11 Best Cat Food for Urinary Tract Crystals: 4 Leading Brands
Urinary tract crystals can cause symptoms such as urination problems, difficulty passing urine, or increased frequency of urination.
Urinary tract crystals can form due to an excess of calcium, phosphorus or magnesium in urine. Some foods can cause stones to form in cats’ urinary tract, but many cat owners are not aware of which foods can trigger stones to form.
Read our full article to learn about the top four foods for urinary tract stones in cats, and the top 11 best cat food brands that we have tested for each food.
Keep your cat’s urinary issues at bay
We independently study, test, evaluate, and suggest the best goods discover more about our approach. If you buy something via our links, we may receive a commission.
Many house cats battle with a range of problems that impact their bladder and/or urethra, commonly known as urinary tract health.
This might show as difficulty and pain when peeing, increased frequency of urination and/or blood in the urine. Cats may urinate outside the litter box, in corners, a sink, or a bathtub.
While these disorders can arise at any age, it is typically noticed in middle aged, overweight cats that don’t receive enough exercise.
A cat’s food can contribute to urine pH imbalance or assist correct it.
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, explains Dr. Danielle Bernal, Global Veterinarian with Wellness Natural Pet Food.
The crystals create painful urine and the stones are unpleasant to pass. They may induce urinary tract infections, obstructions, or renal issues.
Animal nutritionists usually design diets that encourage a higher acidic pH urine concentration, producing an environment that resists crystal formation.
Additionally, wet diets especially enhance urinary health by enhancing moisture to help dilute concentration.
Providing your cat with a high quality food suited for urinary tract health is among the most significant ways we can increase their comfort, long term health, and lifespan. In general, opt for food that has high moisture and low magnesium concentration.
Think about the type and quality of the ingredients, especially if they’re organic, local, or if they have additional certifications.
Grain free meals are often preferable for cats with urinary tract disorders, so long as it doesn’t contain high carbohydrates like potatoes and peas.
Below are a few of the top urinary tract health cat feeds available today.
Best Overall: Evanger’s EVx Restricted: Urinary Tract
To help cats with urinary struvite crystals or urinary pH imbalances, Evanger’s EVx Restricted Diet’s Urinary Tract Recipe is an excellent choice.
The components are basic, identifiable, and developed in accordance with AAFCO requirements for all life stages with the help of nutritionists and specialists.
There are just a few primary ingredients in this dish (boneless chicken, chicken broth, tomato paste, cranberries and blueberries) as well as three additional specific components manufactured in Markham, Illinois.
In order to avoid bladder stones and struvite crystals, Alltech Acid Balance lowers the pH of the urine.
An all-natural supplement called Alltech NVGEN, which is manufactured from yeast and yucca extracts, is designed to provide the gut with the nutrients known as postbiotics that it is now lacking.
Actogen, a yucca, chicory root, and yeast concoction, is also known to aid digestion.
Grain and gluten free, with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids added for skin and hair nourishment. The steel cans are BPA-free, and the labels are printed on recyclable paper, which is an extra plus.
Evanger’s provides more than 40 recipes that the Chicago Rabbinical Council has recognized as kosher for cats, despite the fact that this dish is not kosher.
As a family-owned business, Evanger’s canned pet food is committed to providing pets with a nutritious diet.
Pros:
- The primary constituent of this dish is chicken.
- Additives for the digestive system are also included.
- Postbiotics are included.
- The absence of a prescription
Cons
- On rare occasions, an item may be out of stock.
Best Wet: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
For cats, Hill’s Prescription Diet C/d Multicare Urinary Care wet cat food was created by nutritionists and veterinarians to enhance urinary health.
In one study, Hill’s claims that c/d Multicare reduced the recurrence of the most prevalent urinary symptoms by 89%.
This treatment claims to have reduced the likelihood of cats developing struvite and calcium oxalate stones by removing struvite stones in as little as seven days, on average 27 days.
