Question about gallstones in Cats?

Question

Is there a link between dry food products and gallstones?

A vet says bladder crystals & related diseases were highly prominent in the early 1990’s with the advent of dry food products seem to have turned this around considerably is this true or not?

A bad wet food diet prior to the advent of dry food products seem to be the main cause is this true?

Answer 1

Cat's aren't prone to gall stones - bladder stones, yes.  It's not dry food per se that causes problems, it's the high ash content of the cheaper brands. Because meat that is prepared for cat food is cooked at a high temperature, it leaves a residue of ash. Within the ash, there is calcium, magnesium,  potassium and other trace minerals. Therefore; food with a higher proportion of meat content will contain more ash. However, better quality meat will produce less ash. Cats require a certain amount of ash in their diets so it cannot be eliminated completely.  The shape of the males urinary tract makes them prone to blockage from crystals trying to pass.