11+ Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
Has your cat been struggling with a sensitive stomach? Are they refusing to eat or do they have diarrhea, vomiting, or gas after they eat? Or, did a trip to the vet lead to stressful discussions about irritable bowel syndrome or gastritis?
If so, you're not alone! Plenty of cats and cat owners struggle with the same issue. Sensitive stomachs, food allergies, digestive problems, and intestinal diseases are common, but there are solutions. Finding the perfect sensitive stomach cat food can improve your cat's overall health and well-being.
But…which sensitive stomach cat food is best? That’s where we come in!
We've compiled a list of some of the best sensitive cat food products to jumpstart your furry friends' journey to a healthy gut!
Why Your Cat Might Need Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
Sensitive Stomach Causes
Sensitive stomachs in cats can have various causes.
Dietary factors are common triggers and can include food allergies or intolerances, a sudden change in diet, or consumption of spoiled or inappropriate food (such as dog or human food).
Medical issues can also lead to stomach sensitivity. They can range from gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, and bacterial infections to systemic health issues like kidney disease.
Stress and anxiety can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset as well. Cats can become easily stressed around loud noises, when abruptly moved to a new environment, from significant changes to their routines, and much more.
Sensitive Stomach Symptoms
Cats with sensitive stomachs might display a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms include:
- Vomiting: This is one of the most common symptoms. Cats may occasionally vomit hairballs, but frequent or chronic vomiting can indicate a sensitive stomach.
- Diarrhea: Loose or liquid stool is another common symptom of a sensitive stomach. However, any changes in bowel movements could be a signal.
- Lack of Appetite: Cats with sensitive stomachs may not want to eat or may eat less than usual.
- Weight Loss: Unexpected weight loss can occur if the cat isn't eating well due to stomach issues or not absorbing nutrients properly.
- Excessive Gas: Flatulence can be another sign of a sensitive stomach.
Other symptoms that cats can exhibit are:
- Licking their lips
- Lethargy
- Acid reflux
- Fever
- Hard or bloated stomach
- Dehydration
If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it can be time to take a trip to the vet.
Sensitive Stomach Cat Food Benefits
Sensitive stomach cat food provides various benefits specifically targeted at supporting the digestion and overall health of cats with delicate stomachs. The food is easier to digest, has less complicated ingredients, and has no artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives.
Some common benefits are:
- Limited ingredients: Many sensitive cat foods use a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk of intolerances or food allergies in your pet.
- Nutrients: Although designed for easy digestion, these foods still contain all the essential nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy. This includes a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
- Improved stool quality: Sensitive stomach cat food can help enhance stool quality due to its easily digestible ingredients, resulting in less diarrhea or loose stool.
You may also notice that your cat's behavior becomes more relaxed and content after switching to sensitive stomach cat food!
Types of Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
There are three main types of sensitive stomach cat foods:
Wet Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Wet cat food is easier to digest due to its softer, moist consistency. This is beneficial for cats with delicate digestive systems that may struggle to process dry food. It also provides supplementary hydration, which is crucial for not only digestive help, but urinary and kidney function.
Wet cat food contains fewer calories than equivalent dry food, helping with weight management. Another benefit is its usually lower carbohydrate content and higher protein content, making it an ideal food option for cats prone to digestive issues.
Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Dry cat food isn’t necessarily the best choice for cats with sensitive stomachs.
While dry food can be left out for free-feeding without the risk of spoiling–allowing your cat to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day–you can replicate this by providing smaller feedings of wet cat food.
Raw Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs
Raw cat food is often a high-protein, low-carb composition that can aid digestion. Another key advantage is the absence of artificial preservatives, colors, and fillers often found in commercial cat foods that can potentially upset a sensitive stomach.
However, it's crucial to approach a raw diet under the guidance of a veterinarian or a pet nutrition expert since certain foods might not agree with your cat. Raw food is more susceptible to pathogens and bacteria than dry or wet cat food.
Overall, the best option for cats with sensitive stomachs is wet cat food. It’s hydrating, easier to digest, and contains fewer calories compared to dry food.
Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food: Wet Cat Food
Ready to help your kitty’s upset stomach? Here are some top wet cat foods for sensitive stomachs!
1. KOHA Limited Ingredient Cat Food
KOHA is dedicated to offering pets the highest quality, most nutritious food by using minimal and restricted ingredients that support your cat’s digestive health. KOHA crafts products for cats and dogs battling food allergies, IBS, IBD, and sensitive stomach issues.
For cat owners, KOHA provides high-quality cat food with limited ingredients that are optimal for allergy management. Their range of patés, shreds, stews, and toppers are all made with simplified formulas that are easy to digest, making them perfect for cats who suffer from heightened stomach sensitivities.
KOHA’s Limited Ingredient cat food recipes are their most sensitive recipes:
- High in protein
- Can be used as a food topper or served as a meal
- Easy to digest
- Has no carb-loaded fillers or preservatives
- Uses pumpkin to support healthy digestion
- Cranberries are included in the recipe for urinary tract health
KOHA Limited Ingredient recipes are available in chicken, duck, turkey, and rabbit.
