Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Dry Cat Food Review

Our Recommendation

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Dry Cat Food is a veterinarian prescribed food used to manage lower urinary tract issues in adult cats. It is formulated to increase the volume of urine and prevent the formation of crystals and other urinary tract problems. It is designed as a highly digestible kibble and strives to provide complete nutrition for your cat.

According to the manufacturer, this formula adds a good mix of fiber, protein and other essential vitamins and minerals to your cat’s diet. Therefore, it is usually recommended for cats who have either suffered from urinary tract disease in the past or are at risk of developing them.

Although I am personally not a fan of the fact that this food doesn’t have any real meat, the reviews it has received for helping cats with their urinary health issues is enough to tell me that it does work. It helps to promote a healthy urinary system in cats prone to struvite and oxalate urolithiasis. Since it can only be obtained by getting a prescription from your vet, it is safe to say that it will be only given with expert advice and recommendations by your prescribing professional.

Ingredients

Chicken-by Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Corn, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors, Soy Protein Isolate, Powdered Cellulose, Salt, Egg Product, Brewers Dried Yeast, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Fish Oil, Sodium Bisulfate, Vegetable Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Vitamins [Dl-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Source of Vitamin E), Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement], Marigold Extract (Tagetes Erecta L.), Trace Minerals [Zinc Oxide, Zinc Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], Rosemary Extract, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid

Nutritional Analysis

Crude Protein

32.5% min

Crude Fat

13.5% min

Crude Fiber

4.5% max

Moisture

9.5% max

Magnesium

0.08% max

Caloric Content

3,631 kcal/kg, 298 kcal/cup

Feeding Amounts

Weight               Low Activity (Cup)                Medium Activity (Cup)               High Activity (Cup)

3.3 lbs                       1/4                                                     3/8                                                    3/8

4.4 lbs                       3/8                                                    3/8                                                     1/2

5.5 lbs                       3/8                                                     1/2                                                    5/8

6.6 lbs                       3/8                                                     1/2                                                    5/8

7.7 lbs                       1/2                                                     5/8                                                    3/4

8.8 lbs                       1/2                                                     5/8                                                    3/4

9.9 lbs                       5/8                                                    3/4                                                    7/8

11.0 lbs                      5/8                                                    3/4                                                    7/8

12.1 lbs                      5/8                                                    7/8                                                      1

13.2 lbs                     3/4                                                    7/8                                                      1

14.3 lbs                     3/4                                                    7/8                                               1 1/8

15.4 lbs                     3/4                                                     1

16.5 lbs                     7/8                                                     1

17.6 lbs                     7/8                                                  1 1/8

18.7 lbs                     7/8                                                  1 1/8

19.8 lbs                       1                                                    1 1/8

20.9 lbs                      1                                                    1 1/4

22.0 lbs                      1                                                    1 1/4

Daily feeding recommendations may be divided into 2 – 4 meals. For transitioning from your cat’s existing food to this vet food, please consult with your veterinarian for advice.

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The Bottom Line

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Dry Cat Food is a veterinary prescription food, therefore, is only prescribed by your vet if your cat has specific health issues. Although I am not a fan of the fact that the first few ingredients are chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, corn gluten meal and corn, I had to keep in mind that this food is prescribed for a specific reason.

The formulation is made to help reduce crystallization in the urine and to lower the risk of future urinary issues in cats. It is very important to keep an open dialogue with your vet while you have your cat on this specific diet so that you can monitor and adjust feedings as necessary.  It is also important to talk to your vet about the reaction your cat is having to the new food. Is kitty eating it regularly? Is she throwing up? How are her bowel movements? These are crucial things to watch out for! You should also talk to your vet about what kind of wet food and treats you should be giving your cat so that everything your cat eats works cohesively to help reduce the urinary issues. Make sure to provide your cat with plenty of fresh water and exercise. Hydration is vital for all cats!