A good example is diets available in the US for animals with kidney disease. And after consulting some veterinarian friends it sounds like there isnt one. We may be able to get it for you at . It's common for ill cats to refuse eating prescription food. The last thing we need to consider is how much ash, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus is in the Hills diet. While these non-prescription versions dont have clinical trials backing them, they often have a similar ingredient profile considering that theyre made from the same brand and if youre looking for a close substitute they can be a good place to start. Once the medical treatment is optimized, we then look at dietary options as a way to improve intake of a therapeutic diet. Tags: Cats, Debra Zoran, Pet Nutrition, pet talk, 2023, Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. What Do I Do? While it might surprise some people, Hills Science Diet C/D includes ingredients that some cat parents may want to avoid. This cat food is also one of only a handful on the market that doesnt feature any of the common thickening agents like guar gum or xanthan gum. Why Are Cats Recommended Hills Science Diet C/D, Royal Canin Urinary SO or Other Urinary Prescription Diets? Everyone is already familiar with pork and this is specifically pork protein thats been isolated. If your dog weighs more than 100 pounds, you will need to use a combination of sizes. Feeding this diet to a cat without CKD, however, would not provide enough protein and would have an altered mineral balance compared to what a healthy cat needs for a complete and balanced diet. How Much Magnesium and Phosphorus Is In Royal Canin Urinary SO? Seems like Royal Canin SO is on amazon, but I'd be very careful to purchase something that should only be Rxwithout an Rx. One study compared meat meal to corn gluten meal and found that Urinary pH, struvite activity product, and number of struvite crystals in urine were lower for the [corn gluten meal] group.. Since 1999, VetShopMax has been delivering no RX required pet health supplies to customers in the United States and throughout the world. No by-products here and this is simply tuna that our feline friends love. Thats why we decided to create a list of alternatives to commonly prescribed diets like Hills Science Diet C/D, Royal Canine Urinary SO, and Blue Buffalo W+U. However, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first before trying any diet not specifically recommended by him or her for your pet. But as Ive said before, theres more to these diets than just the first 8 ingredients and this is only to give you an idea of whats inside. Again, thats not a reason to buy and we wouldnt include this diet if they didnt fit the bill of a urinary diet but it is nice to know whos behind the brand. Suggestions for future topics may be directed toeditor@cvm.tamu.edu. The first thing we always recommend is checking in with your veterinarian to see if theres an underlying reason for a finicky appetite. When found in cat food, this ingredient describes dehydrated eggs (with the shell removed). A veterinary-exclusive dry cat food for cats prone to weight gain with urinary health concerns. Site Policies, Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS), Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology (VTPP), Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), Stevenson Companion Animal Life-Care Center, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH). Sometimes something as simple as switching foods can even be the key to getting many more years with your loving companion. Dehydrated duck is similar to the above but in this case, its gone through a different type of processing. However, she also is passionate about providing objective and accurate information on pet nutrition to veterinarians, pet owners, and other animal enthusiasts. Im happy to see that this ingredient isnt at the top of the list here and products like this do help keep the overall cost down. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. So prescription diets are far from the only choice when it comes to finding low magnesium foods. These over the counter or no RX products include dewormers, parasite preventives, itching relief and flea pills. Amazon.com: Customer Questions & Answers As we saw with Dr. Elseys dry food some recipes use gelatin instead. Dr. Freeman is a veterinary nutritionist and a professor at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Sometimes you can find prescription foods on ebay - I haven't bought them there, but I've seen them. At Vet Shop Max, we offer a wide range of pet meds without vet prescriptions. Prescription Cat Food | Petco While you wont always find these minerals specifically listed on the cat label, they usually show up in some form or another. Vet refusing to give prescription for food he claims cat needs to You can read all those reviews and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Its also an excellent protein source and an improvement from the by-products weve seen so far. Thats a big reason why I created an entire guide to finding the best tasting cat food for picky eaters but justlike any other creature, cats have their likes and dislikes and for whatever reason, they just dont like certain foods. Cat Medications