Haemodialysis Diet: What to Eat and Avoid on Dialysis
Last updated: 3 October 2026
If you're undergoing haemodialysis (or hemodialysis), your dialysis diet plays a crucial role in staying healthy and avoiding complications. The main goals are to manage fluid balance, reduce waste buildup in your body, and protect both your heart and bones.
Some people may have more flexibility in their diet, while others will need to follow specific restrictions. It’s important to know your potassium and phosphate blood levels—this helps guide what you should eat or avoid. If you’re unsure, speak with a dietitian at your dialysis unit. Most people on dialysis have access to a renal dietitian for tailored advice.
Being mindful of foods high in potassium and phosphorus and enjoying them only occasionally can help you stay well.
Key Dietary Guidelines for Haemodialysis
Here are the essential nutrition tips to support your treatment:
1. Eat High-Quality Protein
Protein helps maintain muscle strength. People on dialysis need more protein than those without kidney disease.
2. Limit Sodium
Sodium can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure. Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavour food. See which salt is best for CKD for more.
3. Control Potassium
Too much potassium in the blood can affect your heart rhythm. Know which foods are high or low in potassium.
4. Limit Phosphorus
High phosphorus levels can weaken your bones. Learn to identify and limit foods with added phosphate preservatives.
5. Monitor Fluid Intake
Excess fluid can cause swelling and put stress on your heart. Be mindful of both drinks and foods high in water content.
Best Foods to Eat on Haemodialysis
High-Protein Foods (2–3 Servings Daily)
- Lean meat, chicken, fish, and eggs
- Plant proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, and soy products
Low-Potassium Grains
- White rice, pasta, couscous, noodles, white or refined bread
Lower-Potassium Vegetables (2 Servings Daily)
- Cucumber, bell peppers, boiled carrots, swede, bean sprouts
- Boiling vegetables helps reduce potassium content
Lower-Potassium Fruits (2 Servings Daily)
- Apples, grapes, pineapple, berries, watermelon
Low-Phosphorus Dairy Alternatives
- Small amounts of ricotta or cream cheese
- Non-dairy milk (check for phosphorus additives)
Low-Sodium Options
- Fresh, home-cooked meals without added salt
- Use herbs, garlic, lemon juice or spices for flavour
Foods to Limit or Avoid on Haemodialysis
High-Potassium Foods
- Bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, avocado
High-Phosphorus Foods
- Processed cheese, chocolate, dark sodas, nuts
- Foods with phosphate additives (check labels for ingredients containing "phos")
Excess Fluids
- Large amounts of water, soup, juice, ice cream, juicy fruits like oranges and watermelon
Salty & Processed Foods
- Canned goods, fast food, chips, deli meats, pickles
Too Much Red Meat
- Can lead to a phosphorus build-up and may need to be limited
📱 Not sure what's in your food? Scan barcodes and track potassium, phosphorus and sodium with the Kidney Ally app. Download it on the App Store.
Additional Tips for Managing Your Dialysis Diet
- Speak with your renal dietitian regularly to tailor your nutrition plan
- Try to eat three balanced meals per day, with snacks as needed
- Choose fresh, minimally processed foods when possible
- If you rely on ready-made meals, choose the best quality you can afford
Managing High Phosphate Levels
If your phosphate levels are high:
- Check if your dialysis is effective (no line problems or shortened sessions)
- Take phosphate binders with meals and snacks exactly as prescribed
- Phosphate binders only work with food—if you forget a dose, take it with your next meal (don’t double up)
- Avoid foods with phosphate additives like:
- Phosphoric acid
- Sodium phosphate
- Potassium phosphate
- Ingredients containing "phos" in the label
- Limit chocolate, nuts, and large amounts of dairy
- Whole grains are okay in moderation—they contain fibre that reduces phosphate absorption
Managing High Potassium Levels
If your potassium level is high:
- Consider whether your dialysis is adequate
- Have you started eating foods you don’t normally eat?
- Familiarise yourself with high and low potassium foods—speak to your dietitian if unsure
High potassium foods to watch out for include:
- Smoothies, juices, soups
- Baked potatoes, crisps (potato chips), french fries
- Dried fruits, bananas, large portions of vegetables
- Chocolate and nuts
Final Thoughts
Managing your diet on haemodialysis doesn’t mean missing out—it’s about making informed, balanced choices to support your treatment and overall wellbeing. Work with your healthcare team to create a diet plan that meets your unique needs.
Related guides: eating out with chronic kidney disease and the kidney transplant diet.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your dialysis team or renal dietitian.
Take Control of Your Kidney Diet
📱 Download the Kidney Ally app. Scan barcodes, track sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein, and browse dietitian-reviewed kidney-friendly recipes.
👉 Download Kidney Ally on the App Store
📚 Prefer a book? Explore our range of kidney-friendly recipe books and guides to help you manage CKD with confidence.
