A Veterinary-Exclusive Formula
Royal Canin Urinary SO is a veterinary-exclusive diet used to manage urinary health concerns in dogs and cats. The ingredients vary slightly between dry and wet formulas and between species, but all versions aim to create a urinary environment that helps dissolve struvite stones and reduce calcium oxalate stone formation through careful mineral control and acidifying agents.
Feline Urinary SO Dry Food Ingredients
Key ingredients in the dry cat food typically include chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, corn, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, wheat gluten, and natural flavors. It also contains urine acidifiers like calcium sulfate and sodium bisulfate, along with essential vitamins, minerals, DL-methionine, taurine, and marigold extract.
Canine Urinary SO Dry Food Ingredients
The dry dog food version is formulated with brewers rice, corn flour, chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, chicken or pork fat, and natural flavors. It includes potassium chloride, salt, fish oil, calcium sulfate, DL-methionine, vitamins, minerals, marigold meal, and rosemary extract.
The Purpose of Key Nutrients and Additives
The controlled levels of minerals, particularly low magnesium and phosphorus, are vital for managing crystal formation. Other important components include:
- Urine Acidifiers: Calcium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, and DL-methionine help lower urine pH to dissolve struvite stones and prevent their formation.
- High Digestibility: Ingredients like brewers rice, maize flour, and chicken by-product meal are used for high digestibility, reducing the burden on the kidneys.
- Urinary Dilution: Increased moisture in wet food and sodium content encourage water intake, diluting urine and preventing crystal concentration.
- Antioxidant Blend: Vitamins E and C, marigold, and rosemary extract provide antioxidant support.
- Taurine: Included in the feline formula, this amino acid is crucial for heart health.
Comparison: Feline vs. Canine Dry Food Ingredients
Here is a comparison of some key ingredient categories between the dry feline and canine formulas:
| Ingredient Category | Feline Urinary SO (Dry) | Canine Urinary SO (Dry) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Protein | Chicken by-product meal, wheat gluten | Chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal |
| Starch Sources | Brewers rice, corn, wheat | Brewers rice, corn flour, maize flour |
| Fat Sources | Chicken fat, fish oil, vegetable oil | Chicken fat, pork fat, fish oil, vegetable oil |
| Urine Acidifiers | Sodium bisulfate, calcium sulfate, DL-methionine | Calcium sulfate, DL-methionine |
| Essential Amino Acid | Taurine, L-lysine, DL-methionine | DL-methionine, L-lysine, L-tryptophan |
| Digestibility Agent | Powdered cellulose, fructooligosaccharides | Powdered cellulose, fructooligosaccharides |
Wet Food Formulations
Wet food versions for cats and dogs offer higher moisture content to enhance urinary dilution. They typically contain meat and animal by-products in gravy or loaf forms, with controlled mineral levels and acidifiers similar to the dry food.
Conclusion
Royal Canin Urinary SO's ingredients are selected to manage specific urinary issues by controlling minerals, promoting dilution, and acidifying urine to prevent crystal and stone formation. This specialized diet requires veterinary supervision to ensure it's appropriate for your pet and their condition. Your vet can recommend the best formula and feeding guidelines. For more details, consult the Royal Canin Canada website.
