Urinary health issues are among the most commonly occurring cat problems. These can range from mild to chronic. Such issues are related with the urinary tract and so they have a direct relation with the cat’s diet.
Using non prescription cat food for urinary health from time to time can relieve your cat of urinary crystals, or prevent them from appearing in the first place.
In my veterinary experience, I have seen urinary issues to be a nuisance and non prescription urinary cat foods act as a prevention measure and a cure. There are many non prescription cat food varieties which can keep cats at their optimum urinary health.
Purina Pro Plan, Urinary Tract Health, Chicken Entrée is my top pick, as it contains all important ingredients that keep your cat’s urinary tract health in check!
- Value For Money Cat Food
- Urinary Care Cat Food
- Lower Magnesium Levels
It provides cats with the right amount of hydration for the cat’s stomach while also reducing the urine pH levels to ensure normal discharge.
If your cat prefers a crunchy kibble or a different flavour then there are many different options available while providing good urinary care.
This Article Will Explain & Discuss:
- Why Non-Prescription Cat Food Substitutes Are Preferred?
- Detailed Reviews On 10 Best Urinary (Non-Prescription) Cat Food Alternatives.
- Symptoms of Urinary Issues
- Ingredients Required for Urinary Care In Cat Food
- FAQs Regarding Urinary Care
Our Quick Comparison On The Best Cat Food For Urinary Tract Health Issues (Non-Prescription)
| Image | Product | Features | Shop On |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK (NON-PRESCRIPTION) |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST BUDGET  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST PREMIUM  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST WHOLESOME  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST HIGH PROTEIN  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST NATURAL  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST FOR URINARY HAIRBALLS  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST WITH GRAIN  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST FOR SENIOR CATS  |
| AmazonChewy | |
BEST GRAIN FREE  |
| AmazonChewy |
4 Important Reasons Why Cat Owners Prefer a Urinary Cat Food Non Prescription Substitute?
Diet changes are one of the most common treatments for urinary tract disease in cats. Most urinary cat diets are prescribed. However, a variety of non-prescription urinary cat food alternatives resolve the issues.
Some of the reasons why owners mostly prefer non-prescription cat food alternatives are discussed below:
1. Prescription Diets Are Expensive
For most people looking for urinary prescription diet alternatives, price is perhaps the most important factor. Prescription diets are quite expensive because of the ingredients used in them which can upset the budget of most cat owners. As diet plays an important role in treatment of urinary tract diseases, owners prefer a urinary cat food non-prescription substitute for their cats.
2. Ingredient Quality In Prescription Diet Is Not Always Great
Some prescription diets may include ingredients that owners want to avoid to give to their furry friends. Some may only contain filler ingredients, while others may contain by-products or undesirable soy products that are not preferred by many cat parents.
3. Your Cat Might Not Like It
Cats are fussy eaters and may refuse to eat something that does not taste nice to them or is different from their daily meal. Cats generally dislike prescription diets and will refuse them, resulting in a loss of important nutrients as a result of not eating anything, a fussy eater may compel their owner to try non-prescription urinary substitutes by doing so.
4. Cautious Cat Owners
Owners consider their cats to be family members, and they are very cautious while feeding them. Prescription diets work but they are not always budget friendly to some people and many of them contain ingredients which might confuse cat owners. As non-prescription urinary cat food alternatives do not contain any medication, cautious owners can feed them to their cats without any hesitation.
Should You Find Non Prescription Urinary Cat Food?
Urinary cat food, a non-prescription substitute, unlike prescription diets, does not contain any medication or drugs which may have side effects. They treat urinary problems through ingredients that prevent the production of kidney stones/urinary crystals in cats.
If you are going through any of the problems above, you might want to consider a non-prescription alternative. They are mostly budget friendly and have more options available for picky cats.
Our Detailed Reviews On The Best Cat Food For Cat That Has Urinary Tract Disease
1. Purina Pro Plan, Urinary Tract Health, Chicken Entrée
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Corn Starch-Modified
- Magnesium Quantity: 0.022% max
- Potassium Quantity: 0.2% min
- Food Form: Wet Food in the form of gravy
- Caloric Content: 886 kcal/kg, 25.1 kcal/oz
Why Is It The Best For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
I often feed my cats Purina Pro Plan wet cat food to promote their urinary tract health, and it has been very successful in doing so. Chicken is used as a source of animal protein in this formula which helps them maintain good lean muscle mass and supports healthy digestion.
