The Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs (Vet Approved Review)

Cats, like humans, are prone to digestive problems. Therefore, choosing a pet food that will not cause problems is essential. A gastrointestinal disorder is any condition that interferes with proper digestion or changes the rate at which food passes through the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal trouble is one of the most common reasons for contacting a veterinarian. Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas, loss of appetite, hairballs, or even general lethargy are all symptoms of a cat with a digestive problem.

Our TOP-3 Rated Picks

Products	Benefits	Links
Our TOP Pick	1. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food It is the best cat food for cats with digestive problems designed to meet the needs of cats and their instinctive preferences. It provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition. This diet is created with an optimal balance between protein, fat, and carbohydrates to maintain a pleasant taste and not irritate the gut.	Shop on Amazon
#1 Dry Pick	2. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Formula Dry Cat Food The food delivers a powerful protein punch and contains grains and prebiotics that soothe the stomach. On top of this, the food is enriched with antioxidants and a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and superfoods to support the immune system.	Shop on Chewy
#1 Canned Pick	3. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Canned Cat Food It is formulated with highly digestible carbohydrates and fats and helps reduce the possibility of adverse reactions to food. Added antioxidants to support a healthy immune system and skin barrier function.	Shop on Chewy

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

The Best Cat Food for Digestive Problems Reviews

We have compiled a list of great options on the market.

1. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food

Our TOP Pick

Rating: 5 / 5

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Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition formula is the most suitable food for cats with digestive problems. The food also helps reduce the smell of cat feces. This means that your cat gets to enjoy food that suits their palate, and at the same time, receives the balanced nutrition that they need at each feeding. ^[1]

Key features:

• Designed around a cat’s nutritional needs and instinctive preferences.
• Thin slices in gravy are highly palatable while providing a moderate number of calories.
• Supports ideal weight maintenance.

2. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Formula Dry Cat Food

#1 Dry Pick

Rating: 4.8 / 5

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This product for adult, senior cats with sensitive stomachs and is made from real chicken as the first ingredient. The feed contains no gluten, wheat, or by-products. It also contains omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a glossy coat, taurine for vision and heart health, and other essential amino acids.  It is specially designed to support the digestive system’s health and for the formation of a firmer stool.

Key features:

• Contains specially formulated ‘Life Source Bits’.
• Formula influenced by holistic veterinarians.
• Contains probiotics.

3. Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Canned Cat Food

#1 Canned Pick

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Hill’s Prescription Diet Z/D is specially designed for susceptible cats to certain foods. Pets that are allergic (or sensitive) to certain food groups/ingredients may have chronic G.I. signs, trouble putting on weight and coat, and skin problems.

If your cat suffers from skin and/or tummy trouble, it may well be due to their diet. This canned food Hill’s Prescription Diet (recipe Z/D) provides your pet with a balanced diet that will provide the animal with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Key features:

• Clinical nutrition is specially formulated to help manage dietary sensitivity.
• Formulated with highly digestible carbohydrates and fats.
• Help reduce the possibility of adverse reactions to food.

4. Hound & Gatos 98% Turkey & Liver Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Pick for Older Cats

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Hound & Gatos 98% Turkey & Liver Formula is made in the USA and contains no grains. This delicious wet food is made from the highest quality ingredients. The recipe includes all of the necessary vitamins and minerals for your furry friend. The food is made without fillers and artificial additives that can potentially harm your pet. Since the formula is high in protein, it helps to stay satisfied and full for a long time.

Key features:

• Made from turkey, which is an excellent alternative to chicken.
• A limited ingredient food with just one animal protein source.
• Ultra-hydrating pate-style canned food gives felines the moisture they need.
• Made without fillers and artificial additives that can potentially harm your pet.

5. Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner  

Pick for Indoor Cats

Rating: 5 / 5

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Give your pet what nature intended for it with Stella & Chewy’s Chick Chick Chicken Dinner Morsels frozen raw food. This all-natural recipe makes it easy to eliminate your pet’s hunger with only the right foods. This recipe is made exclusively from organic ingredients and raw protein (98% cell-free poultry, organs, and bones). Each serving is made in the USA, which guarantees the highest quality.

