The Best Cat Food for Urinary Tract Health

Maintaining your cat’s urinary tract health is crucial for their overall well-being. The ideal cat food for this purpose should possess a high moisture content, promote balanced pH levels, and contain essential minerals to ensure the urinary system functions optimally. Fortunately, finding such foods is more accessible than one might think, with options available across various retailers and price points.

“Choosing a diet rich in moisture helps dilute urine and supports kidney function,” explains Emma Passman, a commercial pet nutritionist based in the UK. “Opt for high-quality, animal-based proteins to promote optimal urinary pH levels. Always consult with your veterinarian to select the most appropriate diet tailored to your cat’s specific urinary health needs.”

For those seeking an exceptional option, Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken stands out as an overall excellent choice for urinary tract health. This food provides nutrition appropriate for carnivores in a palatable, moist format that cats thrive on and their urinary tracts require.

However, Tiki Cat is not the only product that supports feline urinary health. Whether you’re on a budget or dealing with a cat with food intolerances, there are numerous beneficial options available.

At a Glance: Best Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health to Buy in 2024

• Overall Best: Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken
• Best For Picky Eaters: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
• Best Dry: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Dry Cat Food
• Premium Pick: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
• Best Affordable: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
• Best Dry Prescription: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food
• Best Wet Prescription: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
• Best Freeze-Dried: Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food
• Best for Senior Cats: Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy
• Best for Weight Loss: Weruva Amazon Livin’ with Chicken & Chicken Liver in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Understanding Urinary Tract Health in Cats

A food’s suitability for supporting urinary tract health hinges on three key factors: moisture content, acidity, and mineral management.

Moisture Content: The Cornerstone of Urinary Health

“Providing a diet rich in moisture helps to dilute urine and support kidney function,” Passman stated. Moisture is the single most critical dietary component in defending against feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), a term encompassing conditions affecting the bladder and urethra. High-moisture foods facilitate the flow of water through a cat’s system, aiding in the flushing of mineral deposits and helping to prevent infections. Studies have shown that moist diets can reduce FLUTD recurrence and potentially prevent it altogether.

Cats, evolving from desert animals, naturally derive most of their hydration from their prey, which is rich in water. Unlike dogs or humans, they don’t always rely on a water bowl. Therefore, the best cat food for urinary tract health mimics this natural intake with a high moisture content, easily providing necessary hydration.

Optimal Urinary pH: The Role of Acidity

Diet significantly impacts urinary pH, which in turn influences crystal formation in the urinary tract. An overly alkaline diet (pH greater than 7) increases the risk of urinary tract infections and struvite crystal formation. Conversely, an overly acidic diet (pH less than 7) elevates the chances of developing calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can accumulate in the bladder, causing painful irritation, or lodge in the urethra, leading to a life-threatening blockage, especially in male cats. Ideally, cats thrive on a slightly acidic diet, with meat-rich, prey-inspired foods naturally falling within the optimal pH range of about 6.0 to 6.5.

Mineral Balance: Preventing Crystal Formation

“Choosing foods with balanced mineral content, particularly controlled levels of magnesium and phosphorus, can help prevent the formation of urinary crystals and stones,” Passman advised. The concentrations of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium are crucial in determining the likelihood of crystal development. Consulting a veterinarian can help identify specific dietary adjustments needed to prevent particular types of urinary crystals. Generally, reducing the intake of minerals that contribute to crystal formation is beneficial. Avoiding ingredients like meat, fish, and animal by-product meals, which are often processed with bones and connective tissue, can help lower the mineral content in cat food.

The Top 10 Cat Foods for Urinary Tract Health

1. Overall Best: Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken

Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken

This highly moist, soup-style food boasts 80% moisture content, featuring succulent chicken in a savory broth. Its low-ash formulation, derived from chicken meat without excessive bone or connective tissue, minimizes the risk of urinary tract crystal formation. The species-appropriate, meat-centric ingredients help maintain a healthy pH level. This food is an excellent choice for all cats, whether they have urinary issues or not.

• Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 16% Min, Crude Fat: 2.6% Min, Moisture: 80% Max, Ash: 1.6% Max.
• What We Liked: Species-appropriate ingredients, moisture-rich, highly digestible chicken, free of irritants, low carbohydrate.
• What We Didn’t Like: Uses plant-sourced oil, lacks fiber.

