In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best Hill’s cd dog food alternatives in 2024.
Hill’s c/d Urinary Care is a well-known vet-prescribed dog food that helps canines with urinary tract problems.
The special formula has small amounts of phosphorus and calcium, but a big percentage of fat and fiber to help reduce the risk of bladder crystals and stone formation. It also reduces inflammation and keeps the UT clean.
However, this premium ingredients food is pricey, pretty high in calories and it’s grain-inclusive.
So, our goal was to find the best substitutes to Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care dog food.
The best Hill’s c/d dog food alternative recipes should have high-quality ingredients, a balanced amount of minerals, provide urinary support and overall health benefits, and offer good value for money.
Check out our detailed review of the best substitutes to Hill’s c/d Multicare Urinary Care dog food.
Short on Time? Check Out 5 Best Hills Cd dog Food Alternative Formulas
- Best Overall Alternative: Hill’s Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Care Dry Dog Food
- Best for Picky Eaters: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St Wet Dog Food
- Best for Seniors: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Aging 7+ Dry Dog Food
- Best Budget Choice: Blue Buffalo Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Dry Dog Food
- Best Non-Prescription: Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Dry Dog Food
Best Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care Alternatives
We researched the 5 best substitutes to Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care dog food. Read our reviews below.
1. Hill’s Prescription Diet u/d Urinary Care Dry Dog Food
Key Takeaways
- Helps dissolve stones and it reduces the risk of urate and cystine stones formation and recurrence
- Controlled levels of minerals to help prevent bladder stones
- High-quality protein for strong muscles and healthy UT
- Antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to strengthen the immune system
- Enriched with taurine and L-carnitine which promote healthy heart and brain
If you are a fan of Hill’s food and your doggo loves eating it, we have good news for you.
Hill’s u/d is a terrific alternative to Hill’s c/d and you can easily switch to this formula made by the same manufacturer.
This recipe was specially crafted by nutritionists and vets for adult dogs of any breed who struggle with urinary problems.
The formula helps dissolve cystine and urate stones and it reduces the risk of their recurrence. Hill’s u/d kibble supports bladder health by promoting favorable urine pH levels and low sodium amounts.
It features chicken by-product meal and soybean meal which are great sources of digestible protein that not only helps maintain muscle but also lowers the risk of non-struvite stone formation.
Note that this formula has less protein than the c/d formula (12 % vs 18 %).
Furthermore, both Hill’s c/d and u/d have whole grain corn which is an excellent ingredient that is easy to digest too and it gives your pup energy to stay active throughout the day.
Plus, it is a source of omega 6-fatty acid that gives your dog shiny skin and coat.
Flaxseed and chicken fat are other common ingredients in the two formulas which are also high in omega fatty acids that boost your dog’s skin, coat, and general well-being.
And added L-carnitine and taurine make both recipes beneficial for a healthy heart and brain.
In addition, the u/d recipe is enhanced with antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and protect your pal from diseases.
What’s important, the kibble is smaller in size which makes it suitable even for extra smaller breeds.
Note that if your dog is allergic to grain, it’s safer to choose a grain-free option from our list.
Our top pick features first-rate ingredients that promote urinary and overall health and it’s a great choice for dog parents who are ready to pay a bit more.
2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary Ox/St Wet Dog Food
Key Takeaways
- Promotes an unfavorable environment for crystal occurrence
- Helps dissolve sterile struvite stones and reduces the risk of struvite and calcium oxalate recurrence
- High in moisture beneficial for urinary problems
- Premium quality protein
- Strengthens the immune system
This is our favorite wet alternative to Hill’s Science Diet c/d food.
The special recipe developed with vets, nutritionists and researchers helps dissolve struvite stones and lowers the risk of both sterile struvite and calcium oxalate formation and recurrence.
In addition, dogs find the recipe delicious, and even fussy eaters devour it!
It’s no wonder since the first ingredient is chicken.
This meat is a great source of protein that helps dogs build muscle and stay fit.
But, if your dog has kidney problems Hill’s food is a better choice since it’s lower in protein.
Purina Pro contains meat by-products and liver while Hill’s recipe contains pork liver as an additional source of protein and nutrients to keep your buddy ready for new adventures.
Both Hill’s c/d and Purina Pro’s wet formulas feature rice to provide carbohydrates for your fur baby and both formulas are grain-inclusive.
Carbohydrates are necessary for energy, besides, rice is easily digestible.
Moreover, Purina Pro’s wet formula is incredibly high in moisture, 78% and that’s useful especially for dogs with urinary issues since it increases their water intake, thus increasing their urine volume.
Adult dogs of any breed can enjoy the tasty wet formula enriched with vitamins and minerals to boost their immune system and help them stay healthy.
This substitute is slightly cheaper than Hill’s.
3. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Urinary SO Aging 7+ Dry Dog Food
Key Takeaways
- RSS method to reduce the risk of crystal formation
- Helps dissolve struvite stones
- Helps prevent struvite and calcium oxalate stones
- Promotes optimal urinary ion concentration and urinary pH
- Antioxidants and nutrients to support vitality and cognition in aging dogs
Another fantastic dry food option for aging dogs with urinary health concerns.
The recipe is lower in fat, vitamins, and minerals and that’s why it’s not suitable for young dogs, but only for senior dogs (7+ years old).
