Cat Food to Prevent Struvite Bladder Stones

Cats can suffer from urinary tract problems including bladder stones, or struvite crystals, and need a diet that will prevent such conditions from developing. There are a variety of cat foods on the market as well as diets recommended for preventing cats from suffering urinary tract problems.

How Stones Develop

Struvite crystals are composed of several crystals that come in many shapes and sizes. If the stones become too numerous, they can fill the cat bladder and might require surgical removal. Grain-based cat food, which is popular and inexpensive, can contribute over time to creating struvite crystals in the urinary tract. This kind of food can reduce the required acidity in cat urine and add too much carbohydrate to the diet.

Preventative Feeding

Most veterinarians will recommend a diet for your cat based on human-grade meat, vegetables and fruits that is grain-free, and has reduced carbohydrates. A low-carb diet with higher protein creates acidic urine, which can help prevent the formation of struvite crystals. Cats need animal protein, which generally comes from canned food. Many dry cat foods are largely plant based, which cats do not digest as well as meat. Feeding with meat-based food is the best defense against both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals forming in the cat bladder.

Diet Options

A key element for your cat's urinary health is the pH balance in food. Also, magnesium is important in helping prevent your cat from developing kidney stones. Check the food package to make sure only a trace amount is present, no more than 0.025 percent. Canned wet food is better than dry food. Keeping your cat's urine acidic is key to preventing stone formation. Cats need plenty of water to keep the urinary tract healthy. It is best to avoid food made with corn, wheat or soy as a regular part of the diet, so your cat does not eat too much carbohydrate. Feeding in small meals during the day is helpful. Vets recommend buying premium brands of canned food and varying them so your cat does not come to depend on only one type.