Like humans, cats, too, suffer from digestion problems. These cats may find it extremely difficult to digest certain ingredients. However, they will still have the usual dietary requirements as other healthy cats. It is important to take proper care of your feline friend by feeding them specially formulated sensitive-stomach cat food.
Symptoms of sensitive stomach in cats
Some of the most common and perceptible signs of sensitive stomach in cats include the following:
- Changes in appetite
- Frequent vomiting
- Bouts of diarrhea or constipation
- Increased or decreased thirst
- In some cases, weight loss
Often, these symptoms can be managed by changing the diet of your cat.
To choose the right sensitive-stomach cat food, you need to first understand why your cat is showing these signs. You can consult an expert vet if your cat throws up food every now and then.
Causes of sensitive stomach in cats
There can be plenty of reasons why your cat has digestive troubles. But the most important thing to understand is that if they have a sensitive stomach, even the slightest change in their food can trigger the symptoms.
Common causes of sensitive stomachs in cats can be categorized into two types: conditions that occur inside and those that occur outside the cat’s gastrointestinal system.
Many factors can inflame the gastrointestinal system from within, resulting in an upset stomach. These factors may be the following:
- Parasites
- Hairballs
- Stomach ulcers
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bacterial overgrowth
- Consumption of any toxic substance
- Cancer
- Invasion of intestinal foreign bodies
Certain conditions, such as that following, that are not related to your cat’s gastrointestinal system may also be a reason for an upset stomach:
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Urinary tract infections
- Other general infections
- Pain or stress
- Pancreatitis
- Cancer of any body organ
- Brain disorders that may lead to vertigo
- Diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism
Best sensitive-stomach cat foods in the USA
Adequate nutrition is immensely important to ease your cat’s condition and soothe their upset stomach. A weakened gastrointestinal system is often unable to digest food properly. Thus, feeding your little pet the most appropriate food that is easy to digest can alleviate symptoms like nausea, pain, and discomfort.
Here are some of the best sensitive-stomach cat foods that you can opt for to give your cat an easily-digestible and high-nutrition diet.
- Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Cat Food by Blue Buffalo
Blue buffalo is one of the most widely used dry cat foods. It is well-known for its quality of natural ingredients. This comes in tiny bits that are good for cats of all ages. It has a patent on the specific mixture of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in its small bits. Blue Buffalo also has probiotics that aid in digestion and improve the immune system of your cat. It contains veggies and grains that are nutrient-rich and easily digestible. The protein content in this is around 33%.
Pros
- Free from chicken by-products
- Contains patented LifeSource Bits
- No artificial additives
- Formulated by expert veterinarians
- US-based company
Cons
- Expensive
- Has grains, so not suitable for grain-sensitive felines
- Contains small portions of eggs and fish, which might irritate some feline stomachs
- Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Wet Cat Food
This is another excellent sensitive-stomach cat food option. It is a type of wet food that does not consist of many ingredients, and therefore, is ideal for felines with digestion issues. The primary source of protein is turkey, which is very good for digestion. It does not contain any dairy, grains, chicken, eggs, fish, beef, wheat, corn, carrageenan, soy, or artificial preservatives and colors. It has the perfect balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that are very good for sensitive tummies. The moisture content in this product is 75%, and crude protein is 12%.
Pros
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- Made with a single type of vegetable and animal protein
- Limited ingredients to enhance digestibility
Cons
- Less moisture (75%) than other wet foods
- Some feline owners may find the food to be overdone.
- Purina ONE Sensitive Systems Adult Dry Cat Food
This sensitive-stomach cat food is an ideal option for those who are on a budget. It is formulated with high-quality ingredients such as essential minerals and vitamins that ease the symptoms of sensitive skin and stomach. Besides, it also helps to reinforce your cat’s immune system that eventually results in better digestion. Highly recommended by vets, this cat food contains turkey as its main ingredient. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors or fillers that can meddle with the digestive system. So, if you are looking for quality cat food that is also pocket-friendly, this product by Purina is the best bet.
Pros
- Offers the best value for money
- High in protein
- Does not contain any fillers or preservatives
- Endorsed by vets
Cons
- Some feline owners complain that this product makes their cats’ stool darker and foul-smelling.
- Blue Basics Limited Ingredient Diet, Wet Cat Food
This is wet cat food for cats with a sensitive stomach. It contains top-quality protein and carbs that can be digested easily. This simple food for cats has omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the skin of your feline. Since cats are sensitive to eggs, beef, and chicken, this product only contains duck meat. The moisture content in this product is around 80%, and crude protein is 8%.
Pros
- Soy-free, gluten-free and corn-free
- Felines find it delicious.
