Although some cats are naturally picky eaters, others may be sensitive to specific ingredients in food, causing them to vomit, have diarrhea, lick their lips, or refuse food. In addition, cats are predators, and they may be sensitive to foods containing animal protein. Finally, cats’ stomachs may get sensitive due to separation anxiety, underlying disease, or particular medication apart from food. If you have ruled out all the above factors, you should consider changing your cat’s diet.
The best cat food for a sensitive stomach should have meat as the first ingredient and be free of grain, soy, corn, or filler ingredients. If you want to change your cat’s diet because of a sensitive stomach, you will find this guide helpful. We will explore seven of the best dry cat foods for a sensitive stomach and a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best food for your feline’s health.
Top 7 Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach
1. Blue Buffalo Adult Sensitive Dry Cat Food – Best Dry Food
Blue buffalo is a pet-inspired pet food company that combines high-quality natural ingredients with vitamins to make premium pet food. Their sensitive stomach adult formula contains real meat as the first ingredient. It contains high-quality chicken protein, which is rich in fiber to help promote a healthy digestive system. In addition, it contains wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruits. The food contains specially formulated FOS prebiotics for a healthy digestive system and Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and improve the immune system.
Each blue buffalo stomach-sensitive dry food package consists of a proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals proven by nutritionists and veterinarians to promote a healthy digestive system. Besides, the food contains a balance of proteins and fats to maintain a healthy weight. It does not contain chicken by-products, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or additives.
Pros
- Contains high-quality ingredients
- No fillers
- Soy-free
- Rich in fiber
- Contains prebiotics
- No artificial colors or additives
Cons
- It may cause weight gain in some cats
- Not flavored
2. Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food – Best Overall
After more than 50 years of research, nutritionists and veterinarians at Royal Canin formulated the feline care nutrition range to address specific nutritional needs in cats. This dry cat food is formulated for cats older than one year with sensitive stomachs. It contains a proprietary blend of prebiotics and fiber to promote a healthy digestive system, proteins to build strong muscles and increase energy levels, and vitamins to improve the immune system.
The Royal Canin digestive care dry cat food is clinically proven to reduce stool production by 42% after ten days of exclusive use. Your cat will love the ring-shaped kibble that encourages them to chew slowly to support healthy digestion. The kibbles are also pleasantly flavored to satisfy your cat’s numerous taste buds.
Pros
- Unique kibble shape
- Pleasantly flavored
- It contains a blend of prebiotics
- Veterinarian approved
- Clinically proven to reduce stool by 42% after ten days of use
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Some cats may not like it
3. Hill’s Science Diet, Adult Dry Food For Sensitive Skin And Stomach – Best Value
Hills science is a pet-inspired food brand that aims to enhance pet and people relationships by combining carefully selected ingredients to make food for every stage of a pet’s life. The Hills science adult dry food for sensitive skin and stomachs provides a rich source of prebiotics and fiber to stimulate the growth of beneficial gut microbiota. It is formulated in small easy to chew kibbles, and it’s easy to digest with guaranteed optimum nutrient absorption for easy stool formation. In addition, it contains Omega 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E to improve your cat’s skin health and boost their immune system.
The food is gentle on the stomach, and it contains chicken as the first ingredient. It’s made using natural ingredients, and it helps prevent vomiting and diarrhea in cats. As a result, hills science is the number one pet food brand recommended by veterinary experts, according to the April-May 2021 pet recommendation survey.
Pros
- It contains chicken as the first ingredient
- Veterinarian recommended
- It’s made in the USA
- Reduces vomiting in cats
- It contains Omega 6 and Vitamin E
- Made of natural ingredients
- Reduces skin allergies
- Great for food allergies
Cons
- It contains soy
- It’s a different formula from the old one
4. IAMS Proactive Health, Sensitive Stomach Adult Cat Food
IAMS proactive cat food contains animal protein as the first ingredient, contains no artificial colors or flavors, and is 100% balanced with no fillers. The IAMS proactive adult dry cat food for sensitive stomachs is supplied with turkey-flavored kibbles in a 13 lbs bag. Each kibble contains Turkey as the first ingredient, a high-quality protein for muscle building. In addition, it contains a unique fiber blend, prebiotics, and beet pulp to maintain a healthy digestive system and increase nutrients absorption for easy stool formation.
The food keeps your kitty’s skin glowing courtesy of the Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that improve skin health and boost immune systems. Furthermore, It keeps diseases away with its blend of prebiotics and antioxidants, which boost the immune system. The IAMS proactive adult food for dry foods is USA-made using high-quality ingredients, and it’s designed for adult cats of all ages.
