It's not uncommon for cats to have sensitive stomachs. Some cats are born
with irritable digestive tracts, and others develop sensitivity due to old
age or certain health conditions. If your cat vomits easily or often has
loose stools, you should buy cat food for felines with sensitive stomachs.
But what's the best cat food for sensitive stomach? We're here to help
answer that question.
Many pet companies make high-quality food for cats with specific needs.
However, our goal was to choose the best of the best. We reviewed the most
popular foods for a cat’s sensitive stomach, and at the end of our testing
process, we chose five brands we believe to be the best in the industry.
Summary of the Best Cat Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
-
Best Overall Cat Food:
Smalls
-
Best Cat Food for Older Cats:
JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe
-
Best Cat Food for Picky Cats:
Made by Nacho Digestive Support Kibble
-
Best Cat Food for Kittens: Miracle
Vet Instant Fresh Cat Food -
Best Dry Cat Food: Hill's
Prescription Diet Digestive Care
1. Best Cat Foods for Sensitive Stomachs
Best Overall: Smalls
Why We Love It
Smalls is a pet food company that puts quality over convenience. We were
really impressed with the ingredients in their wet food, all of which are
fresh, human-grade, and USDA-certified. Smalls also sources their
ingredients sustainably, and they make sure the foods have been harvested
humanely.
Smalls makes their cat food in multiple textures. The ground options have a
bit more texture and are good for younger cats with good teeth. If you have
an older cat with dental problems, try the smooth options. They are very
finely textured and easily licked out of a bowl.
Small's Smooth Fish food receives rave reviews from customers whose cats
have sensitive stomachs. They say their cats vomit less often and seem to
have firmer stools after a few days of eating this food.
Customers whose cats are sensitive to chicken or poultry often prefer
Small's Smooth Cow food, made with beef and beef liver. Reviewers also
appreciate that all of Smalls' foods are free from sodium nitrate, guar
gum, and other artificial ingredients that may irritate cats' stomachs.
Customers interested in Smalls cat food can order a sample package to
start. Smalls' foods are available by subscription, and customers can
cancel or change their order at any time.
Pros:
• Made with human-grade ingredients
• Shipped on dry ice
• Soft, easy-to-chew texture
Cons:
• Needs to be thawed before feeding
Specs:
• Size: 4.1 ounces/package, 5 ounces/package, 5.5 ounces/package
• Type: Frozen fresh food
• Flavor(s): Smooth Bird, Ground Bird, Smooth Other Bird, Ground Other Bird,
Smooth Cow, Smooth Fish
2. Best for Older Cats:
JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe
Why We Love It
JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe is a great choice for adult cats
due to its fine texture and high moisture content. Reviewers say their
older cats have no trouble chewing this food for sensitive stomachs.
We saw several glowing reviews from customers whose older cats gained
weight after switching from dry kibble to this fresh cat food. The high
moisture level is also great for older cats who don't drink enough and
those prone to kidney and urinary tract problems.
We were pleased to see that JustFoodForCats uses real, wild-caught cod in
its wet cat foods. The formula is free from all grains and gluten, which
makes it a good option for cats with sensitive stomachs and food allergies.
Chicken thighs, chicken livers, and sardines make this food not only
nutritious but also very appealing to older cats who may not have the
strongest sense of smell.
JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe saves cat owners time compared to
making home-cooked cat food. The packages of food arrive frozen and must be
thawed before use. JustFoodForCats provides instructions on how much to
feed your cat based on their weight.
JustFoodForCats offers free shipping on most cat food orders. They also
offer discounts to customers who sign up for their Autoship program.
Pros:
• Gluten-free and grain-free
• High moisture levels for hydration
• Made with wild-caught cod
Cons:
• Must be thawed before use
Specs:
• Size: 18 ounces/package
• Type: Frozen fresh food
• Flavor(s): Fish & Chicken
Check out JustFoodForCats Fish and Chicken Recipe today
3. Best for Picky Cats:
Made by Nacho Digestive Support Kibble
Why We Love It
If your cat is picky and often turns up their nose at dry food, we
recommend trying Made by Nacho Digestive Support cat food. This cat food is
made with several aromatic and appealing ingredients that your cat will
love, like bone broth, turkey, and chicken fat. Reviewers say even their
picky cats get excited to eat this food.
Made by Nacho Digestive Support, this cat food contains both prebiotics and
probiotics to help build your cat's intestinal microbiome for improved
digestive health. Customers say their cats’ stools become more solid within
a few weeks of switching over to this food. Several reviewers mention a
reduction in vomiting with this cat food, too.