Food labels and ingredients are clearly marked. Poultry and fish fat are good sources of the heart-healthy fats omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium concentrations have been carefully monitored to avoid crystallization. Chicken and vegetable stew taste is also offered from this company.
Hill’s certification as a Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) Certified company is an added plus. They’ve also been involved in other shelter support initiatives for a long time.
Pros:
- Dissolves and inhibits the formation of struvite crystals
Cons
- No, it is not gluten-free.
- Requires a prescription from a veterinary professional
Best Dry: Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food
There is a lot of research and effort put into the packaging of Wysong’s Uretic dry cat food, which they have been producing for more than 30 years.
Incorporating a variety of nutrients, this diet was developed by a veterinarian with a focus on the digestive, immunological, and urination systems.
More fresh and frozen as well as dried meats and organs are included in the Uretic dry recipe that was most recently modified in Fall of 2020. C
hicken from the United States is used in the dish, and cranberry extract is added to assist reduce the urine pH.
Prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants are only some of the micronutrients/nutraceuticals that Wysong is aware of.
Adding methionine to the formula also helps to raise urine acidity. Also included are modest amounts of fruits and vegetables in order to resemble what prey might eat.
Make sure your cat has access to water at all times when giving dry food. Similar ingredients and preparation methods have recently been used to produce Wysong’s wet Uretic canned food (view on Amazon).
Pros:
- A prescription isn’t necessary
- The formula’s development has a lengthy history.
- Nutrition based on science
Cons
- Some cats with delicate digestive systems should avoid this.
Best Budget: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food with Chicken
Your cat doesn’t have to suffer because you’re on a tight budget. IAMS Proactive Health Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food is well-reviewed and readily accessible, thus costs are competitive and quite inexpensive even if it isn’t the least priced on the market.
This dish’s initial component is chicken. That isn’t always the case, especially when it comes to inexpensive meals.
Vitamin E and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have also been included for a strong immune system and healthy skin.
Even cats that are known to be fussy eaters enjoy this food. Make sure your cat has access to lots of fresh water at all times if you’re feeding him dry food.
Pros:
- Accessible and reasonably priced
- The primary constituent of this dish is chicken.
- The absence of a prescription
Cons
- Food that has been dehydrated
- A by-product of the chicken industry
- No, it is not gluten-free.
Best for Senior Cats: Blue Buffalo W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Wet Food
As a cat ages, he or she may become less active, which can lead to weight gain. This is especially true for indoor-only cats and those with health issues that sap their energy or impair their mobility.
You should look for a meal that delivers the right amount of fat, calories, and fiber as well as regulated mineral levels to keep your cat’s urine pH lower to prevent crystal and stone formation because urinary issues are more frequent in senior, overweight, and obese cats.
Blue Buffalo W+U Weight Management and Urinary Care canned wet food is a good choice carried by many veterinarians.
With chicken as the primary component, this meal also contains extra plant fiber in the form of powdered cellulose so your cat will feel fuller while being a reduced calorie food.
Levels of magnesium and salt are adjusted to produce balanced urine pH.
Blue Buffalo says that its science-based formulations are produced by a team of PhD animal nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians.
Pros:
- One meal solves two issues
- Grain-free
Cons
- In order to obtain a prescription,
Best Variety: Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Health Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
With a variety pack, your cat will be exposed to an array of tastes and nutrients that their digestive system is capable of handling.
Nutritional Supplement for Healthy Urinary Tract from Purina Pro Plan There are 12 cans, 24 cans, and 36 cans in the Adult Wet Cat Food Variety Pack.
Ocean Whitefish or Beef & Chicken; Chicken; or Turkey and Giblets; or twelve cans of each flavor—Ocean Whitefish or Beef & Chicken, Chicken, or Turkey and Giblets.
Each recipe has a low magnesium intake and is meant to lower the pH of the urine. There are a number of Purina products on the market today that are made right here in the United States.
Pros:
- Food and taste options for your feline companion
- The absence of a prescription
Cons
- The first constituent is meat by-products.
