10 Best Cat Foods for Urinary Health & Stress: Everything You Need to Know 🐈💧

Urinary health issues and stress are common problems in cats, often leading to painful conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, and even feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Stress is also a major contributor to these problems, as it can trigger inflammation in the urinary tract. The right diet plays a critical role in managing both urinary health and stress in cats. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 cat foods designed to address urinary stress, reduce the risk of urinary problems, and help your cat live a healthier, stress-free life.

Key Takeaways: Fast Facts About Urinary-Stress Cat Food

• Why is diet important for urinary health? A balanced diet controls urine pH, reduces inflammation, and helps dissolve crystals or stones.
• How does food reduce stress in cats? Some diets contain ingredients like L-tryptophan and milk protein hydrolysate to naturally calm cats.
• Can these foods treat urinary problems? Many are formulated by veterinarians to both prevent and manage urinary issues.
• What should I look for in urinary-stress cat food? Look for foods that control urine pH, support hydration, and contain calming ingredients.
• Do I need a prescription for urinary cat food? Some of the best options are prescription-only, but there are over-the-counter foods that help too.

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🍲 What Are the Top 10 Cat Foods for Urinary Health and Stress?

Here’s a look at 10 of the best cat foods specifically designed to manage urinary issues and reduce stress in cats. We’ve included both prescription and non-prescription options, so you’ll find something that works for your cat no matter their specific needs.

Cat Food	Key Features	💡 Why It’s Great
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress	Prescription, helps manage FLUTD and stress	Contains L-tryptophan and hydrolyzed casein to calm stressed cats.
2. Royal Canin Urinary SO Calm	Prescription, prevents struvite and calcium oxalate stones	Designed to prevent urinary crystals and contains calming ingredients.
3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary UR St/Ox Stress	Prescription, formulated to dissolve stones	Promotes a healthy urinary pH and contains L-theanine for stress relief.
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet WU	Prescription, weight management and urinary care	Low magnesium to reduce stone formation and moderate calorie content.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Urinary & Hairball Control	Non-prescription, promotes bladder health and reduces hairballs	Available over-the-counter, supports urinary health while managing hairballs.
6. Royal Canin Feline Urinary SO	Prescription, proven to reduce urinary issues	Dissolves struvite stones and lowers urinary saturation.
7. Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Formula	Non-prescription, affordable and effective	Lowers urinary pH, promotes hydration, and supports bladder health.
8. Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Health	Non-prescription, budget-friendly urinary support	Helps maintain a healthy urinary pH and is a good everyday diet for cats prone to UTIs.
9. Wysong Uretic Feline Diet	Non-prescription, holistic approach to urinary health	Contains natural ingredients, cranberry extract, and omega-3s to support the urinary tract.
10. Hill’s Prescription Diet s/d	Prescription, designed to dissolve struvite stones	Highly specialized formula for cats with active urinary stones.

💡 Pro Tip: If your cat has been diagnosed with a urinary condition like FLUTD, it’s crucial to work with your vet to determine whether a prescription formula is needed. Over-the-counter options can be helpful for prevention, but cats with ongoing problems often require specialized care.

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💧 How Does Diet Impact a Cat’s Urinary Health?

Diet is a primary factor in controlling your cat’s urinary health. The right food can help regulate urine pH, promote hydration, and prevent the formation of urinary crystals or stones. Here’s how these foods help manage urinary issues:

1. Urine pH Control: Cat foods designed for urinary health help maintain a slightly acidic urine pH (ideally between 6.2 and 6.4), which prevents the formation of struvite crystals. Struvite stones are a common issue in cats with urinary stress and form when urine is too alkaline.
2. Hydration Support: Cats are known for not drinking enough water, which can lead to concentrated urine and urinary issues. Urinary-specific cat foods are formulated to promote increased water intake, either by being moisture-rich (like wet foods) or encouraging cats to drink more. Wet foods are generally more effective for urinary health, but there are dry foods specifically designed to increase water consumption as well.
3. Low Magnesium and Minerals: Many urinary foods are low in magnesium, which helps reduce the formation of urinary crystals. These foods are also designed to prevent calcium oxalate stones by controlling mineral content and ensuring that your cat’s urine is properly diluted.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure your cat is getting enough water throughout the day. Feeding wet food and placing multiple water bowls or a fountain around the house can encourage hydration and help prevent urinary problems.

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🧘 How Do These Cat Foods Help Reduce Stress?