- 78% moisture, so perfect for hydration
Cons
- Expensive
- Has fish oil which might be troubling to some cats
- Has potatoes, which might be problematic for felines with weight issues or sensitivities
- Merrick Limited Ingredient- Variety Pack
This variety pack is one of the best wet cat foods for felines who have digestion problems. It does not contain any corn, grains, and soy that are irritants for cats with a sensitive stomach. The primary protein sources of this variety pack are turkey, chicken, and duck. The moisture content in this product is around 80%, and crude protein is 8%.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Top-quality ingredients
Cons
- Some cats might be intolerant to chicken protein.
- Comes with varied protein sources which might not be apt for all cats
- Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet, Dry Cat Food
Counted among the best sensitive-stomach cat foods, this is grain-free and dry. This product derives all its protein from turkey. Hence, it does not contain any ingredients that can irritate the stomach like dairy, eggs, soy, and gluten. In this, the ingredients are processed for a short period so that they do not lose their nutritional value. In addition to this, they are also coated with raw meat to enhance the flavor. The protein content in this product is around 37%.
Pros
- Single source of protein
- Single source of easily palatable vegetables (peas)
- No soy, wheat, potatoes, corn, eggs or dairy
- Made in the USA with best-sourced ingredients
Cons
- Some feline owners complain that this product makes their cats’ stool darker and foul-smelling.
- Hill’s Science Plan Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food
This product by Hill’s Science is not only great for a cat’s sensitive stomach but also works wonders for their skin and coat, nourishing it from deep within. It is rich in vitamin C and E, which also helps to improve overall digestion. The food comes in the form of small kibbles that are easy to chew and digest. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors or fillers used in it. The best part about this is that it does not cause any bloating, gas, or any other digestive problem.
Pros
- Formulated with the right balance of vitamins and minerals
- Easy to chew small kibbles
- Nourishes the digestive system, skin, and coat
- Does not contain any fillers or preservatives
Cons
- A slightly higher quantity of carbohydrates that may lead to weight gain
- Some cat owners find the product very greasy.
- Not suitable for cats who have grain allergies
- Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Stomach Adult Cat Food
This is one of the highly recommended sensitive-stomach cat foods that will cater to your pet’s nutritional needs, even when it is battling to keep the intake down. This protein-rich recipe comprises chicken and turkey in decent quantities. Besides, it also contains fibers, prebiotics, and beet-pulp to make sure that all the nutrients are fully absorbed into the body. It contains healthy antioxidants that can cure digestion troubles along with fatty acids that nourish the coat. Lastly, this cat food is much more affordable than many other options.
Pros
- The kibbles are appropriately sized, which makes them easy to digest.
- The unique product formula boosts energy and aids digestion.
- It contains antioxidants that reinforce the immune system.
- Affordable product
Cons
- Some cat owners find the product very greasy.
- Some also say that the kibbles crumble very easily.
- Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Digest Sensitive Thin Slices
This is another wonderful wet sensitive-stomach cat food. It features a fine blend of essential nutrients that help to ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. It has a high protein content that makes it easily digestible while improving muscle strength and energy levels. It comes with delicious gravy that can also be mixed with dry kibbles for enhanced flavor and texture. It does not contain any fillers or grains.
Pros
- It is suitable for cats who are older than 12 months.
- The rich formula is made up of essential vitamins and minerals that boost the energy level.
- It can be mixed with dry kibbles to make it a tastier treat.
Cons
- It is a little expensive.
- The chunks might be huge for smaller cats. You will have to cut them into smaller pieces.
- Holistic Select Natural Wet Cat Food, Grain-Free
This is a canned feline food product that is rich in natural fiber, antioxidants, and prebiotics. Along with the probiotics, it also has certain digestive enzymes that aid in the digestion process of cats with sensitive stomachs. This product is grain-free, wheat-free, has no soy, and has no artificial flavor or preservatives. It derives most of its crude protein from chicken and lamb.
Pros
- Has salmon oil
- Full of healthy botanicals and prebiotics
- Real chicken, lamb, and chicken liver are its primary ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Has high moisture content so that your cat does not get dehydrated
Cons
- Not palatable
- Not very rich in protein
How to introduce a sensitive cat food diet?
If you alter your feline’s diet too quickly, it might increase digestion problems and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. Below listed are certain steps that can make the transition simple and safe.
- Slowly replace your cat's old diet with its new diet. This transformation will take around 10 days.
- Always feed your feline at the same time every day, as this will help in regulating its digestion.
- Consult a vet, for a more balanced diet, if the symptoms do not improve.
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, you must invest in a good food for cats with sensitive stomachs. This will not only help it to stay healthy but also accommodate its specific needs at every stage of life. Remember that kitties with digestive troubles often appreciate easy-going environments with minimal stress too. Make sure that apart from offering healthy food, you create a happy setting and provide plenty of water. This will support your pet’s overall wellbeing.
