The 7 Best Cat Foods For Sensitive Stomach
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Cats are notorious for being particular. They only like to be petted a certain way and they often seem to make choices based on what will be most inconvenient for you. If your cat is picky, he’s probably picky about everything – including his cat food.
If your cat seems to turn up his nose at dinner time, you might want to ask yourself whether it’s an issue with your cat or if it might really be an issue with the food.
The wrong diet can trigger stomach sensitivity and bring on a slew of digestive issues. That being said, even the best dry cat food simply might not sit well with some cats. It all depends on your cat’s individual sensitivities or food allergies.
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Compare Best Rated Cat Foods For Sensitive Stomach
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Overall Best
1. Halo Rabbit & Garden Greens Recipe Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach Canned Cat Food |
Best Affordable
2. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food |
Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food For Kittens
4. Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Sensitive Stomach Cat Food For Senior Cats
5. Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food |
Best Grain-Free Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach
6. Canidae Grain Free Pure Sea Cat Dry Formula With Fresh Salmon |
Best Wet Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach
8. Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food |
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|
Protein
11% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
7% Min |
Protein
10.5% Min |
Protein
7% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
10% Min |
|
Fat
6.5% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
6% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
Fat
4% Min |
Fat
17% Min |
Fat
4% Min |
|
Fiber
1.25% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
2.5% Max |
Fiber
3% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
|
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Maintenance |
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Senior |
Life Stage
Adult |
Life Stage
Adult |
|
Type
Wet Food |
Type
Kibble |
Type
Wet |
Type
Wet Food |
Type
Wet Food |
Type
Dry Food |
Type
Pate |
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Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
Canada |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
United States |
Made In
New Zealand |
Changing your cat’s diet might be the key to resolving his stomach issues.
Read on to learn more about your cat’s dietary requirements and how to meet them through a healthy cat food. You’ll also see our top picks for the 8 best sensitive stomach cat foods on Amazon and Chewy.
Our Top Picks For The Best Rated Cat Foods For Sensitive Stomach
Your cat deserves a healthy, high-quality diet that nourishes his body and sits well with his digestion. If the food upsets your cat’s stomach, he may not want to eat it. Can you blame him?
Some cats simply have more sensitive stomachs than others. Low-quality ingredients and high levels of carbohydrate can be difficult for your cat to digest and may cause issues like diarrhea, constipation, poor coat condition, and recurrent skin infections.
Here are our top picks for the best sensitive stomach cat food:
Halo Rabbit & Garden Greens Recipe Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 11% Min
- Fat: 6.5% Min
- Fiber: 1.25% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Wet Food
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Rich in real animal protein from rabbit and chicken
- Made with non-GMO greens for digestibility
- Limited number of main ingredients fortified for balance
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
- Fairly expensive compared to average cat food
In addition to being loaded with protein, this formula contains a limited number of main ingredients, all of which are free from grains, fillers, and by-products. This recipe is supplemented with chelated minerals and essential vitamins for balanced nutrition as well.
To ensure digestibility, this canned food contains dandelion, barley grass, and parsley. The high moisture content of the recipe helps with digestion as well.
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Kibble
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Made with real deboned chicken and wholesome natural ingredients
- Uniquely formulated for adult cats with sensitive stomach, highly digestible
- Rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken or grains
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
This natural dry cat food is packed with premium nutrition and fortified with a rich blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It also contains FOS prebiotics and probiotic supplements for healthy digestion.
This sensitive stomach dry cat food is completely free from artificial additives as well as fillers like corn, wheat, soy, and by-products.
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 7% Min
- Fat: 6% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Life Stage: Maintenance
- Type: Wet
- Made In: Canada
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- 100% humane grade ingredients
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives; grain and potato-free
- 100% traceable ingredients
- Some cats wouldn’t eat it
- Some customers wanted more meat in the foods considering the price
This recipe also includes organic natural superfoods such as coconut oil and turmeric. Pumpkin and chicory root are good for your cat’s sensitive digestion, as are dandelion greens. Non-GMO cranberries benefit the urinary tract.
