Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach In 2023

cat food for sensitive stomach

This review aims to provide you with a comprehensive guide to some of the best cat food for digestive health that can be found in 2023.

Digestive health in cats is of paramount importance, and a proper diet plays a crucial role in maintaining it. Issues such as food intolerance, allergies, and sensitive stomachs can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and uncomfortable bloating.

I’ve encountered numerous cases where cats suffer from digestive problems, leading to discomfort and a decreased quality of life. It’s not uncommon for cats to develop chronic digestive issues that require a specialized diet tailored to their specific needs.

As a professional working with feline health, I spend considerable time researching the best cat foods for digestive health to recommend to my clients.

A proper diet can not only alleviate the symptoms of digestive issues in cats but also contribute to overall well-being and vitality.

It is always advisable for your cat to see a veterinarian if you suspect digestive health issues; other illnesses might have similar symptoms, or the digestive problems might be secondary to other underlying health conditions.

This article will explain or discuss:

  • What to look for when buying food for a cat with chronic digestive health problems.
  • The differences between diets and how they aim to support the digestive system.
  • How certain ingredients can promote digestive health.
  • Food options for cats with specific taste preferences or sensitivities.
  • Tips on transitioning your cat to a new diet that is better suited to their digestive health needs.

Let’s delve into the world of feline nutrition and discover how the right cat food can make a substantial difference in your furry friend’s life.

Our Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach

10 Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach Reviewed

Every cat food mentioned on this list adheres to the AAFCO nutrient criteria for cats. Before altering your cat’s food intake, always seek advice from your vet. Here is our list of products that we think can best help your cat’s digestive health.

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Sensitive Stomach

Formulated for adult cats with sensitive digestive systems, this product promotes optimal nutrient absorption and easy digestion. Includes prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a balanced microbiome.

Formulated with a unique blend of fibers to promote gentle digestion, this food is ideal for adult cats with sensitive stomachs. The prebiotic fiber helps fuel beneficial gut bacteria, which encourages a balanced microbiome. Additional nutrients like vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids nourish your cat’s skin, and antioxidants maintain a healthy immune system. It avoids artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and is vet recommended.


Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Corn, Corn Gluten Meal
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Fiber Response

Specifically designed for cats with digestive issues, this diet contains optimal levels of fiber to help aid the gastrointestinal system. It’s usually used under veterinary supervision.

This product is often prescribed for cats suffering from gastrointestinal problems, including constipation. It’s specifically designed with a precise blend of soluble and insoluble fibers to support gut health and stool quality. The addition of prebiotics supports a balanced gut flora, while omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy GI tract. It is typically used under veterinary guidance and requires a prescription.


Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Natural Ingredients

This food is crafted for cats with sensitive stomachs and includes natural, high-quality ingredients. It features real chicken as the first ingredient and does not contain wheat, which is a common allergen.

Blue Buffalo’s Sensitive Stomach formula is made with real chicken, providing high-quality protein. The blend includes wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruit, providing essential vitamins and minerals. With carefully selected natural ingredients plus vitamins and minerals, this food helps support digestion and nutrient absorption without using poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.


Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Lamb, Chicken Meal, Soy Protein Isolate, Brewer’s Rice, Corn Gluten Meal
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Sensitive Skin & Stomach

This formula is designed to support both sensitive skin and a sensitive stomach. It includes high-quality protein sources and is fortified with live probiotics for digestive health.

This product combines lamb and chicken meal to provide high-quality protein sources. It includes easily digestible rice and oatmeal, without corn, wheat, or soy, which can be harder on a cat’s stomach. Omega-6 fatty acids and zinc promote healthy skin and coat, and the live probiotics in the formula support digestive health. It’s tailored to provide targeted support for cats with sensitive skin and stomachs.


Iams ProActive Health Sensitive Stomach Adult Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Sensitive Stomach

This product is designed to assist with digestive issues and is formulated with fiber-rich prebiotics and quality protein to support strong muscles.

Designed with a unique fiber blend including prebiotics and beet pulp, Iams’ Sensitive Stomach cat food aids digestion and nutrient absorption. The high-quality protein supports strong muscles, and the tailored fiber blend helps support healthy digestion. Enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, this food is suitable for everyday feeding and can help with digestive issues.


Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe Wet Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Peas, Pea Protein
  • Type of Product: Wet Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Limited Ingredients

Ideal for cats with food sensitivities, this limited ingredient diet is grain-free and made with a single animal protein source.