Key features:

• Rich in taurine and probiotics for dietary health.
• Simple, pristine recipe with limited ingredients and rich in protein.
• Fortified with added vitamins and minerals.
• This recipe is made exclusively from organic ingredients and raw protein (98% cell-free poultry, organs, and bones).

6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Allergy Formula Canned Cat Food

#1 Natural Pick

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Natural Balance LID food is a unique formula for Pets that suffer from allergies and sensitivities. The formula does not contain cereals. Some cats and even kittens may be very susceptible to the protein, carbohydrates, and dietary supplements commonly used in their diets.

Even the most minor allergic reactions can lead to intestinal irritation, stomach upset, and skin problems. This is why Natural Balance has developed Limited Ingredient Diets specifically for cats with food allergies.

Key features:

• Limited-ingredient, grain-free wet food.
• Packed with limited carbohydrate sources from peas for highly-digestible energy.
• Single and unique animal protein source.
• It is packed with limited carbohydrate sources from peas for highly digestible energy.

7. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Loaf in Sauce Wet Cat Food

Our Soft Pick

Rating: 4.9 / 5

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If your cat regularly vomits, it may mean that the pet has a sensitive stomach. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Lamb wet food is explicitly designed to support an adult cat’s. Easily digested proteins promote a healthy digestive process. Also, it naturally supports the intestinal tract so that your pet will enjoy the food with pleasure. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight.

Key features:

• Formulated for cats one year and older with sensitive stomachs.
• Helps maintain an ideal weight with specially formulated nutrition.
• Helps to absorb nutrients better while decreasing stool odor.

8. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin

#1 Vomit Preventer

Rating: 4.8 / 5

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The health of the gastrointestinal tract is an essential part of their life. This is why this recipe is explicitly designed to maintain optimal digestive health. The ingredients in the feed nourish the skin and contribute to the formation of a shiny coat. This food, which contains prebiotic fiber, nourishes an adult cat’s beneficial gut bacteria, maintaining a balanced microbiome for health throughout life.

The recipe includes only easily digestible ingredients that allow your pet’s stomach to quickly process nutrients. This food is also made from natural ingredients and contains vitamin E and omega-6.

Key features:

• Support adult cat’s microbiome.
• This food is highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption and easy stool pickup.
• A source of prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria.
• Highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption.

9. Instinct Original Kitten Grain Free Recipe Natural Cat Food

#1 Pick for Kittens

Rating: 4.6 / 5

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It is high in protein and contains no grains.  This high-protein formula for kittens is made from real chicken, salmon, and beef liver. A balanced combination of poultry, fish, and meat gives kittens energy to grow and play. This recipe contains DHA for brain and eye development. Made in the USA with the right ingredients from all over the world.

The feed does not contain grains, potatoes, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives, or other by-products known to cause food sensitivity. Grain-free food for kittens Instinct Original has a delicious pâté texture and is a complete and balanced diet for kittens.

Key features:

• Made from real meat & whole food ingredients.
• Made without ingredients known to trigger food sensitivities.
• Served as a meal or topper
• Delicious pâté texture.
• Contains DHA for brain and eye development.

10. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Pick for Diarrhea

Rating: 4.5 / 5

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Dr. Elsey’s clean protein chicken cat Food, based on high-quality protein, optimizes the appetite and supports healthy body weight. This diet encourages a natural, active lifestyle, thanks to having real chicken as the first ingredient. Also, this top-class diet contains a large number of vitamins and minerals. A proper diet can go a long way towards satisfying the appetite and maintaining its overall well-being.

Key features:

• Over 90% of protein is animal-based to promote a healthy body mass.
• Doesn’t contain any of the most commonly irritating ingredients.
• The ingredient profile is no-to-low oxalate to help prevent calcium oxalate crystals and bladder stones.

