Science Diet vs Royal Canin Wet Food

catzorz

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Mar 22, 2015
Messages
108
Purraise
14
After our kitty had some issues with peeing recently, we found some info online about urinary crystals and cystitis and found that we should be aiming for wet food with a lower amount of phosphorus in it. I found the chart below and switched to Royal Canin adult canned food, but they've stopped liking it as much, so we just bought some Science Diet.

Aside from having a lower amount of phosphorus, is Science Diet a healthy brand to be feeding them? What about Royal Canin?

:)
 

moorspede

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jun 12, 2016
Messages
1,648
Purraise
261
An Australian consumer advocacy group did a survey of some of the wet foods on the market and after asking experts in Europe and the US and one of the top vets from one of the best Universities here. They used the AAFCO's guidelines for cat food (ours are so much weaker). Here are the results.   If you hit the "more" on each brand it will tell you which products don't meet the AAFCO's standards for phosphorus. 

The reason why I went into such detail is because many vets will tell you that Science Diet and Royal Canin are the best foods for your cat. Unfortunately, the top brands on the survey are full of carbohydrates which pet food companies use to keep the prices down but which cats don't really need. I feed my cats Royal Canin and they love it (which is why I can't change it) but I really do suggest you do some research at this site and see what is rich in phosphrus and also the most nutritious for your cat. 

Here's a starter:
 
Last edited:
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #3

catzorz

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Mar 22, 2015
Messages
108
Purraise
14
Thank you!

I know I've heard negative things about Science Diet in the past...I really want to make an informed decision and make sure the kitties are getting everything that they need. Unfortunately, I don't really know what that is. So I appreciate whatever in-depth info anyone has! :)
 

jcat

Mo(w)gli's can opener
Veteran
Joined
Feb 13, 2003
Messages
73,213
Purraise
9,851
Location
Mo(w)gli Monster's Lair
You may have to switch back and forth between the two. Our last cat had struvite crystals (which the prescription diets did resolve), but wouldn't eat just one brand, so we had to alternate.
 
Top