Kidney-Friendly Seafood Guide
27 items classified under standard Kidney-Friendly guidelines.
This guide covers all 27 seafood classified under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. Kidney-Friendly evaluates foods primarily by sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein load, which determines how each item in this category is classified.
Quick Reference
| Food | Status | Potassium (per 100g) |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon | Allowed | 245mg |
| Shrimp | Allowed | 193mg |
| Anchovies | Limited | 544mg |
| Calamari | Limited | 211mg |
| Canned Salmon | Limited | 326mg |
| Canned Tuna | Limited | 176mg |
| Canned Tuna in Oil | Limited | 207mg |
| Canned Tuna in Water | Limited | 237mg |
| Catfish | Limited | 358mg |
| Clams | Limited | 46mg |
| Cod | Limited | 413mg |
| Crab | Limited | 259mg |
| Halibut | Limited | 435mg |
| Lobster | Limited | 253mg |
| Mahi Mahi | Limited | 416mg |
| Mussels | Limited | 405mg |
| Oysters | Limited | 156mg |
| Sardines | Limited | 397mg |
| Scallops | Limited | 180mg |
| Sea Bass | Limited | 256mg |
| Smoked Salmon | Limited | 175mg |
| Sushi | Limited | 48mg |
| Swordfish | Limited | 418mg |
| Tilapia | Limited | 302mg |
| Trout | Limited | 361mg |
| Tuna | Limited | 155mg |
| Fish Sticks | Not Allowed | 185mg |
Classification Breakdown
2 Allowed — These seafood are low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. 24 Limited — These items have usable in small portions or specific preparations. 1 Not Allowed — These are too high in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, or protein for CKD patients.
Many otherwise-healthy foods become contraindicated — bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beans, and whole grains carry loads the failing kidney cannot clear.
Allowed Seafood (2)
Salmon
AllowedAt 245mg potassium per 100g, Salmon falls into the Allowed category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. Beyond the primary classification, salmon also provides 10.8g protein and 17.4g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Canned Tuna in Water and Lobster for potassium, ranking 13 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (raw) | 142kcal | 19.8g | 6.3g | 0g | 44mg | 490mg | 200mg |
| Atlantic (farmed, raw) | 208kcal | 20.4g | 13.4g | 0g | 59mg | 363mg | 240mg |
Shrimp
AllowedWith 193mg potassium per 100g, Shrimp earns a Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is low enough in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein for a kidney-restricted pattern. It also contains 7.1g protein and 17.9g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Fish Sticks and Canned Tuna in Oil for potassium, ranking 9 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raw | 100kcal | 20.4g | 1.4g | 0g | 870mg | 80mg | 195mg |
| Cooked | 87kcal | 17.5g | 1.3g | 0g | 97mg | 238mg | 241mg |
Limited Seafood (24)
Anchovies
LimitedAt 544mg potassium per 100g, Anchovies falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, anchovies also provides 28.9g protein and 9.7g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Halibut at 435mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Calamari
LimitedWith 211mg potassium per 100g, Calamari earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 13.8g protein and 13.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Canned Tuna in Oil and Canned Tuna in Water for potassium, ranking 11 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Salmon
LimitedCanned Salmon is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 326mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 24.6g protein and 378mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Tilapia and Catfish for potassium, ranking 18 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Tuna
LimitedAt 176mg potassium per 100g, Canned Tuna falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, canned tuna also provides 19g protein and 219mg sodium per 100g. Among the 27 items in this category, canned tuna sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Scallops at 180mg. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Tuna in Oil
LimitedAt 207mg potassium per 100g, Canned Tuna in Oil falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, canned tuna in oil also provides 29.1g protein and 8.2g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Shrimp and Calamari for potassium, ranking 10 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Canned Tuna in Water
LimitedWith 237mg potassium per 100g, Canned Tuna in Water earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 23.6g protein and 377mg sodium, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Calamari and Salmon for potassium, ranking 12 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Catfish
LimitedCatfish is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 358mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 16.4g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Canned Salmon and Trout for potassium, ranking 19 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Clams
LimitedWith 46mg potassium per 100g, Clams earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 14.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. Among the 27 items in this category, clams sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Sushi at 48mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Cod
LimitedCod is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 413mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 17.8g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Mussels at 405mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic (raw) | 82kcal | 17.8g | 0.7g | 0g | 54mg | 413mg | 203mg |
| Pacific (raw) | 84kcal | 20.4g | 0.3g | 0g | 134mg | 372mg | 205mg |
Crab
LimitedAt 259mg potassium per 100g, Crab falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 17.9g protein and 395mg sodium per serving. Within this category, it falls between Sea Bass and Tilapia for potassium, ranking 16 of 27. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Halibut
