How to Read Pet Food Labels Like a Pro (Urinary/Struvite Version: Dogs & Cats)

Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet’s diet. This guidance is general, but it can help you understand what to look for when choosing foods for dogs or cats prone to urinary issues or struvite crystals.

Feeding a pet with urinary sensitivities can feel challenging, but understanding what’s in their food ensures they stay healthy while reducing the risk of urinary crystal formation. Even products that don’t specifically say “urinary” or “struvite” can be suitable if you know how to read the label effectively.

Why Label Reading Matters

Urinary health is closely linked to diet. Poorly chosen foods can contribute to:

• Formation of struvite crystals or stones

• Urinary tract irritation or inflammation

• Increased thirst or excessive urination

• Discomfort, urinary accidents, or infections

By learning to read pet food labels, you can avoid ingredients that stress the urinary system and select foods that support bladder and urinary tract health.

Urinary Food vs. Struvite Stone Food: What’s the Difference?

While urinary foods and struvite-targeted foods share many goals, there are some important differences:

What they have in common:

• Both aim to support urinary tract health

• Control minerals that contribute to crystal formation (especially magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium)

• Encourage hydration and dilute urine

• Use high-quality proteins that are easily digestible

• Reduce artificial additives, colours, and preservatives

What is different in struvite-targeted diets:

• Magnesium (Mg) is tightly controlled, because high magnesium can directly contribute to struvite crystal formation

• Urinary pH may be adjusted to slightly acidic levels (around 6.0–6.5) to dissolve existing struvite crystals and prevent recurrence

• Phosphorus and calcium may also be moderately restricted compared to standard urinary diets

• Protein quality remains key, but quantity may vary depending on species (especially for cats, who need higher protein)

Summary: Struvite diets are a subset of urinary diets with a more targeted mineral and pH balance. General urinary diets help maintain overall bladder health and prevent a variety of urinary crystals, not just struvite.

Key Nutrients to Watch

Magnesium (Mg) – Excess magnesium promotes struvite crystal formation. Look for low or controlled levels.

Phosphorus (P) – Too much phosphorus can worsen urinary issues. Moderate levels are ideal.

Protein (Crude Protein, CP) – High-quality, digestible protein reduces metabolic waste in the urine.

• Dogs: 18–25% dry matter

• Cats: 25–35% dry matter

Sodium (Na) – Moderate sodium supports hydration and helps prevent concentrated urine. Avoid very high sodium foods.

Moisture (H2O) – Especially important in urinary and struvite diets. Wet foods with 75–85% moisture dilute urine, reduce crystal risk, and support hydration.

Other minerals – Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) should be balanced. Avoid extreme levels unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

How to Decode the Label

Guaranteed Analysis – Check percentages of Protein, Fat, Fibre, Moisture, and Ash. Lower magnesium and moderate phosphorus are key for urinary health.

Minerals – Focus on magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium (mg/kg). Lower magnesium is essential for struvite-prone pets.

Ingredients list – First ingredients indicate the bulk of the food. Look for high-quality proteins (chicken, turkey, hydrolysed protein). Avoid generic by-products, fillers, or foods with excessively high mineral content.

Palatability – Foods your pet enjoys are essential to ensure consistent intake, which supports urinary health and overall nutrition.

Differences Between Dogs and Cats

Cats:

• Need high moisture to dilute urine

• Moderate to high-quality protein is essential

• Magnesium and phosphorus control is critical for struvite prevention

• Wet food is especially recommended for cats, as they naturally drink less water

Dogs:

• Moderate protein and fat for energy

• Sodium and mineral balance to reduce urinary crystal risk

• Hydration support is important, especially in dry diets

Always adjust based on your veterinarian’s advice.

What to Avoid

• Foods high in magnesium or phosphorus without veterinary guidance

• Artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives

• Low-quality, hard-to-digest proteins

• Very dry diets without adequate hydration

Extra Options Beyond Dry Food

• Wet foods & broths: Encourage hydration and dilute urine

• Low-magnesium treats: Reward your pet safely

• Supplements: Prebiotics, probiotics, and powders can support digestive and urinary health

💡 Tip: Offering a mix of wet and dry food can help maintain hydration and urinary health, while keeping mealtimes interesting.

Key Takeaways

Reading labels is crucial for pets prone to urinary issues or struvite stones

Low magnesium, balanced minerals, and high-quality protein are top priorities

Hydration, palatability, and supportive supplements reduce urinary crystal risk

Understanding labels helps prevent urinary crystals, infections, and secondary health issues

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1. Where to Find Quality Products
2. Find urinary-friendly and struvite-supporting foods, wet diets, treats, and supplements at indarpet.co.uk, where every product is chosen with the needs of dogs and cats with urinary sensitivities in mind.