As magnesium is one of the main causes of urinary tract infections in cats, this diet helps with pH imbalance and provides low dietary magnesium to protect them from infections.
This soft cat food has taurine to support your cat’s heart health and water is added to ensure moisture content. It also contains 25 essential vitamins, including Vitamin C, and minerals to maintain the overall health of cats and to give them a furry coat.
The recipe contains wholesome ingredients like real chicken and has no artificial preservatives to support the cat immune system.
- Helps Urinary Tract Health
- Real Chicken As Primary Protein
- Easy To Find At The Store
- Some Cats May Not Like Its Flavor
2. Iams ProActive, Urinary Tract Health
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Grits, Brewers Rice
- Potassium Quantity: 0.8% min
- Magnesium Quantity: 0.1% max
- Food Form: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 3,631 kcal/kg, 387 kcal/cup
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Health Issues?
By feeding your cat this Iams ProActive Cat Food which is specially designed for cats with urinary tract disease e.g. infections, you can address your cat’s urinary health. And this food option does not exhaust your budget (yay!).
It contains chicken as the first ingredient, as chicken is easily digestible. And provides the most protein percentage for cats as compared to other meats, it will support them in all their furry adventures.
Vitamin E is used in this formula to give your pal a healthy immune system. And this diet will help them feel better by reducing PH in their urine.
Additionally, it contains calcium and potassium to support teeth and bone health. It also includes whole grains which helps cats in good digestive health as whole grains are rich in fiber.
- Vitamin E Added
- Reduces Urine PH
- Easily Affordable
- Some Cats Prefer a Change In Diet After Some Time
3. Weruva, Paw Lickin’ Chicken
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Chicken Broth, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate
- Magnesium Quantity: 0.018% max
- Phosphorus Quantity:0.17% max
- Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Gravy
- Caloric Content: 1100 kcal ME/kg; 160 kcal ME/can
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
With this Weruva, Paw Lickin cat food, you can give your cat a diet full of premium ingredients. Chicken is used as the first ingredient which provides energy and promotes cat immunity.
Cats are carnivores and crave meat. I observed muscular growth in cats from this high animal protein diet, which also satisfied their meat cravings.
With low magnesium, this diet supports urinary tract health and reduces PH of urine. Chicken broth-based gravy in it helps to support healthy hydration in cats and gives them relief from urinary tract infections.
This formula is grain free with a balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omegas and taurine to support your furry friend’s heart health.
- Premium Quality
- A Complete Well-Balanced Diet
- Grain-Free Recipe
- Some Cats Are Very Picky In Their Food
4. Wellness, Complete Health
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Rice, Barley, Oats
- Phosphorus Quantity: 0.90% (min)
- Food Form: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 3,952 kcal/kg or 458 kcal/cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis.
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
To give your cat relief from urinary tract issues this Wellness, Complete Health cat food is going to work as magic as it has worked for my cat.
In this formula a blend of fat and animal protein is used to support your cat’s lean muscle health. Chicken is used as the first ingredient as it is easily digestible and provides the most protein percentage for cats as compared to other meats.
Wellness dry cat food supports your cat’s urinary health as it does not contain magnesium in it, which is the main cause for urinary tract infections in them.
It contains Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals which nourish your cat’s overall health and make them energetic.
- Taurine For Heart Health
- Uses Natural Ingredients As Much As Possible
- Good For Urinary Health
- Chicken Meal Added
5. Purina ONE+, Urinary Tract Health Formula
- First 5 Ingredients: Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken, Brewers Rice, Wheat Flour
- Magnesium Quantity: 0.08% max
- Phosphorus Quantity: 0.7% min
- Food Form: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 4,313 kcal/kg, 452 kcal/cup
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
Support the urinary tract health of your feline friend with Purina ONE health cat food formula, as it reduces the PH level of its urine. It is made with low magnesium, which contributes to urinary tract infections in cats.
Made up with real chicken it provides all the protein it needs for strong lean muscles and for maintenance of cat heart health.
Purina ONE+ contains high quality ingredients like corn, chicken, brewers rice to support healthy digestion in your cat.
Omega 6 fatty acids and calcium is added in this diet to give cats a healthy skin coat and to promote teeth and bone health.