Cat Food Products
- Limited Ingredient Diet Pâté: Made with only one protein for the most sensitive of cats
- Pure Shreds for Cats: Shredded meat entrées served in broth
- Minimal Ingredient Stew: Moisture-rich recipes made with meat in a savory gravy
- Poké Bowl in Gravy for Cats: Shredded and minced protein in a rich gravy
- Raw Toppers: Filler-free, freeze-dried raw meat powder that can be sprinkled on any meal
2. Smalls Human-Grade Cat Food
Smalls Cat Food produces wet cat food products that are high in protein and contain limited ingredients. These are packaged in recyclable materials for environmental sustainability. Pet owners can take a survey to get paired with the best product for their cat.
Cat Food Products:
- Smooth Bird Recipe
- Ground Bird Recipe
- Smooth Other Bird Recipe
- Ground Other Bird Recipe
- Cow Recipe
- Fish Recipe
3. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Gastroenteric Wet Cat Food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diet Gastroenteric Wet Cat Food is formulated with high proteins, prebiotics, and low fiber for intestinal health. This product was designed for cats who suffer from gastritis, IBD, pancreatitis, or other intestinal tract diseases.
Cat Food Products
4. Royal Canin Digestive Care Canned Food
Royal Canin Digestive Care Canned Food helps improve cats' stool by focusing on the healthy bacteria living in the digestive tract. However, this formula does contain carrageenan, wheat, corn, and rice flour.
Cat Food Products
- Kitten Dry Cat Food
- Feline Anallergenic Dry Cat Food
- Weight Care Dry Cat Food
- Feline Diabetic Dry Cat Food
- Dental Care Dry Cat Food
5. Made by Nacho Digestive Support
Made by Nacho Digestive Support is a wet cat food recipe that is made to help cats with digestion. This formula contains bone broth, fruit, vegetables, and other antioxidants for easy digestion. Made by Nacho does not use grain, poultry, corn, wheat, or soy in their recipe.
Cat Food Products
- Bone Broth Infused Kibble
- Grain-free Pate
- Freeze-dried Treats
- Minced Cans
- Cuts in Gravy
Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food: Dry Cat Food
Here are some good dry cat food options for felines with sensitive stomachs.
1. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach is a dry cat food for adults with sensitive stomachs and uses prebiotics to promote healthy bacteria in the intestine. This recipe also includes antioxidants, vitamins, taurine, and turmeric.
Cat Food Products:
- BLUE True Chews
- BLUE Bursts
- BLUE Wilderness
- BLUE Tastefuls
- BLUE Basics
2. Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care
Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Digestive Care is a dry cat food made with mixed fiber sources and antioxidants to help cats' gastrointestinal health. This recipe also uses digestible proteins and fats to help cats get the necessary nutrients.
Cat Food Products
- Hill's Prescription Diet z/d
- Hill's Prescription Diet w/d
- Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome
- Hill's Science Diet Kitten
- Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach
3. Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach is a dry food for adult cats to support weight management and metabolism. The major ingredients in this product are deboned chicken, potatoes, and peas.
Cat Food Products
- Purrfect Bistro Grain-Free
- Purrfect Bistro Healthy Grains
- Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Hairball Control
- Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Weight Control
- Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Healthy Kitten
4. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a dry cat food focusing on nutrient absorption for cats with sensitive stomachs. Their formula comprises prebiotic fibers, vitamin E, and Omega-6 fatty acids. This product is recommended for adults.
Cat Food Products
- Hill's Science Diet Adult
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Health Cuisine
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion
- Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entree
5. Halo Holistic Sensitive Stomach Support
Halo Holistic Sensitive Stomach Support helps cats maintain healthy skin, coat, and digestive tract. This product contains pro and prebiotics, fatty acids, taurine, and vitamins for a strong immune system. Halo has no GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavoring, colors, or preservatives.
Cat Food Products
- Halo Freeze Dried
- Halo Holistic Indoor Cat
- Halo Holistic Adult Cat
- Halo Holistic Cage-Free Chicken Kitten Food
6. IAMS Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion & Skin
IAMS Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion & Skin is for cats of all ages and sizes. This recipe is made for digestive health and is made with beet pulp, prebiotics, and fatty acids. There is no soy or wheat included in this product.
Cat Food Products
- IAMS Perfect Portions
- IAMS Proactive Health
- IAMS Healthy Enjoyment
- IMAS Long Hair
- IAMS Advanced Health
Choose the Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
Choosing the best cat food for a sensitive stomach is easier said than done. Depending on your cat and its needs and preferences, it may take a series of trial and error before you find the right recipe. Always consult your vet to determine what foods should be included and excluded from your cat's diet to help narrow your search for the perfect cat food solution.
Feeding your cat with a limited ingredient cat food recipe is an excellent method to meet its nutritional needs without causing digestive discomfort. And at KOHA, limited ingredient recipes are our specialty.
KOHA takes into account your cat's digestive health by ensuring our Limited Ingredient Diet recipes contain only one type of protein while also including all the minerals and nutrients your cat needs. Pumpkin and cranberries help with digestion and urinary tract health.
You can finally rest easy knowing that your cat is eating healthy and happily.
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