Ensuring your cat’s urinary health is paramount, and when specific issues arise, specialized nutrition becomes essential. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula is a prescription diet designed to manage and reduce the risk of urinary stone formation in cats. This formula, developed through extensive research by veterinarians and nutritionists, aims to create a urinary environment that is unfavorable to the development of common urinary crystals like struvite and calcium oxalate.
Understanding Feline Urinary Health and St/Ox Formula
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a common condition affecting cats, often characterized by inflammation and the presence of crystals or stones in the urinary tract. These conditions can lead to painful blockages and serious health complications if not addressed promptly. The UR Urinary St/Ox formula is specifically engineered to address these concerns by targeting two primary types of urinary crystals:
- Struvite Crystals: These are formed when urine becomes too concentrated with magnesium, ammonia, and phosphate. The St/Ox formula helps to dissolve existing struvite stones and reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Calcium Oxalate Crystals: These form when there is an excess of calcium and oxalate in the urine. The diet is formulated to lower the concentration of these components, thereby decreasing the likelihood of calcium oxalate stone formation.
Key Features and Benefits of UR Urinary St/Ox
This therapeutic diet boasts several features designed to support feline urinary health:
- Urinary Environment Management: The precise balance of ingredients helps to create a urinary pH that is less conducive to crystal formation.
- Dissolves Struvite Stones: For cats suffering from struvite stones, this formula actively works to break them down, alleviating discomfort and reducing the need for more invasive treatments.
- Reduces Recurrence Risk: By managing urine concentration and mineral levels, the diet significantly lowers the chances of both struvite and calcium oxalate stones forming again.
- Increased Urine Volume: The dry formula is designed to encourage increased water intake, leading to diluted urine. Dilute urine is less likely to form crystals and helps to flush the urinary system.
- High-Quality Protein: Adequate protein is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and overall health, even in cats with urinary issues.
- Antioxidants: The inclusion of antioxidants helps to support a healthy immune system.
- Palatability: Despite its therapeutic nature, the UR Urinary St/Ox formula is designed to be highly palatable, ensuring that cats will readily consume it, which is crucial for dietary compliance. Many reviews highlight that cats find this food appealing, even those with a history of being picky eaters or having tried other urinary diets.
Nutritional Breakdown and Ingredients
The formulation of Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula is a testament to scientific research. Key ingredients include corn protein meal, poultry by-product meal, rice, and tuna, providing a balanced source of protein. The diet also contains essential vitamins and minerals, with specific attention to calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels to help maintain urinary health.
Guaranteed Analysis highlights:
- Crude Protein (Min): 40.0%
- Crude Fat (Min): 8.0%
- Crude Fiber (Max): 8.5%
- Moisture (Max): 12.0%
- Ash (Max): 9.5%
- Calcium (Ca) (Min): 0.9%
- Phosphorous (P) (Min): 0.8%
- Magnesium (Mg) (Max): 0.15%
The diet’s calorie content is approximately 3182 kcal/kg, with about 300 kcal per cup.
Feeding Guidelines and Veterinary Guidance
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula is a prescription diet and should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Your vet will determine the appropriate amount of food to feed your cat based on their current weight, body condition, activity level, and whether the goal is weight maintenance or weight loss.
General feeding instructions often include:
- Gradually transitioning your cat to the new food over 7-10 days, mixing it with their old food.
- Providing fresh water in a clean container daily.
- Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your cat’s progress and adjust the feeding plan as needed.
The product is available in 6 lb and 16 lb bags. Many cat owners report positive outcomes, with their cats’ urinary crystal issues resolving after consistent feeding of this diet.
Conclusion
For cats experiencing or at risk of urinary stone formation, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula offers a scientifically formulated solution. By managing urine composition and promoting healthy urinary function, this diet plays a crucial role in maintaining your cat’s long-term well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine if this specialized diet is the right choice for your feline companion.
