Jon, and FML, I hope this information will help you when chosing a pet food.
I am obtaining info on Science Diet's C/D just to make sure I am familiar
with the product, but here are the *general* guidelines that Iams' and
outside research has found to be true.
 
Acidic urine is natural by-product of eating a meat-based diet.  There are
other factors, such as vegetable products that may influence acidity Other
things you can look for in a food when dealing with an animal exhibiting
"crystals" or solids in urine: (there are different types and causes of
"crystals" or solids in urine which is why I have used quotation marks).
 
1) Magnesium is the #1 factor/constituent of solids that "crystalize" or
precipitate in urine - magnesium should be shown on the bag to be less than
0.01%.  If it is not listed, call the manufacturer.
 
2) "Crystal" formation is inhibited in a urine that is slightly acidic
(6.6 - 6.8 pH is the target for feline research)
 
3) Studies have conclusively shown that ASH is *NOT* the factor you should
be looking for when choosing your pets food.  It is difficult after the
raving publicity in the 70's and 80's to try and re-educate the public and
some vets with these new findings (remember, some human doctors are behind
on current research findings too so I am not slamming vets here).  If you
would like information on the studies, please call the Iams 1-800 # you can
find on every can and bag of food.(1-800-525-4267)
 
REMEMBER: Ash content also varies from soft/moist food, to semi-moist, and
dry foods.  Ash is really only a measurement of the final remaining dry
matter when a food is incinerated - which is all the vitamins and minerals
our critters need.  (Of course if the ash content is WAAAAY to high, it is
possible that there are undesireable ingredients in that food.)
 
4) If the bag or ingredients say ADDED TAURINE, you can bet that the real
meat content of the food is lacking.  Taurine is naturally occurring in meat
products, so it shouldn't have to be added.  Another possibility is that the
meat has been over-refined that they HAVE to add taurine to meet the
requirements.
 
Again, another good reason MEAT should be the first ingredient of your fuzzy
(and feline's) food.
+++
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The Terrible Two and the Kitty Krew
[Posted in FML issue 1486]