Cats are part of our families, and their health is a major concern for many pet owners. One issue that can arise with felines is urinary tract problems, often linked to high ash levels in cat food.
Have you ever wondered why there’s ash in cat food? Ash represents the number of essential mineral nutrients in the food that your cat needs, such as calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.
You should know that no cat food doesn’t contain ash, but the amount of ash can vary depending on the brand.
Here you’ll find the best low-ash cat foods currently available. I’ve reviewed a selection of 5 best low ash cat foods that may help prevent these health issues and keep your furry friend in optimal health.
Please keep reading for all my reviews and a handy buying guide to help you choose the right product.
My Top Picks
 Best Overrall | Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food |
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 Best for Skin | Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract |
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 Best Dry Food | Forza10 Active Urinary Dry Cat Food |
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 Premium Choice | Purina ONE High Protein Dry Cat Food |
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 Best Natural | Nature'S Logic Feline Rabbit Feast |
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Benefits of Low Ash Cat Food
Low ash cat food provides several key benefits for your feline friends. It’s particularly helpful in reducing urinary issues, including the formation of crystals in the urinary tract.
Some cat owners have even noted improvements in their cats’ health after switching to this diet. This is due to its ability to manage and balance pH within your kitty effectively.
Packed with lower levels of minerals like phosphorus that constitute “ash”, low ash options are also beneficial for cats dealing with renal diseases such as chronic kidney problems or infections.
Besides these medical advantages, another plus point is its broad appeal – many popular brands make delicious varieties, ensuring mealtimes remain a delight for your pet!
For example, Purina Fancy Feast Grilled and Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract rank high on taste and nutrition while maintaining low-ash content.
Embracing low ash cat foods can thus contribute significantly towards keeping your furry pal hearty and happy!
Top 5 Best Low Ash Cat Foods
640
HOURS OF RESEARCH
165
BRANDS VETTED
5
FEATURES REVIEWED
5
TOP
PICK
#1. Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food
Brand: Purina Fancy Feast | Form: Wet Food | Flavors: Seafood | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– High-quality ingredients ensure a complete and balanced meal;
– Free from artificial colors or preservatives.
What We Didn’t Like:
-The cans are small at only 3 ounces, which may need more food for larger or more active cats.
Product Highlights
The Purina Fancy Feast Grilled is an exceptional gourmet feast for your feline friends. Crafted with real, high-quality seafood, it offers a unique and delightful taste experience that cats crave.
The tender texture of the meat entices even the pickiest eaters to consume every morsel. This cat food stands out with its savory gravy that perfectly complements the ocean flavors. It’s not just delicious but also nutritious – providing 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
I picked the Purina Fancy Feast Grilled Wet Cat Food as our number one choice because it perfectly balances indulgence with health benefits for adult cats.
#2. Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Adult Dry Cat Food
Brand: Iams | Form: Wet Food | Flavors: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– Maintains soft, shiny coats with optimal omega-6 and -3 fatty acid ratio;
– Reduces urinary pH and promotes the health of the urinary system.
What We Didn’t Like:
Product Highlights
The Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract comes highly recommended for its specialized and nutrient-rich formula.
One of the key selling points of Iams ProActive Health is its focus on reducing urinary pH levels. This strategic formulation helps contribute to a healthier urinary system, ensuring your feline friend stays happy and active.
The chicken-based kibble is enriched with essential nutrients such as calcium and potassium that promote heart health, while vitamin E boosts the immune system. This blend offers a distinct advantage – it appeals to your cat’s taste buds while offering numerous health benefits.
Owners have reported softer, shinier coats on their cats due to the optimal omega-6 and -3 fatty acid ratio incorporated into the design choices of this dry food.
#3. Forza10 Active Urinary Dry Cat Food
Brand: Forza10 | Form: Dry Food | Flavors: Seafood | Life Stage: All Life Stage
What We Liked:
– The easily digestible formula ensures that nutrients are absorbed efficiently;
– Grain-free composition is ideal for cats with dietary sensitivities;
– No artificial additives.
What We Didn’t Like:
Product Highlights
Forza10 Active Urinary is designed to support cats with urinary tract sensitivities. With a focus on natural ingredients and low ash content, this formula reduces the risk of urinary disorders, ensuring a happy and healthy life for your furry companion.
My cat has been struggling with urinary issues for some time, and finding the right food was challenging. I am thrilled with the results after trying Forza10 Urinary Active Cat Food! Not only does he love the taste, but his urinary problems have also significantly reduced.
