As a cat parent, chances are you’ve taken the time to read the ingredients of your furry best friend’s food. But have you ever paid close attention to the ash or crude ash content under the guaranteed analysis and what it is all about?
Ash is the mineral content in your cat’s food. It includes minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. But these minerals can benefit your cat’s health, so why should it matter if the ash content is low?
High ash content in cat food can cause crystals to form in the bladder and urinary tract, leading to painful blockages and infections.
It’s best to opt for a low-ash cat food formula, as it will provide all the necessary minerals while helping to reduce the risk of urinary tract issues.
For cats with urinary tract problems, low-ash cat food can be a great way to keep them healthy and comfortable.
Our top choice for dry cat food is Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Adult Dry Cat Food.
This recipe is made with real chicken as the main ingredient and promotes urinary health by reducing the pH in your cat’s urine.
Our number one choice for wet cat food is Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Wet Cat Food.
This formula is made with natural beef to provide your cat with high-quality protein for overall health. It is also low in magnesium to promote urinary health.
But there are many other great options, including prescription diets for your cat’s unique needs.
We’ll go through all the best low ash cat foods on the market so you can make an informed decision for your beloved kitty. Let’s get started!
Our Top 8 Picks: Best Low Ash Dry Cat Food
- Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Adult Dry Cat Food (Best Overall Food)
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food (Best for Hairball Control)
- Royal Canin Feline Care Urinary Care Adult Dry Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
- Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dry Cat Food (Best Clinically Tested Food)
- Purina One +Plus Urinary Tract Health Adult Dry Cat Food (Best High Protein food)
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Dry Cat Food (Best Prescription Food)
- Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food (Best for all Life Stages)
- Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Dry Cat Food (Best Budget Food)
Best Low Ash Dry Cat Foods Reviewed
All the low ash cat food options we have chosen are made with high-quality ingredients that help support urinary tract health.
They all follow the AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Remember to speak to your veterinarian before making major changes to your cat’s diet.
Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Adult Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 1.7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture, Calcium 1.0%, Potassium 0.8%, Magnesium 0.1%, Phosphorus 0.8%
Caloric Content: 387 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Grits, Brewers Rice
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, With Grain, High-Protein
Pros
- High-quality proteins like chicken meal for muscle health
- It contains vitamin E and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Promotes urinary health by reducing the pH in your cat’s urine
- It contains potassium and calcium for good heart health
- Low in magnesium
- Perfect for indoor or outdoor cats.
Cons
- Not the best option for cats with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Adult Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice for cats with urinary tract issues. It contains real chicken as the main ingredient and provides your cat with all the necessary nutrients while helping to reduce the risk of urinary tract problems.
With 0.1% magnesium, this recipe helps to reduce the pH in your cat’s urine, providing optimal urinary care for your beloved pet. This formula is crunchy and flavorful, making it a great choice for dental health.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 29.5% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 9.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture, Magnesium 0.09%, Phosphorus 0.62%, Calcium 0.74%
Caloric Content: 327 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Powdered Cellulose
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with Grain
Pros
- Low in magnesium for urinary tract health
- It contains natural fibers to help control hairballs
- Complete balanced diet for cats 1 to 6 years of age.
- Made with real chicken for optimal protein content
Cons
- High fiber content may not be suitable for all cats.
- Expensive compared to other brands
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is a fantastic choice for cats with urinary tract and hairball issues.
This formula contains real chicken as the main ingredient and low magnesium levels to help reduce the pH in your cat’s urine. With added natural fibers, this recipe helps to control hairballs and reduce the risk of blockages.
Royal Canin Feline Care Urinary Care Adult Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 11% Crude Fat, 6.5% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture, Magnesium 0.09%, Phosphorus 0.78%
Caloric Content: 317 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Corn, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with Grain
Pros
- Highly palatable – cats love the taste
- Does not require a vet prescription
- Optimal magnesium levels to help reduce urine pH
Cons
- Moisture content is low.
Royal Canin Feline Care Urinary Care Adult Dry Cat Food contains optimal magnesium levels to help reduce urine pH and maintain bladder health. Highly palatable and enriched with essential nutrients, sure to please your kitty’s taste buds.