This food is comparatively high in fat so it might not be suitable for all cats with sensitive stomachs. On the other hand, it is moderately low in carbohydrates. This food does contain agar-agar as a gelling agent which can cause mild digestive problems for some cats.
Open Farm’s ingredients are 100% traceable so you always know where they come from. This is part of the company’s commitment to ethical and transparent sourcing practices.
The company offers their wet cat food in several formulas. Along with the Harvest Chicken Rustic Blend, you can also choose from the Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend, Chicken & Salmon Rustic Blend, Wild-Caught Salmon Rustic Blend, Grass-Fed Beef Rustic Blend, and Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend.
The foods can be fed as an easy-to-eat topper or as a complete meal. These foods are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance. Open Farm also makes several dry cat foods that are formulated for all life stages.
Wellness Complete Health Pate Chicken Entree Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10.5% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Wet Food
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Nutritionally balanced formula for adult cats and kittens
- Supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics for digestion
- Real chicken as first ingredient, no fillers or grains
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Made with real chicken and chicken liver, this digestible chicken recipe pate is rich in animal protein and moisture. It is supplemented with ground flaxseed for healthy fats and digestible carbohydrate, plus apple, cranberry, and pumpkin powder for nutrients and dietary fiber.
You’ll also be glad to know this wet cat food is supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics as well as digestive enzymes and botanicals to ensure healthy digestion.
Also Read: The 5 Best Kitten Foods
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 7% Min
- Fat: 4% Min
- Fiber: 2.5% Max
- Life Stage: Senior
- Type: Wet Food
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Real chicken as the first ingredient, rich source of protein
- High in moisture, free from fillers and grains for digestibility
- Supplemented with chelated minerals and essential vitamins
- May be too high in fiber for some cats
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
This Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Mature chicken recipe wet cat food is a great choice. Not only is it made with high-quality natural ingredients, but it is highly digestible as well. Rich in moisture and made with plenty of real chicken flavor, your senior cat will love this recipe.
To ensure digestibility, this formula is free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives.
Also Read: The 5 Best Cat Foods for Senior Cats
Canidae Grain Free Pure Sea Cat Dry Formula With Fresh Salmon
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 17% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Dry Food
- Made In: United States
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Limited ingredient diet made with real salmon as first ingredient
- Wholesome, natural ingredients to ensure nutrition and digestibility
- Supplemented with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals
- Not a single source protein recipe
- Fairly expensive compared to average cat food
This limited ingredient diet is highly digestible. Not only does it contain a limited list of ingredients, but it is free from grains, fillers, and artificial additives. Plus, it’s supplemented with probiotics.
Cats with sensitive stomach find this recipe easy to digest and full of real fish flavor. It is packed with premium animal protein, balanced with essential fatty acids, and supplemented for balanced nutrition.
Also Read: The Best Grain Free Cat Food
Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 4% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Life Stage: Adult
- Type: Pate
- Made In: New Zealand
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
- Premium-quality wet food made with 92% meat, organs, and mussels
- Single source of novel animal protein, great for allergies
- Grain-free recipe made with a single carbohydrate ingredient
- Fairly expensive compared to average wet cat food
This formula is made with 92% meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels. Chickpeas represent the single carbohydrate ingredient and they are both grain-free and digestible.
In addition to being rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, this formula is packed with moisture for optimal digestion and supplemented with chelated minerals for increased nutrient absorption.
Also Read: The 9 Best Canned, Soft, & Wet Cat Foods
Understanding Your Cat’s Nutritional Needs
Your cat is an obligate carnivore which means his body is designed to derive nutrition from animal products. Real meat is the foundation of a high-quality diet for cats.
According to animal nutritionists, adult cats require a minimum of 26% protein in their diet while kittens need at least 30%. These are dry matter values and absolute minimums – most cats do best with higher levels of protein, specifically from animal-based sources.
In addition to plenty of protein, your cat’s diet should include at least 9% crude fat.
