start supplements based solely on an online food list. Your healthcare team can help determine what is appropriate for you.