2. Best For Picky Eaters: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food

Smalls Cat Food

Smalls offers a fresh, protein-packed meal delivery service tailored to cats’ carnivorous needs. Their Ground Bird recipe is moisture-rich, meat-based, and contains moderate ash content, aligning with urinary health requirements. The formula features chicken muscle meat and liver, promoting a healthy urinary pH due to its meat-centric composition and low carbohydrate content. Available in minced or pâté textures, it caters to all life stages.

• Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 13% Min, Crude Fat: 8.5% Min, Crude Fiber: 1.5% Max, Moisture: 73% Max.
• What We Liked: Single protein source, hydrating, easily digestible, low carb, texture options.
• What We Didn’t Like: Subscription only, limited customer support channels.

3. Best Dry: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Dry Cat Food

Royal Canin Vet Urinary SO Dry Cat Food

This veterinary-approved dry food is formulated to dissolve struvite stones and prevent calcium oxalate stone formation. It features a high-protein diet with controlled magnesium and balanced nutrition. While chicken by-product meal is the primary ingredient, it provides essential nutrients. The inclusion of brewers rice, corn, and corn gluten meal offers carbohydrates and vital nutrients for energy and overall health. This food requires a veterinary prescription.

• Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Natural Flavors, Wheat, Salt, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Bisulfate, Calcium Sulfate, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Vegetable Oil, Fructooligosaccharides, Choline Chloride, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source Of Vitamin E), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Monocalcium Phosphate, Trace Minerals [Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Copper Proteinate], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Rosemary Extract, Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols And Citric Acid.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 32.5% Min, Crude Fat: 13% Min, Crude Fiber: 4% Max, Moisture: 8% Max.
• What We Liked: Controls magnesium, balances pH, high protein, energy-rich nutrients.
• What We Didn’t Like: High in carbohydrates.

4. Premium Pick: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food

Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food

Sustainably sourced and packaged, Open Farm’s wet food is an excellent choice for cats with urinary tract concerns. It features humanely raised chicken as the primary protein source, complemented by chicken bone broth for moisture and digestive benefits. Cranberries are included to further support urinary health. This recipe is free from artificial additives, although it contains a higher carbohydrate content than some prefer.

• Ingredients: Humanely Raised Chicken, Chicken Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Kelp, Cranberries, Spinach.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 7% Min, Crude Fat: 7.02% Min, Crude Fiber: 0.85% Max, Moisture: 82% Max, Ash: 0.75% Max.
• What We Liked: Single high-quality protein source, bone broth for moisture and digestion, contains cranberries, sustainable ingredients, recyclable packaging.
• What We Didn’t Like: Higher carbohydrate content, expensive, only sold on their website.

5. Best Affordable: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food

Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food

This affordable wet food meets the high moisture requirement essential for urinary tract health. Primarily composed of easily digestible animal ingredients, it’s priced competitively. The recipe features turkey and chicken, with liver and tuna for added protein. Cranberries contribute to urinary tract support. A potential downside is the use of guar gum as a thickener, which may cause digestive issues in some cats.

• Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 11% Min, Crude Fat: 9.13% Min, Crude Fiber: 0.16% Max, Moisture: 75.22% Max, Ash: 2.29% Max.
• What We Liked: High moisture content, primarily animal ingredients, contains cranberries, affordable.
• What We Didn’t Like: Guar gum may cause digestive upset in some cats.

6. Best Dry Prescription: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food

Clinically proven, this Hill’s Prescription Diet food is ideal for cats suffering from bladder stones and compromised urinary tracts. It adjusts urine pH to a healthy level, dissolves existing stones, and prevents new ones from forming. The formula contains 30% protein, with chicken as the primary ingredient, providing a high-quality animal protein source. Whole grain corn offers balanced carbohydrates and essential fatty acids for a healthy coat and immune function. A veterinary prescription is required.

• Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice, Pork Fat, Chicken Meal, Egg Product, Pork Flavor, Soybean Oil, Fish Oil, Lactic Acid, L-Lysine, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potassium Citrate, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Iodized Salt, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 30% Min, Crude Fat: 13% Min, Crude Fiber: 4% Max, Moisture: 8% Max.
• What We Liked: High protein from a single source, healthy fats, promotes healthy urinary pH, reduces stone appearance.
• What We Didn’t Like: Requires a vet prescription, permanent diet change recommended, slightly high in carbohydrates.