We were pleased to see many high-quality ingredients in this cat food for
sensitive stomachs. It contains dried blueberries, butternut squash, and
brown rice. Salmon oil provides ample omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for a
healhthier coat and skin. For best results, Made by Nacho recommends slowly
transitioning your cat to this food over a period of 10 days.
Made by Nacho offers free shipping on orders over a certain cost. They also
offer discounts to customers who sign up for their Subscribe & Save
program.
Pros:
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion
• Enhanced with omega-3 fatty acids
• Appealing flavor
Cons:
• Not ideal for cats with dental issues
Specs:
• Size: 2 pounds/bag, 4 pounds/bag
• Type: Dry food
• Flavor(s): Digestive Support, Skin & Coat Support
Check out Made by Nacho Digestive Support Kibble today
4. Best for Kittens:
Miracle Vet Instant Fresh Cat Food
Why We Love It
Kittens can have sensitive stomachs, too, but it's not always easy to find
a sensitive stomach cat food that is appropriate for kittens. Miracle Vet
Instant Fresh Cat Food can be given to kittens as young as four weeks, and
it can also be fed to pregnant and nursing cats.
This cat food comes in a dehydrated form. Before serving, add water to your
cat's food ration and let it soak for three minutes. The formula is
veterinarian-reviewed, containing natural and minimally processed
ingredients that are easy on cats' stomachs.
Reviewers say their cats and kittens thrive on this food. Several reviewers
mentioned using this food for kittens with loose stools and suspected food
allergies. They say their kittens seem healthier and more vibrant after
switching to Miracle Vet.
Customers also appreciate not having to store this food in the fridge or
freezer. Miracle Vet offers discounts to customers who sign up for their
Subscribe & Save Program.
Pros:
• Appropriate for kittens as young as four weeks
• Made in small batches
• Does not need to be refrigerated
• Veterinarian-reviewed
Cons:
• Must hydrate for three minutes before feeding
Specs:
• Size: 15 ounces/bag
• Type: Dehydrated wet food
• Flavor(s): Chicken & Vegetables
Check out Miracle Vet Instant Fresh Cat Food today
5. Best Dry Food:
Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care
Why We Love It
Dry food is convenient, but not all dry cat food is good for cats with
sensitive stomachs. If you prefer to feed dry cat food, we recommend trying
Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care. Available with a prescription from
your vet, this kibble offers clinically-proven nutrition and is
specifically formulated to be easy on your cat's stomach and intestines.
Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care is formulated with multiple sources
of fiber, which helps calm the stomach and improve stool quality. This cat
food contains healthy grains, including cracked pearled barley and
whole-grain corn. It's also enriched with pork fat, which helps promote a
healthier coat and skin.
Customers say their cats eat this cat food willingly. Some customers feed
it alone, and others feed it in combination with a portion of fresh or wet
food. We saw several reviews from customers whose cats reportedly became
more friendly and playful after switching to this cat food for sensitive
stomachs.
Customers who sign up for Autoship through Chewy can enjoy discounts and
free shipping when they order Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care.
Pros:
• Contains added antioxidants for cellular health
• Clinically proven nutrition
• Made with highly digestible proteins and fats
• Fiber from multiple sources
Cons:
• Only available by prescription from a vet
Specs:
• Size: 4 pounds/bag, 8.5 pounds/bag
• Type: Dry food
• Flavor(s)/Varieties: Chicken
Check out Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care today
What Is Sensitive Stomach Cat Food?
Sensitive stomach cat food is formulated especially for cats with sensitive
digestive tracts. If your cat vomits often, sometimes has diarrhea or loose
stools, or has ever been diagnosed with a condition like irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), then it could likely benefit from sensitive stomach cat
foods.
Sensitive stomach cat foods are usually made with simple, easily digestible
ingredients. They typically contain fish or chicken as a protein source, as
these ingredients are easier to digest than beef or pork. Sensitive stomach
cat food is often free from preservatives, artificial colors, and
artificial flavors that may irritate cats' digestive tracts. Plus, it tends
to be high in fiber, which can help bulk up the stool and relieve diarrhea.
How We Picked the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Many popular cat food brands make formulas for cats with sensitive
stomachs. However, our goal was to choose the five very best cat food
brands to recommend in this article. To achieve this goal, we considered
three sources of information: product descriptions, reviews, and our own
testers' results. Here are the top features and criteria we considered
throughout the process:
Ingredient Quality
Cats with sensitive stomachs often react to lower-quality ingredients. They
may also be sensitive to certain food additives, such as artificial colors
and flavors. As such, we aimed to select cat foods made with high-quality,
natural ingredients. Some of the cat foods featured here are even made with
human-grade ingredients!
