Sometimes your cat needs extra support and special nutrition to live a healthy and happy life.
If your cat requires low ash cat food, you really need to do your research and find the best product specific for your cat.
Our number one option is Purina Pro Plan Gravy Chicken Entrée Urinary Health Tract Cat Food.
It has a very low ash content, is full of high quality protein and absolutely loved by cats.
We have also listed other great low ash products, including veterinary prescribed foods so that you can make the decision based on your and your cat’s needs.
Our Best Low Ash Cat Food
- Purina Pro Plan Gravy Chicken Entrée Urinary Health Tract Cat Food (Best Overall)
- Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Best Runner Up)
- American Journey Minced Salmon & Tuna Recipe Canned Food (Best Budget)
- Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dry Cat Food (Best Vet Recommended)
- Hound & Gatos 98% Lamb & Liver Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Best For Sensitive Stomach)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Canned Food (Best For Senior)
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Weight Urinary Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food (Best For Overweight)
8 Best Low Ash Cat Foods Reviewed
The cat foods we recommend all meet AAFCO’s recommended nutrient profiles. It is always best to consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet.
Purina Pro Plan Gravy Chicken Entrée Urinary Health Tract Cat Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Meat By-Products, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Corn Starch-Modified
- Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 0.2% Crude Fiber, 78% Crude Moisture
- Ash Content: 1.5%
- Caloric Content: 25.1 kcal/oz
- Type of Product: Specialized Formula for Urinary Tract health
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overall
Packed with real chicken and meat by-products, this food has a high quality high protein content which is great for cats that require low ash cat food.
The ash content is at 1.5% which is much lower than what other commercial cat foods have and reduces the number of mineral contents being deposited in the cat’s urethra thus reducing the risk of urinary crystals in cats.
The macronutrient profile also helps regulate the pH of the urine, ensuring it is at the optimal pH level.
Cat parents also regularly say that their cats absolutely love this food and can’t get enough of it, so you should be careful and ensure you are not feeding them more than their daily needs.
The only negative thing about this food is the price, it is a bit pricey but it is a specialized diet for cat’s specific health needs.
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate
- Guaranteed Analysis: 16% Crude Protein, 2.6% Crude Fat, 0% Crude Fiber, 80% Crude Moisture
- Ash Content: 1.6%
- Caloric Content: 63 kcal/2.8-oz can
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Low Glycemic, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Natural, Non-GMO
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overall Runner up
It was really hard choosing between Tiki cat and Purina Pro plan for the best low ash cat food because Tiki is an amazing cat food with really high quality protein from real chicken meat, providing the cats with essential protein and amino acids required.
The ash content is 1.6% max which is perfect if you are looking for low ash cat food for your cat.
It doesn’t have any of the bad ingredients such artificial preservatives and thickening agents such as xanthan gum, guar gum and carrageenan which are bad for cats.
It also has low carbohydrate content, remember cats don’t require high carb content in their daily food.
Some picky eaters might not like this food.
American Journey Minced Salmon & Tuna Recipe Canned Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Fish Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Tuna
- Guaranteed Analysis: 9% Crude Protein, 3.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Crude Moisture
- Ash Content: Not Available
- Magnesium Content: 0.02%
- Caloric Content: 136 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Type of Product: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
- Life Stage: All
- Best For: Budget
If you are looking for a high quality low ash cat food that doesn’t break the bank, we highly recommend American Journey Minced Salmon & Tuna Cat Food.
Full of high quality protein from both fish and chicken, this food is highly nutritious for your cat and pocket friendly for you.
I wasn’t able to find the exact ash content for this product, despite researching for days and contacting the parent company as well. But the magnesium level which is closely correlated with ash is 0.02% which is significantly on the lower side.
The formula is also grain free, meaning no useless fillers for your cat, just high protein, moderate fat content and low carb content along with low magnesium level making it a great choice for your furry friend.
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Dry Cat Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 13% Crude Fat, 1.6% Crude Fiber, 82% Crude Moisture
- Ash Content: 5.7%
- Caloric Content: 349 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Vet Recommended
Hills Prescription diet has been clinically proven to reduce the symptoms of urinary infections and other urinary diseases.
The main source of protein comes from chicken. It has grains but have been formulated carefully to provide cats with enough fibers for digestion and stool formation.