Online - Pet Pharmacy | PetCareRx with our team to learn more about our range of safe and authorized, flea pills for dogs without vet prescriptions, At Vet Shop Max, we offer a wide range of, . Operated Dr Mark Perissinotto (BVSC) an authorized Australian veterinarian Vet Shop Max ensures top-quality FDA and APVMA approved pet supplies at extremely affordable prices. Most alternatives, unless theyre also a prescription diet, wont have a clinical trial supporting them. We can see that the first 8 ingredients for the prescription C/D diet are: Chicken, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat, Brewers Rice, Pork Fat, Chicken Meal, Egg Product. A simple to understand ingredient, fat is a critical nutrient for cats and adds additional flavor. Fat is another solid ingredient because its species-specific for our carnivorous kitties. I really want to emphasize that Imnot a veterinarian and this article isnt veterinary advice. 35% Off + Free Shipping Join us to receive exclusive content, pet health advice and much more. Old Price $64.99 $61.74 5% off Auto Ship Because FLUTD is really a broad set of conditions, the exact cause can vary between cats. BetterWithCats.net is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This recipe is specifically made to help manage urinary stones and while it may not have the clinical studies that earn it a prescription label, it does have more than 6,000 five-star reviews backing it up on Amazon. Lowers the risk of crystal formation using RSS methodology for bladder health. . Royal Canin Renal. Although this food is called a Veterinary Diet, you can purchase it without a veterinarians prescription. Common examples of Cat Kidney Food. Because this product is dried, it can be easier to store and can often reduce the overall cost. It looks more like a can of shredded chicken than cat food and Im not the only one that thinks so. Describing Cats - What Does My Cat Look Like? Pets are very intuitive and if they sense youre hesitant or anxious, they may assume the same about the food before even trying it! Refusal to eat prescription food | Cornell University College of Some cat food brands will display the amount of magnesium right on the label while others wont. Note: This article is NOT a substitute for veterinary advice and is for informational purposes only. Its worth pointing out that with the exception of water, all five of the first ingredients are sourced from animals even if that includes some by-products. Looking for a product to buy online? Water (and sometimes broth) is a typical ingredient in any wet food so theres no surprise here. Your veterinarian or a Board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food Hi, I know this is a silly question to begin with, but I really want to know if it is possible buying prescription food online without a vet prescription? You will most likely need to find a new veterinarian and have an exam. Thats a good start for any diet! You can also easily grab profender for cats without vet prescription from World Pet Express. Do Prescription Cat Food Diets Really Work? - Catster It hits hard and drops the cat quickly, plus wears off quickly. by The Paws and Effect Gang| Jan 1, 2017| Cat Health| 11 comments Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties: I have a small cat that just turned 22 years old and was recently put on a prescription diet for her kidneys. But in many cases, the label of not being appropriate for human consumption is more of a cultural definition than a nutritional one. It just goes to show how complex nutrition really can be and while its not the animal-based proteins that we look for, it appears that corn gluten meal may still have a place in a urinary diet. But if youre interested in learning more, were going to take a closer look at the first five ingredients in the Mideast Feast recipe: Were always happy to see an animal-based protein without any qualifiers on it. For any Inquiries or to Purchase over the phone Call Toll Free: 1-888-798-9128 Animal-based proteins are greatand so are animal-based fats! In the wild, your cat would happily eat liver and its also a great source of vitamin A and other nutrients. So while a non-prescription diet may be cheaper, if it doesnt help with your cats condition youre going to end up with another huge veterinary bill and a lot of pain for your cat- or worse. There are natural supplements you can add to a healthy diet that won't leave your kitty lacking in nutrients. . More organ meat isnt a bad addition and while its species-appropriate its, unfortunately, the second source of liver in this diet. Were going to take a closer look at the first 5 ingredients inside the chicken recipe to get a better feel for this recipe but if you want to read more reviews and see the latest price on Amazon you can click here. The FDA does not regulate therapeutic diets, just as it does not regulate nutraceuticals and vitamin supplements. Id expect cats that readily eat C/D to also like this recipe as ingredients like pork by-products, chicken and liver are prominent in both. But the big problem with the ingredients is that despite many additions to bring down the cost, the overall diet isnt easy on the budget. With all that in mind, lets take a look at a few reasons why youd pursue an alternative. The difference is that the diet may have a different protein source (venison for a cat allergic to beef) or a more highly digestible mix of ingredients (for cats with intestinal problems). The value of quinoa seed could be debated and Id usually prefer to see an animal-sourced protein. 