Detailed Packaging
When feeding a cat with a sensitive stomach, you want to be careful not to
feed too much or too little. As such, we aimed to feature cat foods with
detailed feeding instructions on the label. We also found that the best cat
food brands included lots of information about their ingredients and food
sourcing on the package.
Reported Results
We read lots of reviews from the owners of cats with sensitive stomachs.
The foods we chose are all ones that reviewers found calmed their cats'
digestive tracts. When we saw reviews that mentioned less frequent vomiting
or diarrhea, we took notice. We also made sure reviewers said their cats
enjoyed the foods we chose. Cats with sensitive stomach concerns are often
picky, and the foods listed here all receive good reviews from the owners
of picky cats.
How Do I Know if My Cat Has a Sensitive Stomach?
Here are some common signs your cat may have a sensitive stomach:
• Frequent diarrhea or loose stools
• Frequent vomiting after eating
• Excessive passing of gas
• Bad breath or frequent belching
• Refusal to eat or perceived pickiness
• Irritability after eating
• Unwillingness to eat more than a small amount at a time
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to make an
appointment with your vet. While your cat may simply have a sensitive
stomach, these symptoms can sometimes be caused by an underlying health
condition that requires treatment. For example,
chronic vomiting
in cats is sometimes caused by conditions like irritable bowel syndrome,
renal disease, or food allergies.
If your vet diagnoses your cat with a medical condition, treatment for that
condition will likely improve your cat's symptoms. However, your vet may
also recommend switching to a cat food for sensitive stomachs.
Things to Consider When Buying Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
When choosing
the best
cat food for sensitive stomach, there are a few factors to consider:
Type of Food
There are four primary types of cat food: kibble, wet cat food, dehydrated
cat food, and fresh cat food. Each type has its pros and cons.
Kibble
Kibble, also known as dry cat food, is the easiest type to feed. You simply
scoop it into your cat's bowl. There is little to no odor and not much
mess. On the downside, kibble can be hard for cats to chew, particularly if
they have dental problems. Therefore, kibble for a sensitive stomach is not
the best choice for older cats or those with missing teeth.
Wet Cat Food
Wet cat food has a soft, moist texture and usually comes in a can or a
pouch. It is a bit messier to feed than kibble, and it tends to have a
strong odor. However, this odor does make it appealing to picky cats and
those with a compromised sense of smell. Wet food is also a good choice for
cats with dental ailments.
You do want to check the ingredients carefully when selecting wet cat food.
Some brands contain a lot of fillers and additives. The best cat food for a
sensitive stomach contains more natural ingredients and foods you'll
recognize, like chicken and rice.
Dehydrated Cat Food
Dehydrated cat food is usually made with natural, real-food ingredients.
Those ingredients are dried out before being packaged. To serve this style
of cat food, you have to stir in some water and let the food sit for a few
minutes. This allows the food to rehydrate, creating a moist meal for your
cat to enjoy.
Dehydrated cat food for a sensitive stomach can be a good option if you
want to feed your cat a more natural diet but don't want to deal with the
hassle of refrigerating fresh food. However, some cat owners don't like
waiting for the food to rehydrate.
Fresh Cat Food
Fresh cat food is essentially cat food made from whole, natural
ingredients. It's not preserved via canning or dehydration. As such, it
must be kept in either a refrigerator or a freezer. Some brands ship their
fresh cat food frozen with the instructions for customers to thaw it before
feeding it to their cats.
Fresh cat food is often a good choice for cats with food allergies since it
typically contains few ingredients. If your cat has a sensitive stomach,
they may have an easier time digesting fresh food than kibble. The downside
to fresh foods is the lack of convenience. Fresh cat food for sensitive
stomachs also tends to come at a higher cost than dry cat food or
conventional wet food.
Ingredients
Regardless of the type of cat food you prefer, make sure you look at the
ingredients. Ideally, you should see a specific meat listed as the first
ingredient. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, food with chicken, fish,
or even turkey as a main protein source is generally better than one made
with beef or pork, which are harder for cats to digest.
The best cat food contains more than just meat. Many brands add some
vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to provide necessary nutrition.
While grain-free foods can be a good choice for some cats allergic to
gluten and grains, not every cat requires a grain-free diet. You do,
however, want to see grains listed further down the ingredient list, not as
a first ingredient. Cat food for sensitive stomachs is often made with
whole grains such as whole-grain oats or barley. These grains are good
sources of fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion.
If you know or suspect that your cat has a food allergy, make sure the food
you choose does not contain allergens that irritate your cat. The most
common allergens
for cats include beef, chicken, wheat, corn, and dairy products. If you're
unsure what your cat is allergic to, see your vet for allergy testing. It
is far easier to choose food for a cat with food allergies once you know
what specific ingredient or ingredients to avoid.
