9 Best Cat Foods for Sensitive Stomach in 2022

The sensitive stomach is a serious problem for a cat. Not all of the cats eat whatever you throw at them. Sometimes you will see that your cat is not eating anything. That is because he/she has a sensitive stomach. There are solutions available. You will find a lot of cat food for sensitive stomach.

If you find out your cat is struggling to eat, it is time to explore some other options. Selecting cat food for sensitive stomach can make a difference to your and your cat’s happiness. Foods that are made for the cat’s sensitive stomach contain less of the nutrients a cat struggles to digest.

But it varies. When you are concerned about your cat’s eating habits, you should at first take her/him to the vet.

How to determine if your cat has a sensitive stomach?

If your cat is suffering from a sensitive stomach, you can detect it most of the time even without going to the vet’s (however, going to the vet is recommended). If you suspect that your cat has a sensitive stomach, you should look for some symptoms which often indicate this problem.

A most common symptom of a sensitive stomach is that the cat often vomits after finishing a meal. Other common symptoms are: change in the cat’s bowel movements, having more gas than normal (often smelly), and displaying disinterest in foods that cats generally like.

Apart from this, there are some less-visible indicators. For example, if your cat scratches itself more than normal, or you see your cat losing a significant amount of fur, your cat might have a sensitive stomach. Also, if you notice her ears or face or both are swollen or show indications of flu – there could be a problem in her stomach.

Behavioral changes also indicate a problematic stomach. If your cat is usually social but you notice that it has become shy and tends to in strange places or runs away when sees strangers, it could be caused by an upset or sore tummy. One more thing to remember is that while humans often lick their lips when they feel hunger, cats lick their mouth when they feel nauseated – which often indicates upset belly.

Different reasons for cats to suffer from the sensitive stomach:

Suffering from frequent diarrhea or vomiting is not usual for a healthy cat, and having problems in the stomach can lead to even bigger health problems. Therefore, it’s really important to determine the reasons behind the sensitive stomach issues your cat is suffering from.

If you notice your furry pet is vomiting or suffering from diarrhea very often, you should consider the followings:

Low-quality food elements:

If your cat’s meal has low-quality elements or ingredients, it can cause GI problems. It’s essential to check for artificial additives, fillers, and preservatives in food ingredients. It is also important that you thoroughly check the source of the elements.

Sudden change in meals

You should never change your cat’s diet suddenly. A sudden change in a cat’s regular diet can affect the stomach. Don’t just swap formulas. If you want to introduce a new formula, better do it gradually.

Unbalanced diet

Having good nutrients in food is very important; however, too much of good nutrients is as bad as too little. So, you need to make sure the food is balanced with the right amount of important elements such as vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Otherwise, it can easily upset your cat’s stomach.

Allergies/intolerance’s

If you think the allergies and intolerances to certain kinds of foods is only a human thing, you’re wrong. Many other species have that problem, and cats are one of them. Some cats can’t process certain foods his/her stomach repels it causing vomiting or diarrhea.

The wrong kind of proteins

Cats are carnivores animals and their animal protein (mostly meat) is the best diet for them. However, sometimes cat owners seem to forget it and provide them with much plant proteins which are not ideal for their digestive system. If you don’t give your cat the right kind of protein, their digestive system can’t break it down properly, which causes problems in their stomach.

Parasites

One of the main causes of stomach problems in cats are parasites like hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and roundworms. If your cat has these kinds of parasites in her belly, she can suffer from several GI problems such as diarrhea and vomiting. Deworming your furry friend once or twice in a year with the vet’s help is highly recommended.

Rotten foods

Sometimes cats tend to not avoid rotten foods, and their owners sometimes overlook if the food has partially gone off. If any rotten food enters your cat’s tummy, it can cause problems. Therefore, it’s important to check the date and smell of the food you’re feeding your beloved pet.

Foods and objects that are unfriendly

Cats sometimes eat things that are no way meant for them. If you throw foods like chocolate, cheese, raisin, fried onions – your cat may eat them happily, however, these items often cause health problems including an upset stomach. Also, don’t give your cat milk as a meal. Although cats seem to like milk, their digestive system isn’t capable to process it properly.

Is diarrhea or vomiting always caused by a sensitive stomach?

While there are two main indicators of a sensitive tummy, it’s not necessary to think that way. It’s not unusual for felines to catch diarrhea or vomit every now and then. While it’s unpleasant for you to see and your furry friend to experience – but those occasional sicknesses are actually normal parts of owning a cat.

However, if the vomiting and diarrhea become frequent, it’s concerning and it’s an indicator that your beloved little pet is suffering from a sensitive stomach. If frequent vomiting or diarrhea or both occurs, it’s crucial to take your pet to the veterinarian for evaluation. The vet may run some lab tests such as blood work, and some other diagnostic tests to close out underlying illnesses that might in need of medical treatments.

The most likely issues on your vet’s potential differential diagnosis list will include IBD (Feline Inflammatory Bowel Disease) and foreign body obstruction. If these two and other underlying health problems get eliminated, what can be the cause behind the frequent digestive troubles your furry friend having then?

