Does dry cat food cause urinary problems? Dry cat food is a less expensive option for feline owners, and many pet care experts agree that it’s often an appropriate option for indoor cats fed multiple smaller meals throughout the day. However, some pet parents worry about the impact of dry cat food on their kitty’s urinary system. Let’s take a look at the issue in detail.
Many cat owners are confused about whether or not feeding dry food is bad for their pets. It’s important to understand that it isn’t actually the food itself but rather the lack of moisture in the diet that causes problems. Cats are desert animals and need a lot more water than they can get from their food and much more than we typically provide if we feed them exclusively dry food.
Unfortunately, this diet can lead to serious health issues such as urinary problems, diabetes, and obesity. That’s why cats should not always be fed dry food. Sometimes the trade should be given raw or wet food.
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Does dry cat food cause urinary problems?
The short answer is no. Cats should not be fed too much dry food as this can lead to urinary problems. An American study determined that cats on a dry diet have an increased risk of developing FUS (Feline Urologic Syndrome), including feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a frequent cause of blood in the urine/or straining to urinate.
Owners do not always immediately understand the need for cats to drink water. Many think they’re giving their cats plenty of water by feeding them dry food. However, it’s just not true!
Feeding your wet cat food will eliminate many health risks. Dry food will dehydrate your cat and make his urinary system more prone to infection. This is a major concern, as FLUTD is a common disease in cats.
What to Feed a Cat with Urinary Problems?
There are ways to manage and treat your cat’s urinary problems. Your Vet will advise you on the best diet for your cat, but if your kitty is on a dry food diet, you’ll need to supplement her with extra water and wet food. This can be done by adding some water to the dry food or mixing some wet food with the dry.
If you’re unsure how much water to add, look at the kibble itself before scooping it out and add an extra teaspoon of water per kibble. You’ll want to make sure you add extra water and don’t just dump some into the bowl one day and forget about it.
In addition to the extra water, you’ll need to provide your kitty with an appropriate diet. Your cat must be eating a balanced meal. If your cat seems to have a urinary tract infection, it’s best to feed her wet food. If your cat is on a dry food diet, she may need some help with prescription treats or medications from the veterinarian.
If you’re looking for an alternative, perhaps a little more moisture in their kitty’s diet is needed. Many types of wet foods are made just for cats with urinary problems. These will generally contain added water and should be fed exclusively until the problem has cleared up.
Can milk cause urinary problems in cats?
In general, it is not recommended to give cats cow’s milk. As far as we know, it’s useless for them. They can’t digest it properly, and the calcium might form stones in the urinary tract. “The vast majority of vets STRONGLY recommend against giving human milk to cats,” says Dr. Jeff Werber of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine.
If your cat seems to have urinary problems, it’s important to get her to the vet immediately. If you notice blood in her urine, or if she’s straining to urinate, see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can determine the cause of the problem and treat it accordingly.
Never let your kitty suffer from a urinary tract infection when it could be easily prevented by changing your cat food brand or adding additional water.
Can cats with urinary problems eat tuna?
No, Cats with urinary problems should not eat tuna. However, they shouldn’t be given tuna regularly because it is high in protein and can lead to kidney failure.
If you have a cat with a urinary problem – make sure he gets extra water, add some wet food to his diet or switch him over to prescription food.
Tuna does not help cats with urinary problems, and if your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, it should not be fed tuna on a long-term basis as this could also be harmful.
Does my cat need urinary food forever?
No, once your cat has recovered from the urinary problem, she will be able to eat a normal diet. If you have changed her food, make sure you gradually return to your usual cat food over a few weeks rather than stop feeding her prescription food abruptly.
What ingredient in cat food causes urinary problems?
Many people believe that using cat food with a poor quality protein source is the cause of urinary problems in cats.
However, many other things can cause urinary issues in cats, and urinary problems are not caused by the type of protein in your cat’s diet. Reputable veterinary nutritionists have even been unable to find evidence that using a poor protein source is detrimental to your cat’s health.
Which dry cat food is best for urinary health?
Dried cat foods with high protein content on the market contain soy, corn, or chicken by-products. There is no nutritional reason why these would be unsuitable for cats with urinary problems. These ingredients are normally included to help improve the texture and appearance of the food, and they may also be used to add variety to a diet.
