Dry Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health

A Convenient Litter Box Position

Place the litter box of your cat at a quiet and convenient place. Your cat should feel comfortable when relieving itself. So, if you have a high traffic of people and pets in your house, provide a safe refuge for your cat to enjoy its private time.

You should never change the brand of the litter box. Cats are sometimes picky on litter boxes. So, any change of brand of a litter box can make your cat relieve itself on the floor.

What Does The Best Urinary Cat Food Contain

Prescription recipes focus on alleviating your cats discomfort, using specific ingredients and formulas to prevent the problem from recurring. But what are those special ingredients, and can kitty still have a balanced diet?

Heres the truth: prescription recipes wont always contain the most natural ingredients. Therefore, you will have less choice when youre restricted to shopping for veterinary formulas but your cats health should always be your #1 priority. You will sometimes need to settle for a kibble with the odd animal by-product or filler if it means protecting your cat against painful and potentially fatal urinary conditions.

Warning aside, the best urinary tract cat food usually contains:

• Regulated mineral levels to support good urinary health
• This generally means balanced magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium to prevent crystal buildup
• Ingredients to lower your cats urine pH and
• Controlled calories overweight kitties are generally more prone to developing FLUTD.

Ready to look closer at the best urinary cat food brands? Lets see!

Alternate With Wet Food

Wet food can provide additional moisture in your cats diet. This is especially important for cats that dont drink a lot of water. If you have trouble increasing your cats moisture intake. Introducing wet food on occasion will make sure theyre staying more hydrated.

If your cat tolerates it, you can also add some water to their kibble. This will soften the food and increase the moisture content. Any way to add moisture to prevent dehydration in your cat will significantly reduce incidences of urinary infections.

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Are Prescription Diets The Only Low Magnesium Foods

Absolutely not! In the 1970s, scientists and veterinarians made between urinary tract disease in male cats and too high an ash content in cat food. Later, it was determined that only magnesiumone particular mineral in that ash contentwas responsible.

Since then, more and more companies have jumped on the low mineral bandwagon which has helped cats.

So prescription diets are far from the only choice when it comes to finding low magnesium foods.

Best Wet: Hill’s Prescription Diet C/d Multicare Urinary Care With Chicken Canned Cat Food

Key Ingredients: Pork Liver, Carrots, Chicken, Tuna, Wheat Gluten, Rice, Spinach, Corn Starch, Chicken Liver Flavor, Fish Oil, Chicken Fat | Calories per Serving: 82 | Balance: Protein min. 6.5%, Fat min. 3.0%, crude fiber max. 2.0% | Life stage: Adult and senior cats | Texture: Rice sized chunks in a light gravy

• Shown to dissolve struvite crystals and prevents new ones

• Requires a veterinary prescription

Nutritionists and veterinarians developed Hills Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care wet cat food specifically to support a cat’s urinary health. Hills claims that c/d Multicare was studied and demonstrated to lower the recurrence of most common urinary signs by 89 percent. They also claim that struvite stones have dissolved in some cats in as little as seven days, and on average 27 days, while also reducing the risk of forming struvite and calcium oxalate stones.

The ingredients are recognizable on the label and in the food. Top ingredients include pork liver, carrots, chicken, tuna, rice, spinach, chicken fat and fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Also containing important vitamins and minerals, the amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium are controlled to prevent crystal formation. This brand is also available in chicken and vegetable stew flavor.

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Best Urinary Cat Foods

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Note: This article is NOT a substitute for veterinary advice and is for informational purposes only. Diet and nutrition are extremely important, especially if your cat has a pre-existing condition like FLUTD, and you should always follow the advice of your veterinarian.

If youre here, you probably have a cat thats suffering from some kind of urinary issue or youre trying to get ahead of any potential problems by making sure your cat has a crystal-reducing diet.

And youre certainly not the only one.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, or FLUTD, is among one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in our feline friends, and according to Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine FLUTD is the number one reason that cats visit veterinary clinics.

Because FLUTD is really a broad set of conditions, the exact cause can vary between cats. Still, many forms of FLUTD, specifically those caused by crystal and stone formation, can be managed with special and sometimes prescription diets.

These diets reduce the development of crystals by balancing urine pH levels along with reducing minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. Some of the most popular urinary cat foods require a prescription but there are many cat foods that can help despite not being specifically labeled as urinary diets.

Why Are Cats Recommended Hills Science Diet C/d Royal Canin Urinary So Or Other Urinary Prescription Diets

Cats suffering from FLUTD are commonly recommended Hills C/D but what makes things confusing is that FLUTD is a generic term that describes several different disorders. Some of these disorders are absolute emergencies and others cause discomfort over time but arent immediately life-threatening.

Many of these conditions are also closely related. For example, bladder stones are part of the FLUTD definition and while they may pass or even dissolve on their own they can also cause urethral blockages.

While FLUTD can certainly be confusing, the most common reason for a C/D recommendation are crystals in the urine. Because of a pH imbalance in a cats urines, crystals are able to accumulate and eventually form a stone. There are two commons types of crystals : struvite and calcium oxalate.

