11+ Best Cat Food for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) [2023]

If your cat is grappling with diarrhea, constipation, or upset stomach, he or she might be dealing with IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome. 

One of the best ways to support your feline? Feeding them the best cat foods for IBS management.  

This guide will review IBS symptoms and causes in cats, how you can treat IBS naturally, and the best cat food for IBS sufferers. 

Whether you're a new cat parent or an experienced one, let's unveil the best dietary choices to match your furry friend's unique needs.

What is IBS In Cats?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by gastrointestinal disturbances, often triggered by stress or certain foods. It's distinct from inflammatory bowel disease, though both can have similar symptoms. 

Cats with IBS may experience frequent diarrhea, constipation, or chronic inflammation of the intestines, and have trouble digesting certain foods. While the exact cause remains uncertain, it's believed that a combination of environmental factors, hypersensitivity in the gastrointestinal tract, and immune system responses all contribute. 

It's crucial to work with your veterinarian to develop a treatment plan, which often involves a limited ingredient, highly digestible cat food to alleviate symptoms.

Cat IBS Symptoms

Some common IBS symptoms in cats include: 

• Diarrhea, which might come with mucus or blood 
• Constipation or difficulty pooping
• Dyschezia, which is pain when pooping
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal bloating or gas
• Vomiting
• Nausea

However, cats may also experience these less frequent symptoms: 

• Loss of appetite
• Gradual weight loss
• Lethargy

How to Treat IBS In Cats Naturally

Naturally addressing your feline's IBS symptoms can offer relief without resorting to prescription medications like prednisolone and antibiotics. This section explores holistic approaches to alleviate the chronic inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort associated with IBS in cats.

 

1. Feed Them the Best Cat Food for IBS

When it comes to managing IBS in cats, diet plays a pivotal role. You’d be surprised that many common ingredients in cat food can actually upset your cat’s stomach. 

It's advisable to provide a highly digestible, limited ingredient diet to help manage chronic inflammation. Foods labeled by manufacturers as hypoallergenic or single-protein may also be beneficial since they can reduce the chances of food intolerances. 

Moisture-rich foods, like wet cat foods, can further support digestion and alleviate constipation. Lastly, choosing grain-free cat food options may also reduce the risk of allergic reactions and digestive irritants.  

 

2. Reduce Stress

Stress is a significant trigger for IBS flare-ups in cats. Environmental changes, new family members, or even alterations in daily routine can heighten their stress levels. 

To mitigate this, create a calm environment with safe spaces where your cat can retreat. Using pheromone sprays or diffusers can also help in calming them. Play and interaction can also divert their attention and reduce anxiety. 

 

3. Make Necessary Adjustment to Their Routine

Routine adjustments can provide relief for cats with IBS. Consistent feeding times, combined with a structured play and rest cycle, can be comforting. While cats are naturally nocturnal, ensuring they have a peaceful environment to rest during the night can be helpful. 

Also, increased activity, through interactive toys or play sessions, can aid in digestion and alleviate some IBS symptoms.

 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diet for Cats

Caring for a cat with irritable bowel syndrome requires a thoughtful approach, especially when it comes to diet. Carefully picking out their meals can significantly alleviate symptoms and help them live a healthier and more comfortable life.

 

Wet Food for IBS in Cats

With lots of additional moisture and easier to digest, wet cat food is great for IBS in cats. A limited ingredient, highly-digestible wet food formula can help reduce gastrointestinal irritants and decrease the chance of inflammation, as well as improve nutrient absorption. 

Many manufacturers now offer wet food options specifically formulated for feline gastrointestinal needs, minimizing potential triggers and supporting smoother digestion.

 

Dry Food for IBS in Cats

While wet food is often recommended for cats with irritable bowel syndrome, certain dry cat foods could be suitable if they are hypoallergenic, single-protein, and formulated with fewer carbohydrates. 

However it’s essential to ensure the chosen dry food doesn't contain unnecessary preservatives or fillers, which can exacerbate IBS symptoms. 

