Keep your cat’s urinary issues at bay
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Many house cats suffer from a variety of urinary system illnesses, also referred to as bladder and/or urethral health problems. These symptoms could include frequent urination, painful or difficult urinating, or blood in the urine. Cats are able to urinate outside of the litter box, in a corner, a bathtub, or a sink. While these issues can afflict anyone at any age, they are more prevalent in middle-aged cats who are obese and inactive.
In cats, diet can either make or better the pH balance of their urine. “Diets can vary in how they support urinary tract health, but it’s important to look for restricted amounts of minerals, such as magnesium and phosphorus, which can contribute to the development of urinary crystal and stone formation,” says Dr. Danielle Bernal, a global veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food. It hurts to pass the stones as well as to urinate on the crystals. They might result in urinary tract infections, blockages, or kidney problems. Animal nutritionists frequently create recipes that promote a higher pH urine concentration in order to stop crystal formation. Furthermore, by increasing moisture to help dilute concentration, moist diets improve urinary health.
Providing your cat with a high-quality diet formulated for urinary tract health is one of the most crucial things we can do to extend their comfort, long-term health, and lifetime. In general, choose foods that are low in magnesium and high in moisture. The type and quality of the ingredients, as well as whether or not they are organic, local, or have any other certifications, should all be taken into account. “Grain-free” meals are often preferable for cats with urinary tract issues, as long as they don’t contain high carbohydrate components like potatoes and peas.
The best cat foods for preserving urinary health are given below.
Best Overall: Evanger’s Heritage Classics
It is grain- and gluten-free and contains extra omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to nourish skin and fur. Additional benefits include the labels being created from recycled paper and the steel cans' verified absence of bisphenol-A (BPA). Evanger's provides more than 40 recipes that have been deemed kosher for cats by the Chicago Rabbinical Council for persons who need to give their cats a kosher diet despite the fact that this dish is not kosher.
Evanger's canned pet food is a family-run company with a long history of advocating a better diet for animals.
What We Like
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- Includes digestive support ingredients
- Contains Postbiotics
- No prescription needed
What We Don’t Like
- Occasionally on back order
Best Wet: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
The ingredients can be quickly identified on the label and in the finished product. Among the main ingredients are pork liver, carrots, chicken, tuna, rice, spinach, chicken fat, and fish oil. A source of omega-3 fatty acids is fish oil. The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are kept under control to prevent crystallization, and the water is also abundant in important vitamins and minerals. This brand is also available in chicken and vegetable stew flavor.
By receiving the Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Certification, Hill's has additionally shown their dedication to sustainability. Additionally, they have long been involved in a number of efforts to support shelters.
What We Like
- Shown to dissolve struvite crystals and prevents new ones
What We Don’t Like
- Not grain-free
- Requires a veterinary prescription
RELATED: The 6 Best Canned Cat Foods of 2022
Best Dry: Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food
Wysong is aware of a variety of micronutrients and nutraceuticals, including prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Additionally, methionine, which promotes urine acidity, has been added. A little quantity of produce has also been added to mimic what would be in the stomachs of prey.
When giving your cat any dry food, make sure they always have access to plenty of water. Wysong recently published a wet Uretic canned food is comparable in content and components.
What We Like
- No prescription required
- Long history developing the formula
- Science-based nutrition
What We Don’t Like
- Not a fit for some cats with sensitive digestive systems
Best Budget: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult URINARY SYSTEM Health Dry Cat Food with Chicken
Chicken is the main ingredient in this dish. A minimum of 5% fat should be present in wet food, whereas a minimum of 20% to 30% should be present in dry food. Additionally, vitamin E and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids are provided for healthy skin and an immune system. Most cats like this meal, including those that are thought to be picky eaters. While feeding solely dry food, make sure your cat always has access to plenty of water.
What We Like
- Affordable and widely available
- Chicken is the first ingredient
- No prescription needed
What We Don’t Like
- Dry food
- Chicken by-product
- Not grain-free
Best Variety: Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Urinary Tract Health Formula Adult Wet Cat Food is offered in cases of 12, 24, or 36 cans. Each of the three flavors—Ocean Whitefish, Beef & Chicken, Chicken and Turkey and Giblets, or Salmon and Whitefish—is offered in packages of four, eight, or twelve cans, or twelve cans of each taste.
Each recipe contains only a small amount of dietary magnesium and was developed to reduce urine pH. Purina products are among those available on the market right now that are more competitively priced, readily accessible, and made in the country.