#4. Purina ONE High Protein Dry Cat Food
Brand: Purina ONE | Form: Dry Food | Flavors: Chicken | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– Provides low magnesium to promote urinary tract health;
– Includes four antioxidant sources for a strong immune system.
What We Didn’t Like:
Product Highlights
Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health is an excellent choice not only for its taste but also its health benefits.
It is made with real chicken, and offers a high-protein formula that strengthens your pet’s muscles and heart. The crunchy texture of this brilliantly-blended kibble ensures your cat enjoys every bite while also supporting dental health through added calcium.
One standout feature of the product is its zero filler policy, meaning every ingredient has a purpose that contributes to your pet’s overall wellbeing – high protein for muscle strength, calcium for dental support, and added vitamins and minerals.
#5. Nature’s Logic Feline Rabbit Feast
Brand: NATURE’S LOGIC | Form: Wet Food | Flavors: Rabbit | Life Stage: Adult
What We Liked:
– 100% natural with no synthetic vitamins or minerals added;
– Free of carrageenan, guar gum, and xanthan gum.
What We Didn’t Like:
Product Highlights
Nature’s Logic Feline Rabbit Feast is a prime example of a carefully formulated cat food. It is crafted with 100% natural ingredients, with real rabbit being the star component.
The absence of synthetic additives, artificial colors, and flavors guarantees your furry friend a pure and nourishing meal. This cat food is also free from common allergens like corn, wheat, soy, and peas, making it a suitable choice for cats with sensitive stomachs or food sensitivities.
I have a picky eater at home, and finding a cat food that satisfies her taste buds and meets her dietary requirements has been a challenge. However, Nature’s Logic Feline Rabbit Feast has been a game-changer.
She adores the flavor, and I’m delighted knowing she’s consuming a nutritious meal. It might be a bit pricey, but the quality and results are worth every penny.
Related Post: Best Low Magnesium Cat Food
What Is Considered When Choice Low Ash Cat Food
Choosing low ash cat food comes with several factors to consider. Notably, the moisture content in the food is essential as it aids hydration and digestion. For instance, Purina ONE with Real Chicken is a great choice due to its high moisture content.
Besides that, protein sources of food matter too. As cats are carnivores by nature, opt for foods with genuine meat such as chicken or rabbit rather than unspecified meat products like ‘meat meal’.
Nature’s Logic Feline Rabbit Feast stands out in this regard. Food brands also make a difference. Some brands like Smalls and Nature’s Logic offer low ash options specifically tailored for felines with sensitive stomachs; hence it would be wise to go for these trusted brands when possible.
Additionally, mineral balance must be maintained since excessive magnesium, typically found in high ash cat food can cause digestive issues and urinary problems like crystals formation in urine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is There Ash in Cat Food?
Ash in cat food signifies the inorganic mineral content that remains once the organic portion of the food is burned off. It’s not actual “ash”, but refers to essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and iron in your feline’s meal.
These elements are crucial for numerous vital functions like bone development and enzyme activity. Therefore, opting for low ash cat food becomes an important consideration for overall cat health.
How Can I Tell How Much Ash Is In The Food?
To determine the ash content in cat food, you can find this information on the product’s label or by contacting the manufacturer. Some cat food brands may not disclose the ash levels on their labels, but it is always worth checking with them directly.
Additionally, foods with less than 5% ash are considered low ash, while those with more than 8% ash are considered high ash. Maintaining a low ash level in cat food is crucial for maintaining acidic urine and preventing cat urinary tract issues.
Do I Need A Prescription?
Prescription cat food is recommended if your cat has a medical condition such as kidney or urinary tract problems. However, low ash cat food does not necessarily require a prescription.
Does Wet Cat Food Have Ash?
Wet cat food generally has lower ash content compared to dry kibble. This is because wet cat food contains a higher moisture content, which helps dilute and flush out minerals.
Is Ash a Cat Food Filler?
Ash is not a filler in cat food but an essential component that provides necessary minerals. The term “crude ash” on a cat food label refers to the amount of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients.
Conclusion
As you’ll have seen, almost all the foods in my five choices are specifically low in magnesium rather than in their ash content as a whole.
There are also many other factors besides ash content, such as protein levels, regulation of urinary pH, and hydration that constitute good urinary tract care for cats.
After researching the top options available in 2023, I recommend Purina Fancy Feast Grilled for its delicious seafood flavor and Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract for its specially formulated ingredients.
Thank you for reading!
Let me know what you think in the comment below!
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