Zn²⁺ deficiency (ZnD) is comorbid with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and worsens kidney complications. Oxidative stress is implicated in the detrimental effects of ZnD. However, the sources of oxidative stress continue to be identified. Since NADPH oxidases (Nox) are the primary enzymes that contribute to renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, this study's objective was to determine the role of these enzymes in ZnD-induced oxidative stress. We hypothesized that ZnD promotes Nox upregulation resulting in oxidative stress and kidney damage. To test this hypothesis, WT mice were pair-fed a ZnD- or Zn²⁺ adequate-diet. To further investigate the effects of Zn²⁺ bioavailability on Nox regulation, mouse tubular epithelial cells (mTEC) were exposed to the Zn²⁺ chelator N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN) or vehicle followed by Zn²⁺ supplementation. The findings show that mice fed a ZnD-diet develop microalbuminuria, electrolyte imbalance and whole kidney hypertrophy. These markers of kidney damage are accompanied by elevated Nox2 expression and H₂O₂ levels. In mTEC, TPEN-induced ZnD stimulates H₂O₂ generation. In this in vitro model of ZnD, enhanced H₂O₂ generation is prevented with Nox inhibition by diphenyleneiodonium. Specifically, TPEN promotes Nox2 expression and activation which are reversed when intracellular Zn²⁺ levels are restored following Zn²⁺ supplementation. Finally, Nox2 knock-down by si-RNA prevents TPEN-induced H₂O₂ generation and cellular hypertrophy in vitro. Taken together, these findings reveal that Nox2 is a Zn²⁺-regulated enzyme that mediates ZnD-induced oxidative stress and kidney hypertrophy. Understanding the specific mechanisms by which ZnD contributes to kidney damage may have an important impact on the treatment of CKD.