Having chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires that you be aware of your dietary choices in order to receive the nutrition that you need while being sensitive to the limitations of your hard-working kidneys. For those individuals interested in a vegetarian diet, you may have additional concerns about whether this eating pattern is appropriate for you. CKD patients often learn that they may need to limit their protein intake, as well as their intake of many other staples of a vegetarian diet, such as certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and dairy products. This may lead you to conclude that perhaps a vegetarian diet is not advisable for those with chronic kidney disease. In fact, with careful planning a vegetarian diet is not only possible, but may help to retain kidney function and slow down the progression of the disease.