If your cat has been diagnosed with urinary crystals, you may be wondering what the best food for them is.
While there are many prescription diets available for cats with urinary crystals, there are also some good non-prescription foods that can help prevent these formations.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best non prescription cat food for urinary crystals, as well as some tips on how to switch your cat’s diet to a food that helps reduce the risk of developing these stones.
We’ll also cover some of the other things you can do to help keep your cat’s urinary health in check, such as avoiding certain foods and supplements that can aggravate this condition.
What are urinary crystals in cats and what causes them?
Urinary crystals in cats can be caused by a variety of things, including dietary issues, disease, and infection.
The most common type of urinary crystal is struvite, which is caused by a bacterial infection. Struvite crystals can cause a cat to become very ill, and can even lead to death if left untreated.
Other types of crystals that can form in a cat’s urinary tract include calcium oxalate and urate. These crystals are less common but can also cause serious health problems if left untreated.
If your cat is experiencing any symptoms of urinary crystals, it is important to take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
What to feed cats to prevent crystals?
There are a few different types of food that you can feed your cat to prevent them from developing urinary crystals. One type is a diet that is low in magnesium and sulfur.
This means that you will want to avoid feeding your cat foods that are high in protein since these nutrients contain high levels of both magnesium and sulfur. You can find diets that are specifically made for preventing crystals.
Another type of food that can help to prevent crystals is a food that is high in moisture. Canned food is a good option for this, as it contains more water than dry food does.
Feeding your cat wet food regularly can help to keep their urinary tract healthy and free of debris that could lead to the development of crystals.
The best food for cats with urinary crystals
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Moderate
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Moderate is the best food for cats with urinary crystals. It has been specifically designed to help dissolve and flush out urinary crystals and stones. The diet is low in magnesium and phosphorus, which can aggravate crystal formation, and it also contains added potassium to help keep the urine dilute.
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare is a great food for cats with urinary crystals. I have been using it for my cat for about a year now, and it has helped to keep his crystals under control.
The food is made with low levels of magnesium and phosphorus, which are the two minerals that are known to contribute to urinary crystals. It also has a high level of moisture, which helps to keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy. We would recommend this food to anyone whose cat is struggling with urinary crystals.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Stool Altering
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Stool Altering is a great food option for cats that suffer from urinary crystals. The food is designed to help reduce the occurrence of these crystals, and it also helps to keep your cat’s stool regular. Overall, I have been very pleased with the results that this food has provided for my cat.
Iams Proactive Health Adult Urinary Tract
Iams Proactive Health Adult Urinary Tract is good food for cats with urinary crystals. It’s low in magnesium and phosphorus, which can aggravate crystal formation, and it also contains added potassium to help keep the urine dilute.
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
If you’re looking for a great wet cat food that doesn’t contain grains, Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Wet Cat Food is a great option. This food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for cats with urinary crystals. Wellness Core also has a wide variety of flavors to choose from, so your cat is sure to love it!
Weruva Paw Lickin’ Good Canned Cat Food
If you’re looking for good quality canned cat food that is low in urinary crystals, Weruva Paw Lickin’ Good Canned Cat Food is a great option. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. In addition, it’s low in phosphorus and magnesium, making it a good choice for cats with urinary crystal problems.
Nature’s Variety Instinct Healthy Weight Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
If you’re looking for a good quality, grain-free wet cat food that is low in urinary crystals, Nature’s Variety Instinct Healthy Weight Grain-Free Wet Cat Food is a great option. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. In addition, it’s low in phosphorus and magnesium, making it a good choice for cats with urinary crystal problems.
I highly recommend Nature’s Variety Instinct Healthy Weight Grain-Free Wet Cat Food if you’re looking for cat food that will help keep your kitty’s urinary crystals under control.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Poultry Grain-Free Variety Pack Canned Cat Food
Merrick is a great option. It’s made with high-quality ingredients and is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. In addition, it’s low in phosphorus and magnesium, making it a good choice for cats with urinary crystal problems.
I highly recommend Merrick Cat Food if you’re looking for cat food that will help keep your kitty’s urinary crystals under control.
Newman’s Organics Grain-Free
If you’re looking for grain-free cat food that’s also low in phosphorus, Newman’s Organics Grain-Free is a great option. This food is made with real chicken and vegetables, and it doesn’t contain any fillers or artificial additives. It’s also certified organic, so you can be sure your cat is getting the best possible nutrition.