- A splash of hue
Best Supplement: Under the Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews for Cats
VIEW ON ENTIRELYPETSPHARMACY.C
Supplements can be used in conjunction with non-prescription meals in order to give your cat’s health an extra boost in the correct direction, even though most urinary health cat diets are designed to provide your cat with adequate nutrition without them.
Many more supplements are available from this company, including Under the Weather Urinary Support Soft Chews for Cat.
N-acetyl glucosamine, D-mannose, and cranberry extract are all included in the formula to help maintain a healthy pH balance in the urinary system.
D-mannose, a common sugar, has been demonstrated to reduce and prevent the recurrence of bacterial urinary tract infections2 in people and animals.
Made in Vermont, this veterinary-formulated supplement has no corn, artificial flavors or colors and is devoid of other fillers and additives.
Bonus: A percentage of each sale will go to the Ruffy Rescue Fund, which helps spay and neuter dogs in overcrowded regions of the United States and transports them to Vermont so they may be adopted by loving families.
Pros:
- A prescription isn’t necessary
- Urinary tract infections can be reduced by using D-mannose, a well-known substance.
Cons
- A number of inactive components
HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET c/d MultiCare Stress Urinary Care – Best Stress Related Urinary Cat Food
Cats, like humans, are susceptible to stress, which can cause problems with their urinary systems.
The death of another cat in the household or a sudden shift in the environment might create this worry. Cats may have a strong exterior, but inside they are soft and cuddly.
If your veterinarian suspects that your pet’s urinary problems are a result of stress, he may offer this Hill’s product. This prescription diet from Hill’s is created by veterinarians and nutritionists to ensure that your cat receives a well-rounded diet.
UTIs are most commonly caused by struvite and calcium oxalate crystals in the bladder, which can be prevented by eating foods like these. The food’s components have been clinically tested to prevent the recurrence of frequent urinary disorders.
In order to avoid exacerbating your cat’s condition, you must feed her in moderation with magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.
To ensure optimum nutrition, the concentrations of these minerals have been carefully monitored in this variety. Antioxidants, potassium citrate, and Omega-3 fatty acids are also included in this formula to keep your pet healthy and happy.
Some consumers have remarked that this finest urinary cat food alternative helped their cat conquer her tendency of urinating around the house. Cat parents have expressed their happiness with the effectiveness of the product.
Pros:
- The flavor is appealing to cats.
- Improves the health of the bladder
- All-in-one for adult felines
Cons
- Expensive
Hill’S Prescription Diet C/D Multicare Feline Bladder Health – Best Prescription Urinary Cat Food
If I hadn’t experienced the advantages of using the finest urinary cat food for myself, I’d have no idea how important it is. My rescue cat had a history of bladder problems that persisted all the way up to the end of her life.
Despite the fact that she was put on this cat food three times, it was always effective.
S+OXSHIELDTM is now available in prescription meals from the Hill’s brand. Strivite and calcium oxalate crystals are less likely to develop when this substance is used.
If I hadn’t experienced the advantages of using the finest urinary cat food for myself, I’d have no idea how important it is.
My rescue cat had a history of bladder problems that persisted all the way up to the end of her life. Despite the fact that she was put on this cat food three times, it was always effective.
S+OXSHIELDTM is now available in prescription meals from the Hill’s brand. Strivite and calcium oxalate crystals are less likely to develop when this substance is used.
Pros:
- Promotes the health of the urinary system
- Optimal ratio of nutrients
- Suggestions for adult cats to be fed indefinitely
Cons
- Requires the endorsement of a veterinarian.
- Is there gluten in this dish?
Royal Canin Feline Urinary So Dry Food – Best Royal Canin Urinary Cat Food
Cat owners can often go overzealous when it comes to boosting their cats’ diets with minerals and vitamins.
To ensure your kitty’s urinary health and nutritional requirements are met, this is the finest Royal canin Urinary SO Dry Cat Food available.
