🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Cat Food

Urinary Cat Food for Weight Gain: Hill’s c/d Multicare Review

Most urinary diets focus on weight loss, but Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare provides calorie-dense nutrition for cats needing weight gain while supporting urinary health.

ProPawPicks Editorial Team

ProPawPicks Reviewer

Updated

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Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food

★ Top Pick: Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care… Check Price on Amazon →

5.5 to 6.0 oz

Average daily serving for weight gain (dry food)

350 to 400 kcal/cup

Calorie density of top picks

30 to 40%

Typical protein content (dry matter)

0.08 to 0.12%

Magnesium content range for urinary health

⚡ Key takeaways

Best Overall: Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken Dry Cat Food. This food is clinically proven to reduce the risk of urinary crystals and stones, and its.
Best Budget: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Dry Cat Food. A more affordable prescription option that still provides effective urinary care and moder.
Best Wet Food: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Canned Cat Food. This wet food has a high moisture content to support urinary health and a palatable textur.
Best for Weight Management: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet WU Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Cat Food. While designed for weight management, it also supports urinary health with low magnesium a.
Best Over-the-Counter: Iams Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food. An over-the-counter option that helps maintain urinary health with reduced magnesium and a.

At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Product	Best For
Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinar…	Best Overall	Check price →
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary S…	Best Budget	Check price →
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Canned…	Best Wet Food	Check price →
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet WU Weigh…	Best for Weight Management	Check price →
Iams Proactive Health Urinary Tract Health Dr…	Best Over-the-Counter	Check price →

Quick answer

Our top pick for the best urinary cat food for weight gain is Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care with Chicken. It’s clinically proven to reduce the risk of urinary crystals, and its high-calorie formula supports healthy weight gain. For a budget-friendly alternative, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Dry Cat Food offers similar benefits at a lower price. If your cat prefers wet food, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Urinary SO Canned Cat Food is an excellent choice.

What to consider for Urinary Cat Food For Weight Gain

When your cat needs both urinary support and weight gain, you must balance two key factors: the food must be low in magnesium and phosphorus to prevent crystal formation, yet high in calories and protein to promote weight gain. Many urinary diets are designed for weight loss, so finding a calorie-dense option is crucial. Look for foods with moderate fat content (around 20% on a dry matter basis) and high-quality animal protein to support muscle growth. Wet foods often have lower calorie density, so dry foods may be more effective for weight gain unless you supplement with high-calorie toppers.

What to look for in a cat food

First, ensure the food is AAFCO complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage (adult, kitten, or senior). Look for a named meat source as the first ingredient, such as chicken or salmon, to guarantee sufficient animal protein. Cats require taurine, an essential amino acid, so check that it’s added. Moisture content matters: wet food aids urinary health by increasing water intake, but dry food is more calorie-dense for weight gain. Finally, choose a formula specifically designed for urinary health or weight management, and always consult your vet before making changes.

How we chose these picks

Evaluated products based on nutritional profiles, focusing on calorie density and urinary health ingredients.
Reviewed customer feedback and ratings on Amazon to gauge palatability and effectiveness.
Consulted veterinary guidelines and AAFCO statements to ensure safety and completeness.
Prioritized products with named meat proteins and added taurine.
Considered both wet and dry options to suit different preferences.
Compared price per calorie to identify value options.
Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

Avoid foods that list vague meat by-products or have no named meat source.
Stay away from recipes with insufficient taurine or those that don’t meet AAFCO standards.
Do not default to all-life-stages food for a senior or kitten without checking if it meets their specific needs.
Avoid abrupt diet switches; transition over 7 to 10 days to prevent digestive upset.

For more guides, visit our cat guides and explore cat food or cat health categories.

Why this matters

Most urinary diets are formulated for weight maintenance or loss, so finding a calorie-dense option requires careful label reading. Prescription diets like Hill's c/d Multicare are often higher in calories than over-the-counter urinary foods.

The Options

Types Explained

Prescription Urinary Diets

Therapeutic foods formulated to dissolve struvite stones or reduce oxalate risk. They require a vet's prescription and are the most effective for active urinary problems.

Best for: Cats with a history of urinary crystals, blockages, or FLUTD.

Over-the-Counter Urinary Health Foods

Non-prescription foods with reduced mineral levels to support urinary health. They are less concentrated than prescription diets but suitable for prevention.

Best for: Healthy cats with no prior urinary issues, as a preventive measure.

High-Calorie Wet Foods

Wet foods with higher fat and protein content to support weight gain. They also provide moisture for urinary health. Often more palatable than dry.

Key Buying Factors

Calorie Density

For weight gain, choose a food with at least 350 kcal per cup (dry) or 150 kcal per 5.5 oz can (wet). Check the guaranteed analysis for fat content, which should be around 20% on a dry matter basis.