Made with only one type of animal protein and one vegetable, this wet food is ideal for cats with sensitivities or allergies. Its simplicity helps to minimize possible allergens, and it is free from grains, dairy, eggs, chicken, beef, fish, sweet potato, potato, chickpeas, artificial colors, and preservatives. The moisture-rich texture helps keep cats hydrated and supports overall health.


Weruva BFF OMG Chicken Dinner in Gravy Wet Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chicken, Tuna, Potato Starch, Sunflower Oil
  • Type of Product: Wet Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Hydration

Made with a simple and balanced blend of chicken and tuna, this food provides hydration and is good for cats with sensitive stomachs.

Created with hydration in mind, this food features chicken in a flavorful gravy. High-quality protein supports lean muscles, and the grain-free recipe caters to cats with sensitive stomachs. It’s crafted in a human-grade food facility, ensuring quality and safety. A balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants complements the main ingredients to provide a complete and balanced diet.


Nutro Wholesome Essentials Digestive Health Dry Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewer’s Rice, Pea Protein, Whole Brown Rice
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Wholesome Ingredients

This product targets digestive health specifically, made with non-GMO ingredients and fortified with natural fibers for a gentle digestion process.

This food is crafted with natural fibers to support a healthy digestive system, using chicken as the number-one ingredient. It avoids genetically modified ingredients and includes essential antioxidants for a healthy immune system. The product also contains omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, and it’s made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.


Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Wet Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Flaxseed Oil, Pea Protein
  • Type of Product: Wet Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Grain-Free Diet

A limited-ingredient diet for cats with sensitivities, offering a single source of animal protein without grains, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Focusing on a minimal set of top-notch ingredients, this grain-free wet food is suitable for cats with sensitivities. It offers a single-source animal protein without grains, corn, soy, gluten, or artificial additives. The texture is designed to make it palatable for finicky eaters, and the high moisture content aids in hydration and urinary health.


Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food

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  • First 5 Ingredients: Green Pea, Salmon, Pea Protein, Salmon Meal, Canola Oil
  • Type of Product: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Best For: Limited Ingredient Diet

A grain-free formula for cats with digestive sensitivities, focusing on a narrow selection of premium protein and carbohydrate sources to reduce potential allergens.

Designed for cats with sensitivities, this grain-free formula focuses on premium protein and carbohydrate sources. By limiting the number of ingredients, the food minimizes the chance of food sensitivities. It includes balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. Every batch is tested for quality and safety, ensuring a consistent product that supports healthy digestion.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What is the best cat food for digestive health?

The best cat food for digestive health is formulated to support optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Look for high-quality ingredients such as easily digestible proteins, prebiotic fibers, and probiotics that promote healthy gut bacteria. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best option for your cat’s specific digestive needs.

How can I determine if a cat food is suitable for digestive health?

When selecting cat food for digestive health, carefully review the ingredients label. Look for easily digestible protein sources such as chicken or fish, as well as the inclusion of prebiotic fibers such as beet pulp or chicory root. Avoid artificial additives, fillers, and excessive amounts of grains or carbohydrates, which can be harder for cats to digest.

Are there specific ingredients I should avoid in cat food for digestive health?

Yes, there are certain ingredients that may not be suitable for cats with digestive issues. Avoid cat foods that contain common allergens such as wheat, soy, or corn, as these can trigger digestive sensitivities. Additionally, some cats may have difficulty digesting dairy products or certain types of proteins, so it’s important to monitor your cat’s individual response to different ingredients.

How should I transition my cat to a new digestive health cat food?

When transitioning your cat to a new cat food for digestive health, do so gradually over a period of about one to two weeks. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your cat’s current food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food over time. This slow transition allows your cat’s digestive system to adjust and minimizes the risk of digestive upset. Monitor your cat’s stool consistency and overall well-being throughout the transition process.

What is the most easily digestible food for cats?

Cats typically find wet or canned food to be more easily digestible than dry food.

Is wet or dry food better for cats with sensitive stomachs?

Cats with sensitive stomachs may benefit from wet food rather than dry food.

Is there a wet cat food for sensitive stomachs?

Yes, there are several wet cat food options available for cats with sensitive stomachs. Some popular brands that offer wet cat food for sensitive stomachs include Royal Canin Digest Sensitive, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, and Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your cat’s specific needs.