I’ve been feeding my cat this food for about a month now, and she seems to love it. She’s always been a picky eater, but she’s been eating every bite of this food without any problems. And I love that it’s grain-free and low in phosphorus – it’s perfect for her urinary health.
Halo Spot’s Stews Wet Cat Food
Halo Spot’s Stews Wet Cat Food is a great choice for those looking for non-prescription cat food to help with urinary crystals. This food is made with premium ingredients and is free of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. It is also gluten-free. Your cat will love the taste of this food, and you’ll love knowing that they’re getting the best nutrition possible.
How to switch your cat’s diet to a food that helps prevent urinary crystals
Making the switch to a food that helps prevent urinary crystals can seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as it seems. All you need to do is make a few simple changes to your cat’s diet.
Make sure to slowly transition your cat over to its new diet so that they don’t get an upset stomach. Mix a small amount of the new food with the old food. After that increase the amount of new food until they are eating only the new food.
Foods to avoid if your cat has urinary crystals
One of the best things you can do for your cat if they suffer from urinary crystals is to feed them a diet that is low in purines. This means avoiding foods like red meats, poultry, and seafood. You should also avoid feeding your cat high-fat foods, as these can also increase the likelihood of developing urinary crystals.
Supplements that can help reduce the risk of urinary crystals in cats
There are a few different supplements that can help reduce the risk of urinary crystals in cats. One is a supplement called d-mannose, which is a natural sugar that helps to keep bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. This can help to prevent infections and the formation of crystals.
Another supplement that may help is probiotics, which help to keep the gut healthy and can also improve gut health in cats.
Probiotics may help to reduce the risk of urinary crystals by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, which can then help to keep the urinary tract healthy as well.
Finally, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the urinary tract. This can help to prevent the formation of crystals and also help to keep the urinary tract healthy.
By adding these supplements to your cat’s diet, you can help to reduce the risk of urinary crystals and keep your cat healthy.
How do you dissolve crystals in cats naturally?
If your cat is suffering from urinary crystals, there are a few things you can do to help dissolve them naturally. One is to increase their water intake, as this will help to flush the crystals out. You can also feed them a diet that is low in sodium and magnesium, and high in water content.
When to see a vet about your cat’s urinary health
If your cat is having problems with urinary crystals, you may need to take them to the vet. Crystals can form when your cat’s urine is too acidic or too alkaline. This can lead to irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract, and can even lead to a blockage.
If your cat is having any of the following symptoms, you should take them to the vet:
- Straining to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination
- Blood in urine
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
Your vet will be able to diagnose crystals in your cat’s urine with a simple urine test. If crystals are found, they will likely prescribe a special diet to help dissolve them. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the crystals.
Conclusion
One of the best ways to prevent urinary crystals in cats is to feed them a high-quality diet that is low in magnesium and phosphorus. You should also avoid feeding your cat any food that is high in salt, as this can also promote the formation of crystals.
It’s also important to make sure your cat drinks plenty of water, as dehydration can contribute to the development of crystals. If your cat does develop crystals, there are some steps you can take to help dissolve them and prevent them from forming again.
You may also want to add a small amount of cranberry juice or unsweetened apple cider vinegar to your cat’s water, as both of these substances have been shown to help break down crystals.
You can also give your cat a supplement designed to dissolve urinary crystals, such as d-mannose or hydrochlorothiazide.
I want to switch from RC Urinary SO to the IAMs Proactive Health. I have read online that many people have been successful with this. What do you think about this? I have been feeding my cats for the last 10+ years the RC Urinary SO and the price has sky rocketed and I need to cut back on expenses everywhere. I’m hoping this is a change I can make.
Hi Christine,
The Iams Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food you mentioned is explicitly formulated to support urinary tract health in cats. It is designed to help prevent the formation of urinary crystals and promote a healthy urinary environment. The food contains ingredients that help maintain a balanced pH level in the urine and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
Switching from one cat food to another should generally be done gradually over a period of several days (7-10) to avoid digestive upset. It’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat’s diet, especially if your cat has specific dietary needs or health concerns.
While I can’t provide a direct comparison between the Iams Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health and Royal Canin Urinary SO, both brands are reputable and offer specialized formulas for urinary tract health. Your veterinarian would be the best person to advise you on the suitability of the new food for your cat based on their specific health condition and dietary requirements.
When choosing a cat food, it’s important to consider factors such as your cat’s age, overall health, and any specific dietary needs or restrictions. Reading reviews and consulting with your veterinarian can also help you make an informed decision.