Stress plays a significant role in urinary health for cats. Stress can trigger inflammation in the urinary tract and lead to conditions like FLUTD. Many cat foods designed for urinary health also contain ingredients that help calm your cat and reduce their overall stress levels. Here’s what to look for:

1. L-tryptophan: This amino acid is commonly found in foods designed for both urinary health and stress management. It promotes the production of serotonin, a chemical that regulates mood and reduces anxiety in cats.
2. Hydrolyzed Casein: A milk protein hydrolysate that has been shown to have calming effects on cats. It’s found in prescription diets like Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress and Royal Canin Urinary SO Calm.
3. L-theanine: An amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing sedation. It’s commonly used in both human and pet supplements for anxiety and is found in products like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary UR St/Ox Stress.

💡 Pro Tip: Reducing your cat’s environmental stress—by providing quiet spaces, using cat calming sprays, or adding vertical spaces like shelves—can complement these stress-reducing diets for better results.

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🏥 Do I Need a Prescription for All Urinary Health Cat Foods?

Not all cat foods for urinary health require a prescription, but prescription diets are often necessary for cats with chronic urinary problems or conditions like FLUTD or bladder stones. Here’s a breakdown of when you might need a prescription and when over-the-counter options work:

1. Prescription Diets: If your cat has been diagnosed with a urinary issue, such as struvite stones, calcium oxalate crystals, or recurrent UTIs, a prescription diet like Hill’s Prescription Diet or Royal Canin Urinary SO may be necessary. These foods are specifically designed to dissolve existing stones and prevent recurrence. They are only available through your vet.
2. Over-the-Counter Diets: If your cat is prone to urinary issues but hasn’t been diagnosed with a serious condition, non-prescription options like Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health Formula or Iams ProActive Health Urinary Tract Health can help maintain a healthy urinary tract and prevent future problems. These foods often focus on lowering urine pH and maintaining hydration but are not strong enough to treat active medical conditions.

💡 Pro Tip: Always consult your vet if your cat shows signs of urinary distress, such as frequent urination, straining, or blood in the urine. They can recommend the right prescription or non-prescription food based on your cat’s needs.

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🐾 How to Choose the Right Cat Food for Urinary Health and Stress

Choosing the best cat food for urinary health and stress involves looking at several factors, including your cat’s current health, their dietary preferences, and whether they need a prescription formula. Here are some important tips:

1. Consult Your Vet: If your cat has been diagnosed with a urinary issue, always consult your vet before changing their diet. Your vet will likely recommend a prescription formula if your cat has had bladder stones or recurrent UTIs.
2. Wet vs. Dry Food: Wet food is generally better for urinary health because it provides additional moisture, helping to dilute the urine. However, if your cat prefers dry food, look for options that promote increased water intake, like Royal Canin Urinary SO Dry.
3. Check for Calming Ingredients: If your cat is prone to stress, look for foods with L-tryptophan, L-theanine, or hydrolyzed casein to help manage both stress and urinary health.
4. Low Magnesium Content: Ensure the food has low magnesium to prevent urinary crystals from forming. Most urinary health foods are formulated with lower mineral content to promote healthy urine pH.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your cat’s hydration levels—whether they’re eating wet or dry food. Encouraging your cat to drink water is key to preventing urinary problems.

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📝 Final Recap: What You Need to Know About Cat Food for Urinary Stress

• Prescription foods like Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d and Royal Canin Urinary SO are the best choice for cats with diagnosed urinary conditions.
• Non-prescription options like Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health can help prevent urinary issues in healthy cats.
• Look for foods that control urine pH, promote hydration, and include calming ingredients like L-tryptophan for stress relief.
• Always work with your vet to find the best food for your cat’s urinary health and stress management.

By choosing the right food, you can help your cat live a healthier, more comfortable life free from urinary issues and the stress that can trigger them. 🐱💧✨

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Q: How long does it take for urinary health cat food to start working?

The effectiveness of urinary health cat food can vary depending on the severity of your cat’s condition and how well they respond to the diet. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Immediate Changes (First Few Days): In the first few days of switching to a urinary-specific cat food, you may notice your cat drinking more water or showing signs of more frequent urination. This is because many of these foods promote hydration, helping to flush the urinary tract. While the food will begin working on the urinary environment right away, it may take time before you notice significant improvements in symptoms.
2. Dissolving Stones or Crystals (2-4 Weeks): If your cat is eating a prescription diet designed to dissolve struvite stones or manage calcium oxalate crystals, it can take 2 to 4 weeks for the food to begin breaking down these formations. During this time, your vet will likely recommend regular check-ups to monitor your cat’s progress through urine tests or ultrasounds.
3. Managing Chronic Conditions (Long-Term Use): For cats with chronic urinary issues like FLUTD or recurring UTIs, urinary-specific diets are meant to be used long-term to prevent future problems. While you may see improvements in symptoms within a few weeks, such as reduced straining or discomfort during urination, maintaining your cat on the diet is crucial to avoid a recurrence. These foods are designed to regulate urine pH, reduce inflammation, and support bladder health over time.