VCA Hospitals explains that both of these crystals are normal to find in cat urine but In some pets, however, these struvite crystals come together to form an actual stone within the urinary tract. These stones can irritate the urinary tract and have the potential to cause urinary obstruction.

While this may seem like too much detail, its critical to understand why cats are recommended Hills C/D before we can figure out how to find an appropriate urinary diet.

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The Best Wet Cat Food Can Help Prevent Urinary Problems But You Shouldnt Rely On Diet Alone

If your cat starts straining in the litter box, having bloody urine, or is unable to urinate at all, he likely has some form of urinary tract disease.

Cystitis , urinary crystals, and urinary tract infections are all painful conditions that necessitate a trip to the veterinarian. A veterinarian can diagnose the type of urinary tract disease and determine which type of treatment is appropriate.

And if your cat has a complete blockagehe cant urinate at alltake him to the veterinarian immediately. Complete blockages can be fatal if not treated quickly. Immediate veterinary care is required to clear the blockage and treat its underlying cause.

What Makes A Best Cat Food For Urinary Crystals

As I mentioned earlier, food plays an important role in your cats urinary health. High-quality cat food with the right ingredients can prevent such issues and might even help in treating urinary problems by pairing along with the treatment prescribed by the vet.

Here is a quick lay down on the ingredients that make cat food good for urinary health:

Wet v Dry Urinary Cat Foods

Both wet and dry best urinary cat food options are designed specifically for urinary health contain nutrients and minerals necessary to combat infections and inflammations. However, there is one important factor we cannot ignore- moisture.

If your cat drinks adequate water, there is no reason why dry food wouldnt work. But in case your cat doesnt have the natural drive to drink water often, wet food might be a good option.

Berberis Vulgaris

Common Barberry, or Berberis Vulgaris, is known to promote healthy bladder and urinary tract. It has an immunity-boosting effect on humans as well as feline health.

Cantharis

This is a homeopathic strain obtained from beetles and is considered useful for acute cystitis attacks. Cantharis provides quick relief from urinary crystals.

Staphysagris

This is another natures gift that helps provide comfort to cats suffering from urinary infections and soothes the urinary tract.

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Best Affordable: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain

• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Type: Wet/Canned
• Made In: United States

Though you could pay less for dry food, it would fail to satisfy the biggest requirement of food for urinary tract healthmoisture content.

This food meets all of our requirements for the best cat food for urinary tract health while also being incredibly affordable. Its primarily made from animal ingredients which makes it easily digestible for most cats. Priced around $0.22 per ounce, its cheaper than most cat foods of similar quality.

Fresh turkey and chicken make up the bulk of this recipe with turkey liver and tuna for supplemental protein. The recipe also contains cranberries which help support urinary tract health.

The only potential downside of this recipe is that its thickened with guar gum. Though generally not regarded as harmful as carrageenan, guar gum is a starchy thickener that has been linked to digestive issues like diarrhea in some cats.

The Best Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health Is Rich In Moisture

Moisture is the single most important dietary factor to defend against feline lower urinary tract disease . FLUTD describes the conditions that affect the lower urinary tract .

High-moisture food keeps water flowing through your cats system, flushing out mineral deposits and helping prevent infection. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of high-moisture food, showing that it can help reduce FLUTD recurrence and may prevent it altogether.

Why high-moisture food, though? If hydration is key, why not just give your cat a bowl of clean water?

Cats evolved as desert animals, adapted to life without water bowls. Instead of getting thirsty and drinking as dogs and people do, cats get most of their hydration from their prey, such as a mouse, which is 65-80% water. The best cat food for urinary tract health is equally juicy, effortlessly providing all the moisture your cat needs without relying on the water bowl.

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Purina One Urinary Tract Health High Protein Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

As mentioned, my favorite low-ash cat food is this product from Purina. This is a dry cat food that is formulated specifically for improved urinary tract health.

Its overall ash content is also low when compared to most dry foods. It has a low magnesium content and decreases the pH level of urine to make it more acidic. Alkaline urine favors the formation of calcium and other mineral deposits, so decreasing pH reduces the chance of a blockage.

The main protein source for this cat food comes from real chicken meat. It doesnt rely on chicken by-products, so you can rest assured your cat is getting quality, easily digestible, amino acid-rich protein. It also has a high moisture level when compared to most other dry foods to help with hydration.

It is not completely grain-free but has 2% fiber only, which is the ideal amount of fiber that cats should consume daily. This is enough to help soften stools and promote digestion, but not too much that it makes digestion difficult.

Breakdown: Protein: 31% / Moisture:10% / Magnesium: 0.08% / Fiber: 2%

Pros

What Food Is Similar To Royal Canin Urinary So

There are a few brands that make food similar to Royal Canin Urinary SO. Some brands are Hills, Royal Canin, Purina, and Vet Prescription Diet.

