Proper PH in Cat Food

Question
Hi. I have two male cats. One has had one episode of crystals in his urine approximately 3 years ago. He was placed on prescription food from the vet. I tried to feed them separately but it was an impossible task because they have always free fed. Knock on wood both cats have been healthy and happy. I want to switch their food to a non-prescription. I looked into Evolve and they seem to have a low ash and magnesium level which I believe is the key to urinary tract health, but what are low levels exactly. I can't find an actual number to make sure.

Answer
Hi Laureen,

That is such an excellent question!  When cats have crystals in their urine, or FUS (Feline Urologic Syndrome) they are recommend a low pH diet and a diet low in Magnesioum and Ash.  However, the supposedly premium foods like Prescription Science Diet, IAM, Eukanuba, are not truly premium and although can have a lower pH, lower mag., and reduced ash can still have ingredients that contribute to urinary and kidney problems.
Please visit my main AllExperts page for links to some truly premium brands.  You will find that the premium brands, which have MUCH higher standards than brands like Science Diet, contain human-grade and by-product free ingredients...they don't contain harmful fillers...like Ash!  Sadly though, it's hard to find proper pH labeling and exact ingredients on the labels of most commercial pet foods.  In my opinion, rather than trying to find a label that states the pH, etc., which also might not even be accurate, you should choose a 'real' premium food.  I've had two friends, both who had cats with FUS and repeated blockages switch to a diet consisting of the WEllness brand of food and Feline's Pride.  Neither cat ever had urinary problems again.  So, diet alone definitely effects it.

Now, regarding feeding, I have a lot of detailed info in my past 3-4 answers if you'd like to scan over them for specific details.  I would include everything here but am a little pressed for time...so if you have further questions don't hesitate to reply.

You should never leave food out for your cats to 'graze' all day.  It causes weight gain, among other problems.  Carnivores were meant to eat larger portions at specific times, and never have food available to snack constantly.  This also keeps the blood glucose on a rollercoaster AND urinary pH and proteins will have the same effect...the urinary pH should be altered immediately AFTER meals...not all day long as would occur with grazing all day.  

Feed only twice a day and you can give small snacks a couple of times between meals.  I would recommend feeding a grain-free (no fillers like ash) dry food or, even better, a meat based canned like Wellness or Nature's Variety Prarie...these will have few preservatives, all human-grade meat, and a higher water content than the dry.  There is a debate regarding the fiber in dry vs. canned and which is best for cats with urinary problems.  I feed all of my cats both canned and dry...they get canned fisrt thing in the morning and then at night.  Just as soon as they finish their food and/or walk away, I offer dry.  The second they walk away from the bowl, all food is picked up until the next feeding.  If your cats are used to grazing all day, the change will be hard and they will be quite unhappy and demanding.  However, rest assured that after 1-2 weeks they will be perfectly content on their new diet and no longer think they are starving all day, because the better food won't contain the grains (carbs and sugars) that cause the huge blood glucose peaks after eating...which causes them to be hungrier more often and want to snack constantly.  The better food will be more filling and more easily digestable.  In addition, knowing that your cat has had urinary problems, make sure you freshen up the water bowl after meals and then several times during the day (time permitting), as it usually encourages them to drink more.

Hopefully this info will help you out.  If you have further questions just let me know!  
Best of luck with your cat and just remember...foods with fillers will have high ash and magnesium, as a general rule.