Having a urinary problem can be stressful for cats and their owners alike. Urinary issues such as struvite stones, calcium oxalate stones, and urinary tract infections can often cause discomfort and pain for your best friend.
While prescription diets are recommended, they can be costly. Fortunately, non-prescription cat food options can help support urinary health and reduce the risk of crystals forming in your kitty’s bladder.
Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is our first choice.
It’s a high-quality dry food with natural ingredients that support urinary health. It has an optimal balance of minerals to reduce the risk of struvite, calcium oxalate stone formation, and plenty of fiber for healthy digestion.
However, other great options might best suit your cat’s needs. This post reviews the best non prescription cat food for urinary crystals.
Let’s dive in.
Our Best Non Prescription Cat Food For Urinary Crystals
- Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food (Best Overall Food)
- IAMS Proactive Health Urinary Cat Food (Best Dry Food)
- Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food (Best Grain Food)
- Weruva Mideast Feast Canned Cat Food (Best for Picky Eaters)
- Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
- Wellness CORE Signature Canned Cat Food (Best Canned Food)
- Purina ONE Urinary Health Wet Cat Food (Best Wet Food)
- Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Canned Cat Food (Best Tasting Food)
- Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Dry Cat Food (Best Budget Food)
- Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Grain-Free Cat Food (Best Natural Food)
- Wellness CORE Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food (Best Kitten Food)
- Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food (Best Pate food)
7 Best Non Prescription Cat Food for Urinary Crystals Reviewed
The cat food formulas below follow the nutrient guidelines established by AAFCO. Remember to always talk to your vet before changing your cat’s diet.
Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 29.5% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 9.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
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
- Made with natural ingredients and contains no artificial colors or flavors
- It contains essential vitamins and minerals to support urinary health
- Provides clinically proven antioxidant benefits for a healthy immune system
- A dry matter ash content of 5.5% supports renal health compared to most dry cat foods
- It contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- It helps reduce hairball formation
Cons
- Large kibble sizes may be difficult for some cats to chew
Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice for cats with urinary crystals and other urinary health issues.
It is specially formulated to support urinary health and contains natural ingredients, essential vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.
It is also a good option for cats prone to hairballs because it helps reduce their formation. This food contains only 0.077% Magnesium on a dry matter basis, making it a good choice for cats with struvite stones.
Moreover, low levels of phosphorus (0.62%) and calcium (0.74%) help support urinary health.
IAMS Proactive Health Urinary Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 1.7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
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
Pros
- High in quality protein for healthy muscle function
- Fortified with vitamins E and B12 for a healthy immune system
- It contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- This product reduces the pH of your cat’s urine to make their urinary system healthier
Cons
- High ash content of 9.24% on a dry matter basis than preferred
IAMS Proactive Health Urinary Care Cat Food is formulated with natural ingredients and contains essential vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for your cat’s health.
The magnesium content is especially low at 0.1%, so you don’t have to worry about stones or crystals forming in the bladder. On top of that, calcium (1.0%) and phosphorus (0.8%) are also at reduced levels, offering even more benefits for bladder health.
Additionally, the food contains omega fatty acids to help promote healthy skin and coat, as well as vitamins E and B12 for a robust immune system.
Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 401 kcals per cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Potato Protein, Brown Rice
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High protein with grain
Pros
- High in protein from real chicken to support healthy muscles
- Added taurine helps with healthy vision and heart health
- Perfect for all life stages
- Contains no artificial flavors or by-products
- Includes probiotics to support digestive health and immunity
Cons
- This food contains high ash content of 8.18% on a dry matter basis
Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food has the right balance of nutrients that helps to maintain urinary tract health. The absence of artificial colors or flavors makes it a safe option for your cat’s diet.
It contains low magnesium (0.1%) and phosphorus (0.9%) to help prevent crystal formation.
Weruva Mideast Feast Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 1.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 84% Moisture
Caloric Content: 63 kcal/3-oz can
First 5 Ingredients: Tuna, Water, Tilapia, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Chunks in Gravy
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Pea-Free
Pros
- The high moisture content helps to keep your cat hydrated and supports urinary health
- Quality protein sources, including tuna and tilapia, support urinary tract health
- Fortified with essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Vitamin E helps boost your cat’s immune system
- Ash content is below 2.5%, which helps reduce the risk of developing urinary crystals.
- Broth-based gravy makes this a tasty and appealing meal for picky eaters
Cons
- Pricey compared to some other non-prescription cat food for urinary crystals.