 

Homemade Cat Food for IBS

For those who can invest greater time, effort, and cost, preparing homemade cat food for IBS can be an option. 

When opting for a homemade diet, always consult with veterinarians to ensure the food meets all of your cat's nutritional requirements. Introduce new ingredients gradually and monitor your cat’s response to identify any potential intolerances and food allergies your pet may have.

 

Raw Cat Food for IBS

Raw diets, often advocated for their natural approach, might benefit cats with IBS due to their limited processing and absence of artificial additives. These diets emphasize raw meats and can be single-protein, aligning with the hypoallergenic needs of IBS cats. 

However, it's crucial to double check the source of any raw meat and ensure that it’s safe and free from pathogens. Always consult with a veterinarian before transitioning to a raw diet to ensure that it’s appropriate for your feline friend.

 

Best Cat Food for IBS

When dealing with feline irritable bowel syndrome, it's crucial to choose the right nutrition. Cat food for IBS should ideally be highly digestible, with limited ingredient profiles to reduce chronic inflammation.

 

1. KOHA Cat Food

KOHA’s limited ingredient cat food is the top recommendation for cats with IBS. KOHA’s Limited Ingredient Cat Food is gently formulated to be easily digestible. The single-protein source ensures minimal trouble digesting, while the absence of unnecessary additives supports a healthy stomach. 

KOHA’s limited ingredient wet cat food includes duck pâté, rabbit au jus, turkey pâté, and chicken pâté. These carefully formulated cat foods are also rich in moisture and protein, low on carbohydrates, and no unnecessary fillers to ensure that every meal is highly digestible.

Cat Food Products: 

• Limited Ingredient Diet Pâté: Single-meat recipe with no carb-loaded fillers 
• Pure Shreds: Single-meat shredded recipe in a savory broth
• Minimal Ingredient Stews: Moisture-rich recipe with meat cuts
• Poké Bowl: Shredded protein in a savory gravy 
• Freeze-Dried Raw Toppers: Food toppers made from freeze-dried raw meat

Help your kitten or cat manage their IBS–without having to give up delicious meals. 

 

2. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food

Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food is a human-grade cat food that doesn’t contain BPAs, preservatives, or fillers. It’s available in four proteins in either smooth or ground textures, including “bird,” cow, and “fish.”

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Fresh Smooth Bird
• Fresh Ground Bird
• Smooth Other Bird
• Fresh Ground Other Bird
• Fresh Smooth Cow
• Fresh Smooth Fish

 

3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Gastroenteric Dry Cat Food

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Gastroenteric Dry Cat Food features an energy-dense formula with proteins and antioxidants that support the specific nutritional needs of cats with IBS. This recipe can also work for cats with urinary health issues.

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• DH Dental Health Feline Formula
• DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula
• EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula
• EN Gastroenteric Naturals Feline Formula
• HA Hydrolyzed Feline Formula
• NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula
• NF Kidney Function Early Care Feline Formula
• OM Overweight Management Feline Formula
• OM Crunchy Bites Cat Treats
• UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula
• Urinary Health Cat Treats

4. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Gastroenteric Wet Cat Food

This canned wet food variant of the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Gastroenteric Formula features a similar energy-dense recipe as its dry food counterpart. As a wet cat food, it’s easier to digest so cats can absorb the nutrients they need. It also promotes a urinary environment unfavorable to the development of both struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• CN Critical Nutrition Canine & Feline Formula
• DM Dietetic Management Feline Formula
• DM Dietetic Management Savory Selects Feline Formula
• EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula
• EN Gastroenteric Naturals Feline Formula
• EN Gastroenteric Savory Selects Feline Formula
• EN Gastroenteric Savory Selects in Sauce Feline Formula
• NF Kidney Function Advanced Care Feline Formula
• NF Kidney Function Early Care Feline Formula
• OM Overweight Management Feline Formula 
• OM Overweight Management Savory Selects Feline Recipe in Sauce
• UR Urinary St/Ox Feline Formula
• UR Urinary St/Ox Savory Selects Feline Recipe in Sauce

 

5. Wellness Core Digestive Health Recipes

Wellness Core Digestive Health Recipes offer digestible cat food with specific levels of digestive enzymes, probiotics, and prebiotic fibers. Pumpkin and papaya are added in this formula and it includes certain vitamins and minerals to promote immunity. 