You do need a vet’s prescription to buy this food though so you will need to talk to your vet to ensure that this is the best food for your cat.
This food is not meant for kittens and pregnant cats.
This is a specially formulated food with low ash, so you can’t go wrong with it.
Hound & Gatos 98% Lamb & Liver Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Agar-Agar, Calcium Carbonate
- Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Crude Moisture
- Ash Content: 2.5%
- Caloric Content: 187 Kcal per 5.5oz (156g) can
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Pea-Free, High-Protein, Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural, Premium
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Sensitive Stomach
Hound & Gatos incorporates so many novel protein sources in their food, it truly is amazing. I don’t think the range of novel proteins like rabbit, duck etc can be found anywhere else.
It is perfect for cats with sensitive proteins because you can find protein sources which do not cause stomach sensitivity and also have low ash content.
The protein comes from real animal meat and is of the highest quality.
It is premium cat food that comes at a premium price.
There are also some artificial additives in their food which we don’t like as they can cause issues with cats.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Mature Chicken Recipe Canned Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Potatoes, Pea Flour
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8% Crude Protein, 5.5% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 78% Crude Moisture
- Ash Content: 2.9%
- Caloric Content: 176 kcal/5.5 oz can
- Type of Product: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Seniors
This food has been specially formulated for senior cats that require low ash cat food.
Your senior cat will love this wet food as it is easier for senior cats to eat wet food rather than dry food.
The ash content is low at 2.9% which is perfect for cat’s health conditions.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Weight Urinary Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Wheat Gluten, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Meal
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 16% Crude Fiber
- Ash Content: Not Available
- Magnesium Content: 0.05%
- Caloric Content: 289 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, With Grain
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overweight Cats
Another one from Hills brand, this cat food is specially formulated for urinary health and also helps with weight control.
The main protein comes from chicken meal, not chicken meat.
You will need to get a prescription from your vet to buy this food.
It also has a very high fiber content to make your cat feel fuller for longer and not each much but too much fiber can sometimes cause issues in cat’s digestive tracts.
Low Ash Cat Food Buying Guide
Ash is a mixture of essential minerals that your cat’s body needs to function properly.
It is important to understand how to select safe low ash cat food for your special needs furry friend.
Ash in Cat Food
The ash content in cat food refers to the mineral content of the food. The ash content is measured by taking a small sample of food, burning it, and measuring how much material is left after combustion.
The mineral nutrients in ash are Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium ,Iron and Phosphorous. These nutrients contribute positively to a cat’s health. These mineral content are derived from bones, tendons and cartilage.
Ash is present in all cat food but the quantity varies in each brand and food type, wet or dry. Low ash content in cat food can mean the manufacturers are using less bones, tendons and cartilage and more protein mix.
The higher the ash content, the less filler material is used in making the food so you may want to choose foods with high ash levels if your pet has special dietary needs or allergies.
Which Cats Need Low Ash Cat Food?
There are a couple of reasons you might want to try low ash cat food for your cat or your vet might prescribe low ash cat food. Below are some of the most common reasons to try out low ash cat food.
- Cats with Urinary Tract Problems: Some studies suggest high ash content can lead to urinary tract problems or increase the chances of urinary tract problems. Switching to low ash cat food can assist with slowing down the problem.
- Senior Cats: As cats age, their kidneys start becoming less efficient at processing mineral nutrients, especially phosphorus. Switching to a low ash diet can lower the stress on the kidneys of senior kitty.
- Cats with Renal Problems: Renal problems include chronic kidney problems and renal infections. As mineral nutrients are processed by the kidney, it may be a good idea to switch to a low ash cat food. It is better to consult your vet before making any switch.
Things to Consider When Buying Low Ash Cat Food
It is critical that you choose the right cat food for your cat with enough ash to fulfil your cat’s nutritional needs but don’t have an excessive amount as per your cat’s health needs.
Be sure to consider the following factors when selecting low ash cat food.
High Quality High Content Protein Source
While looking for low ash content cat food, you must avoid meat meals and by-products as they are usually used to boost up the protein content of the food. This means that they will include more bones and cartilage which will increase the ash level of the food.