What’s special about this formula is that it supports urinary health, vitality, and cognition, and it stimulates appetite.
Aging dogs can experience lower appetite so it’s important to choose palatable kibble they can enjoy eating.
Royal Canin’s vet-exclusive dry food creates an unfavorable environment for the formation of struvite and calcium oxalate stones.
On top of that, it helps dissolve struvite stones and promotes bladder health.
Royal Canin uses chicken by-product meal as a source of protein whereas Hill’s uses chicken meal.
Protein is important to build and maintain muscle and help your canine stay active.
If you avoid by-products, Hill’s formula is maybe a better option for you.
On the one hand, Hill’s recipe contains flaxseed which is high in omega fatty acids, on the other hand, Royal Canin’s kibble has fish oil, an excellent source of these healthy fats.
Omega fatty acids can give your dog a silky coat, help with allergies and relieve joint pain.
Added vitamins and minerals boost your pal’s immune system, and reduced levels of sodium and phosphorus support urinary health.
Note that this recipe is grain-inclusive, so if your dog has allergies or you would rather choose grain-free food, check out a different option from our list.
4. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet W+U Weight Management + Urinary Care Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Key Takeaways
- Controlled levels of minerals to support urinary health
- Increased fiber to help dogs feel fuller
- Helps dogs lose weight
- Real Chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Grain-free; no poultry-by-products
Blue Buffalo’s formula is specially crafted with quality natural ingredients to promote weight loss and urinary health.
Adult dogs of any breed who struggle with urinary issues can benefit from this recipe made with controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, and sodium.
Furthermore, the kibble has ideal levels of fat and calories to help dogs lose weight.
This recipe features peas as one of the main ingredients.
As a matter of fact, peas are high in protein, but in fiber too.
Food stacked with fiber keeps your dog full longer, therefore preventing excess weight gain.
Compared to Hill’s recipe which has Chicken Meal, Blue Buffalo uses Chicken, Chicken Meal, and Turkey Meal to provide your furry buddy with protein.
Both formulas have flaxseed rich in omega fatty acids to give your dog healthy skin and coat.
Nevertheless, Blue Buffalo’s recipe is loaded with veggies and fruit like cranberries which are high in nutrients and help with urinary problems but also keep your canine healthy and strong.
Dog parents who avoid poultry by-products and grains such as corn, wheat, and soy, will appreciate this grain-free formula.
But, if your dog doesn’t need weight management, or needs a grain-inclusive diet, we recommend different foods listed here.
5. Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Kidney Renal Support Dry Dog Food
Key Takeaways
- Balanced food for dogs with kidney and urinary problems
- Reduced levels of protein, sodium, and phosphorous to help with renal and cardiac issues
- Limited-ingredient recipe suitable for dogs with allergies
- Grain-free, gluten-free
- NON-GMO, no artificial ingredients
Forza10’s kibble is our favorite non-prescription dry food.
Adult dogs of any breed who experience kidney problems and heart disease can benefit from this special formula made with natural ingredients, low protein, sodium, and phosphorous.
The recipe includes hydrolyzed fish, a single-protein source that is high in omega-3 fatty acids to keep your pup strong and have radiant skin.
Clover is another excellent ingredient that cleans the urinary system and may aid in cases of renal failure.
Moreover, cranberries are also beneficial for keeping the UT clean, and dandelion root helps maintain good gut flora.
Both Hill’s and Forza10’s recipes contain dried beet pulp which provides your canine with prebiotics and supports the digestive and urinary system.
However, Forza10’s kibble is grain-free, chicken-free, uses single-carb sources and has no by-product meals which makes it appropriate for dogs prone to allergies.
The blend of plant and fruit extracts as well as omega fatty acids provides a nutritious meal and promotes overall health.
Also, pet lovers will be glad to know that the fish is sustainably sourced and cruelty-free.
But, if your dog needs a vet-prescribed food to fight urinary issues, it’s better to opt for a different c/d substitute.
How to Transition to New Food
Dogs can be sensitive to dietary changes and that’s why you need to make the transition gradual.
It’s recommended to follow at least a 7-day switch plan before feeding your dog solely new food.
Please take a look at our mini guide:
Mix 75 % old food with 25 % new food for a couple of days.
Continue mixing 50 % old food with 50 % new food for the next 2 days.
Then, mix 25 % old food with 75 % new food around the 5th day.
Finally, give your dog only new food and observe his reactions.
We suggest watching Dr. Gary’s video on how to switch your dog to a new food without causing an upset stomach.
Consult your vet for the best advice on how to transition to new food.
Final Thoughts
Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Multicare Urinary Care is medical nutrition that helps many dogs with urinary problems.
The best Hill’s c/d dog food alternatives reviewed here also offer high-quality ingredients, added vitamins, and controlled levels of minerals to support your canine’s urinary health, skin, and general well-being.
Our favorite pick, Hill’s u/d Urinary Care should help dissolve stones and reduce the risk of urate and cystine stones formation and recurrence.
The formula is enhanced with antioxidants to boost your pal’s immune system and keep him healthy and strong.
And omega fatty acids, added l-carnitine and taurine take care of his skin, heart, and brain.
The runners-up can be a great solution too since they promote bladder health, boost the immune system, and offer premium dry or wet recipes.
We encourage you to consult your vet before making any decision regarding your dog’s diet.
