Plus Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food
Verified Jun 17, 2026
A dry kibble formulated for adult cats, this diet focuses on urinary tract health while providing moderate protein and fat levels. It relies primarily on corn, corn gluten meal, and poultry by-product meal for energy and protein, with added vitamins, minerals, taurine, and DL-methionine to support overall nutrition. It is designed for healthy adult cats only and is not intended for kittens, pregnant, or nursing cats.
This diet provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats at a moderate calorie density, with reasonable protein and fat levels for everyday indoor cats. It uses by-product meals and plant proteins as key protein sources, which can still be nutritionally adequate but are less ideal than higher-meat formulas. It may suit healthy adult cats without food allergies, but I would be more cautious using it as the main diet for cats with a history of urinary disease without direct veterinary guidance.
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At a Glance
KibbleLab Review
Strengths
- Formulated to AAFCO standards for adult maintenance, so it provides complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.
- Protein and fat levels are appropriate for many average adult cats at 30% protein and 10% fat on an as-fed basis.
- Mineral levels, including magnesium, appear controlled, which is typical for foods marketed for urinary tract support.
- Contains added taurine and a full vitamin and mineral premix to meet essential micronutrient needs.
Considerations
- Relies heavily on corn, wheat, and plant protein, with animal meals rather than higher levels of fresh meat as primary protein sources.
- Includes several artificial colors, which add no nutritional value and some owners prefer to avoid.
- Contains common allergens such as poultry ingredients, beef tallow, wheat, egg, and fish, so it is not ideal for cats with food sensitivities.
- Urinary support is through formulation only; cats with a history of urinary issues often benefit from increased water intake, such as from wet food, in addition to any dry diet choice.
Full Ingredient List
Ingredients and analysis reflect manufacturer data at the time of our last update and can change without notice. Always check the actual product packaging before feeding.
Ingredient filtering helps identify compatible options but is not a substitute for a veterinary elimination diet.
Top 5 Ingredients Explained
01
Corn
Corn is commonly used in dog and cat foods as a digestible source of carbohydrates and calories, and it also provides some plant protein, fiber, B vitamins and minerals while helping with kibble structure and palatability. While generally safe and economical, corn is relatively high in starch and has an incomplete amino acid profile for obligate carnivores (cats), can be a source of mycotoxin contamination if poorly stored, and although true corn allergies are uncommon, some pets may be sensitive, so quality and proper formulation with animal proteins are important.
02
Corn Protein Meal
Corn protein meal is a concentrated plant-based protein ingredient commonly used to raise crude protein and energy in dry kibbles, treats and some wet diets as a cost-effective alternative to animal protein sources. It provides digestible amino acids for dogs but has an incomplete amino acid profile (notably low in lysine and lacking taurine), so it should be balanced with higher-quality animal proteins for growing animals and obligate‑carnivore cats; some pets may also be sensitive to corn and quality/sourcing can affect safety and nutrient content.
03
Poultry By-Product
Poultry by-product is used primarily as a concentrated protein, fat and micronutrient source in pet foods and consists of rendered poultry parts such as internal organs, bones and connective tissues that supply amino acids, minerals (notably calcium and phosphorus) and B‑vitamins. It can be a cost‑effective source of bioavailable nutrients, but composition and quality vary by source and processing—owners of pets with poultry allergies or who prefer named-meat ingredients may choose alternatives, and safety depends on reputable rendering and adherence to regulatory standards.
04
Whole Wheat
Whole wheat is used primarily as a carbohydrate and fiber source in pet foods, offering energy, some plant-based protein, B vitamins and minerals and more fiber and nutrients than refined wheat. It can aid digestion and satiety—particularly in dogs—but is not essential for obligate carnivores like cats and may cause allergic or gluten-sensitive reactions in some pets, so it should be avoided in animals with known wheat intolerance, certain metabolic conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes) or specific dietary restrictions.
05
Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is rendered beef fat used in pet foods as a concentrated energy and flavoring ingredient, providing dietary lipids that improve palatability and supply mainly saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids though it is not a notable source of essential omega‑3s. It can help support skin and coat condition and increase caloric density, but should be used in moderation because its high fat content can promote weight gain and may trigger gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis in fat‑sensitive animals, and product quality/processing affect freshness and safety.
Nutritional Breakdown
How to read As Fed versus Dry Matter
As fed shows the numbers straight off the label, water included. Dry matter removes the water so you can compare a wet food and a dry food fairly.What is calorie density
How many calories the food packs per unit. Denser foods mean smaller portions for the same calories.Product Details & Brand
Product Specs
AAFCO Nutritional Adequacy
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional
adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.
What is AAFCO
Association of American Feed Control Officials. It sets the nutritional adequacy standards US pet foods are measured against.Brand
9Lives is a widely recognized cat food brand known for its affordability and long history in the U.S. market. It offers primarily wet and dry cat food products targeting budget-conscious cat owners.
Visit 9LivesManufacturer
Post Holdings operates manufacturing facilities acquired from J.M. Smucker, following FDA and AAFCO regulatory standards.
Manufacturing details are compiled from public sources and not independently verified; they may not reflect contract manufacturing or co-packing.
Recall History
9Lives Plus Urinary Tract Health Dry Cat Food has no recalls since 2014.
Source: FDA Pet Food Recall Database · Monitored daily
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Frequently Asked Questions
Has 9Lives ever been recalled?
We have no recalls on record for 9Lives. We monitor the FDA Pet Food Recall Database daily.
How does KibbleLab rate foods?
Our scores are based on ingredient composition, nutritional profile, AAFCO compliance, and health considerations. We don't penalize by-products, grains, or synthetic preservatives. Brands cannot pay for higher scores.
Is KibbleLab a substitute for veterinary advice?
No. KibbleLab provides data-driven food analysis, not medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making dietary changes, especially for pets with health conditions.
KibbleLab provides informational content only. This is not veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before changing your pet's diet.
KibbleLab may earn affiliate commissions through product links. No one can pay for a higher score, or to change what we recommend for your pet.
Product data sourced from manufacturer websites, AAFCO statements, and FDA recall database. Last verified dates reflect our most recent data check.