Company Reputation
Finally, look into the company whose cat food you're considering buying.
The best cat food companies usually work with vets or animal nutritionists
to create their formulas. They should share information about their
ingredient quality and sourcing, too. If the company is involved with
pet-related charities or partners with animal rescues, that's another sign
that they're reputable and dedicated.
Benefits of Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, here are a few key benefits of feeding
them a specialty diet.
Improved Stool Quality
Many cats with sensitive stomachs have diarrhea or loose stools. Not only
is this unpleasant for the cat, but it can lead to a messy litter box or
defecation outside the litter box. Cat owners often find that their cats'
stool becomes firmer and more formed when they switch to food for sensitive
stomachs.
Reduced Odors
Cats with a sensitive stomach often have very smelly bowel movements. They
may also pass gas frequently. Switching to a sensitive stomach cat food
usually helps reduce odors, making living with your cat far more enjoyable.
Less Vomiting
Contrary to what pet owners sometimes think, it is not normal for cats to
vomit frequently. When cats do vomit frequently, it is often because they
are struggling with irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, or other
intestinal ailments. While some of these conditions require veterinary
care, changing your cat's diet can also help. Your vet may recommend a
specific food to help calm your cat's sensitive stomach, so they vomit less
frequently.
Better Nutrient Absorption
If your cat struggles with diarrhea or frequent vomiting due to a sensitive
stomach, they're probably not absorbing the nutrients from their food very
efficiently. Changing your cat's diet to one that's easier on their
digestive tract can improve nutrient absorption. As a result, you may
notice that your cat's coat and skin start to look healthier. You may also
notice other healthy changes, such as increased energy levels and clearer
eyes.
Healthier Weight Maintenance
Many cats with sensitive stomachs struggle to maintain a healthy body
weight. Once you switch foods, your cat will be better able to absorb and
utilize the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in their food. As such, they
may put on weight.
If you have an older cat who is underweight, this is an especially
important point to consider. When you switch foods, consider also moving
away from dry cat food. Many older cats can't chew dry cat food well.
Switching to a portion of wet or fresh food will make it easier for them to
chew, which can help them put on some healthy weight.
FAQs
What causes a sensitive stomach in cats?
There are many reasons why a cat may have a sensitive stomach. Some cats
have sensitive stomachs due to stress. They may feel stressed out and
anxious because they recently moved to a new home or because their owners
recently introduced a new pet or family member to the household.
Cats may also develop a sensitive stomach due to parasites such as
roundworms, tapeworms, or flukes. Outdoor cats are at an increased risk for
parasitic infections compared to indoor cats. A cat may also catch
tapeworms
from fleas. It's a good idea to have your vet check your cat for parasites
to rule this out as a cause for their stomach sensitivity.
Another cause of stomach sensitivity in cats is food sensitivities. Your
cat may be sensitive to or allergic to an ingredient in the food you are
providing. This is one reason why switching to a sensitive stomach cat food
often makes a big difference in symptoms. Most foods made specifically for
cats with sensitive stomachs are free from the ingredients to which cats
most frequently have food sensitivities.
Is grain-free food better for cats?
If your cat is allergic or sensitive to grains, they will do better on a
grain-free diet. However, grain-food cat food is not inherently better for
cats than cat food made with grains. If your cat does not show any signs of
grain sensitivity, it is perfectly okay to feed them cat food that contains
grain. You should, however, look for cat food that contains meat as a
primary source of protein. Grain should only be used as a secondary
ingredient to ensure the food offers balanced nutrition.
Is homemade food better for cats than commercial cat food?
Owners sometimes prefer to feed their cats homemade food as a means of
avoiding the preservatives and other questionable ingredients in
conventional dry cat food. However,
homemade diets
have some key limitations. Cat owners, while well-meaning, do not always
have the nutritional and veterinary knowledge to design a balanced diet
that meets all of the cat's nutritional requirements. As such, cats on
homemade diets are at risk for various nutrient deficiencies.
Cat owners who wish to feed a more natural, whole foods-style diet are
often better off buying commercially prepared, fresh cat foods. These foods
are generally formulated by or with the oversight of veterinarians to
ensure they contain all the nutrients cats need to thrive.
Conclusion
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, feeding them cat food made with
simple, stomach-friendly ingredients will likely lead to an improvement in
their symptoms. There are plenty of sensitive stomach cat foods on the
market, but the five brands recommended above are the best of the best.
Whether you're looking for wet cat food, dry cat food, or a fresh diet, we
suggest reading more about the options above and selecting the one that
best fits your cat's needs. Your kitty will surely thank you with purrs and
a happy "meow."