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Wellness Core
• Wellness Core Digestive Health
• Wellness Complete Health
• Wellness Bowl Boosters
• Wellness Good Kitty

 

6. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Cat Food

Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Cat Food is a grain-free, gluten-free cat food formula free from fillers, GMO, and artificial preservatives. Available in dry kibble and canned paté, this recipe works for cats of all ages and provides them with proper nutrition and added moisture. 

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Dry Kibble
• Canned Paté

7. Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a grain-free, limited ingredient cat food recipe that features 98% protein from animal sources. It’s available in single and multiple protein options, including beef, chicken and liver, duck and liver, poultry and game bird, pork, and more. 

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Dry Cat Food
• Single-Protein Wet Cat Food
• Multiple-Protein Wet Cat Food

 

8. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly is specially formulated to support your cat’s digestive health. It’s made with cranberries, chicken, brown rice, and flaxseed; fructooligosaccharide, chicken meal, and taurine are also added to boost nutrition. 

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• BLUE Tastefuls
• BLUE Wilderness
• BLUE True Solutions
• BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet
• BLUE Basics
• BLUE Freedom
• Baby BLUE
• BLUE Bursts Cat Treats
• Soft Cat Treats
• Crunchy Cat Treats

 

9. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Cat Food

The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Cat Food is a human-grade, grain-free dehydrated cat food formula with added probiotics and bone broth. It’s a dehydrated formula, which means you can add water and then wait about three minutes before serving. 

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Grain-Free Clusters Dry Food
• Grain-Free Dehydrated Food
• Grain-Free Wet Food Paté
• Grain-Free Minced Meat Wet Food in Broth Gravy
• Minced Meat Wet Food in Broth Gravy
• Smittens Bites Cat Treats
• Mmmixers Toppers

 

10. Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Wet Cat Food

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Wet Cat Food is formulated with prebiotic fibers, electrolytes, B vitamins, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and antioxidants. It’s designed for both kittens and adult cats and is made with chicken. However, its ingredient list shows there is more pork liver than chicken in the recipe.

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Hill's Science Diet Kitten Dry Food
• Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Food
• Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Dry Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care Wet Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Wet Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Wet Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Wet Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Care Wet Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet c/d Urinary Care Dry Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet k/d Kidney Care Dry Food
• Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Food

 

11. Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels

Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels is made from raw, farm-raised rabbit, specifically nutrient-rich organs and bone. This recipe is free from peas, lentils, corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, and artificial preservatives. It adds taurine and probiotics for better digestion. 

Additional Cat Food Products: 

• Frozen Raw Dinner Morsels
• Freeze-Dried Dinner Morsels
• Freeze-Dried Raw Mixers and Toppers
• Raw Coated Kibble + Raw Bits
• Raw Coated Kibble
• Paté Wet Cat Food
• Shreds Wet Cat Food
• Morsels Wet Cat Food
• Wet Mixers and Toppers

 

Choose the Best Cat Food for IBS

Selecting the right food for a cat with irritable bowel syndrome isn't just about alleviating symptoms—it's about prioritizing their overall well-being. The right diet can significantly enhance their quality of life. 

In a sea of cat food manufacturers that offer limited ingredient, single-protein cat food for IBS, KOHA Cat Food has proven to be a top choice when it comes to quality. It's designed with your cat's gastrointestinal needs in mind. Furthermore, the use of natural, hypoallergenic ingredients ensures minimal irritants, catering specifically to felines with sensitive stomachs.

Discover the KOHA difference today and elevate your feline friend’s health and happiness with every meal.