1 answer Answered by Angel Alvarado, LVT Licensed Veterinary Technician Most clinics require a doctor/patient relationship to write prescriptions. My pet has kidney disease what kind of diet should I feed? Another great addition to this recipe is chicken fat. Many of these conditions are also closely related. Answer See all questions about this product Showing 1-10 of 27 answers No, you do not need a prescription to purchase these foods. Find a Hill's Pet Food Retailer or Vet Near You | Hill's Pet Dog Small Pets Bird This includes heartworm protection, wormers, and flea pills for dogs without prescription. Taurine is an amino acid and an absolute requirement for your cat. However, I want to point that outside of finding a comparable recipe to urinary prescription diets, this food isnt for everyone or for every cat. Temperature: If youre feeding a canned therapeutic diet, experiment with different temperatures. The third ingredient is another plant-based ingredient that provides a high amount of protein. Your veterinarian will be aware of the fact that there arent any prescription drugs in these diets and you both want whats best for your cat. . Take a look at any of the pictures of this food and its clear that chicken is a primary ingredient. All of the Weruva Canned Classic Recipes are low in phosphorus, magnesium, & ash but some recipes will have more or less animal-sourced proteins in the first five ingredients so double check that youre happy with the specific flavor youre looking at. They will also often gain weight because of the added fat and carbohydrates in the diet that are there to replace the protein.. With a wide range of non-prescription medications to select, you can find the best treatments in one convenient online location. While theres plenty of debate in the world of feline nutrition, some of these ingredients fall into the category of filler by some standards. Revolution can be purchased for your cat. With a focus on duck, this recipe could be more interesting for particular picky felines. When we see poultry or meat source without any qualifications on it AAFCO guidelines tell us that its similar to what wed expect from the grocery with some less-than-ideal cuts thrown in but its still a great start to this dry food. They'll need proof of it then create you a card that's good for a year to purchase the food in the store. I find the altered preferences or variable appetite to be the most common; for example, not being interested in eating in the morning but eating well in the evening; eating a diet for a few days then losing interest (but eating a different diet well); or not eating their food unless the owner adds various toppings. So, if you want to While its not a perfect system, in most cases therapeutic diets have clinical trials backing up the effectiveness of their diet. From anti-flea and allergy relief to deworming and antibiotics, cat medication is now more effective and advanced than ever before. You can read some of those reviews and check the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Thats not a good scenario for your cat or your budget. Where can I buy prescription food online without a vet prescription The proper urinary pH for cats skews slightly acidic which, along with appropriate hydration, may help prevent crystal formation.. Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Powdered Cellulose, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Lactic Acid, Calcium Sulfate, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Taurine, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Potassium Citrate, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Green Peas, Apples, Cranberries, Carrots, Broccoli, Beta-Carotene, As Ive already mentioned several times, this is a decision that you should make with your veterinarian so that you can consider the entire health perspective of your cat and not. For some diseases, there are multiple commercial therapeutic diets available. Is A Light Brown Cat Poop A Reason For Concern? Low ash, low magnesium, and low carbs combined with a focus on quality protein sources make this cat food a great choice for many felines. Im a big fan of the Tiki Cat brand and I think theyre one of the more underrated cat foods on the market. There is a primer on it here. She is on the cutting-edge of science, with hundreds of articles in prestigious journals, speaking engagements at national and international conferences, and awards for her scientific achievements. This is intended to add additional fiber and fiber is part of what helps reduce hairballs and smelly poops in cats but not everyone is excited about the idea of powdered wood in their cats diet. The manufacturing process for dry food requires some kind of binding ingredient and youll often see vegetables, starches and grains includes for this reason (in addition to reducing cost). Go into it with a positive attitude. How Much Magnesium and Phosphorus Is In Hills Science Diet C/D? Stories can be viewed on the web atvetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. At this price point, Id prefer to see another quality meat product. Weruva explains on their website that the high moisture content combined with high-quality meats and low magnesium is very urinary tract friendly. How is it possible? Can I Buy Heartgard Without a Prescription? | PetMeds If youre part of the grain-free pet food movement then this second ingredient might be a deal-breaker. And if there's something we don't list, just ask. So whats the difference between Hills Science Diet C/D and their Urinary & Hairball Control wet food? For example, the Marbella Paella flavor features seafood ingredients such as calamari, shrimp, and mussel. While FLUTD can certainly be confusing, the most common reason for a C/D recommendation are crystals in the urine. You can see one such study backing up Hills C/D Multicare here. Although these diets are safe to feed to any cat, they are more expensive and unnecessary for a cat that doesnt have a health issue.. Ash describes several leftover minerals in your cats food including phosphorus and magnesium but also zinc, calcium, and several others. At last count, there were more than 15 different diets available for dogs and more than 20 available for cats. PetSmart does carry the bags in most of their stores. Lets get a better feel for whats inside this diet by taking a look at the first 5 ingredients. You can read some of those 6,000 five-star reviews, see all the flavors and see the latest price on Amazon by clicking here. Vet Shop Max has been delivering no RX required pet medication since 1999, so you can trust that when you shop at our online store, your pet is in safe hands. My Cat Won't Eat Prescription Food! (Helpful Tips) Today, we'll talk about how to get a Revolution for Cats without a vet prescription. While it does include some by-products, the first 5 ingredients in this diet are all either animal-based or water. Unfortunately it's a prescription so there's no way to get it over the counter without one. For example, bladder stones are part of the FLUTD definition and while they may pass or even dissolve on their own they can also cause urethral blockages. Protein and Carbohydrate Sources of Home-cooked Pet Diets, Lisa M. Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Nutrition), AI Pet Nutrition Cage Match: Bard vs Bing vs ChatGPT. No matter what the cause, reduced or altered appetite can make it difficult to get an animal to eat enough food or to eat the optimal diet for her underlying medical issues. It's difficult due to their symptoms and it won't be as satisfying as their regular cat food. Eggs are a great source of highly digestible proteins and amino acids for cats. In this article, we'll explore alternative options and provide valuable insights on how you can ensure your cat receives the specialized nutrition it needs. Heres the complete list of ingredients in the Hills Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control Dry Food: While finding an alternative to urinary prescription diets might seem like a straightforward process, theres actually quite a bit that needs to be covered before you can really make an educated decision. However, there is a strong argument to be made that quinoa seed could provide some digestive benefits to cats. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! I hope these tips help to make feeding them a little easier for you and your pet. Even better, Wysong Uretic is easy on the budget, doesnt require a prescription from a veterinarian and is specifically marketing as a urinary food. The Scoop On Prescription Diets For Cats - Two Crazy Cat Ladies Our no RX required range also includes. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Most - if not all - prescription diets sold in vet offices are not what we would recommend for your cat facing an illness. If your cat has been treated for crystals, blockages or stones already then you know how serious that condition can be. I always prefer to see broth since its another animal-based ingredient but the addition of water isnt terrible either. You can see the latest price and read more reviews on Amazon by clicking here. Like the previous poster said, Chewy.com does call the vet to confirm the Rx. Since then, more and more companies have jumped on the low mineral bandwagon which has helped cats. And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Moderate Calorie Dry Cat Food And they . While this diet does include chicken, and it can be hard to find recipes without any chicken, the addition of beef does add some variety to this recipe that some felines will appreciate. and Royal Canin Renal LP Feline. Beyond quality ingredients, we also see a low magnesium content of 0.07% and low phosphorus of 0.99%. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. New feral cat - is it Pauli or Paula. Of course, the Urinary & Hairball control recipe does not require a prescription and youre free to order it off Amazon anytime. This includes heartworm protection, wormers, and. Advocate (Advantage Multi) for Cats over 9 lbs Purple, Advocate (Advantage Multi) for Extra Large Dogs 55.1-88 lbs (Blue), Advocate (Advantage Multi) for Kittens & Small Cats up to 9 lbs, Bravecto Plus Cat 13.7lbs - 27.5lbs (Purple), Bravecto Plus Cat 2.6lbs - 6.1lbs (Green), Bravecto Plus Cat 6.1lbs - 13.7lbs (Blue), Bravecto Spot On Dog Large 44-88lbs Blue 1 Pack, Bravecto Spot On Dog Medium 22-44lbs Green 1 Pack, Bravecto Spot On Dog Small 9.9-22lbs Orange 1 Pack, Bravecto Spot On Dog Very Large 88-123.5lbs Pink 1 Pack, Bravecto Spot On Dog Very Small 4.4-9.9lbs Yellow 1 Pack, Drontal Allwormer Dog Large 77lbs 1 Tablet, Drontal Allwormer Dog Medium 22lbs 1 Tablet, Drontal Allwormer Dog Small & Puppy up to 6.6lbs 1 Tablet, Generic Heartgard Tabs for Medium Dogs - Nuheart 26-50lbs (Green), Generic Heartgard Tabs for Small Dogs - Nuheart up to 25 lbs (Blue), Heartgard Plus Heartworm Chewables for Large Dog 51-100lbs (Brown), Heartgard Plus Heartworm Chewables for Medium Dogs 26-50lbs (Green), Heartgard Plus Heartworm Chewables for Small Dogs up to 25lbs (Blue), Nexgard Chewables for Dogs 10.1 - 24 lbs (Blue), Nexgard Chewables for Dogs 24.1 - 60 lbs (Green), Nexgard Chewables for Dogs 4 - 10 lbs (Yellow), Generic Heartgard Tabs for Large Dogs - Nuheart 51-100lbs (Red). Don't worry, we've got you covered. Check Different Cat Prescription Drugs, Antibiotics, Medication, Heartworm, Arthritis Medicine, Meds And Pills For Felines And Kittens Available At The Best Price. Buy Heartgard Buy Revolution Buy Frontline Plus Buy Sentinel Buy Nexgard Ailments of pets, just like humans, preferably require a checkup from a certified professional, who can decipher the condition and prescribe the proper treatment. While antibiotic treatments are usually obtained only by prescription, they can sometimes be purchased from a vet's office or online without a prescription. We looked closely at by-products when we reviewed our budget pick from Purina, and while its not ideal, by-products in moderation can be a reasonable addition to cat food especially if the goal is to cut costs. Cats need all the help they can get when it comes to hydration so a little broth is never a poor addition. We'll also propose some essential factors to consider while you're there to save you time. B474018. I typically identify several different products with a similar nutrient profile that is optimal for each animal so that the owner can try them and find out which one the pet likes best. That doesnt mean you and your veterinarian cant find an effective alternative but it does mean that you need to consider the nutritional value of the food and not just go for price above all else! TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. Subscribe to always know when we add new material! My personal opinion falls somewhere in the middle and while wheat does help reduce cost, I wouldnt want to feed my feline friend more grains than I need to. No RX Required Pet Products Online | No Prescription - VetShopMax While the grain-free movement has plenty of valid criticism, many folks will want to skip ingredients like wheat and corn in favor of more animal-based ingredients that line up with your little carnivores natural diet. Their branding can be a little silly but their cat food is anything but and their founder has a long history in the pet food industry. High-quality animal-based proteins are always a good starting point for a carnivorous kitty and the first 5 ingredients are all sourced from animals if you include gelatin. Is it possible to get a prescription for cat food without bringing cat If a veterinarian determines that your cat would benefit from eating a prescription diet, you may be able to purchase the food directly through their clinic. The fact that its boneless doesnt change much according to AAFCO definitions. Still, if youre looking for a reasonable alternative sticking with the Hills line is worth exploring. 8 Best Urinary Cat Foods (Non-Prescription Substitutes) - Better With Cats Many prescription urinary diet brands also make non-prescription diets as well. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This recipe also has more than 1,000 five-star reviews that support it on Amazon and you can read them (along with checking the latest price) by clicking here. For this article, were going to go with the guidelines set by veterinarian Dr. Debra Primovic who explains the best low magnesium cat food is one that has less than 0.12% magnesium on a dry matter basis.. Since this doesnt have any additional qualifiers (like by-product or meal) its similar to what youd expect at the store with some less-than-appetizing, at least for humans, cuts thrown in. The biggest difference is, of course, the lack of clinical trials supporting this diet when it comes to urinary health, and as weve already discussed thats what really sets prescription diets apart from the rest. At Petfoodology, weve written before about how to get your picky pet to eat. Therapeutic diets are intended to help manage or diagnose diseases and are an important part of the overall treatment of your pet. That's why you'll only find them in above-average pet retail stores and veterinary offices. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Cats suffering from FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease) are commonly recommended Hills C/D but what makes things confusing is that FLUTD is a generic term that describes several different disorders. As youd expect from a brand with CleanProtein in the name, this dry kibble focuses on quality protein sources and a lot of them.