8 Best Cat Foods For Urinary Health

Cat Food December 7, 2024
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8 Best Cat Foods For Urinary Health

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One of the best things about owning a cat over owning a dog is the fact that cats are fairly clean. Not only do they spend most of their time grooming, but they do their business discretely in a box that can be scooped and cleaned.

Unfortunately, cats are prone to urinary health problems that can sometimes lead to accidents in the home outside the litter box. In addition to medical treatments for urinary health problems, changing your cat’s diet might help address these issues.

Keep reading to learn more about what causes urinary problems in cats and how to protect your cat’s urinary health through diet. You’ll also see our top 8 picks for the best cat food for urinary health.

Compare Best Cat Foods For Urinary Health

Overall Best
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth

1. Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth

Best Wet Cat Food
Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

2. Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Premium Choice
Smalls Cat Food

3. Smalls Cat Food

Best For Budget
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Urinary Tract Health Formula Chicken Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food

4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Urinary Tract Health Formula Chicken Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food

Best Dry Cat Food
Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food

5. Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food

Best Grain-Free Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

6. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Best Cat Food For Urinary Health and Allergies
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pate Real Turkey Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food

7. Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pate Real Turkey Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food

Most Popular
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree Canned Cat Food

8. Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree Canned Cat Food

Protein
2.3% Min
Protein
18.4% Min
Protein
21.2% Min
Protein
12% Min
Protein
63% Min
Protein
38% Min
Protein
11.5% Min
Protein
7% Min
Fat
0.1% Min
Fat
2.3% Min
Fat
8.05% Min
Fat
3.5% Min
Fat
16% Min
Fat
11% Min
Fat
7% Min
Fat
3.5% Min
Fiber
1% Max
Fiber
0% Max
Fiber
0.4% Max
Fiber
30.2% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
13% Max
Fiber
2% Max
Fiber
4% Max
Moisture
97% Max
Moisture
77% Max
Moisture
66.1% Max
Moisture
78% Max
Moisture
10% Max
Moisture
9% Max
Moisture
76% Max
Moisture
Caloric Content
 160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp
Caloric Content
 160 kcal/6 oz can
Caloric Content
550 kcal/package
Caloric Content
 25 kcal/ounce
Caloric Content
445 kcal/cup
Caloric Content
 352 kcal/cup
Caloric Content
 197 kcal/5.5 ounce can
Caloric Content
 82 kcal/2.9 oz can
Food Type
Fresh
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type
Food Type

What Causes Urinary Problems In Cats?

Kittens learn to use the litter box from their mothers at a very young age. Though you should expect the occasional accident to happen from time to time, most cast have no trouble using the litter box consistently.

So, when your cat starts urinating outside the box or exhibits other changes in urinary behavior, it may be a cause for concern. But what causes urinary problems in cats?

Here are some of the most common urinary problems that affect cats:

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Kidney disease
  • Bladder or kidney stones
  • Excessive water intake
  • Bladder infection
  • Stress
  • Spinal cord issues
  • Congenital abnormalities

If your cat starts to exhibit urinary problems, your first step is to take it to the vet. Your vet will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest a course of treatment.

On top of that treatment, changing your cat’s diet to a food that supports urinary health might help. While keeping these things in mind, you can now start shopping around for the best cat food for urinary health. Here’s what you need to know:

How To Choose The Best Cat Food For Urinary Health?

Different urinary problems require different forms of treatment, so always talk to your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet or starting some kind of medical treatment.

When it comes to urinary issues, one of the best things you can do is encourage your cat to drink more water and to include more moisture in its diet.

On top of that, it is important to choose a recipe made with high-quality, easy-to-digest ingredients so your cat can absorb as much nutrition as possible.

Here are some things to look for in a cat food for urinary health:

  • Moisture – Increasing the moisture content of your cat’s diet is important for urinary health because it helps dilute the urine and flushes out excess crystals that might form bladder or kidney stones. Look for a semi-moist or wet food or use a meal topper.
  • Quality Ingredients – All cats require a healthy diet made from high-quality ingredients, so look for a recipe that features premium animal proteins, healthy animal fats, and limited carbs.
  • Healthy Fats – Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and coat, but also provide your cat with energy. Animal-based fats like chicken fat and salmon oil are best.
  • Beneficial Supplements – A balanced diet is essential for your cat’s health as a whole, not just for its urinary health. Synthetic vitamins and chelated minerals help to ensure nutritional balance for cat food, though fresh fruits and veggies can provide natural sources for key nutrients as well.

The Top 8 Best Cat Foods For Urinary Health

When it comes to cat food designed specifically for urinary health, it is difficult to find options made only with natural ingredients.