Instead look for whole meat protein sources such as real chicken that will have the appropriate amount of protein for your cat and low ash contents.
Low Vegetable And Grains Content
Grains are rich in magnesium and other minerals and have been linked to causing urinary crystals in cats.
It is hard to find 100% grain free cat food so you should always look for food with the lowest grain content and limited grain content.
Vegetables and grains are high in carbohydrates and fibers. Carbohydrates should make up only 2% of a cat’s diet. Large carbohydrate and fiber content can put stress on a cat’s digestive system and can also make the cat’s urine more alkaline which can cause crystals.
Right Mineral Content
Although brands try their best to ensure that there is optimum mineral mix in cat food. Still it is good to know how much of each mineral your cat’s body needs each day.
Low ash cat food means cat food with low magnesium content.
- Calcium: 0.18 g
- Phosphorus: 0.16 g
- Magnesium: 25 mg
- Potassium: 0.33 g
- Chlorine: 60 mg
- Sodium: 42 mg
- Iron: 5 mg
- Zinc: 4.6 mg
Moisture Content
Proper moisture and hydration is critical if your cat is facing any urinary or kidney problems.
Make sure your cat’s water bowl is always full of fresh, clean water.
You can also try mixing dry and wet cat food, if your cat only eats dry cat food.
How To Calculate Ash Content in Cat Food?
To measure the exact ash content in the cat food, you will need to burn the cat food and measure the leftover organic material.
It is going to be hard and unlikely you’ll be able to do that. So we will have to trust the brands and assume the average ash content in commercial cat food to be around 7% in dry cat food and 2.5% in wet cat food.
If the ash content listed in the guaranteed analysis of a cat food is less than 7%, it is considered low ash cat food.
Prescription vs Non Prescription Cat Food
Cats with chronic conditions might require therapeutic or prescription diets to help with their conditions.
Prescription cat food requires veterinarian authorization before you can buy it.
Prescription cat food ensures your cat has all the right macronutrients required.
All veterinary diets are backed by clinical research that means they are safe and effective for your cat’s particular health requirements.
Our Final Verdict
Low ash cat food can be an important nutrition for your cat’s health needs.
We recommend Purina Pro Plan Gravy Chicken Entrée Urinary Health Tract Cat Food as the best overall low ash cat food for your cat.
Always talk to your veterinarian before switching your cat’s food to make sure that it is the best choice for your kitty.
You can also read more on how to successfully change your cat’s diet here.
FAQs
Which Minerals Make Up the Ash Content in Cat Food?
The ash content in cat food refers to the mineral content of the food, usually consisting of Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Calcium and Iron.
Why is the Amount of Minerals Important in Cat Food?
Yes, ash or mineral nutrients are necessary for the development and function of a cat’s body.
Calcium and phosphorus are essential for strong bones and teeth. Magnesium, potassium and sodium are required for muscle and nervous system health.
In the wild, cats eat their whole prey including bones which provides them with these essential minerals and maintain their health.
Is There a Difference Between Dry and Wet Foods in Terms of Their Ash Content?
Dry cat food has more ash content than wet cat food. Dry cat food usually has around 7% or higher ash content whereas wet cat food has around 2.5% ash content per serving.
What is the Appropriate Amount of Ash Content in Cat Food?
Healthy adult cats require around 2% of ash in content per daily caloric intake.
Is Ash a Cat Food Filler?
Ash is an important macronutrient that is essential for your cat. Anything over 2% ash content is excessive and the excessive part can be considered filler.
Is Ash in Cat Food a Bad Thing?
No, ash in cat food is not a bad thing. Ash is critical for your cat to function properly. Excessive ash can however cause problems in cats.
What Does Low Ash Cat Food Look Like?
Low ash cat food usually has words like urinary health or urinary care on the cover of the food.
Is Wet Food Better Than Dry Food For Low Ash Food?
Wet food has much lower ash content than dry cat food. Wet cat food has approximately 2.5% ash level compared to 7% ash content in dry food. Wet cat food is better if your cat requires low ash food.
What Food Causes Crystals in Cats?
Low quality protein along with not enough hydration can lead to crystals in the urinary tract in cats. High level of ash has been correlated to urinary crystals in cats but isn’t necessarily the cause of urinary crystals in cats.