For most cats, it boils down to a sensitive stomach. Aside from the vet’s recommended medications, the best favor you can do for your little furry friend is to provide him/her with foods that are specifically formulated for cats with a sensitive tummy. Taking this step can put an end to your sweet little friend’s suffering and s/he can finally digest his/her meals peacefully.

Remember not to suddenly change the diet, which can cause some new problems. Take your time to introduce the new kind of food to your cat, and s/he will get used to it in a little while.

What type of food is right for a sensitive stomach?

The ideal cat food for sensitive stomach is specially designed. You will find both wet and dry food. Wet foods are best in any case as it also supplies the necessary water to digest the food. The most important thing is that you must select food for your cat that has a single protein source.

Some cats can have allergies to some specific proteins. If, after switching food, you find out your cat is not doing well enough, contact your vet.
And if you know the cause of your cat’s sensitive stomach, you know what you need to do. Yet if you are indecisive about what food to buy for your cat, here is a list of 10 best cat foods for sensitive stomach.

1. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Gravy

Royal Canin digest for sensitive stomach is suggested by experts and professionals because of their outstanding formulas that balance wholesome nutrition and high-quality ingredients. This food is specially designed for the sensitive stomach of your cat. With a 100% complete nutritional diet, Royal Canin is on the top of the chart.

With the balance of perfect macro-nutrient, this food contains proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to provide your cat with a meal that is delicious and easy to digest. The special digestion formula of the food reduces stool odors and helps to keep a healthy weight.

Key Benefits:

• Designed according to a cat’s nutritional needs and instinctive preferences.
• It provides 100% balanced nutrition.
• Reduces stool odors along with supporting ideal weight maintenance.
• Thin slices in gravy are highly palatable with a moderate calorie level.
• It is an ideal balance between proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
• You will get three flavors.

The only disadvantage of this food is it contains corn starch. If your cat can’t eat corn starch, then this food is not recommended. And when it comes to the price, it is a bit high as it is the combination of meats.

2. The Purina One Sensitive Systems Dry Cat Food

If you are looking for dry food for your cat’s upset or sensitive stomach, the Purina one sensitive systems dry cat food can be your best choice. Purina is a very renowned brand in the pet food world. But why is this cat food so effective?

Because this food has balanced proportions of nutrients such as proteins, antioxidants, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. These properties help cats to digest food easily and prevent them from vomiting. The protein comes from real turkey and each cup of the food helps in muscle development.

Another benefit of the food is that this one helps to solve skin sensitivity problems. If your cat has sensitive skin, he/ she can suffer from dry and itchy skin, which is a significant discomfort for them. Purina provides necessary nourishment for your cat’s coat and skin. So if you are looking for a permanent solution to your cat’s sensitive stomach, Purina one sensitive system is the way to go.

Key Benefits:

• It contains real turkey which helps in muscle development.
• All the required vitamins and fats help in nourishing skin and fur.
• Crunchy kibbles encourage your cat to eat happily.
• The taste, flavors, texture, and shapes are catchy to your cat.

Cons:

When it comes to disadvantages, there might be some inconsistencies between each bag. If you find this food is helping your cat then this might be the best choice for your cat’s sensitive stomach.

3. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food

Hill’s science diet dry cat food is a complete solution for your cat if he/she has a sensitive stomach as this food improves overall health. Hill’s science has the perfect combination of easily digestible ingredients that help cats to digest the food effortlessly. The fibers in the food encourage the production of gut bacteria which improves digestion when your cat has a sensitive stomach.

The food provides essential vitamins and omega fats that help keep your cat’s fur soft. The food scientists and nutritionists craft each formula of Hill’s science cat food to improve the overall health and wellbeing of your cat.

Hill’s science cat food is rich in antioxidants and free from any preservatives or artificial flavor and coloring. This food is made of premium quality chicken.

Key Benefits:

• Perfect for peaky eaters because of its taste.
• Prebiotic fibers in the food lead to better digestion.
• Composition of all-natural ingredients.
• Omega fats and Vitamin E encourages healthy skin and fur.
• Stops vomiting after eating.
• It helps to lose weight.

Cons:

If you think of negative sides, the new chicken formula might not suitable for some cats. You will have to try it first in a small amount and then see the results.

4. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

To produce high-quality cat food, Blue Buffalo sensitive stomach cat food combines different healthy ingredients. The combination of mixed grains such as oatmeal and brown rice, vegetables such as sweet potatoes and peas, and fruits like cranberries help your cat to have a balanced diet. As the main ingredient, this food uses real chicken which is a perfect source of protein.

Blue Buffalo cat food is specially designed for your cat’s sensitive stomach as it is full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system. Omega fatty acids also nourish your cat’s skin and help grow soft fur.

Key Benefits:

• Uses real meat as the first ingredient which promotes strong muscles.
• FOS probiotics in the food ensure digestive health.
• Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids ensure healthy skin along with soft, shiny fur.
• LifeSource Bits which is a perfect mixture of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants help support the better immune system.
• The natural ingredients in it enhance the flavor so that your cat eats the food joyfully.