What We Like
- Nutritional and flavor diversity for your cat
- No prescription needed
What We Don’t Like
- Meat by-products are the first ingredient
- Added color
RELATED: The 7 Best Cat Water Fountains of 2022
Best for Senior Cats: Blue Buffalo W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Wet Food
Blue Buffalo W+U Weight Management and Urinary Care Wet food in cans is a great option, and many vets carry it. This food, which has chicken as the first component, also includes additional plant fiber in the form of powdered cellulose, which will help your cat feel full even if it has less calories. Maintaining a pH equilibrium in the urine requires controlling the concentrations of salt and magnesium.
According to Blue Buffalo, its scientifically sound recipes are created by a team of PhD animal nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians.
What We Like
- Manages two problems with one food
- Grain-free
What We Don’t Like
- Prescription required
Best Supplement: Under the Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews for Cats
Under the Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews for Cats are one of the many supplements made by this brand. Among the ingredients are N-acetyl glucosamine, which supports a typical pH balance in the urinary tract, D-mannose, and cranberry extract, which support typical urinary system health.
Studies on both humans and animals have shown that the common sugar d-mannose aids in preventing bacterial adherence to the urinary tract and bladder, hence reducing and avoiding bacterial urinary tract infections.
This dietary supplement is created in Vermont without the use of artificial flavors, colors, or corn. As an extra bonus, a portion of each transaction is donated to the Ruffy Rescue Fund, which helps fund the spaying and neutering of animals in overpopulated areas of the U.S. and their transportation to Vermont for adoption.
What We Like
- No prescription required
- Incorporates D-mannose ingredient known to decrease urinary tract infections
What We Don’t Like
- Several inactive ingredients
Final Verdict
Evanger’s EVx Restricted Diet for Urinary Tract wet food received our top ranking after considering a number of variables for each diet to identify those that can aid in the improvement and prevention of feline urinary problems. If you’re looking for a dry option, think about Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food.
How to Select Cat Food for the UROLOGIC SYSTEM Make sure to carefully study the labels while deciding on the best brand for your cat. Dr. Bernal advises pet owners to first speak with their veterinarian about the particular needs of their cat. A veterinarian can offer the crucial traits that cat parents should look for to maintain the health of their cat’s urinary system.
Texture
In the wild, a cat would eat a range of things, including fresh meat, which supplied most of the water they required. They may have an intrinsic preference for moist and raw food. However, domesticated cats, like people, have individual tastes, so be sure to consider what textures your cat prefers. Some folks could like meals with large bits or soft minced food. When your cat is eating, keep an eye on it. I believe they lick their food. Does the gravy come first? From their behavior, you could infer what textures they preferred. Most veterinarians advise switching up the meals every day of the week, alternating between wet and dry ones.
The greatest alternative for pet food, according to a recent trend, is raw food because heat did not destroy proteins and other essential ingredients. Eating raw foods increases the risk of bacterial illnesses such listeria and salmonella, which can result in nausea, vomiting, and eventually a disease of the neurological system. Do your research and consult your veterinarian before adopting a diet consisting solely of raw foods.
Ingredients
If you live in the US, be sure your cat chow is marked “Made in the USA.” The specifications needed to produce pet food vary widely between countries. Numerous foods produced in other countries have already been tested and found to contain dangerous concentrations of pollutants, such as heavy metals and even plastic additives.
The ingredient list, which is supplied in the same order from most to least by weight as it is for human food, includes the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture. Start by looking for dishes that say the particular meat has a high protein content. Wholegrains are desirable, if any grains are used, because of the minerals they provide.
The amount of nutrients, moisture, and fat in the food you feed your cat must also be taken into account. Since cats were created to hunt, they are carnivores by nature. They would consume prey that is heavy in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbohydrates. Therefore, foods with an excessive amount of carbs should be avoided as they may lead to obesity. To prepare nutritious carbohydrates, use ingredients like organic pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or brown rice.
It should be noted that protein and fat content statistics will be higher in dry foods than in wet foods since dry food percentages are provided on a dry basis while wet food percentages are presented on a wet basis and contain a high percentage of water. Protein should make up at least 8 to 10 percent of wet foods and at least 25 percent of dry foods. That is not the case for many cheaper things. Diets that contain less protein or fat than is recommended for cats may be rejected by them.
Manufacturers of store brands utilize natural preservatives to extend shelf life and prevent spoiling. Vitamin E and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are both natural preservatives (tocopheryl acetate or tocopherol acetate).
Auxiliary Ingredients
Cats also need more than a dozen additional nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. The amount of nutrients needed depends on the stage of life—from kitten to adolescence, during pregnancy and nursing, and as an old cat. If the cat food is adequately balanced and complete for their stage of life, they won’t require any additional supplements.
