The Best Cat Foods For Urinary Tract Health To Buy

Reviews

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
 

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care wet cat food was created by nutritionists and veterinarians precisely to enhance a cat’s urinary wellness.

Hill’s claims that c/d Multicare has been investigated and proven to reduce the recurrence of the most frequent urinary symptoms by 89 percent.

They further claim that struvite stones can be dissolved in certain cats in as little as seven days, with an average of 27 days, while also lowering the likelihood of struvite and calcium oxalate stone formation.

The ingredients are easily identified on the label and in the product. As a source of omega-3 fatty acids, top ingredients include swine liver, carrots, chicken, tuna, rice, spinach, chicken fat, and fish oil.

Important vitamins and minerals are also present, and the levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium are managed to prevent crystal formation. This brand also comes in chicken and veggie stew varieties.

Hill’s also considers sustainability by being Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Certified. They’ve also been involved in a number of shelter support projects for many years.

Pros

• It has been demonstrated that it dissolves struvite crystals and prevents the formation of new ones.

Cons

• It is not grain-free.
• A veterinarian prescription is required.

 

Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food is the best dry cat food
 

When you read the package for Wysong’s Uretic dry cat food, you can see they put a lot of science and effort into it—a formula they’ve been refining for more than 30 years.

This food’s nutritional composition was developed by a veterinarian and takes a holistic approach to wellbeing, immunological, and urinary systems.

The Uretic dry recipe, which was most recently revised in Fall 2020, contains higher levels of fresh, frozen, and dried meats and organs, protein, and fat.

The dish is created with chicken supplied in the United States, and cranberry extract has been added to assist reduce urine pH.

Wysong is also concerned in micronutrients and nutraceuticals such as prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Methionine, which stimulates urine acidity, has also been introduced. In addition, modest amounts of fruits and vegetables have been introduced to imitate what would be found in the bellies of prey.

Make sure your cat has enough of water available at all times when feeding dry foods. Wysong also recently released a wet Uretic canned food with comparable components and composition.

Pros

• There is no prescription required.
• The recipe has a long history of development.
• Nutrition based on science

Cons

• Some cats with delicate digestive systems should avoid it.

 

IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food with Chicken
 

Being on a budget does not have to mean your cat has to suffer.

Although it is not the cheapest product on the market, IAMS Proactive Health Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food is well regarded and widely available, therefore costs are competitive and moderately priced.

The first component in this dish is chicken. That is not the case for many cheaper foods. There is also vitamin E for a strong immune system and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for glowing skin.

This meal appeals to the majority of cats, including those who are considered picky eaters. Make sure your cat has enough of water available at all times when feeding dry foods.

Pros

• Low-cost and readily available
• The first ingredient is chicken.
• No prescription is required.

Cons

• Food that is dry
• Byproduct of chicken
• It is not grain-free.

 

Blue Buffalo W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Wet Food
 

Obesity can be a problem for senior cats who become less active as they age, especially those who live inside mainly or have health issues that sap their energy or limit their mobility.

Because some urinary problems are more common in senior, overweight, and/or obese cats, it makes sense to choose a food with ideal levels of fat, calories, and fiber to help your cat manage its weight, as well as controlled mineral levels to keep urine pH lower to prevent crystal and stone formation.

Blue Buffalo W+U Urinary Care and Weight Management Many veterinarians stock canned wet food as a good option.

With chicken as the primary component, this food also contains plant fiber in the form of powdered cellulose, which makes your cat feel fuller despite the lower calorie content. To ensure a normal urine pH, magnesium and salt levels are managed.

According to Blue Buffalo, its science-based formulas are created by a team of PhD animal nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians.

Pros

• One dish solves two problems
• Grain-free

Cons

• A prescription is necessary.

 

Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
 

If your cat’s digestive system can handle more than one type of food, a variety pack is a great way to provide them a variety of flavors and nutrients all at once.

Urinary Tract Health Formula Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic The Adult Wet Cat Food Variety Pack is available in cases of 12, 24, or 36 cans.

It is available in four, eight, or twelve cans in three flavors—Ocean Whitefish or Beef & Chicken, Chicken, and Turkey with Giblets—or twelve cans of two flavors—Ocean Whitefish and Salmon.

Each recipe contains minimal dietary magnesium and is intended to lower urine pH. Purina products are also made in the United States, and they are widely available and among the more economical brands on the market today.

Pros

• Variety in nutrition and flavor for your cat
• No prescription is required.

Cons

• The first constituent is meat by-products.
• Color was added

What Factors to Look for in a Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health

When determining which brand is best for your cat, examine the labels carefully. “First, pet parents should consult with their veterinarian about what their cat requires,” adds Dr. Bernal. “

A veterinarian can provide the main characteristics that cat parents should seek for to support their cat’s urinary system health.

Texture

In the wild, a cat would eat a variety of textures and acquire most of its water from fresh meat. Some of their preferences may be influenced by an instinctive tendency toward wet and uncooked foods.

Domesticated cats, like people, have their own tastes, so keep your cat’s texture preferences in mind. Some people prefer soft minced meat or chunky bits. Watch your cat eat.

Do they lick their fingers? Do they start with the gravy? Their habits may reveal their texture preferences. Most veterinarians advocate alternating between wet and dry diet over the week.

Raw food, a recent trend in pet diets, is claimed to be an excellent choice because heat does not breakdown proteins and other critical components.