💡 Pro Tip: Always follow your vet’s guidance on how long your cat should stay on a urinary health diet. Even if symptoms improve quickly, sudden changes back to a regular diet could cause issues to return.

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Q: Is it okay to feed urinary health cat food to all my cats, or just the one with urinary issues?

While urinary health cat food is formulated specifically for cats with urinary conditions, it’s generally safe to feed to healthy cats as well, but there are a few considerations:

1. Prescription Diets: If your cat with urinary issues is on a prescription formula like Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d or Royal Canin Urinary SO, these diets are designed for specific medical needs. Feeding them to healthy cats won’t cause harm, but it may not be nutritionally optimal for those without urinary issues. These foods are lower in certain minerals, which is important for cats with urinary problems but may not be ideal for cats that don’t need such a formulation.
2. Non-Prescription Diets: If you’re using an over-the-counter urinary food, such as Purina ONE Urinary Tract Health or Iams Urinary Tract Health, it’s generally fine for all your cats. These foods are formulated to support bladder health by maintaining a healthy urine pH and promoting hydration, which can benefit any cat. However, they may have lower protein or other adjustments that might not be ideal for every cat’s diet.
3. Age and Special Dietary Needs: Consider the individual needs of each of your cats. If any of them have special dietary requirements—such as needing a high-protein diet for kittens or managing weight issues—you may need to choose separate foods or work with your vet to find a solution that fits all your cats.

💡 Pro Tip: If your cats share a food bowl, consult your vet to ensure that a urinary health food can meet all of your cats’ nutritional needs. Some brands, like Royal Canin Urinary SO, offer formulations that are safe for healthy cats and can be fed to a multi-cat household.

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Q: My cat is on a urinary health diet but still has urinary issues. What should I do?

If your cat is still experiencing urinary problems despite being on a urinary health diet, it’s important to take action promptly:

1. Consult Your Vet: Ongoing urinary issues could indicate that the food alone isn’t enough to manage your cat’s condition, or that there’s an underlying issue that hasn’t been fully addressed. Speak to your vet for a thorough evaluation, including urine tests or imaging to rule out complications like bladder stones, infection, or obstructions.
2. Reevaluate the Diet: Not all urinary health diets work the same for every cat. Your vet may recommend switching to a different prescription formula if the current one isn’t effective. For example, if your cat is on a food designed to dissolve struvite stones but has calcium oxalate crystals, a different formulation may be needed.
3. Consider Hydration: Even with a urinary health diet, dehydration can worsen your cat’s urinary problems. Make sure your cat is getting enough water throughout the day. This might mean incorporating more wet food into their diet, using a fountain to encourage drinking, or adding water to dry food to increase moisture intake.
4. Medications or Supplements: If diet alone isn’t resolving the issue, your vet may suggest adding urinary health supplements like Cranberry extract or Glucosamine, which help support the bladder lining. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics may be necessary to resolve ongoing issues.

💡 Pro Tip: Cats can be sensitive to changes in their diet or environment. If your cat is still stressed, consider adding a calming pheromone diffuser or stress-reducing supplements in addition to the urinary health food to help reduce inflammation triggered by stress.

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Q: Is dry food or wet food better for cats with urinary issues?

In general, wet food is considered better for cats with urinary problems because it provides additional moisture that helps dilute the urine and flush the urinary tract. However, dry food has its place too, and there are specific dry formulations designed to support urinary health. Here’s how they compare:

1. Wet Food Benefits: Wet foods, such as Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress Wet or Royal Canin Urinary SO Canned, have a higher moisture content, which promotes better hydration and helps prevent crystal formation in the urine. Cats who consume more moisture tend to have more diluted urine, which lowers the risk of UTIs and bladder stones. Wet food is generally preferred for cats with recurrent urinary problems.
2. Dry Food Considerations: Some dry foods, like Royal Canin Urinary SO Dry or Purina Pro Plan UR St/Ox Stress Dry, are formulated to maintain a healthy urine pH and encourage water intake. While dry food doesn’t provide the same hydration as wet food, these specialized formulas can still support urinary health, especially when combined with other methods to encourage water consumption, such as providing a water fountain or wet food as part of the diet.
3. Combination Approach: Many pet owners choose a mixed feeding approach, offering both wet and dry urinary health food to balance the benefits of both. Wet food increases moisture intake, while dry food helps with dental health and provides variety in texture, which some cats prefer.