The one thing that is questionable about this formula is the moisture level, which is on the low side, so you will have to monitor your cat’s water intake.
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 1.6% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture, Magnesium 0.09%, Phosphorus 0.9%, Calcium 0.95%
Caloric Content: 349 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain
Pros
- Clinically proven to reduce the recurrence of urinary issues
- Dissolves struvite stones
- Reduces the risk of formation of struvite and calcium oxalate stones.
- Added antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition
- The optimal amount of fiber helps maintain digestive health
Cons
- Requires a vet’s prescription.
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated to help cats with bladder and urinary tract issues.
Not only does it reduce the risk of recurrence by 89%, but it is clinically proven to dissolve struvite stones and prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones.
This dry food also contains antioxidants for immune system support and essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition.
Purina One +Plus Urinary Tract Health Adult Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 31% Crude Protein, 12.5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture, Magnesium 0.08%, Phosphorus 0.7%, Calcium 0.8%
Caloric Content: 452 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Yellow Corn, Chicken, Brewers Rice, Wheat Flour, Animal Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, With Grain
Pros
- Contains low levels of magnesium and phosphorus to support urinary health.
- Highly digestible proteins, crunchy kibble, and delicious chicken flavor.
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health.
- Fortified with taurine for eye and heart health.
Cons
- Contains grains, so it may not be suitable for cats with grain allergies.
Purina One +Plus Urinary Tract Health Adult Dry Cat Food, like all other urinary care foods, contains low levels of magnesium and phosphorus to help support urinary health.
This crunchy formula is enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help promote overall health. It also contains highly digestible proteins and taurine to help support eye and heart health.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 32.5% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture, Magnesium 0.1%, Phosphorus 1.26%, Calcium 1.26%
Caloric Content: 315 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain
Pros
- Helps dissolve struvite stones and prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones
- High in protein for strong muscles and healthy organs
- Prevents reoccurrence of struvite stones
- Low in magnesium
Cons
- Requires a vet’s prescription
- Does not contain real chicken
- Not suitable for cats with chronic kidney and heart disease.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice to dissolve struvite stones and prevent the formation of calcium oxalate stones. It does this by increasing the amount of urine to dilute and wash away minerals that cause stones.
However, it is best to consult a veterinarian before using this food, as its high phosphorus content may not be suitable for cats with kidney disease.
Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture, Magnesium 0.1%, Phosphorus 0.9%, Calcium 2.1%
Caloric Content: 401 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Potato Protein, Brown Rice
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Dry cat food with Grain
Pros
- Suitable for all life stages
- Low in magnesium to support urinary health
- Very high in quality protein for strong muscles and healthy organs.
- Contains prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health
- Enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health.
Cons
- Not suitable for cats with certain heart conditions
Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food is formulated with low levels of magnesium and phosphorus to help support urinary health. This dry food contains high-quality proteins and fat for strong muscles and healthy organs.
It is enriched with antioxidants, prebiotics, and taurine to promote overall health. However, this food may not be suitable for cats with certain heart conditions due to its high calcium content.
Be sure to consult with a veterinarian before feeding this food to your cat to determine if it would be a good fit for your cat’s specific situation.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 18.5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 8% Moisture, Magnesium 0.06%, Phosphorus 0.8%, Calcium 1.4%, Potassium 0.63%
Caloric Content: 461 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Rice, Hydrolyzed Fish Protein, Hydrolyzed Potato Protein, Anchovy Meal, Vegetable Oil
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Limited Ingredient Diet, Non-GMO, Chicken-Free, Natural, Low-Protein, With Grain
Pros
- Added cranberry extract and dandelion root help support urinary tract health.
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Low sodium content, making it suitable for cats with heart problems
- Low in magnesium to promote a healthy urinary tract.
Cons
- Low moisture content
- Inconsistent taste and appearance
Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Dry Cat Food contains natural ingredients such as cranberry extract, dandelion root, and rosemary extract to help support the urinary tract and maintain bladder health.
The formula is also rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health and highly digestible proteins.