With the URINARY SO formula from the brand, your cat’s urinary crystallization won’t be hindered by an oversaturation of struvite or an oversaturation of calcium oxalate.
If your cat doesn’t like drinking water, you may combine this with wet food to ensure that she receives enough moisture in her diet.
Relative supersaturation (RSS) technology is used in the formulation of this cat chow, which minimizes the ion content in the urine. It’s one of the primary causes of the creation of stones.
Dissolving pure struvite stones is made easier and less likely to occur again because to the lower magnesium level. In response to the results, several cat owners have reported they’ve permanently switched their adult cats to this diet.
Pros:
- Aids in the dissolution of uric acid stones
- Prevents the development of crystals
- Promotes the health of the urinary system
- Prevents stone from recurring.
Cons
- Requires a prescription from a physician
- The flavor is not liked by all cats.
Royal Canin Feline Urinary SO Wet Can
This version is preferable to its dry sibling due to its higher moisture content. In order to dissolve struvite stones and prevent their recurrence, this excellent Royal Canin Urinary SO wet cat food product is designed to acidify the urine.
Idiopathic cystitis, a prevalent type of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, is widespread in cats. Cats may refuse to eat as a result of this uncomfortable ailment.
An easy change in your cat’s diet and bladder motions might benefit from this product’s straightforward introduction.
If your cat is above the age of eighteen and showing signs of malnutrition, this is the finest urinary cat food for them.
Nutritionally, your cat will benefit from this supplement since it is balanced to meet their energy needs while also ensuring that their weight is maintained appropriately.
Pros:
- Dilutes the urine
- Strivites and calcium oxalate concentrations are reduced.
- There have been reports from cat owners that their pets like the food.
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires the endorsement of a veterinarian.
Why use a Urinary Tract Cat Food?
Cats can develop a variety of urinary issues as they age, but because your feline companion is so cunning, you may not detect anything amiss until it’s too late. Occasionally, this might be harmful due to the possibility of a urethral obstruction, which can prove lethal.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is the most likely culprit, as it exhibits a wide range of symptoms.
Kidney stones, bladder or urethral debris, urine buildup blocking the urethra, and inflammation are among the most typical causes of urinary health problems in cats.
It is also possible that the presence of a congenital defect or difficulties with the spinal cord have a role.
Despite this, one factor often goes unrecognized, even though it might be contributing significantly to the worsening of urinary difficulties and the symptoms that accompany it.
Your cat’s food intake is what we’re talking about here. You’ll notice health problems in your cat if you don’t provide him the essential nutrients he needs. The pH, content, and volume of cat pee are all influenced by the ingredients in cat food.
What to Consider in a Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health
Plan to thoroughly study labels when determining which brand is suitable for your cat. “First, pet parents should consult with their veterinarian on what their cat individually needs,” adds Dr. Bernal.
“A veterinarian will be able to give the critical features that the cat parent should seek for to promote their cat’s urinary system health.”
Texture
In the wild, a cat would eat a diversity of textures and acquire much of their essential water from eating fresh meat. Some of their inclination may be innate leaning toward wet and uncooked meals.
But domesticated cats, like people, also have their own ideas, so make careful to consider your cat’s texture preferences.
Some may favor a soft minced meal or chunky pieces. Watch your cat eat. Do they lick their food? Do they eat the gravy first?
Their routines may provide you indications to their texture preferences. Most veterinarians prescribe a blend of wet and dry meals throughout the week.
A recent trend in pet diets, raw food is claimed to be an excellent choice because heat has not damaged proteins and other critical components.
However, raw foods also have an elevated risk of salmonella and Listeria bacterial infections that can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and finally an infection of the nervous system.
Be careful to do your homework and speak with your vet before trying a 100% raw food diet.
Ingredients
If you live in the U.S., be sure your cat chow is labeled with “Made in the USA.” Standards for pet food manufacture vary greatly by nation.
Many foods made in other nations have been examined and revealed levels of contaminants like heavy metals and even plastic additives that are dangerous for ingestion.