Dehydration and inadequate diets are frequently to blame for UTIs in cats, especially when cats are prone to dehydration. Royal Canin Urinary So cat food is frequently substituted for other cat food products. This special formula reduces cat suffering, improves urinary tract health, and relieves discomfort while remaining highly effective. This dehydrated cat food formula, which has the most extensive maintenance benefits, is especially useful for cats suffering from UTIs. There are numerous food options available to you if your cat suffers from UTIs. These substances, which are present in the cats urine, prevent crystals and mineralized stones from forming. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are possible, so the cat may require medical attention.

This dry cat food is made solely for veterinary use and is intended to aid bladder health. It has a low Relative Super Saturation technique in place to help reduce ion concentration, which contributes to stone formation.

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Choosing The Best Low Ash Content Cat Food

Low ash content cat food is usually preferred for cats with urinary tract issues or to reduce the risk of such issues arising. Therefore, my selection of products consists of cat food specifically formulated for urinary care.

I have also evaluated these foods based on the general quality and distribution of their macronutrients, moisture and mineral content, and any extra formulations to support urinary and digestive health in cats. Here is a closer look at each criterion and why theyre of utmost importance:

Now you know my criteria, carry on and read the reviews below! I have split them into two separate categories: dry cat food and wet cat food. This is purely for the reason that macronutrient percentages of dry and wet food are not suitable for a direct comparison. If you want to know more, you can skip comparing the labels of dry food vs wet food for an explanation of why this is so.

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Ur St/ox Urinary Formula Dry Food

For cats that fancy dry food, this Veterinary Diets UR St/Ox Urinary Formula Dry is an irresistible treat. Like other foods from Purina Pro Plan, the food is formulated to help promote better health of urinary tract health in felines. It encourages your canine to take more water, helping to keep the problem of bladder stones away.

Another notable thing about the food is that it helps to raise the acidity of the urinary system, dissolving the crystals that could have formed in the bladder.

Because of its low level of magnesium, and balanced minerals, vets recommend this food as one of the top options for all-round health of the urinary system protection.

In addition to helping your cat keep its urinary system in top shape, this food also supplies all the nutrients that the feline needs for good health. It contains essential vitamins, including vitamin B-12 that supports healthy metabolism and antioxidants that help to reduce toxins in the body.

Specs

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Hills Science Diet Dry Cat Food Urinary & Hairball Control

Does your cat suffer from urinary problems and hairballs? If so, this cat food from Hills could be the remedy youve been searching for! This is a dry cat food that promotes urinary care as well as weight and hairball control.

The protein in this food comes from real chicken meat and it doesnt contain chicken by-product meals. You can rest assured that your cat is getting the best, and it tastes so good your kitty will gulp it down! It also is low in magnesium and regulates urinary pH to prevent the formation of mineral deposits and acidic crystals.

The one thing that can be questioned about this food is that it has an excessive amount of fiber because it helps with hairball prevention. High amounts of fiber can be exhaustive on the digestive tract, so if your cat suffers from such issues, you may want to choose another option.

Breakdown: Protein 29.5% / Moisture: 8% / Magnesium: 0.09% / Fiber: 6.5%

Pros

Best Supplement: Under The Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews For Cats

Courtesy of Amazon

Key Ingredients: N-Acetyl Glucosamine from shrimp and crab, D-mannose, cranberry extract | Calories per Serving: Not listed| Balance: Not listed | Life Stage: Adult | Texture: Soft chews

• Incorporates D-mannose ingredient known to decrease urinary tract infections

• Several inactive ingredients

Although most urinary health cat foods are designed to offer your cat complete nutrition without supplements, an additional supplement could be used in combination with non-prescription foods to give your cats health an extra boost in the right direction.

Under the Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews for Cats is just one of many supplements made by this brand. The ingredients include N-acetyl glucosamine that supports a normal pH balance in the urinary tract as well as D-mannose and cranberry extract that promote normal urinary tract health.

Research in humans and animals has shown that D-mannose, a common sugar, helps prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder and urinary tract, reducing and preventing the reoccurrence of bacterial urinary tract infections.

Made in Vermont, this supplement is veterinarian formulated and free of corn, artificial flavors and dyes. A bonus is that a portion of ever sale is donated to the Ruffy Rescue Fund that supports spay and neutering of pets in overpopulated areas of the U.S. and transportation to Vermont for adoption.

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Best Budget: Iams Proactive Health Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food With Chicken

Courtesy of Amazon

Key ingredients: Chicken, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain corn, corn grits, brewers rice | Calories per Serving: 182 | Balance: Crude Protein min. 32%, Crude Fat min. 15%, Crude Fiber max. 1.7%, Moisture max. 10%, Magnesium max. 0.1% | Life stage: Adult | Texture: Dry small kibble

• Chicken is the first ingredient

• No prescription needed

• Chicken by-product

Being on a budget doesnt mean your cat has to continue to struggle. Although its not least expensive on the market, IAMSProactive Health Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food is well rated and widely available and so prices are competitive and reasonably affordable.

Chicken is the first ingredient of this food. Thats not the case for many foods that are cheaper. Theres also added vitamin E for a healthy immune system and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for healthy skin. This food appeals to most cats, even those considered picky eaters. When feeding all dry foods, be sure there is plenty of water available to your cat at all times.