However, raw foods raise the danger of salmonella and Listeria bacterial infections, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and finally a nervous system illness.

Before embarking on a completely raw food diet, do your homework and consult with your veterinarian.

Ingredients

If you live in the United States, look for “Made in the USA” labels on your cat food. Pet food production standards vary greatly by country.

Many foods made in other nations have been examined, and amounts of contaminants such as heavy metals and even plastic fillers proven to be dangerous for consumption have been discovered.

Ingredients are presented in weight order, similar to human food ingredient labels, and contain percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.

Look for foods with a high protein content of a specific meat first, and if grains are included, whole grains are ideal because they include more nutrients.

It’s also crucial to consider your cat’s food’s nutrients, moisture, and fat content. Cats evolved as hunters, therefore their natural diet would consist mostly of carnivorous animals.

They would eat prey with a high protein content, a moderate fat content, and a low carbohydrate content. So keep an eye out for foods that are high in carbs and may contribute to obesity.

Carbohydrates that are good for you should come from organic pumpkin, sweet potato, or brown rice.

It is important to note that protein and fat content numbers in dry foods will be larger than in wet foods since wet food percentages are stated on a wet basis and contain a high amount of water, whereas dry food percentages are reported on a dry basis.

Protein levels in wet foods should be between 8 and 10%, whereas dry foods should be at least 25%. Fat content in wet food should be no less than 5% and no more than 20% to 30% in dry food.

Some cats will reject diets that contain less protein or fat than is advised. Manufacturers utilize natural preservatives in store brands to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E are examples of natural preservatives (tocopheryl acetate or tocopherol acetate).

Additional Nutrients

Cats also require a variety of additional nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids.

The amount of nutrients required varies depending on the period of life—from kitten through adolescent, pregnancy and nursing, and senior cat.

If your cat’s present stage of life is well balanced and complete, they won’t need any further vitamins.

Organic

As you may be aware, the phrase “organic” can be applied in a variety of contexts, so check the fine print. The term “organic” in cat food is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The USDA is required by law to apply the same standards to cat food as they do to human food. The term “organic” relates to how a crop or animal is cultivated, raised, and handled.

Organic crops must be cultivated on pesticide-free land for at least three years.

Toxic and persistent pesticides, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and irradiation must not be present in the food.

Organic cattle whose flesh is used in pet foods must be fed organic feed, not administered antibiotics or hormones, and be allowed to roam freely.

All of these standards must be documented and confirmed by USDA inspection in order to become USDA Certified. It’s impossible to know if a food is truly organic unless it says “USDA Certified Organic” on the label.

When only a fraction of the components are certified organic, the label will include a percentage, such as “95% USDA Certified Organic.”

Natural

Similarly, for pet food and animal feed, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines and regulates the phrase “natural.”

The term “natural” refers to a feed or component that is derived purely from plant, animal, or mineral sources rather than a chemically manufactured technique.

However, some components can be branded “natural” while not being beneficial or healthy for your pet.

Grain-Free

Cats did not evolve to consume the grains that we have introduced into their domesticated diet. Allergies and stomach issues have been linked to corn, rice, barley, and wheat.

They also encourage the production of more alkaline urine (higher pH). Look for low-cost components with minimal nutritional value known as “fillers.”

They’re included to help your pet feel full while using fewer high-quality ingredients by weight. Corn and wheat gluten and grain products, soy, animal by-products, and fruit and vegetable pulps are examples.

Probiotics

Many brans also include pre-, post-, and probiotics, which maintain a healthy gut and intestinal flora, which decreases inflammation, enhances their immune system, and aids in urinary tract health.

Domesticated cats that do not consume a natural diet of rodents and other creatures are not exposed to microorganisms found in the wild.

When in doubt, choose pre-, post-, and probiotics, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach or has recently taken antibiotics or other medications.

Conclusion

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care wet cat food took the top rank due to a variety of features for each food that were used to select those that can assist improve and prevent feline urinary problems.

Consider Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food if you want a dry option.

There are so many options available that it can be difficult to choose one, but BestForPets (bestforpets.org) hopes that our best cat foods for urinary tract health reviews have assisted you in narrowing down your options and discovering the best food for your needs!!

FAQs

What components distinguish urinary tract health cat food from conventional cat food?

Cat food formulated for urinary health limits the amount of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium that can contribute to urinary crystal and stone development by raising your cat’s urine pH.

Because crystals develop more easily when urine pH is greater, the diets are designed to make your cat’s urine somewhat acidic (low pH).

Do you need a veterinarian’s prescription for the best urinary tract health cat foods?

“Because urinary tract diseases can be complicated, it’s critical to collaborate with your veterinarian to identify the best therapy and nutritional recommendations.”

While your veterinarian can prescribe a specific diet, Dr. Bernal recommends feeding more wet food to cats to enhance urinary tract health by increasing hydration.

“When it comes to enhancing hydration, premium wet cat recipes like Wellness Natural Cat Wet Foods are a fantastic place to start, and these diets are available at most pet retailers.”

Why do some foods necessitate a prescription while others do not?

“Prescription diets are therapeutic nutritional meals that help with an acute or chronic medical issue,” Dr. Bernal continues.

“Prescription diets guarantee that the pet is under veterinary care for the right duration of time, with food that focuses nutrition and supports underlying health conditions.”

Other diets are designed for healthy pets and may not require a prescription.