- Uneven texture in some cans.
Weruva Mideast Feast Canned Cat Food is a highly nutrient-dense, grain-free, and gluten-free formula with quality protein sources to help support your cat’s urinary health.
It is low in magnesium (0.024%), Phosphorus (0.20%), and calcium (0.25%) to reduce the risk of forming urinary crystals, as well as support urinary tract health.
The moisture level of this food is 84% which helps to keep your cat hydrated and helps dilute urine to reduce the risk of urinary crystals.
Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 6.5% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 30.1 kcal/oz
First 5 Ingredients: Meat By-Products, Water, Turkey, Poultry By-Products, Poultry Giblets
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, With Grain
Pros
- High moisture helps hydrate your cat from within for overall urinary tract health
- Specifically designed to support urinary tract health
- Reduces urinary pH and provides low dietary magnesium
- Complete and balanced nutrition for your fur baby
Cons
- It contains meat by-products that may not be suitable for all cats
Purina Pro Plan Urinary Tract Cat Food is best for adult cats needing extra urinary health support. It’s packed with high-quality protein and comes wet to help hydrate your cat from within, which can reduce the risk of urinary crystals and infections.
There are also 25 added vitamins and minerals to promote healthy skin, coat, and immune system. This product only contains 2.8% ash. It also has low levels of magnesium (0.024%), potassium (0.2%), and phosphorus (0.25%) which is best for your cat’s urinary tract health.
Wellness CORE Signature Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 1.0% Crude Fiber, 85% Moisture
Caloric Content: 70 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Tuna, Tuna Broth, Water, Mackerel, Salmon, Tapioca Starch
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Flaked
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: High-Protein, grain-free, pea-free
Pros
- Each bite contains high-quality protein from tuna, mackerel, and salmon
- It contains fatty acids like omega 3 & 6 to provide healthy skin and coat for your kitty
- This food contains vitamins and minerals to help lower renal urinary tract issues
- Grain-free and pea-free formula for cats with allergies or sensitivities
- Highly palatable and delicious
- PH balanced formula
Cons
- It can be expensive for some cat parents
Wellness CORE Signature Canned Cat Food is easy to digest and provides an optimal balance of macro and micronutrients for a healthy urinary tract.
The grain-free, pea-free formula also helps minimize sensitivity issues in some cats. This wet food has a low ash content of 2.0%, magnesium (0.025%), and phosphorus (0.90%), which can help support urinary health and reduce the risk of developing urinary tract infections or crystals.
The high moisture content makes this food ideal for cats with urinary issues, as increased water intake can help flush out the bladder and reduce the risk of stones.
Purina ONE Urinary Health Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 7% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 101 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Meat By-Products, Poultry By-Products, Beef, Liver, Chicken
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Natural high-Protein, with grain
Pros
- For strong, lean muscles, this wet cat food contains natural beef
- Does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives
- It helps reduce the risk of developing urinary crystals by decreasing urine PH
Cons
- Contains meat by-products
Purina ONE Urinary Health Wet Cat Food is a natural high-protein formulation and added vitamins and minerals that help reduce the risk of developing urinary crystals and support urinary tract health.
It contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, as well as taurine and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a robust immune system. The high moisture content helps to promote a healthy urinary tract.
It also contains 2.8% ash content in dry matter, 0.024% magnesium, 0.2% potassium, and 0.29% phosphorus, which all help to maintain a healthy urinary tract.
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 16% Crude Protein, 2.6% Crude Fat, 0% Crude Fiber, 80% Moisture
Caloric Content: 225 kcal/10-oz can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Shredded
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-free, gluten-free, pea-free
Pros
- It contains high-quality, human-grade chicken as the first ingredient
- The blend of succulent ingredients provides a tasty meal for your beloved feline
- Enhanced with sunflower oil for a balanced omega fatty acid content
- High moisture content helps to support a healthy urinary tract
- It contains taurine, essential for healthy vision and heart function
Cons
- Some cats may not find the texture appealing
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Canned Cat Food provides your adult cat with a balanced, grain-free diet of high-quality proteins and fatty acids.
It also contains high-quality chicken as the first ingredient and has added sunflower oil for its omega fatty acid content. The high moisture content helps to support a healthy urinary tract.
The ash content of this food is 1.6%, 0.93% phosphorus, and a Calcium content of 1.18%, which is ideal for adult cats.