Cons:

Some have said that the new formula of the food is not very good but you will have to try it before you know it.

5. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Digest Sensitive Loaf in Sauce Canned Cat Food

Royal Canin is one of the most popular and recommended cat food brands so it is obvious that this food will always make its place in the list. The loaf in the sauce helps your cat eat happily and digest effectively.

Different textures of the loaf help your cat digest properly and stop them from guzzling the food. It also makes the food attractive so that your cat eats with joy. Relatively low calorie of the food helps to maintain a healthy weight. The protein pack provides all the necessary nutrients for your cat’s sensitive stomach.

Key Benefits:

• Formulated for 1 year and older cats with sensitive stomachs.
• Decreases stool odor.
• The protein in it helps cats absorb nutrients better.
• It helps in keeping a healthy weight.
• Vitamins and minerals provide full nutrition.

Cons:

Although, this food is really very good for cats with sensitive stomachs. The only problem you can face if your cat doesn’t like cornflour.

6. Holistic Select Pate Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Holistic select pate grain-free cat food uses the high-protein formula from a few meat sources. If your cat has sensitivity towards meat, you can use this food. Holistic select pate is enriched with salmon oil and botanicals that help reduce food allergies. This food is also anti-inflammatory as it contains a wide range of probiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes.

Key Benefits:

• Grain-free with balanced nutrition.
• High-quality pate with the finest natural ingredients such as real chicken.
• This food has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
• It contains no wheat, corn, and soy.
• High packed protein.

Cons:

The disadvantage of this food is that it is higher in fat which can disturb your cat.

7. Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food

Purina is also the brand you can buy without any doubt. It is also one of the best cat food for sensitive stomach. If your cat has its own preferences towards food, Purina pro plan focus might be your choice. Some cats like all types of flavors, while some are extremely picky. Purina brings the food for cats who don’t like the taste of chicken.

The main protein of this food comes from real lamb. 100% natural lamb provides the required nutrition. Purina also contains easily digestible rice and oatmeal. It also contains prebiotic fibers that encourage gut bacteria to grow for effective digestion. It also prevents your cat from vomiting.

The omega fats and vitamins encourage the growth of soft and shiny coat and skin.

Key Benefits:

• Easily digestible rice and oatmeal.
• Full protein from real lamb.
• Omega 6 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin A ensure the healthy coat.
• Natural probiotic helps promote digestive health.

Cons:

The only disadvantage is that your cat can take some time to adjust to the food.

8. Halo Natural Dry Cat Food, Sensitive Stomach Seafood Medley

Halo is not that well-known brand compared to others but this is also an excellent cat food for sensitive stomach. Halo says that their sensitive stomach seafood medley cat food is more digestible. You will only know it after you feed it to your cat. The main source of protein is fish, which can be your cat’s favorite.

While some of the brands use rendered meat to make their food, halo uses whole fish meat, which is healthier and more nutritious. The fruits and vegetables in the food also come from farms where they grow non-genetically modified food. This food is entirely free of artificial coloring, flavors, and preservatives.

Rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E that promotes healthier growth of coats and skin. Halo also gives 14- day money-back guarantee if your cat doesn’t like the food.

Key Benefits:

• They don’t use any rendered meat, only whole fish.
• More digestible as it contains bioavailable nutrients.
• It contains whitefish, salmon, grains, and non-GMO vegetables.

Cons:

When it comes to the drawbacks, some filers may not suit your cat’s digestive system.

9. Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food

Solid gold cat food for sensitive stomach is another best food you can feed your cat. The full diet plan of this food stimulates the tiger skills in your cat. The food is grain and gluten-free and is filled with 20 supplemental foods that are the source of lean protein.

The gentle protein formula of solid gold food contains high-fiber pumpkin which is perfect for your cat’s sensitive stomach. Solid Gold has been in the market for more than 40 years and always crafting wonder cat foods with all necessary ingredients. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are gathered in this food from sea fish and salmon oil.

Prebiotics and probiotics of the food ensure your cat’s gut health along with the digestive system.

Key Benefits:

• Great source of protein.
• This food is natural and free of grains such as corn, wheat, or soy.
• A moderate blend of protein and fat help your cat digest effectively.
• Probiotics and prebiotics ensure your cat’s smoother coat and skin.

Cons:

If your cat is peaky only then you might find some problem with this food.

Wrapping Up

To maintain a healthy digestive system for your cat, you must look at above 10 best cat food for sensitive stomach. A common question that can come to your mind is what causes sensitivities and how you can be sure about it?

Like humans, cats are also allergic to some foods and can develop sensitive stomachs. Even when you are feeding only one type of food to your cat for years, it might suddenly grow out of it and can have a sensitive stomach. A little consciousness will help you address the sensitive stomach in your cat.

If your cat is showing some symptoms such as frequent vomiting, passing of gas, irregular bowel movement, loss of fur, swelling around the face, head and ears then it is time to pay serious attention. The first thing is to take your cat to the vet and take advice from the doctor. And then you can change the food of your cat.