Some companies have even taken it upon themselves to develop a special urinary diet formula that is meant especially for cats with urinary problems.
Here are the best 5 dry cat food brands for urinary health:
1. Blue for Life
Blue for Life is a special diet created for cats with urinary problems. This high-protein diet is specially formulated to boost the immune system.
2. Friskies – Taste of the Wildest
Friskies Taste of the Wildest provides your optimal cat nutrition and improved urinary health with each meal. It’s full of holistic nutrients, including omega fatty acids, extra vitamins and minerals, and many antioxidants that support a healthy urinary tract in cats.
3. Wysong Uretic Dry Cat Food
Uretic Dry Cat Food from Wysong is a high-quality, highly palatable, well-cooked diet with nutrients for your cat’s urinary system.
4. Wellness Core Natural
Wellness Core Natural provides optimal nutritional intake, 100% animal and plant proteins, and exceptional urinary tract health. This dry cat food contains omega-fatty acids to help keep the urinary tract healthy and free of bacterial infection.
5. IAMS Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food
Adult Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food from IAMS is formulated to support urinary tract health in your cat. This food contains high-quality ingredients, including omega fatty acids, extra vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants to keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy.
Can cats be forced to drink water?
Even the most traditional cat owners are starting to worry about how much water is enough water for their cats. It’s a good idea to encourage your cat to drink more water by using a bowl with a faucet and giving her fresh, cool water.
Avoid adding caffeine, fruit or vegetable juice, or other drinks in the bowl, as these could dry out your cat’s bladder. Avoid bottled or canned liquids, too, as these may contain preservatives that can damage the urinary tract.
What should I feed my cat with urinary problems?
There are numerous prescription diets available from the vet that can be used to help relieve urinary problems in cats. These can be easily obtained from your pet’s local veterinarian, and you must get your cat to the vet as soon as possible, as many will need to be adjusted to suit your cat’s needs.
Please make sure you stay on top of any changes in their diet to prevent any further complications after treatment has begun!
Can I give my cat a special diet for urinary problems?
Yes. If your cat has a history of urinary problems, it may be a good idea to feed him a special cat food designed just for this.
Many prescription diets are designed just to support your cat while having urinary issues.
What ingredient in cat food causes crystals in urine?
Many ingredients in cat food can cause crystals in urine. If your kitty has crystals in her urine, you may be tempted to use a special diet. This could help, but it’s important to remember that there are many other factors involved in causing a cat to have crystals in their urine, so changing the food alone may not be enough.
Cat food is limited in minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, which can contribute to the formation of urine crystals and stones. However, many other nutrients in the proper balance can help keep your cat’s urinary tract healthy and prevent stones.
What food is best for preventing crystals in cats?
If you have a cat prone to urinary problems, you may want to feed him a high-quality, low phosphorus diet. This will reduce their risk of forming stones.
Final Thoughts
Dry cat food can be a great way to keep your cat healthy, but it’s important to remember that your cat is an animal, so dry food alone won’t solve all of your cat’s diet problems.
Furthermore, you will want to make sure that the ingredients used in the dry food are good quality and well-balanced. Even though many veterinarians recommend a high protein content in the food, there are many great options today with very little protein content.
The best cat food for urinary problems will be the one that suits your cat and its unique needs. When increasing the amount of water a cat drinks, ensure you only give clean, fresh water. He may prefer to drink filtered or bottled water instead of tap water, which will help him keep hydrated and prevent urinary tract problems in cats.
One of the most important things you can do is to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. I hope this article has provided some helpful tips for keeping your cat’s urinary tract healthy and preventing various urinary problems in cats. Please share your opinion with us in the comments below!
Hi there! My name is Koushik; I am a cat lover. I specialize in writing about pet care & food. I have a wealth of knowledge on cat food niches and related subjects. I have worked in the pet industry for over 5 years and am passionate about helping cat owners provide the best care for their furry friends. With knowledge of cat food and nutrition, I aim to share their insights and help cat owners navigate the world of cat food niches. I enjoy playing with my two cats, reading, and exploring new cat food brands in my free time.