The low sodium content makes it suitable for cats with heart problems, while the low magnesium content supports urinary health.
Our 5 Best Low Ash Wet Cat Food
Our team of cat owners have scoured the market and handpicked six best wet cat foods with low ash content. From natural ingredients to high-quality proteins, these cat foods will provide your kitty with all its dietary needs while keeping its urinary tract healthy.
- Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Wet Cat Food (Best Overall Wet Food)
- Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Wet Cat Food (Best Clinically Tested Food)
- Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Wet Cat Food (Best Tasting Food)
- Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Best-Grain Free Food)
- Purina Pro Plan Urinary Health Tract Cat Food (Best Canned Food)
Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture, Magnesium 0.024%, Phosphorus 0.29%, Calcium 1.4%, Potassium 0.2%
Caloric Content: 101 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Meat By-Products, Poultry By-Products, Beef, Liver
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, Natural, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, With Grain
Pros
- Formula designed to reduce Urinary pH levels and prevent crystalluria
- High-quality proteins in natural beef and chicken for strong muscles
- Low in sodium and magnesium
- Perfect for cats with stomach sensitivities
Cons
- Inconsistent taste
Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Wet Cat Food contains real beef and chicken that provide high-quality proteins that help build strong muscles.
It is free of soy, corn, and wheat, making it suitable for cats with food allergies and sensitive stomachs. This wet food is also low in sodium and magnesium to support the bladder and urinary tract health.
Moreover, the high moisture in this food makes it very palatable for your feline friend while at the same time keeping him hydrated.
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 6% Crude Protein, 2.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture, Magnesium 0.06%, Phosphorus 0.68%
Caloric Content: 69 kcal/2.9 oz can
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Pork Liver, Chicken, Carrots, Wheat Gluten
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Stew
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain
Pros
- Help dissolve struvite stones and prevent calcium oxalate crystals.
- High-quality proteins for strong muscles
- Optimal balance of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- Low in protein compared to other wet foods
- Requires a vet prescription
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Wet Cat Food contains high-quality proteins in real chicken and pork liver.
It is specially formulated for urinary care and includes a blend of nutrients that help dissolve struvite stones and prevent calcium oxalate crystals. In fact, it has been clinically tested to lower the recurrence of most common urinary signs by 89%.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 11% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 80% Moisture, Magnesium 0.07%, Phosphorus 0.92%
Caloric Content: 134 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Salmon Broth, Salmon, Liver, Wheat Gluten, Chicken
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Chunks in Gravy
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet
Pros
- Formulated to reduce the risk of urinary issues
- Highly digestible proteins for maximum nutrient absorption
- Highly palatable, chunk-in-gravy texture encourages cats to eat.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for complete nutrition
Cons
- Requires a vet’s approval
- Pricey
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Wet Cat Food is formulated to reduce the risk of urinary issues such as sterile struvite stones, calcium oxalate stones, or idiopathic cystitis.
It is low in phosphorus and magnesium to support urinary tract health and provides complete nutrition. It is also packed with highly digestible proteins for maximum nutrient absorption.
Additionally, the chunks in gravy texture of this food ensure your cats will love it.
Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 1.4% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 85% Moisture, Magnesium 0.018%, Phosphorus 0.17%, Calcium 0.20%
Caloric Content: 57 kcal/3-oz can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Chicken Broth, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Chunks in Gravy
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Natural
Pros
- Low in phosphorus and magnesium
- Added taurine for a healthy heart and strong eyesight
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals to ensure complete nutrition
- Provides adequate moisture to aid in digestion, circulation, and kidney health
Cons
- Contains too much gravy and not enough chicken
Weruva Paw Lickin’ Chicken in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a delicious wet food with low ash. This formula contains natural ingredients to support cats with urinary tract issues.
It is free of wheat, corn, and soy; the added taurine will help your kitty stay healthy. Each can is a complete and balanced meal for adult cats or used as a topper with dry food.