💡 Pro Tip: If your cat prefers dry food, make sure they have constant access to fresh water and consider adding extra moisture to their food, such as broth or water, to keep them hydrated.

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Q: Can stress really cause urinary issues in cats, and how does diet help?

Yes, stress is a significant factor in triggering urinary problems in cats, particularly in conditions like Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). Here’s why stress matters and how diet can help:

1. Stress and Urinary Health: When cats are stressed—due to environmental changes, lack of stimulation, or even household conflicts—their bodies release hormones that can lead to inflammation in the urinary tract. This inflammation can cause pain, straining to urinate, and even trigger the formation of crystals or stones in the bladder. Stress is also linked to interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition where the bladder becomes inflamed without an infection being present.
2. Dietary Stress Relief: Many urinary health diets now contain calming ingredients to help manage stress-related urinary issues. For example:
   • L-tryptophan, an amino acid found in foods like Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Stress, helps promote the production of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood and stress levels.
   • Hydrolyzed casein, found in products like Royal Canin Urinary SO Calm, is a milk protein that has been shown to have calming effects on cats, reducing their overall anxiety.
   • L-theanine, an amino acid derived from green tea, is another calming ingredient found in some veterinary diets, like Purina Pro Plan UR St/Ox Stress.
3. Holistic Stress Management: Along with diet, it’s important to manage your cat’s overall environment to minimize stress. Using calming pheromones (like Feliway diffusers), providing ample hiding spots, and maintaining a consistent routine can help reduce stress and improve urinary health.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider integrating enrichment activities, such as interactive toys or vertical spaces, to reduce boredom and stress in your cat’s environment. When combined with the right diet, these can significantly improve urinary health.

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Q: How can I tell if my cat’s urinary health food is working effectively?

Monitoring whether your cat’s urinary health food is working requires paying close attention to their urination habits and overall behavior. Here’s how to determine if the diet is making a positive difference:

1. Urination Frequency and Behavior: One of the earliest signs that the urinary food is working is a noticeable improvement in urination habits. If your cat was previously straining, going to the litter box frequently without producing much urine, or showing signs of discomfort, a successful urinary diet should result in more regular, comfortable urination. Your cat should be able to empty their bladder without signs of pain or discomfort.
2. Reduction in Accidents: If your cat has been urinating outside the litter box due to urinary stress or pain, a successful switch to urinary health food may reduce or eliminate these accidents. Cats often associate the litter box with pain when they have urinary issues, leading them to avoid it. Once their urinary tract is functioning properly again, they are more likely to return to their normal litter box habits.
3. Fewer Urinary Crystals or Stones: If your cat was diagnosed with struvite crystals or calcium oxalate stones, your vet will likely perform urine tests to check if the food is effectively dissolving these crystals or preventing new ones from forming. After a few weeks on the urinary food, a successful diet will show improved urine composition, with a more balanced pH and a reduction in crystals or stones.
4. Hydration Levels: Cats prone to urinary issues often suffer from dehydration, which leads to concentrated urine and an increased risk of crystals. If the urinary food is effective, your cat should start drinking more water and staying hydrated. Look for signs like more frequent water bowl visits or well-hydrated skin (skin that springs back quickly when gently pulled).
5. General Well-Being: Urinary issues can cause discomfort and stress, leading to changes in your cat’s mood and energy levels. If your cat is more relaxed, active, and playful after starting the urinary diet, these are positive signs that their health is improving.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep track of your cat’s litter box habits and overall behavior in a daily log for the first few weeks after switching to a urinary health diet. This will give you clear evidence of any improvements and help your vet make informed adjustments if necessary.

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Q: My cat dislikes their urinary health food. What can I do?

It’s not uncommon for cats to be picky eaters, especially when switching to a specialized diet like urinary health food. Here’s how to encourage your cat to eat their new food:

1. Gradual Transition: Cats are creatures of habit, and a sudden change in their food can lead to rejection. Start by mixing a small amount of the new urinary health food into their regular diet, gradually increasing the proportion over 7-10 days. This slow transition allows your cat to get used to the taste and texture without feeling overwhelmed by the change.
2. Enhance Palatability: If your cat still resists, try enhancing the palatability of the urinary health food. Add a small amount of wet food or low-sodium broth to make the meal more appealing. Warming the food slightly can also enhance the aroma, which may tempt your cat to try it. Just be cautious not to add ingredients that might interfere with the food’s urinary benefits, such as high-sodium or high-protein items.
3. Try a Different Texture: Some cats have strong preferences for either wet or dry food. If your cat dislikes one form, consider trying the opposite texture. Many urinary health foods come in both wet and dry versions, so switching from one to the other might be enough to spark your cat’s interest.
4. Use Food Toppers: There are urinary-friendly food toppers that you can sprinkle over the food to improve the taste without compromising the diet’s effectiveness. Some cats find these highly appealing, and it can make the transition smoother.
5. Consult Your Vet for Alternatives: If your cat continues to reject the urinary food, consult your vet about other brands or formulations. There are several urinary health diets available, each with different flavor profiles and ingredients. Your vet may recommend a different brand that better suits your cat’s taste preferences while still supporting their urinary health.