As in human food ingredient labels, components are given in order from most to least based on weight and contain the percentages of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture.
Look for foods that indicate a high protein level of a certain animal first and if any grains are present, whole grains are ideal because of the nutrients they carry.
Consider the nutritional, moisture, and fat content of your cat’s food as well as the price. Cats are naturally carnivorous since they were bred to hunt.
Prey that is heavy in protein, moderate in fat, and low in carbs would be ideal for them. So keep an eye out for foods that are high in carbohydrates, which might lead to weight gain.
It is best to get your carbohydrates from organic sources such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and brown rice.
Wet food percentages are presented on a wet basis and include a high amount of water, whereas dry food percentages are published on a dry basis.
This means that the protein and fat content values in dry meals will be larger than those in wet foods. Protein content in wet foods should be at least 8 to 10 percent, while in dry foods it should be at least 25 percent.
Minimum fat content of 5% in liquid food and 20% to 30% in dry food is recommended. The required amount of protein and fat in a cat’s diet may not satisfy certain cats.
For a longer shelf life and to avoid spoilage, natural preservatives are used in store brands. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E are examples of non-synthetic preservatives (tocopheryl acetate or tocopherol acetate).
Other Nutrients
More than a dozen additional nutrients are needed for cats as well, such as vitamins, minerals, fats, and amino acids.
As a kitten, an adolescent cat, a pregnant cat, and a senior cat, each stage of life requires different quantities of nutrients. Supplements aren’t necessary if your cat’s food is well-balanced and complete for their present life stage.
Organic
Since “organic” may mean so many different things, it’s important to read the tiny print. The word “organic” in cat food is subject to regulation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
When it comes to food safety, cat food and human food must be treated equally. The method through which a plant or animal is grown, reared, and handled is referred to as “organic.”
Pesticide-free land must be maintained for at least three years in order to cultivate organic crops.
Pesticides that are hazardous and persistent must not be used, nor may the food have any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, nor may the food contain any synthetic growth hormones, antibiotics, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
In order to use organic cattle in pet food, the animals must be fed organic feed, not be administered antibiotics or hormones, and have access to the outside.
All of these standards must be documented and validated by USDA inspection before a business can be considered USDA Certified. You can’t be certain that the product is organic until the label says “USDA Certified Organic.”
You’ll notice a figure on the label if only a small fraction of the components come from certified organic sources, such as “95 percent USDA Certified Organic.”
Natural
Similarly, the word “natural” for pet food and animal feed is defined and regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
By “natural,” we mean generated completely from natural sources such as plants, animals, or mined materials rather than being synthesized chemically. As a result, certain “natural” additives may really be detrimental to your pet’s health.
Grain-Free
A cat’s digestive system was not designed to ingest the grains we’ve incorporated into their diets. These foods have all been linked to food allergies and gastrointestinal issues.
They also help to increase the pH of the urine (higher pH). Fillers, which are low-cost and lack nutritious value, should be avoided.
Your pet will feel full with fewer high-quality components in weight if you add these to their diet. Soy, animal by-products, maize and wheat gluten, and fruit and vegetable pulps are just a few of the more common ones.
Probiotics
Pre-, post-, and probiotics are now commonplace in many brans, helping to maintain a healthy intestinal flora and, as a result, a healthy urinary tract while also reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
In the absence of a natural diet consisting of rodents and other small animals, domestic cats are not exposed to the microorganisms they would find in the wild.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach or has just taken antibiotics or other drugs, it’s best to give it pre-, post-, and probiotics.
Conclusion
The best cat food for urinary tract crystals should be made up of a healthy mix of protein, fiber, antioxidants, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 fatty acids.
Your cat may also benefit from feeding a diet containing fresh foods high in vitamin C and B complex vitamins. The following list is a summary of the best cat food brands for urinary tract crystals.
source https://catshint.com/best-cat-food-for-urinary-tract-crystals/
Nhận xét
Đăng nhận xét