- Helps Support a Healthy Immune System
- Reduces Urinary PH
- Promotes Teeth And Bone Health
- Some Cats Might Not Like Its Flavor
6. Weruva, Mideast Feast, Grilled Tilapia
- First 5 Ingredients: Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, Tilapia, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil
- Magnesium Quantity: 84% max
- Phosphorus Quantity: 0.20% max
- Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Gravy
- Caloric Content: 63 kcal/3-oz can, 118 kcal/5.5-oz can, 218 kcal/10-oz can
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
Because a cat’s urinary system plays a crucial role in its daily life, Weruva, Mideast Feast is made with natural ingredients to help your friend with urinary tract infections.
Tuna and tapiala are used as top ingredients in this cat food to provide your cat with the animal protein it needs for strong muscles and to promote its overall health.
Cats are carnivores and crave meat. This diet’s chicken broth-based gravy will help them stay hydrated, relieve urinary tract infections, and satisfy their meat cravings with savory gravy.
This grain-free, well-balanced diet contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, omegas, and taurine to help your furry friend’s heart health.
- Grain Free Formula
- Moisture Rich Content
- Protein Source In The Form of Tuna
- Some Cats Might Get Bored of Same Flavor After Some Time
7. Hill’s Science Diet, Urinary Hairball Control
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Turkey Giblets, Pork By-Products, Pork Liver
- Food Form: Wet Food
- Caloric Content: 82 kcal/2.9-oz can
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
Hill’s Science Diet has been developed with extensive research by fellow vets and so I recommend this cat food as well for cats with recurring urinary tract infections.
This chicken entree gives cats strong muscles as chicken provides the most protein percentage as compared to other meats, and supports overall health.
Hill’s Science Diet contains optimum levels of magnesium and natural fibers which reduce hairballs and helps prevent occurance of urinary tract problems in them.
This formula does not contain any artificial flavors and preservatives to give cats a balanced nutrition. Additionally taurine is added to support vision and heart health. Also water content in this meal supports healthy hydration in them.
- Free From Artificial Flavors And Preservatives
- Contains Taurine For Good Heart Health
- Supports Healthy Hydration
- Some Cats Do Not Eat Same Flavor And Food Daily
8. Royal Canin, Urinary
- First 5 Ingredients: Corn, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal
- Food Form: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 3520 kilocalories ME/KG or 317 kilocalories ME per cup
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
Royal Canin Urinary Formula cat food is a good option for cats who are okay with grain in their diet as grains can lead to good digestion.
With balanced minerals this food will improve urine flow and dissolve already formed crystals in the cat’s bladder. Corn used as the first ingredient provides a source of carbohydrates.
Wheat is an active ingredient in this formula that contains enough fiber for your cat to enjoy. This aids digestion and stimulates bowel movement in them.
It is a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Also free of fillers, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, and chicken by-product meal it satisfies your cat companion’s everyday needs.
- Good For Urinary Health
- Contributes To The Immune System In Cats
- Balanced Meal
- Some Cats Might Take Time To Accept New Flavors
9. Now Fresh, Senior Cat
- First 5 Ingredients: De-Boned Turkey, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Fiber, Potato Flour
- Magnesium Quantity: 0.09% min
- Phosphorus Quantity: 0.5% min
- Food Form: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 3,528 kcal/kg, 388 kcal/cup
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
Feed your senior cat Now Fresh to give it relief from urinary tract infections. As this formula is made from natural ingredients like chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, pork, cod and salmon, it aids digestion and promotes overall health in your cats.
It contains 20+ natural ingredients including antioxidant- and fiber-rich cranberries to help your cat with urinary tract health by reducing its urine’s PH.
This cat food helps to maintain a healthy weight as indoor cats and seniors tend to gain weight as they have less room to move around and play so this is good for weight balance.
Whole eggs with all essential amino acids are added in this diet to fulfill protein requirements. It also contains taurine to support cat vision and heart health.
- Grain Free Diet
- Rich In Nutrients
- Fiber-Rich Cranberries
- The Small Size of Kibble May Be Unattractive To Some Cats However It Is Good To Aid Easy Digestion
10. Wellness, Grain Free, Chicken & Herring
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Whitefish, Chicken Broth, Herring
- Food Form: Wet Food in the form of pate
- Caloric Content: 964 kcal/kg, 82 kcal/can
Why Is It Good For Cats With Urinary Tract Issues?
Nourish your furry friend from nose to tail with Wellness, Grain Free cat food.
