Below, you can find a few recommendations on the best diet for cats with urinary problems ranked according to type. We feature both dry cat food and canned cat food, as they can both be effective against cat UTIs. When it comes to what to feed a cat with urinary problems, the answer is to opt for diets with low mineral content. Minerals can stimulate the formation of crystals and lead to bladder stones in cats.
However, there is no one correct answer as to what the best diet is for cats with UTIs. It all depends on the health condition of the cat – so always check with your vet and your cat!
Main Foods
Cats with bladder issues can eat the same types of food as healthy cats, namely both dry and canned cat food. However, when searching what to feed a cat with urinary problems, you should pick formulas that have been specially designed for such conditions.
The special urinary tract canned health formula from Purina Pro Plan ranks particularly high in user reviews. Its popularity comes from its reputable manufacturer, reasonable price, and a variety of flavors that can suit the different tastes of cats. In case your cat is not a fan of it, it comes in a dry version as well.
The top-rated dry cat food for cats with urinary problems is produced by Royal Canin. This formula with a moderate calorie count is nutritionally comparable to canned food. However, as the name suggests, it contains more calories than the wet food option.
Canned Cat Food
Canned cat food, also called wet cat food, is the best answer when looking for what to feed a cat with urinary problems. It has higher levels of moisture and helps keep cats hydrated. If the urinary discomfort comes primarily from acidic urine, then this type of food is the best choice as it regulates the urinary pH levels.
On top of that, canned cat food for cats with urinary problems is effective because it mimics the natural diet of wild cats. Undomesticated cats survive by hunting, and animal meat is composed of 70 percent water. However, you should still convince your cat to drink water, even if you feed it canned food.
1. Purina Pro Plan Focus Urinary Tract Health Formula
Ingredients:
Purina is a landmark name when it comes to pet care, so it’s easy to understand why this product provides the best diet for cats with urinary problems. This formula has low mineral content, so it’s the perfect choice for such a health condition. It is also more affordable than other canned food products, so it’s a very practical and sustainable choice that is also effective.
2. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Feline Urinary SO
Ingredients:
Royal Canin is a reputable brand of pet food, so here’s another great option on what to feed a cat with urinary problems. This product provides a balanced nutrition while promoting a healthy urinary tract. It features a broad list of ingredients which are easily digestible, so the product is great not only for the urinary tract. These products can also maintain the overall health of your cat.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control
Ingredients:
Hill’s is a preservative-free option of what to feed a cat with urinary problems, so it’s the best choice if you want something natural. On top of that, it comes with some other benefits. Apart from the urinary action, the food has a fiber blend that reduces furballs. Also, the formula contains an optimal amount of magnesium to restore the natural pH balance of urine.
Dry Cat Food
Dry cat food, or kibbles, can provide the same nutrition as canned food. However, it lacks an ingredient that is essential for cats with urinary problems – water. But you can feed your cat dry food and still maintain the safety of its urinary tract through special formulas.
When putting your cat on such a diet, you need to ensure it is getting enough water. You can do it by enticing it to drink from a bowl or a fountain. This way, you can offset the lack of moisture in the dry cat food. However, dry food is a lot more affordable than canned food, and it’s still incredibly nutritious.
1. Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Formula
Ingredients:
The Purina One Urinary Tract Health formula is a great dry food option for what to feed a cat with urinary problems. It’s rich in nutrients that can reduce the pH of the urinary tract, while it’s low in magnesium and other salts that usually cause bladder issues. Also, the product has omega-6 fatty acids that boost the digestive functions of your cat.
2. Royal Canin Feline Urinary SO Moderate Calorie
Ingredients:
This product is the best dry food pick when it comes to what to feed a cat with urinary problems, as it contains plenty of beneficial ingredients. They prevent the growth of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals, which are the main cause of painful bladder stones. On top of that, the food contains the right number of calories to ensure the cat maintains a healthy weight.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control
Ingredients:
Magnesium plays a key role in the cat’s urinary health, as it needs just the right amount to avoid health problems. Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Dry provides the right amount of magnesium to help alleviate urinary issues, stabilizing the pH of urine. It also does not contain any artificial colors or flavors, so it’s an overall healthy choice for your cat.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options on what to feed a cat with urinary problems. Wet cat food works best for such health conditions, but dry food can be a nutritious choice as well. However, it is important to take note of the ingredients they contain and make sure they have a special urinary formula. Do you have any advice on what to feed a cat with urinary problems? We would love to hear from you. Please share your experience with us via the comment section.
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