Many prescription diets contain grains and by-products, so it is up to you to decide whether you want to feed your cat that kind of food.

One option is to feed a prescription diet until your cat’s urinary health issues are resolved and then switch back to a higher quality food. Another option is to switch to wet food or find a urinary health cat food made with natural ingredients.

Overall Best
1.

Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth

Product Info

  • Protein: 2.3% Min
  • Fat: 0.1% Min
  • Fiber: 1% Max
  • Moisture: 97% Max
  • Caloric Content:  160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp
  • Food Type: Fresh
Pros
  • Moisture-rich
  • Human grade food
  • High meat content
  • Low ash
Cons
  • Price is above market average
Open Farm’s Harvest Chicken Bone Broth is formulated for cats & dogs with only ingredients that's rich in protein and low in fat. This recipe is up to 97% moisture.

Though it’s not a plant-free food, fruits and vegetables constitute a small percentage of each meal and carbohydrates represent about 10% of the food’s calorie content. Like other meat-based, low-carbohydrate foods, it has a carnivore-appropriate pH value and, in comparison to alkaline plant-based foods, is unlikely to promote urinary tract crystals.

Open Farm is more than a moisture-rich, low-ash, meat-heavy food. It’s a cat food subscription service that provides a personalized customer experience. When you place your first order, you’ll tell Open Farm about your cat’s health and unique needs. Though Open Farm doesn’t customize the formulations, they’ll portion out each bag for your cat’s weight needs and can help you to choose the right food for your cat. After you select your delivery schedule and meal plan, Open Farm will send you regular shipments of fresh food.
Best Wet Cat Food
2.

Tiki Cat Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab in Tuna Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 18.4% Min
  • Fat: 2.3% Min
  • Fiber: 0% Max
  • Moisture: 77% Max
  • Caloric Content:  160 kcal/6 oz can
Pros
  • Made with 100% all-natural, high-quality ingredients
  • Contains 18% protein and 2.3% fat
  • Supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics
Cons
  • Some kittens may be sensitive to sea food ingredients
We really like Tiki Cat foods. Their canned foods are grain free, high in protein and extremely low in carbohydrates.

They are complete and balanced for all life stages. And they are hand-packed. For example, Hana Grill Ahi Tuna with Crab In Tuna Consommé has 16 percent protein, three percent fat, and two percent carbohydrates.

The first three ingredients are tuna, tuna broth, and crab. This food has 75 kcal per 2.8 ounce can. It’s typical of Tiki Cat foods.

They have lots of other fish-based canned foods as well as a line of similar chicken-based foods.
Premium Choice
3.

Smalls Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 21.2% Min
  • Fat: 8.05% Min
  • Fiber: 0.4% Max
  • Moisture: 66.1% Max
  • Caloric Content: 550 kcal/package
Pros
  • Fresh chicken (thigh and breast) as first two ingredients
  • High in moisture for digestion and hydration
  • Free from grains and fillers
  • Low carbohydrate content (estimated under 2%)
Cons
  • Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
  • Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Fresh food for cats offers premium-quality nutrition and higher moisture levels than the typical dry food diet. Smalls fresh food is made with human-grade ingredients, formulated to deliver optimal protein levels with limited carbohydrate content to maximize your cat’s nutrition.

Choose from a variety of wet food formulas including minced foods and pates, made with real animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried food and treats, all of which can be delivered right to your door in convenient monthly shipments.

If you’re looking for a nutritious, highly digestible cat food made with ingredients you can feel good about, Smalls is a brand worth considering.
Best For Budget
4.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Urinary Tract Health Formula Chicken Entree in Gravy Canned Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 12% Min
  • Fat: 3.5% Min
  • Fiber: 30.2% Max
  • Moisture: 78% Max
  • Caloric Content:  25 kcal/ounce
Pros
  • Designed specifically to support urinary health in cats
  • Made with real chicken
  • Reduced dietary magnesium and balanced pH
Cons
  • Contains by-products and artificial ingredients
  • Real chicken is not the first ingredient
Because moisture is important for managing urinary health problems, a wet food like this Purina Pro Plan Focus Urinary Tract Health Canned Food could be a good choice for your cat. This recipe is made with real chicken and is designed specifically for the treatment of urinary conditions.

This cat food is conspired as one of the best urinary care cat food on the market today. It is rich in natural chicken flavor and supports urinary health by ensuring pH balance, reducing dietary magnesium, and boosting moisture intake. It also supports your cat’s immune system for overall health and wellness.
Best Dry Cat Food
5.