Pros
- Soy-free
- No additives or fillers
- High-quality proteins for muscle building
- It contains Omega 3 and 6
- Suitable for adult cats of all ages
- Rich in fiber
Cons
- It’s expensive
- Some cats may not like it
5. Purina One Sensitive Systems Adult Dry Cat Food – Best Probiotic
Purina one adult dry cat food for sensitive systems is tailor-made to address your cat’s unique nutritional needs. Additionally, it contains real turkey as the first ingredient, making 34% protein for muscle building and energy. The food consists of small, easy-to-chew kibbles designed for easy digestion in cats with sensitive stomachs. It contains a proprietary blend of proteins and fiber, which improves digestion and prebiotics, promoting gut microbiota growth. Furthermore, it improves skin health and coat texture because it contains Omega 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E, and it is rich in antioxidants that boost the immune system.
The food has been proven to prevent vomiting in cats and reduce instances of foul-smelling stools. Additionally, it’s pleasantly flavored to satisfy a cat’s numerous taste buds. It’s designed to nourish a cat’s skin coat, improve digestion, build strong muscles and boost the immune system. This dry cat food is made for adult cats from one to seven years old.
Pros
- Pleasantly flavored
- Easy to chew
- Rich in protein and fiber
- Improves a cat’s skin coat
- Rich in antioxidants
- It contains Omega 6 and Vitamin E
Cons
- It contains soy
- It may cause weight gain
6. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Indoor & Sensitive Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food
Nutro partners with trustworthy suppliers and farmers to source natural and high-quality ingredients for their nutritious recipes. Their dry cat food for a sensitive stomach contains chicken as the first ingredient, a high-quality source of protein for muscle building and energy supply. The recipe is backed by vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system and improve health and well-being. It contains natural fiber that supports a healthy digestive system and antioxidants to boost immunity. In addition, it is rich in Omega 6 fatty acids to boost the immune system, maintain healthy skin, and maintain a lustrous coat.
This dry cat food for a sensitive stomach from Nutro is made of natural ingredients, and it does not contain soy proteins or wheat. Furthermore, it does not contain fillers, artificial flavors, or GMOs.
Pros
- Farm sourced natural ingredients
- Non-GMO
- No soy proteins
- It contains Omega 6 fatty acids
- Rich in fiber
Cons
- Not so great tasting
- It’s expensive
7. Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin And Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food
Purina pro plan offers the most advanced nutrition for a healthy cat. Their dry cat food for a sensitive stomach is formulated with the proper nutrients to support a healthy cat with a sensitive stomach. The high-protein food contains lamb as the first ingredient. It also contains rice and oatmeal, rich in digestive fiber and easy on the stomach.
The sensitive stomach recipe is fortified with live prebiotics to improve your cat’s digestive system. In addition, it’s pleasantly flavored and rich in antioxidants to support a robust immune system. It contains Omega 6 fatty acids to maintain your cat’s lustrous coat and healthy skin. It also contains Vitamin A and taurine to support healthy vision. It does not contain artificial colors or flavors.
Pros
- It’s cost-effective
- It’s gentle on the stomach
- It contains high protein content
- It contains Omega 6 fatty acids
- No artificial flavors
Cons
- It contains soy proteins
- It doesn’t smell nice
Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach: Buying Guide
When you notice signs of a sensitive stomach in your cat, your first instinct might be to change their diet. First, however, you should be careful to choose the right food to avoid making the situation worse. In this guide, you will learn how to choose the right food for your cat, foods to avoid, and reasons that may be causing a sensitive stomach in your cat.
What Causes Sensitive Stomach in Cats?
Most cat owners believe that a sensitive stomach is caused by food, but the truth is, it may be caused by other factors such as;
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract in simpler terms. It may be caused by liver or pancreas diseases, bacterial infections such as salmonella, parasite infections such as giardiasis. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in some cats.
Food Allergies
Although most food allergies manifest as skin irritation, some may cause diarrhea and vomiting, which are the most common signs of a sensitive stomach. Foods such as chicken, pork, and beef are known to cause food allergies over time. The best sources of safe protein include lamb, turkey, and fish.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease results from constant irritation of the stomach lining. Inflammatory cells cause thickening of the intestinal lining, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. IBD may be caused by bacterial or parasitic infections and food allergies. Symptoms include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and spitting hairballs.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is often confused with food allergies, but it’s a situation where the cat cannot digest particular foods, thus vomiting it or passing it whole through the anus.