Final Verdict

As a result of the above feed analysis, Royal Canin Digest Sensitive is the most suitable food for cats with sensitive digestion. This is a specialized food for cats with gastrointestinal sensitivity, whether caused by disease or not. This wet food contains an optimal ingredient list and produces top results. This vet-recommended formula contains highly digestible ‘L. I. P.’ proteins, which reduce the amount of undigested food in the intestines. This function is achieved by including fructooligosaccharides in the product. ^[3]

Key features:

• Odor reduction.
• High digestibility.
• Helps maintain optimal weight.
• Promotes good urinary health.

Expert Advice on Gastrointestinal Disorders Met in Cats

Digestive disorders can lead to dehydration, lethargy, and an imbalance of proteins, salts, and sugars. It can also lead to other serious health problems such as anemia and a failure to thrive, so it is essential to recognize the disease’s symptoms and seek advice from a veterinarian as soon as possible.

With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is essential to optimize the cat’s diet to reduce their digestive tract pressure. Failure to follow the diet closely can lead to pathologies’ rapid progression and a deterioration in overall health. Proper nutrition often helps reduce the severity of symptoms and shortens the recovery period.^[2]

There are a large number of types of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. These include:

• Eating things they shouldn’t, such as human food, trash, and bones.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Food Intolerance and Allergies
• Infections
• Parasites
• Lack of digestive enzymes

Breeds like the Sphinx, Rex, or Ragdoll are more prone to some digestive issues. Your veterinarian can perform diagnostic tests and determine the specific cause of gastrointestinal problems. These tests may include blood tests, fecal tests, and abdominal ultrasound.^[4]

READ MORE: How to Feed My Sick Cat?

Signs Your Cat May Have a Sensitive Stomach

With the regular occurrence of digestive disorders, veterinarians often diagnose a cat as having a ‘sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract’. Formally, this is not considered a disease in itself. It can have many causes, and it is essential to determine the underlying trigger in each case. The condition is usually localized but can occur secondary to e.g. endocrine disorders or organ disease. For example, sometimes, we see gastrointestinal symptoms secondary to kidney failure.

Sensitive digestion can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• nausea and vomiting;
• constipation;
• diarrhea;
• burping;
• blood in the stool;
• flatulence;
• losing weight;
• unpleasant smell from the mouth.

READ MORE: Kittens Feeding Schedule

Source: FreePik

Causes of Gastrointestinal Sensitivity in the Cat

There is a wide range of potential reasons why a cat may have a sensitive stomach.

In most cases, sensitive digestion is associated with the following diseases:

• food sensitivities;
• food allergies;
• inflammation of the colon (colitis);
• inflammatory bowel disease
• chronic pancreatitis;
• triaditis
• malabsorption syndrome;
• bacterial overgrowth

The following scenarios can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, but the cat is not ‘sensitive’. So, once the underlying issue has been treated, they should not have any G.I. issues in the future. These include:

• eating something, they shouldn’t have such as inappropriate food, trash, or something toxic;
• feeding an improper diet long-term
• infection with parasites such as worms;
• coronavirus enteritis (FIP) and other viral infections;
• intestinal obstruction;
• intestinal ulceration;
• poisoning

In some cases, sensitive digestion is recognized as idiopathic, i.e. we do not know why it has happened.

A diet change will not improve gastrointestinal issues caused by disease, and we must work to get a diagnosis and treat any underlying condition. However, the proper diet is essential for those with sensitive stomachs and is also the best thing to feed unwell cats to ensure they absorb their nutrients efficiently.

What to Look for in Cat Food for those with a Sensitive Stomach

What to feed those with sensitive digestion and gastrointestinal diseases depends on the reason for their upset stomach. For example, it is desirable to minimize the amount of fiber when the colon is inflamed. On the contrary, for constipation, it is recommended to keep fiber on the menu to stimulate fecal production. However, there are general recommendations, and every patient will need a vet exam initially, so the vet can determine the most suitable for them.