💡 Pro Tip: Be patient during the transition. Cats are known for being slow to accept new foods, but with persistence and a thoughtful approach, they will often come around to the new diet, especially when their health improves.

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Q: What should I do if my cat’s urinary food doesn’t seem to be improving their condition?

If your cat’s urinary health isn’t improving after switching to a specialized diet, there could be several reasons, and it’s important to take further steps to ensure their well-being:

1. Reevaluate the Diet: While many urinary diets are designed to address common urinary issues like struvite crystals and UTIs, they may not be effective for every cat. If your cat’s condition is not improving, it’s worth revisiting the specific formulation they’re on. Some urinary foods are focused on struvite crystals, while others address calcium oxalate stones or inflammatory conditions like interstitial cystitis. Make sure the diet matches your cat’s diagnosis.
2. Hydration Issues: Even with a urinary-specific food, your cat may not be drinking enough water to see a significant improvement in their condition. If your cat primarily eats dry food, consider switching to a wet formula or encouraging more water intake by adding extra water to the food or using a cat fountain. Increased hydration is key to flushing out the urinary tract and preventing crystal formation.
3. Check for Stress Factors: Stress plays a major role in urinary problems, particularly in cats with FLUTD. If your cat’s environment is stressful—due to changes in routine, conflicts with other pets, or lack of stimulation—this could be exacerbating their urinary issues. Consider incorporating stress-relieving strategies such as providing quiet spaces, using pheromone diffusers, or adding calming supplements alongside the urinary diet.
4. Underlying Medical Conditions: If the urinary food isn’t solving the problem, your cat may have an underlying condition that requires medical intervention. Conditions like bladder infections, kidney disease, or even tumors could be at play, and it’s important to get a thorough evaluation from your vet. Additional diagnostic tests like urine cultures, blood tests, or imaging may be needed to uncover the root cause.
5. Combine Diet with Medication: In some cases, diet alone may not be enough to resolve urinary issues. Your vet may recommend medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or pain relief to help manage the symptoms alongside the urinary health food.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on litter box habits, and if you notice signs like frequent urination, straining, or blood in the urine, reach out to your vet promptly for further advice. Early intervention can prevent more serious complications from developing.

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Q: Are there any foods or ingredients I should avoid if my cat has urinary issues?

Yes, certain foods and ingredients can exacerbate urinary issues in cats and should be avoided if your cat is prone to urinary tract problems. Here’s a list of ingredients to watch out for:

1. High Magnesium Content: Magnesium is a mineral that contributes to the formation of struvite crystals in the urine. While magnesium is an essential nutrient, excessive amounts can lead to urinary issues. Avoid cat foods that are high in magnesium, especially if your cat has a history of struvite stones. Many urinary health foods are specifically formulated to be low in magnesium to prevent crystal formation.
2. Fish-Based Diets: While fish-flavored cat foods can be appealing to cats, fish-based diets are often higher in minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, which can contribute to urinary issues. If your cat is prone to urinary problems, it’s best to limit their intake of fish-based foods and opt for chicken, turkey, or other proteins that are lower in these minerals.
3. Grains and Fillers: Some commercial cat foods contain grains like corn, wheat, or soy as fillers. While these ingredients aren’t directly harmful to the urinary tract, they can be less nutritionally beneficial for cats who thrive on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Cats with urinary issues often do better on grain-free, high-quality protein diets that support muscle mass and proper urinary function.
4. High-Sodium Foods: Foods high in salt can lead to dehydration, which is a major contributor to urinary issues in cats. Dehydration results in more concentrated urine, which increases the risk of crystal formation and infections. Make sure your cat’s diet is moderate to low in sodium, and avoid adding any salty human foods to their meals.
5. High-Phosphorus Diets: Phosphorus is another mineral that, in excess, can worsen urinary problems. Cats with a history of kidney disease or urinary issues may need a diet that is lower in phosphorus to avoid overloading their system with excess minerals that could strain their urinary tract or kidneys.

💡 Pro Tip: When shopping for cat food, check the label for low magnesium and low phosphorus content, and avoid any foods that list these minerals at the top of the ingredient list.