Organic
The term “organic” can be used in a number of settings, so you should always read the fine print. The U.S. To be eligible for USDA Certification, each of these requirements must be satisfied and each must pass USDA inspection. According to the legislation, the USDA must use the same standards for cat food as they do for human food. How a crop or animal is raised, cared for, and grown is referred to as “organic” in this context. Organically cultivated crops must be raised for a minimum of three years on pesticide-free land. Antibiotics, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic growth hormones, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, dangerous and persistent pesticides, or food that has been exposed to radiation are all prohibited from being included in the food itself.
Cattle used to produce organic pet food must be given organic feed, be free of hormones and antibiotics, and have access to the outdoors. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the use of the term “organic” in cat food. Unless the label clearly states “USDA Certified Organic,” you cannot be sure the food is organic.
Sometimes a percentage, such as “95 percent USDA Certified Organic,” will appear on the label even when only a small portion of the ingredients are derived from organic sources.
Natural
The Association of American Feed Control Officials defines and regulates the term “natural” for both pet food and animal feed (AAFCO). If a feed or component only originates from plant, animal, or mineral sources and wasn’t made via a chemical method, it is said to be “natural.” However, not all items marketed as “natural” are actually beneficial or good for animals.
Grain-Free
Domestic cats didn’t evolve to eat the grains we now add in their diets. Wheat, corn, rice, and barley have all been connected to allergies and digestive problems. Additionally, they promote more alkaline urination (higher pH). Beware of “fillers,” which are low-cost, nutritionally-deficient additives. They are added to help your pet stay full while minimizing the weight of premium ingredients. Soy, grain products, corn and wheat gluten, animal by-products, and fruit and vegetable pulps are typical examples.
Probiotics
In order to support a healthy gut flora, which reduces inflammation, strengthens the immune system, and maintains the urinary tract in good shape, pre-, post-, and probiotics are routinely added to brans. Domestic cats do not normally eat rats and other animals, therefore they do not come into touch with the bacteria that wild cats would. Pre-, post-, and probiotics should thus be chosen if you have the option, especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach or has just taken antibiotics or other medications.
A Transitional Tip
Take your time when introducing new foods to your cat. Don’t buy anything unless you know your cat will eat it. Before judging whether it fits, give it great thought. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how much to feed your cat because each meal’s calorie count fluctuates. It’s possible that your cat won’t like the flavor, texture, or protein content of a new meal. Some of the first upsets go away after the changeover has been in place for a day or two. Switch to a different one gradually if your first one doesn’t work.
FAQ
Which traditional cat food ingredients are different in cat food for healthy urinary tracts?
In cat food made specifically for urinary health, the amounts of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium that could raise your cat’s urine pH and lead to the formation of urinary crystals and stones are controlled. The diets are made to make your cat’s poop somewhat acidic since crystals form more easily when urine pH is higher (low pH).
Do the best cat foods for urinary tract health need a prescription from a vet?
Due to the complexity of urinary tract issues, it’s crucial to work with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action and diet. Dr. Bernal notes that while your veterinarian may advise a particular diet, it’s typically encouraged to give cats extra wet food to improve urinary tract health by increasing hydration. Premium wet cat recipes like Wellness Natural Cat Wet Foods are a great place to start when it comes to improving hydration. Most pet supply stores have these foods in stock.
Why do some foods require a prescription but not others?
Prescription diets, whether they support an acute or chronic medical condition, are therapeutic nutritional formulae, according to Dr. Bernal.
With the use of prescription meals, veterinarian care is ensured while the animal consumes food that supports underlying medical issues and focuses on nutrition. Other diets are suitable for healthy house pets and don’t require a prescription.
Why Should I Trust the Product Review from the Cat?
For the past 35 years, Lorraine Wilde, the essay’s author, has had at least two cats in her home, some of whom have unique needs. Long into their early 20s, her two cats lived contented, healthy lives. Her current feline friends experience digestion and urinary tract problems. While researching these brands, Lorraine evaluated the type and quality of the ingredients, the company’s research and development of the food, and their business ethics.
Because Lorraine maintains the highest standards for the food she feeds her animals, she recently switched to Evanger’s EVx Restricted Diet Urinary Tract and Evanger Organics Turkey and Butternut Squash canned food to help improve the health issues of her elderly cats. Lorraine’s family might decide to use the dietary supplement Under the Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews due to the benefits D-mannose offers.
Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian who practices worldwide, is actually employed by Wellness Natural Pet Food. She holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney and is a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the UK. Her background in veterinary care, animal nutrition, and related communications spans approximately 15 years. She travels to pet owners’ homes in the United States and other countries to educate them on the need of high-quality, all-natural nutrition for a pet’s health and lifetime.
Lorraine has degrees in environmental science from both the undergraduate and graduate levels. She is adamant that individuals are capable of making moral, informed, and earth-friendly choices that will protect both their pets and the environment.
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