Like any good protein source, the best source for fat comes from animals as well. Your cat needs a balance of omega fatty acids, and the fat content of the cat food determines the calorie content. Younger and more active cats need more calories than older cats.
Your cat doesn’t have any minimum requirements for carbohydrates in his diet. In fact, the carb content of your cat’s diet should be as low as possible to ensure digestibility.
That being said, whole grains and fresh veggies provide natural sources for key nutrients as well as some dietary fiber. Just make sure they are digestible whole foods, so they don’t upset your cat’s digestive system. Avoid any cat food that has more carbs than protein as well.
Finally, your cat needs a balance of certain vitamins and minerals in his diet.
Natural ingredients are the best source for these nutrients, but most commercial dry food and wet food recipes contain supplements to ensure optimal nutritional balance.
What Causes Sensitive Stomach In Cats?
As a cat owner, you are responsible for your pet’s wellbeing. It’s your job to provide a nutritious diet.
The trouble is, not all pet food is created equal and your cat may have specific preferences. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it may be even more challenging to find the best food for him.
Here are some of the signs of sensitive stomach in cats:
- Regurgitating food
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Increased thirst
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in stool
- Poor skin or coat condition
- Recurrent skin problems
Many cats with sensitive stomach also have sensitive skin.
If your cat has recurrent skin issues like ear infections and itchy skin, it’s likely a problem with food allergies or sensitivities. Talk to your veterinarian to rule out underlying conditions that might be causing your cat’s digestive problems, then consider a change of diet.
The quality of your cat’s diet affects all aspects of his health, so it’s important to make a smart choice. A low-quality diet could not only upset your cat’s tummy, but might also compromise his immune system, cause issues with hairballs, and could contribute to other health problems.
The key to keeping your cat healthy and happy is to find the right sensitive stomach kibble or wet food.
What To Look For In Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach?
The best dry cat food or wet cat food for cats with sensitive stomach is one that is easy to digest. Real meat and other high-quality natural ingredients are essential.
You don’t necessarily need a prescription diet if your cat frequently experiences stomach upset. All you really need to do is avoid any potential allergens and make sure the recipe is easy to digest.
Here are some things to look for in sensitive stomach cat food:
- Wholesome, natural ingredients. The higher the quality of the ingredients in your cat’s diet, the easier they will be to digest. That means less digestive upset and improved overall health.
- High-quality animal protein. Look for a source of real animal protein like meat, poultry, or fish as the first ingredient. Avoid animal by-products and consider a recipe made with a single source of protein. Novel protein is good for cats allergic to common proteins like chicken or beef.
- Healthy animal-based fats. Fats provide your cat with a concentrated source of energy. They are best form animal sources like chicken fat or salmon oil.
- Low in digestible carbohydrates. The carb content of your cat’s food should be limited but look for digestible, nutritious options like whole grains and veggies.
- No fillers or artificial additives. Avoid cat foods with too many fillers (like corn, wheat, and soy) or artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives. They’re harder to digest.
The best cat food for sensitive stomach may differ from one cat to another. Many cat food allergies are for common proteins like chicken and beef. If your cat is sensitive to these proteins, you may need to look for a recipe made with a novel protein like venison or turkey.
In some cases, a limited ingredient diet with a single source of animal protein may be the best option.
A limited ingredient diet is simple a cat food recipe made with a lower number of main ingredients. Fewer ingredients limits the number of things that are likely to trigger food sensitivities which improves the digestibility of the product.
Final Remarks
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you need to be extra careful what you feed him.
Either dry food or wet food will work – what matters most is the quality of the ingredients. Look for a cat food made with real animal protein, healthy fats, and limited content of digestible carbohydrates.
If your cat has specific allergies or food sensitivities, choose a recipe free from those allergens. You don’t necessarily need a prescription diet but consider a limited ingredient diet to make sure the food is as digestible as possible for your cat’s sensitive stomach.
If you’re not sure what the best sensitive stomach food is for your cat, consider one of our top 8 recommendations reviewed above!