This grain-free recipe contains chicken as the first ingredient to provide your cat with strong muscles and to maintain its overall health. Real broth is used to keep them hydrated and maintain their urinary tract health.
This diet contains omegas and flaxseeds. As flaxseeds are a great source of essential fatty acids, it provides a healthy skin coat and promotes digestive health for newly rescued cats.
This meal is free of fillers, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meal. It also contains antioxidants such as real cranberries, taurine, vitamin C, and minerals to support your cat’s urinary health and immune system.
- Grain Free
- Moisture Rich Recipe
- Contains Chicken As First Ingredient
- Cats Who Like Crunchy Foods May Not Pay Much Heed To This Soft Food
Guide To Buying Best Urinary Cat Food Non Prescription Substitute
There are certain ingredients that you should look for in cat food according to the symptoms your cat is displaying.
Macros: Ingredients Required In Best Urinary Cat Food Non Prescription Substitute
1. High Moisture
Cat food with a high moisture content is ideal for urinary health. This promotes hydration and the production of less concentrated urine in your cats. The more diluted the urine, the less likely kidney stones (calcium oxalate stones) will develop. Water intake for cats is low, so it is crucial to feed them a high moisture diet to get rid of urinary tract infection.
Some cats are quite choosy about their foods. They do not like wet food, so you can give them dry foods well. Broths with dry food work well as cats are more inclined to drink broths rather than just water. While giving dry foods keep water accessible all the time to fulfill the moisture requirement of your car.
2. Low Magnesium and Sulfur (Ash)
The inorganic mineral content left over after the organic content is burned up is referred to as sulfur (ash) in cat food. It is typically a combination of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and other elements.
The main mineral responsible for crystallization in the urethra is magnesium. Magnesium may be found in most commercial cat feeds and has various health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, kidney stones in cats occur when a large amount of magnesium is eaten.
To keep minimum crystal formation in your cats feed them foods with low magnesium concentration.
Are Prescription Diets Only Low Magnesium Cat Foods?
No, prescription diets are not only diets which are low in magnesium. They have other medicinal features as well.
It was found that only magnesium, a specific mineral in ash content, is responsible for urinary tract infection in cats. Since then, an increasing number of cat food brands have jumped on the low mineral trend, which has helped cats with UTIs.
3. Low Quantity And High Quantity Protein
Protein content is crucial in urinary tract infections. Protein waste products are handled by the kidneys after digestion. Protein of high quality is easier for the body to digest, putting less load on the kidneys.
Similarly, high-protein diets place additional strain on these important organs. So it is probably a good idea not to give cats with urinary problems very high protein foods. However, this can be balanced by giving them high-quality protein such as salmon, chicken, and tuna in less quantity to do the job. Keeping your cat’s kidneys healthy is also essential as they are very important in urine generation in your cat.
4. Texture And Flavor
Cats, like humans, have their own tastes, so keep your cat’s texture preferences in mind. Some cats prefer soft minced meat or chunky bits, others may not. As softer textures can be digested easily hence relieving the kidneys of processing. Most veterinarians recommend alternating between wet and dry textures over the week.
Some cats prefer dry food, while others prefer raw meat or no-additions wet food. Cats are quite picky in choosing flavors as well. While one flavor may be more appealing than the other, your cat may enjoy trying new flavors. Highly digestible chicken meat can be your cat’s favorite and is good as well for urinary tract infection.
Symptoms of Urinary Crystals In Cats
The lower urinary system includes the bladder and urethra. Urine is generated and held in the bladder until it exits the body via the urethra. Your cat will be unable to urinate regularly if those body parts get infected or blocked. Some of the symptoms are mentioned below.
1. Straining To Urinate
If your cat is straining to urinate this might be a sign of urinary tract infection as inflammation or stone formation in the bladder can cause blockage, making it extremely difficult for the cat to urinate.
2. Blood In Urine
The urine of the majority of cats with a urinary tract infection will be discolored or bloody in color. Female cats are more likely to get a urinary tract infection than male cats that results in blood in the urine.
3. Increased Thirst
If your cat suddenly starts drinking a lot of water, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Dehydration can sometimes contribute to urinary tract infection, whereas infection-related excessive urine can sometimes contribute to increased thirst.
For cats facing dehydration Weruva, Mideast Feast, Grilled Tilapia is a good option.
4. Lethargy
Due to urinary tract infections your cat might lose control or urinate when they do not want to. All of this might generate confusion and anxiety, causing them to avoid or fear the litter box. And this can make them lethargic or feel sick all the time.