Wysong Epigen 90 Starch-Free Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog & Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 63% Min
  • Fat: 16% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Moisture: 10% Max
  • Caloric Content: 445 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Formulated specifically for urinary health support
  • Made with premium animal proteins and healthy animal fats
  • Supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and probiotics
Cons
  • Contains some unnamed ingredients (like meat protein isolate)
  • Not a grain-free formula, some cats may be sensitive or allergic
If your cat simply prefers dry food, this Wysong Uretic Feline Formula Dry Food is a good option. Designed specifically to support your cat’s urinary health, this recipe features fresh chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients followed by chicken fat for energy and essential fatty acids.

This recipe is supplemented with dried fruits and vegetables for nutritional support as well as chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy and regular digestion.
Best Grain-Free Cat Food
6.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 38% Min
  • Fat: 11% Min
  • Fiber: 13% Max
  • Moisture: 9% Max
  • Caloric Content:  352 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Real animal protein as the first ingredient (deboned chicken)
  • Made with digestible grain-free carbohydrates
  • Free from by-products, fillers, and artificial additives
Cons
  • Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
  • Expensive to feed as a staple diet
While many urinary health cat foods are made with grains and other low-quality ingredients, this Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Weight Management + Urinary Care Cat Food is a healthy option.

Not only is it made by a trusted brand, but it features premium ingredients like deboned chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, and flaxseed.

This recipe is supplemented with vitamins, chelated minerals, and probiotics, plus it contains plenty of fiber for healthy and regular digestion. You’ll also be glad to know that it is very rich in protein (38% crude protein) with ample fat for healthy skin and coat.
Best Cat Food For Urinary Health and Allergies
7.

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Pate Real Turkey Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 11.5% Min
  • Fat: 7% Min
  • Fiber: 2% Max
  • Moisture: 76% Max
  • Caloric Content:  197 kcal/5.5 ounce can
Pros
  • Limited number of ingredients to reduce food allergy risk
  • High in moisture and protein-rich
  • Made with premium animal proteins and other natural ingredients
Cons
  • Not specifically designed for urinary health
  • Contains some plant-based protein (pea protein)
Though it isn’t specifically designed for urinary health, this Instinct Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Wet Cat Food may be a good option if your cat has allergies. Because it is a limited ingredient diet, it reduces the risk for triggering food allergies and sensitivities while providing your cat with high-quality, balanced nutrition.

This recipe is moisture-rich and packed with premium animal proteins. It also contains vitamin supplements and chelated minerals as well as fiber for healthy digestion.
Most Popular
8.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree Canned Cat Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 7% Min
  • Fat: 3.5% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Caloric Content:  82 kcal/2.9 oz can
Pros
  • Chicken and turkey as the main ingredients (after water)
  • Specifically designed for urinary health
  • Supplemented with vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance
Cons
  • Expensive to feed as a staple diet
  • Doesn’t contain chelated minerals or probiotics
If you’re looking for a prescription diet designed for urinary health, try this Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Cat Food. This cat food is formulated to deliver the optimal level of magnesium for urinary health and, as a wet food, it is high in moisture as well.

In addition to natural ingredients, this recipe is supplemented with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to ensure complete and balanced nutrition – plus it is free from artificial flavors and preservatives.

How Much Should You Feed Your Cat?

The amount you need to feed your cat depends on its age, weight, and activity level.

Kittens need more calories than adult cats to fuel their growth and development while adult cats need to maintain a healthy body weight.

Generally speaking, kittens need several small meals a day while adult cats do well with two daily meals. To determine exactly how much to feed at each meal, start with a high-quality cat food and refer to the feeding recommendations according to your cat’s age and weight.

How Can You Get Your Cat To Drink More Water?

Hydration is essential for treating and preventing urinary health problems but, unfortunately, many cats tend not to drink a lot of water.

One way to make water more appealing to your cat is to start using a cat fountain instead of a simple water dish.

Moving water is fresher and more appealing to cats. You can also try switching to wet food or supplementing your cat’s dry food diet with some canned food or wet food toppers. If all else fails, moisten your cat’s food with some water or chicken broth.

Final Remarks

All cats have the same basic nutritional needs, but if your cat is prone to urinary health problems you might need to pay a little extra attention to its diet.

Talk to your veterinarian about specific treatment options and then ask what kind of dietary changes might benefit your cat.

If you’re not sure where to start, try one of our top 8 picks for the best cat foods for urinary health compared and reviewed above.

*This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your vet can provide personalized suggestions relevant to your pet’s unique situation.

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Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.
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