Urinary Health Formulation

Look for foods with controlled levels of magnesium (below 0.12%), phosphorus, and calcium to reduce crystal formation. Prescription diets often have added urine acidifiers like DL-methionine.

Protein Source

A named animal protein (e.g., chicken, salmon) should be the first ingredient. High-quality protein supports muscle growth during weight gain. Avoid vague by-products.

Life Stage Appropriateness

Ensure the food is AAFCO complete for your cat's life stage. Kittens need more calories and nutrients; seniors may require lower phosphorus. Some urinary diets are for all life stages, but check the label.

Palatability

Cats with urinary issues may have reduced appetite. Choose a food with high palatability, often achieved through added animal digest or fat. Wet foods are generally more appealing.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Transitioning Foods

When switching to a new urinary diet, gradually mix the new food with the old over 7 to 10 days. Start with 25% new food and 75% old, increasing by 25% every few days. This helps prevent digestive upset and ensures acceptance.

Monitoring Weight Gain

Weigh your cat weekly using a digital scale. Aim for a gain of 0.5 to 1% of body weight per week. Adjust portion sizes based on progress. If weight gain stalls, consider adding a high-calorie supplement or topper under vet guidance.

Encouraging Water Intake

Urinary health depends on hydration. Provide fresh water daily, and consider a pet water fountain to encourage drinking. Mixing wet food with a little water can also increase moisture. Avoid adding salt or broth without vet approval.

Pro tip

To boost calorie intake without compromising urinary health, add a small amount of plain, cooked chicken or a vet-approved calorie gel to your cat's urinary diet. This increases palatability and energy density.

Frequently asked questions

How much urinary cat food should I feed for weight gain?

The amount depends on the food's calorie density and your cat's current weight. Generally, start with the feeding guide on the package for weight maintenance, then increase by 10 to 20% for weight gain. For example, a 10-pound cat may need 5.5 to 6.5 oz of dry food per day. Monitor your cat's weight weekly and adjust portions. Always consult your vet for a tailored plan, as overfeeding can cause obesity.

Is wet or dry urinary cat food better for weight gain?

Dry food is typically more calorie-dense, making it easier to achieve weight gain with smaller portions. However, wet food provides extra moisture, which is beneficial for urinary health. For weight gain, a combination of both can work: feed dry food as the base and supplement with wet food to increase palatability and hydration. If your cat is a picky eater, wet food may encourage higher intake.

Should I choose grain-free urinary cat food for weight gain?

Grain-free is not necessary for urinary health or weight gain. Some grain-free formulas use potatoes or peas, which can be high in carbohydrates and calories, potentially aiding weight gain. However, grain-free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, though the risk in cats is less clear. Focus on nutritional balance rather than grain content, and consult your vet.

Can kittens eat urinary cat food for weight gain?

Kittens have higher nutritional needs for growth, so they require a diet labeled for growth or all life stages. Some urinary diets are formulated for all life stages and can be used for kittens, but check the AAFCO statement. For weight gain in kittens, choose a high-calorie kitten food that also supports urinary health, such as Royal Canin Kitten Urinary Care. Always consult your vet first.

Is urinary cat food safe for senior cats?

Yes, many urinary diets are safe for seniors, but seniors may have additional health issues like kidney disease. Look for foods with moderate protein (not too high) and controlled phosphorus. Some urinary diets have lower phosphorus, which is beneficial for kidney health. Always consult your vet to choose a diet that addresses both urinary and age-related needs.

How does urinary cat food help with urinary health?

Urinary cat foods are formulated to reduce the risk of crystal and stone formation. They typically have controlled levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, and may include urine acidifiers like DL-methionine to maintain a slightly acidic urine pH (around 6.0 to 6.5). This environment discourages struvite crystal formation. Increased moisture from wet food also dilutes urine, further reducing risk.

Can urinary cat food help my cat lose weight?

Some urinary diets are designed for weight management, with lower calories and higher fiber. However, for weight gain, you need a calorie-dense urinary formula. If your cat needs to lose weight, choose a urinary weight management diet like Hill's Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Weight Management. Always consult your vet for a weight loss plan.

My cat is a picky eater; how can I get them to eat urinary food?

Picky cats may reject new food. Start by mixing a small amount of the new urinary food with their current food, gradually increasing the ratio. Warm wet food slightly to enhance aroma. Offer a variety of textures (pate, chunks, gravy). Some brands like Royal Canin have highly palatable formulas. If your cat still refuses, consult your vet for alternatives.

Can I mix urinary cat food with other foods for weight gain?

Yes, you can mix urinary food with high-calorie toppers like cooked chicken (no bones, skin, or seasoning) or commercial calorie supplements. However, ensure the toppers do not introduce excess minerals that could affect urinary health. Avoid mixing with other cat foods unless they are also urinary-friendly, as this may dilute the therapeutic effect. Always consult your vet.

A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.

Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cat Food, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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