Now Fresh, Senior Cat is a good option for cats who have grown lethargic and lazy.
FAQs: Non Prescription Urinary Cat Foods & More…
How To Dissolve Kidney Stones (Crystals) Naturally?
Crystals can be naturally dissolved by increasing the moisture content of your cat’s diet if your cat’s water intake is low and by removing elements from the diet that create crystals in cats such as high magnesium.
Iams ProActive, Urinary Tract Health is a budget-friendly, low magnesium option.
Why Are There Urinary Prescription Diets By Vets?
Urinary cat diets promote urinary tract wellness in cats. They inhibit the production of bladder stones due to their low magnesium content and maintain the pH balance of the cat’s urine. Urinary cat food recipes can also help cats avoid painful urinary tract infections due to their specialized characteristics.
Purina ONE+, Urinary Tract Health Formula reduces pH levels in cat urine.
How Urinary Prescription Diet Works?
Urine prescription diets contain low levels of minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, which can lead to the production of urinary crystals and calcium oxalate stones. They are also designed to make your cat’s urine slightly acidic, preventing crystal formation in your cats.
How Can I Tell How Much Magnesium Is In The Food?
This can be determined by the brand. Some packaging clearly states the magnesium concentration, whereas others state a percentage of ash rather than a breakdown of the individual minerals.
What Is Considered Low Magnesium or Low Ash?
The best low magnesium cat food has less than 0.12% magnesium by dry matter. And for best low ash you should be be considering 2.6% ash content as low.
Wellness, Complete Health is one such low magnesium option.
Do Some Cat Foods Require A Prescription And Others Don’t?
Prescription foods are therapeutic diets that contain the proper combination of nutrients and medications to treat specific medical problems. Because, non-prescription diets are not medicated and hence do not have such side effects, they can be purchased without a prescription.
Their specific nutrient composition and ingredient list, on the other hand, make them excellent for treating certain disorders, such as FLUTD.
Can Cats With Urinary Problems Eat Dry Cat Food?
Yes, cats with urinary issues can consume dry food. However, wet foods are favored because appropriate hydration is essential in preventing urinary flare-ups and crystal formation. However, you could enhance your cat’s hydration consumption in other ways. Purchasing a cat water fountain can encourage your cat to drink more water.
Purina ONE+ Urinary Tract Health Formula is a good dry food for urinary issues.
How Is Cat Food For Urinary Health Different From Regular Food?
Cat food for urinary health has less magnesium and other minerals, generally known as “crude ash.” Because these minerals are responsible for crystal formationin the urethra. Reducing their consumption minimizes urinary blockages. They also have a higher moisture content and are designed to make your cat’s urine more acidic.
Can Cheap Cat Foods Cause Urinary Problems?
Yes, in many cases cheap cat foods can cause urinary problems. Cheap cat food made with low-quality ingredients frequently contains a high percentage of crude ash, which means it contains a lot of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium. These minerals can deposit and crystalize in the urethra, resulting in urinary stones and blocked bladders. However, not all costly cat food has high-quality ingredients. Ingredient quality is significantly more important than price.
Is Non-Prescription Urinary Cat Food Suitable For All Cats?
Yes, almost all healthy cats can eat non-prescription urinary cat food safely. The diet operates as a preventative measure rather than a cure, and hence can aid in the prevention of some kinds of FLUTD.
Feed prescription diets exclusively to the cat for whom the prescription was written. If your cat has any other underlying health conditions, you should get guidance from a veterinarian.
Do Cats Really Need Urinary Cat Food?
Healthy cats do not require urinary cat food or any other type of specialized cat food. However, if your cat is eating and drinking but not peeing, or refusing to use the litter box, adjusting their food may help relieve symptoms. Cats who commonly generate urinary crystals benefit from a urinary health diet as well.
Our Verdict
Even when cats are not facing serious urinary issues, non-prescription urinary care cat foods can be administered to prevent such issues. Foods for urinary care should contain lesser magnesium and cater pH imbalance.
Such diets take care of your cat’s urinary tract health while also being a more budget-friendly option as compared to prescription urinary foods and medical bills. I always find it better to be safe than sorry.
Purina Pro Plan, Urinary Tract Health, Chicken Entrée is sworn by many cat owners around the world when it comes to urinary care.
- Value For Money Cat Food
- Urinary Care Cat Food
- Lower Magnesium Levels