This is a high-quality wet food with great nutrition and taste that your cat will enjoy while keeping your kitty’s urinary tract healthy.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 18.5% Crude Fat, 2.0% Crude Fiber, 8.0% Moisture
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: Chicken-free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural, Low-Protein, With Grain
Pros
- Made with hydrolyzed fish and potato proteins, providing a flavorful balance of flavors
- It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coat
- A low-protein, low-phosphorous, low-sodium recipe that is ideal for kidney health
Cons
- Limited flavor options (only one variety)
- 6.8% ash is slightly higher than preferred.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Dry Cat Food is a high-quality diet for cats with kidney issues. It is formulated with hydrolyzed fish and potato proteins, anchovy meal, and vegetable oil to provide optimal nutrition while keeping phosphorus, sodium, and protein levels low.
It contains 0.06% magnesium, 0.63% phosphorus, and 1.4% calcium which helps to support kidney health. This food has added taurine and other essential vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet.
Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Grain-Free Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 60% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3.% Crude Fiber, 8.0% Moisture
Caloric Content: 108 kcal/oz
First 5 Ingredients: Rabbit, Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Kidney, Rabbit Lung
Type of Product: Freeze-Dried
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Pea-Free, Raw, Natural
Pros
- All-natural, high-quality ingredients with only Rabbit as the single source of protein
- No fillers, grains, or gluten to irritate sensitive stomachs and digestive systems
- Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavor while maintaining a raw diet feel
Cons
- 6.92% ash content which is higher than preferred.
The Vital Essentials Rabbit Dinner Grain-Free Cat Food is made with real, humanely raised rabbit as the first ingredient and is grain and gluten-free. The freeze-drying process helps keep all the natural flavors of raw food intact.
The magnesium content is 0.090%, phosphorus (1.9%), and calcium (1.79%) on a dry matter basis which is ideal for urinary health.
Wellness CORE Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 45% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 461 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Kitten
Key Feature: Premium high protein, grain-free, gluten-free
Pros
- Rich in omega fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
- Contains vitamins, minerals, and taurine for a healthy heart and immune system.
- It is made in the USA with only the finest ingredients and no wheat, corn, or soy.
Cons
- The taste may be unappealing to some kittens.
Wellness CORE Kitten Formula Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice for kittens. It contains high-quality ingredients that meet their nutritional needs and helps them grow strong and healthy.
The grain-free formula also benefits cats with sensitivities or allergies, making it an ideal food for growing kittens.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 5.7% Crude Protein, 5.0% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 83 kcal/tray
First 5 Ingredients: Water, Lamb Lung, Chicken, Lamb Liver, Pork Liver
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural, With Grain
Pros
- Added vitamins and minerals to help ensure a balanced meal
- Gluten-free with no added preservatives, flavors, or colors
- Added taurine for eye & heart health
- High moisture content to help keep cats hydrated
- Contains cranberry and dandelion for added urinary tract health benefits.
Cons
- It may be too pricey for some cat parents.
Forza10 Nutraceutic Actiwet Renal Support Wet Cat Food is a high-quality product that meets cats’ nutritional needs while providing health benefits for the urinary tract.
Its fresh and natural ingredients make this an appealing choice for cat parents looking for a gluten-free, limited-ingredient diet with added cranberry and dandelion.
The ash content of this food is 1.3%, phosphorus 0.13%, and calcium 0.86% making it perfect for cats with urinary tract health issues.
This product can provide the necessary nutrition and hydration while providing added benefits to help support optimal urinary tract health.
What to Look for in Non-Prescription Food for Cats with Urinary Crystals
Cats suffering from urinary crystals need special care regarding their diet, as choosing the wrong cat food can aggravate their condition.
Here are a few essential factors to consider when selecting the best non prescription cat food for urinary crystals.
- High-Quality Protein: The best cat food for urinary crystals should have a good source of high-quality protein. It is best to avoid meat by-products, as these can be difficult for cats to digest and can contribute to crystal formation in their urine.
- Low Magnesium Levels: Urine with higher magnesium levels is more likely to form struvite stones. Therefore, it is best to select a non-prescription cat food with lower magnesium levels than other brands.
- Essential Vitamins and Minerals: Cat food for urinary crystals should also contain vitamins and minerals that help support your cat’s urinary tract health. Vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, manganese, and copper are all essential nutrients that cats need to maintain their healthy immune system.
- Low ash content: Ash refers to the inorganic minerals left after burning organic matter, including magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and more. A higher ash level can lead to crystallized minerals in the urethra, so avoiding foods with high ash content is best.
