Pork (Fresh)

Potassium: ModeratePhosphorus: ModerateSodium: Lower

The bottom line

Fresh pork is nutritionally a sibling of beef — moderate minerals, low sodium — unlike its processed forms, bacon and ham.

A healthier swap

Fresh loin or chops over any cured pork; the curing is where sodium and phosphates arrive.

Understand the nutrients

Frequently asked questions

Is pork worse than chicken for kidneys?

Not meaningfully at equal portions of fresh meat. The bigger divides in this section are fresh versus processed, and portion size — not which animal.

These pages are general education about eating with kidney disease, dialysis or a kidney transplant. They are not medical advice and do not replace your own care plan. Kidney diets are individual: what is right for you depends on your stage, your blood tests, your medicines and your other conditions. Always talk to your care team or renal dietitian before changing what you eat, and never stop or change a medicine because of something you read here.