7. Best Wet Prescription: Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food

Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food

For cats experiencing recurrent urinary tract issues, veterinary diets like this Hill’s Prescription Diet can be highly beneficial. It’s clinically tested to reduce common urinary signs and helps dissolve struvite crystals within approximately 27 days. The formulation balances pH and controls levels of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus to prevent crystal formation. A veterinary consultation is necessary to determine if this diet is suitable for your cat.

• Ingredients: Pork By-Products, Water, Pork Liver, Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Starch, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Chicken Fat, Fish Oil, Calcium Sulfate, Guar Gum, Brewers Dried Yeast, Dicalcium Phosphate, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate), Beta-Carotene.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 8.5% Min, Crude Fat: 3.5% Min, Crude Fiber: 1% Max, Moisture: 78% Max.
• What We Liked: Clinically tested for urinary symptom reduction, formulated for urinary crystals.
• What We Didn’t Like: Contains several low-value plant ingredients, requires a vet prescription.

8. Best Freeze-Dried: Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb Feast Freeze-Dried Cat Food

Freeze-dried food, when rehydrated, can be an excellent option for cats prone to urinary tract issues. This recipe from Feline Natural stands out due to its lower phosphorus content compared to other freeze-dried options. It features a meat-rich, species-appropriate ingredient list including chicken, lamb heart, kidney, liver, and blood. Flaxseed provides fiber, and New Zealand green mussel offers omega-3 fatty acids. This food can be rehydrated to the desired consistency.

• Ingredients: Chicken, Lamb Heart, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Liver, Lamb Blood, Flaxseed Flakes, New Zealand Green Mussel, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 48% Min, Crude Fat: 31% Min, Crude Fiber: 1% Max, Moisture: 8% Max.
• What We Liked: Low phosphorus compared to other freeze-dried foods, supports urinary tract health pH, customizable moisture level, highly digestible animal ingredients.
• What We Didn’t Like: Very expensive.

9. Best for Senior Cats: Weruva TruLuxe Grain-Free Steak Frites with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy

Weruva TruLuxe Cat Food, Steak Frites

While urinary tract issues are more common in younger cats, this Weruva food can support the kidney and urinary tract health of senior cats. It’s a non-prescription food that balances high protein with low phosphorus, which is beneficial for seniors at risk of kidney disease. Its meat-based composition with minimal plant matter helps maintain an appropriate urinary pH.

• Ingredients: Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K), Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 10% Min, Crude Fat: 4.9% Min, Crude Fiber: 0.12% Max, Moisture: 82.4% Max, Ash: 0.48% Max.
• What We Liked: High moisture for urinary health, relatively low phosphorus, contains pumpkin for digestion, protein-rich with low carbohydrates.
• What We Didn’t Like: One of the most expensive options.

10. Best for Weight Loss: Weruva Amazon Livin’ with Chicken & Chicken Liver in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Weruva Amazon Livin

For cats needing to manage weight while also having urinary tract issues, Weruva’s Amazon Livin’ offers a high-moisture solution. It supports urinary health through its moisture content, appropriate acidity, and relatively low ash. With fewer calories per ounce than dry food, this diet can help cats feel satisfied while losing weight. It’s also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a species-appropriate choice.

• Ingredients: Chicken (Boneless, Skinless Breast), Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein: 10% Min, Crude Fat: 1.4% Min, Crude Fiber: 0.5% Max, Moisture: 85% Max, Ash: 1.2% Max.
• What We Liked: High moisture for urinary health, low-calorie for weight management, primarily animal-based ingredients.
• What We Didn’t Like: Contains potato starch and xanthan gum, uses sunflower seed oil instead of animal fats, expensive.

Don’t Rely Solely on Diet for Urinary Problems

If your cat displays symptoms such as straining in the litter box, bloody urine, or inability to urinate, it likely indicates a urinary tract issue. Conditions like cystitis, urinary crystals, and infections are painful and require immediate veterinary attention. A veterinarian can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate treatment. If your cat is completely unable to urinate, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care to clear the blockage and address the underlying cause.