LimitedAt 435mg potassium per 100g, Halibut falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 18.6g protein per serving. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Swordfish at 418mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Lobster
LimitedWith 253mg potassium per 100g, Lobster earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, lobster also provides 20.9g protein and 535mg sodium per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Salmon and Sea Bass for potassium, ranking 14 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mahi Mahi
LimitedAt 416mg potassium per 100g, Mahi Mahi falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, mahi mahi also provides 18.5g protein per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Cod at 413mg. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Mussels
LimitedAt 405mg potassium per 100g, Mussels falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, mussels also provides 15.1g protein and 362mg sodium per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Sardines at 397mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Oysters
LimitedOysters is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 156mg potassium per 100g. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 5.7g protein per serving. Among the 27 items in this category, oysters sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Smoked Salmon at 175mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sardines
LimitedWith 397mg potassium per 100g, Sardines earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, sardines also provides 24.6g protein and 11.5g fat per 100g. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Trout at 361mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Scallops
LimitedAt 180mg potassium per 100g, Scallops falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. The classification reflects that it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Nutritionally, it also delivers 11.1g protein and 12.5g fat per serving. Within this category, it falls between Canned Tuna and Fish Sticks for potassium, ranking 7 of 27. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sea Bass
LimitedWith 256mg potassium per 100g, Sea Bass earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, sea bass also provides 18.4g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Lobster and Crab for potassium, ranking 15 of 27. The "Limited" label means the classification depends on specific conditions — portion size, brand formulation, or preparation method can shift it from compliant to non-compliant.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Smoked Salmon
LimitedWith 175mg potassium per 100g, Smoked Salmon earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, smoked salmon also provides 18.3g protein and 672mg sodium per 100g. Among the 27 items in this category, smoked salmon sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Canned Tuna at 176mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Sushi
LimitedAt 48mg potassium per 100g, Sushi falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, sushi also provides 428mg sodium per 100g. Among the 27 items in this category, sushi sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Tuna at 155mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Swordfish
LimitedSwordfish is classified as Limited on Kidney-Friendly, with 418mg potassium per 100g. This means it is usable in small portions or specific preparations. It also contains 19.7g protein, which may factor into overall meal planning. It ranks among the highest in this category for potassium. The nearest lower option is Mahi Mahi at 416mg. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tilapia
LimitedWith 302mg potassium per 100g, Tilapia earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, tilapia also provides 20.1g protein per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Crab and Canned Salmon for potassium, ranking 17 of 27. Check the label carefully: the same product can be compliant or not depending on the specific brand or how it was prepared.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Trout
LimitedAt 361mg potassium per 100g, Trout falls into the Limited category under Kidney-Friendly guidelines. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, trout also provides 20.8g protein and 6.6g fat per 100g. Within this category, it falls between Catfish and Sardines for potassium, ranking 20 of 27. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
Tuna
LimitedWith 155mg potassium per 100g, Tuna earns a Limited classification on Kidney-Friendly. It is usable in small portions or specific preparations. Beyond the primary classification, tuna also provides 15.3g protein and 14.9g fat per 100g. Among the 27 items in this category, tuna sits at the low end for potassium — next closest is Oysters at 156mg. Portion control is key here — a small amount may fit within the diet's parameters, while a full serving may not.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Variant | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Sodium | K+ | Phos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh (raw) | 144kcal | 23.3g | 4.9g | 0g | 39mg | 252mg | 254mg |
| Canned in Water | 90kcal | 19g | 0.9g | 0.1g | 219mg | 176mg | 137mg |
| Canned in Oil | 198kcal | 29.1g | 8.2g | 0g | 416mg | 207mg | 311mg |
Not Allowed Seafood (1)
Fish Sticks
Not AllowedWith 185mg potassium per 100g, Fish Sticks earns a Not Allowed classification on Kidney-Friendly. This means it is too high in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, or protein for CKD patients. It also contains 11g protein and 16.2g fat, which may factor into overall meal planning. Within this category, it falls between Scallops and Shrimp for potassium, ranking 8 of 27.
Per 100g · Source: USDA FoodData Central