In case of gastrointestinal tract upset, it is advisable to purchase ready-made diets that have the following properties:

• Slim-lined recipe. Offering the minimum amount of ingredients reduces the chance of triggering an allergy or sensitivity. Feeding diets with limited ingredients can also allow owners to quickly work out which component their cat reacts badly.
• The presence of additives to relieve inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, aloe Vera, chamomile, or flaxseed are used to reduce the severity of symptoms. These ingredients can penetrate deep into the tissues, prevent the synthesis of inflammatory mediators, facilitate blood outflow, and improve the circulation of nutrients.
• Minimum fat. An increased concentration of lipids increases the load on the pancreas and liver. Fats are necessary for the body, but excessive amounts should be avoided.
• A reduced amount of grains. Cats are better designed to digest meat, so diets should be mainly meat when possible. Of course, the heart alone is not enough as a diet needs to be balanced and must contain all of the essential micronutrients for optimal health. Some cats will be sensitive to grains and should avoid them altogether.
• High-quality ingredients. It is advisable to avoid feeds with meat and bone meal, corn starch, protein extracts, and other by-products of processing. They increase the load on the digestive tract and have a low nutritional value.
• A high percentage of moisture. Stews and pâtés are often preferable to dry food. This is especially true when patients have a reduced appetite (they typically taste better!) or are losing fluids through vomiting or diarrhea.
• The absence of potentially hazardous components. Avoid foods with excess salt, artificial flavors, flavorings, and coloring. They can irritate the gut, and some individuals might be allergic.

Tips on How to Introduce a Sensitive Cat Food

Food for cats with sensitive digestion differs from regular food. It should not contain ingredients that can provoke a disorder but include those that help your kitty digest foods efficiently, getting the most out of them. After switching to a sensible diet, we should find that the stool normalizes, increased gas formation disappears, and any vomiting attacks stop. In those with sensitive stomachs, food has a therapeutic effect and provides cats with their daily allowance of vitamins and minerals.

Any diet change must be made gradually for several days. Failing to do so can, in itself, cause a stomach upset. We can aim to change the diet slowly over seven days. So, on day one, we provide about 10% of the new diet with about 90% of the cat’s regular diet. We monitor to ensure there are no adverse reactions. If all is well, we add a little more of the new food the next day (giving more minor of the current diet). This continues unless an adverse reaction is noted. If it is, slow the food changeover down and go back to the previous day’s food ration for a few days.

Photo by Cassidy James Blaede on Unsplash

General Food Advice

Whether or not your cat is suffering from a sensitive stomach, certain foods should only be given as treats from time to time.

The foodstuffs described below are generally poorly tolerated:

• Raw fish. Such food can cause stomach problems. This is because some species contain thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine vitamin B1.
• Raw egg. Eggs may contain bacteria such as Salmonella. Cooked eggs should only be given to your pet from time to time as a treat.
• Onions, leeks, and garlic are all toxic. Such ingredients can damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
• Bones. Hard bones can break teeth, cause choking and lead to intestinal obstruction or constipation.
• Fatty or fried food. Too much greasy food can cause stomach problems, as well as pancreatitis.
• Dairy products. As they grow older, most cats develop lactose intolerance, and dairy products such as milk and cheese cause stomach upset.

It is recommended to consult with a vet to determine which is the right diet plan for them. Today, a wide variety of brands is available for cats with sensitive stomachs. The greatest of them are presented in our review. They are recommended by practicing veterinarians so can be relied upon. ^[5]

FAQ

Article Sources:

1. “Understanding Cat Digestive Problems.” Royal Canin, 23 July 2020, royalcanin.com/us/cats/health-and-wellbeing/common-cat-digestive-problems.
2. National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats (Nutrient Requirements of Animals). amazon.com/Nutrient-Requirements-Dogs-Cats-Animals/dp/0309086280.
3. “Cat Digestive & Gastro Disorders – Cat Diseases | Hill’s Pet.” Hill’s Pet Nutrition, 15 July 2020, hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/feline-digestive-disorders.
4. ​“​What Makes a Cat’s Digestive System Healthy?” Royal Canin, 23 July 2020, royalcanin.com/us/cats/health-and-wellbeing/what-makes-a-cats-digestive-system-healthy.
5. MacDonald, M. L. “Nutrition of the Domestic Cat, a Mammalian Carnivore.” PubMed, 1 Jan. 1984, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6380542/.