Purina Pro Plan Urinary Health Tract Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 0.2% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture, Magnesium 0.022%, Phosphorus 0.20%
Caloric Content: 25.1 kcal/oz
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Corn Starch-Modified
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Chunks in Gravy
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein
Pros
- Low magnesium content for urinary health
- High-quality proteins in chicken and beef for muscle strength
- Added vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet
- Highly digestible ingredients for optimal nutrient absorption
Cons
- Not ideal for weight management
- Contains meat by-products
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Classic Canned Cat Food reduces urinary pH levels and provides low magnesium to support urinary tract health. It contains real chicken and beef as its primary protein sources, so if your cat loves chicken and beef, this could be a great choice.
What to Look for in Low Ash Cat Food
When choosing the best cat food with low ash content, it is important to check the ingredient list.
Here are some of the key ingredients to look out for:
- Low magnesium content: Magnesium has been known to encourage the formation of struvite crystals, which can cause bladder and urinary tract issues. All the cat food options we have chosen have low magnesium content.
- High-quality proteins: Cats need to get most of their dietary protein from animal sources. The higher the quality of proteins, the better it is for your cat’s overall health.
- Low in grains: Cats are obligate carnivores and do best on a diet low in grains. Grains can bind to minerals in the cat’s digestive system, making them more difficult for your cat to absorb and leading to higher mineral levels in their urine.
- High moisture: Adequate moisture keeps cats hydrated and helps to dilute the concentration of minerals and other compounds in their urine. Giving your cat moisture-rich food is a great way to increase their water intake.
- Low sodium: Too much salt can lead to water retention in cats, increasing the risk of bladder stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Prescription for Low Ash Cat Food?
No prescription is required to buy low ash cat food. However, if your cat has a medical condition such as kidney or urinary tract problems, it is best to consult your vet on an appropriate diet.
Your vet may recommend prescription low ash cat food tailored to your cat’s specific needs.
Which Cats Require Low Ash Content in their Food?
Low ash cat food is typically recommended for cats with urinary tract problems or kidney disease.
The low ash and mineral content helps to reduce the risk of crystal formation in the urinary tract, preventing infections and blockages.
Senior cats are also prone to kidney problems, so switching to a low ash diet can help support kidney health and function as they age.
Why is there Ash in Cat Food?
Ash is the inorganic residue left behind after the organic components in cat food are burned away.
It consists mainly of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium from ingredients like bone meal or mineral supplements added to the food.
Since carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are burned away during incineration, the ash content indicates the amount of minerals in the food.
Which Minerals Constitute the Ash Content in Cat Food?
The cat food brand will list the specific minerals that make up the ash content. However, the main minerals that contribute to the ash content are:
- Calcium – For bone health, but high amounts can lead to urinary tract problems.
- Phosphorus – Important for various bodily functions, but high amounts can lead to kidney problems
- Magnesium – Essential for metabolism and nerve/muscle function, but high amounts can lead to urinary tract problems.
- Potassium – Vital for heart health and fluid balance, but high amounts can lead to kidney problems.
By reducing the amounts of these minerals, low ash cat food helps minimize the risk of urinary and kidney problems in cats prone to such issues.
What is the Recommended Amount of Ash Content in Cat Food?
Generally, cats require between 2%-5% ash content in their diet, with lower amounts being best for cats prone to urinary tract problems or kidney disease. It is best to consult your vet for a specific recommendation based on your cat’s needs.
Does Ash in Cat Food Cause Crystals?
The presence of ash in cat food does not directly cause crystals. High ash content can increase mineral concentration in the urine, which increases the risk of crystal formation and urinary tract blockages.
Our Verdict
The above list contains the best dry and wet cat food with low ash content you can find on the market today.
All the options we have chosen are low in magnesium, sodium, and grains which are essential when selecting the best cat food with low ash.
Our favorite dry food is Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Adult Dry Cat Food.
It is packed with high-quality proteins, low in magnesium, and perfect for indoor and outdoor cats.
For wet food, we recommend Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Wet Cat Food.
This formula is loaded with high-quality proteins in real beef and chicken. It is also free of soy, corn, and wheat, making it perfect for cats with food allergies and sensitive stomachs.
The other formulas discussed in this blog post are also excellent choices if your cat has specific preferences-like only eating grain-free recipes or particular ingredients.