- High moisture: Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, so this is an essential factor to consider when choosing the right food. This helps keep your cat’s urine dilute and can help reduce the risk of developing urinary crystals.
Other Factors to Consider
We have looked at the best non prescription cat food for urinary crystals; however, other factors can help narrow your search.
- Your cat’s preferences: Cats can be picky and may not want to eat just any cat food. If your cat does not like dry food, you may look for canned or wet food with the best ingredients.
- Taste: Finding a non-prescription cat food that meets your needs and is palatable to your pet can be challenging. However, some brands make a special effort to make their cat foods appealing with high-quality ingredients and flavorful mixes.
- Premium Ingredients: Some of the best non prescription cat food for urinary crystals uses premium ingredients, such as natural meat and high-quality proteins. Look for foods that contain real meat, poultry, or fish as the first few ingredients. You should also avoid food containing fillers like grain by-products, corn, soy, and wheat.
- Cost: If you are looking for non-prescription cat food for urinary crystals, you are probably on a budget. Look for foods that are affordable but still high-quality; after all, there is no need to sacrifice health for cost. Many brands offer discounts if you buy in bulk, so this could be an option to consider.
- Your cat’s age: Kittens, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Select food that caters to your pet’s age group to ensure optimal health and well-being.
Ingredients to Avoid in Cat Food for Urinary Health
Urinary cat food should contain low magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus levels to help keep your cat’s urine from becoming too concentrated. This type of food should also be free of ingredients such as artificial colors, fillers, flavors, and by-products.
How do you tell how Much Magnesium is in Cat Food?
Look at the guaranteed analysis on the back of the package to determine the magnesium content of cat food.
The guaranteed analysis is a label that indicates the minimum amount of protein, fat, fiber, and moisture in each product, as well as other essential nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus.
Sometimes, magnesium is typically not listed in the guaranteed analysis, but it will be included in the ash category.
Which is Better for Cats with Urinary Problems: Low Ash or Magnesium?
Low-magnesium food is generally recommended for cats with urinary crystals. Low ash content can also be beneficial since it reduces the number of minerals in a diet that can contribute to bladder stones or other urinary issues.
A combination of low ash and low magnesium cat foods may be ideal for cats suffering from urinary problems as long as the food meets all other nutrient requirements.
The best non prescription urinary cat food should ideally contain 0.12% magnesium and 2.6% ash on a dry matter basis.
How do you Help your Cat Prevent Bladder Stones?
- Provide your cat water bowls around the house, and make sure they’re always filled with fresh, clean water. This encourages your cat to stay hydrated, which helps flush out bladder stones. You can also add a small bowl of wet or canned food alongside their dry kibble, as this can help increase their fluid intake.
- Try feeding your homemade cat food. This is a great way to ensure your cat gets the right balance of necessary vitamins and minerals. Plus, you can control the salt content, which is important since too much can contribute to bladder stones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cheap Cat Food Cause Urinary Crystals?
Cheap cat food can sometimes cause urinary problems for your cats. Low-quality ingredients in such foods may contain high ash content and poor-quality proteins, contributing to the formation of urinary crystals.
Also, some cheaper brands may need to provide more essential vitamins and minerals that cats need for optimal health.
Do Cat Treats Cause Urinary Problems?
Yes, cat treats can contribute to the formation of urinary crystals. Many cat treats contain high magnesium, phosphorus, and other minerals, which can increase the risk of crystal formation.
Can Cats with Urinary Problems eat Chicken?
Cats with urinary problems can eat chicken. Chicken is a good protein source and contains low magnesium levels, which can help reduce the risk of crystal formation in the urine.
How Long does it take for Urinary Cat Food to Work?
It can take a few weeks to several months for urinary diet cat food to start working. Remember that non-prescription cat food does not cure urinary crystals but can help reduce the risk of them forming.
If your cat is already suffering from bladder stones, follow your vet’s instructions on treating them and continue providing a urinary diet as part of the treatment plan.
Final Verdict
The above list provides a reliable review of the best non prescription cat food for urinary crystals. With the right product, you can ensure your best friend has the best possible nutrition while keeping her urinary tract healthy.
Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Dry Cat Food is our top pick.
This food is specifically formulated for cats with urinary problems and contains natural ingredients and carefully-selected vitamins and minerals that can help keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy.
But the other foods on the list are all safe and recommended by veterinarians and cat nutrition experts who ensure safe and adequate nutrition for cats with urinary crystals.
However, we recommend always speaking to your vet before changing your cat’s diet.