Poor Feeding Habits
Your cat may ingest toxic substances or allergy-causing insects when left to roam outdoors. Some of the substances may cause diarrhea or vomiting, the most common symptoms of a sensitive stomach.
Diet Change
Sudden diet change may cause a sensitive stomach, especially in kittens. If you want to introduce a new food, do it subtly to allow a few days for the cat to adjust.
What to Look for in the Best Dry Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach
If you want to change your cat’s food due to a sensitive stomach, look for the following qualities;
Animal Protein
Cats digest animal proteins better than plant proteins because they are carnivorous. However, beef, chicken, and pork may cause allergies after long-term use. High protein alternatives like fish, lamb, and turkey are better alternatives. Avoid foods containing plant protein as the first ingredient.
Pre and Probiotics
Prebiotics stimulate the growth of gut bacteria, while probiotics help replenish gut bacteria after antibiotic treatment or bouts of diarrhea. Dry cat food containing pre and probiotics help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of a sensitive stomach.
Highly Digestible Foods
The most common sign of a sensitive stomach is vomiting or passing undigested food. Therefore, choose foods containing high fiber levels to improve digestion.
Foods to Avoid in Cats With a Sensitive Stomach
Avoid the following foods in cats with a sensitive stomach;
Dairy Products
It’s a common notion that cats should drink milk, but their stomachs cannot properly digest lactose in dairy products.
Beef
Although beef is an excellent source of animal proteins, your cat may experience allergic reactions if they have too much beef for long periods (weeks) at a time. As a result, some cats may refuse food containing beef, vomit, or suffer from diarrhea. If your cat loves beef, make sure to introduce them to various animal proteins, including turkey, fish, and lamb.
High Fats
Although fat is essential for metabolism and energy, your cat may not produce enough bile to digest foods containing high fats. As a result, they may have diarrhea or vomit excess fat to get it out of their system. So instead, opt for foods containing Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin and boost the immune system.
Grains
Grains are rich in proteins, but your cat may be unable to digest them properly because they are carnivorous. Therefore, avoid foods containing grains as the first ingredient and choose foods with animal protein instead.
Additives
It’s okay for a cat’s food to have one or two additives, but too many of these may trigger allergic reactions. Besides, it’s not easy to identify particular allergy-causing additives in case of an allergic reaction.
FAQ
Choosing the right dry food for a cat with a sensitive stomach is not easy. You will need to research thoroughly and review your options before making your decision. This section will answer the most frequently asked questions regarding the best dry cat food for a sensitive stomach.
1. Which Is the Best Dry Cat Food for a Sensitive Stomach?
A: Royal Canin digestive dry cat food for a sensitive stomach is the best choice. Nutritionists and veterinarians formulate it, and it contains prebiotics and fiber to improve the digestive system.
2. What Is Cat Food for Sensitive Stomach?
A: Cat food for a sensitive stomach is specifically designed to improve digestion and reduce symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, often associated with a sensitive stomach. They contain animal protein as the first ingredient because it’s easier to digest than plant proteins. Besides, cat food for a sensitive stomach contains pre and probiotics to maintain gut microbiota and improve digestion.
3. How Do I Tell if My Cat Has a Sensitive Stomach?
A: You will know if your cat has a sensitive stomach if they frequently vomit, experience diarrhea, or refuse to eat. Some cats may experience allergic skin reactions causing itching and redness, while others will spit up hairballs.
4. Is It Normal for Cats to Throw Up?
A: It’s normal for your cat to throw up occasionally, but if they vomit more than once a week, it may be a sign of a sensitive stomach. Vomiting could mean many things, including stomach infection. Therefore, take your cat to the veterinarian if you notice signs of chronic vomiting.
Conclusion
Your cat may have a sensitive stomach if they vomit more than once a week, have diarrhea, refuse food or cough up hairballs. Food allergies are the major causes of a sensitive stomach, but they may also be caused by inflammatory bowel disease, infections, poor feeding habits, and sudden diet changes. If you want the best dry cat food for a sensitive stomach, we recommend Royal Canin Digestive dry cat food for a sensitive stomach. We like it because it’s rich in prebiotics and fiber, and it’s clinically proven to reduce stool production by up to 42% after ten days of exclusive use. It also has unique ring-shaped kibbles which encourage slow and thorough chewing to improve digestion.
