The best cat food for a sensitive stomach of 2024

In 2024, the best cat food for sensitive stomachs includes brands like Royal Canin Digest Sensitive, Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin, and Purina Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach. These options prioritize gentle digestion, limited ingredients, and balanced nutrition to address feline gastrointestinal issues effectively.

The best cat food for a sensitive stomach depends on the cause of your kitty's stomach issues, whether that's food intolerances, allergies, or inflammatory bowel disease. If your cat has a food allergy, your vet may prescribe a hypoallergenic diet to relieve their symptoms. For cats who don't have allergies, they may recommend a sensitive stomach formula with low to moderate fat, easily digestible animal proteins, and few carbohydrates. 

For this guide, we evaluated sensitive stomach cat foods with advice from veterinarians and considered each food's ingredients and nutritional values. One of our top canned food picks is Royal Canin Care Digestive Thin Slices in Gravy, which includes insoluble fiber to help prevent constipation. For dry food, we recommend Hill's Science Diet Speciality Perfect Digestion Adult 7+. It contains prebiotic fiber to support healthy digestion.

All of our recommendations also meet pet food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines published by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA).  Sensitive stomach formulas also often contain supplements that help decrease gut inflammation and improve digestion, like probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. Certain types of dietary fiber may benefit your cat, too, but this can depend on the cause of your cat's symptoms. 

Keep in mind that because cats are known to cough up hairballs, it's common to overlook signs of a sensitive stomach, including vomiting and regurgitation, frequent loose stools, or gas. If your cat vomits material with very little to no hair or vomits more than once a week, they should see their veterinarian, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, a veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. Changing your cat's diet could improve their symptoms, but it's important to start with a visit to your vet before switching to one of the best cat foods.

Best wet

Our top picks for sensitive stomach wet cat food include formulas from Royal Canin and Merrick. 

If your cat regularly has digestive issues, your vet may recommend switching to a wet food diet to help relieve their stomach issues and keep them hydrated. Wet cat foods contain more moisture than dry foods, typically 75% to 78% moisture compared to 10% to 12%. This is important for cats who lose water through vomiting or diarrhea, says Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinarian and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists. 

Compared to dry food, the best wet cat foods typically have higher protein and lower carbohydrate content. This can help with weight control and digestion, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, a veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. 

Our pick from Royal Canin contains powdered cellulose and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon. According to Tufts University, cellulose is an insoluble fiber that may help relieve constipation by increasing stool volume and bowel movement frequency. Our pick from Merrick is made with limited ingredients. Limited ingredient diets can help reduce digestive upset in cats by limiting the number of ingredients in the food, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a veterinary nutritionist and associate professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

To compare the nutritional values of wet and dry cat foods, you need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis. This means you remove all the moisture from the wet food and then calculate the nutritional values based on the remaining solids. We contacted the food manufacturers to get the dry matter values of our recommendations. If you'd like to compare other recipes, you can use these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, call the food manufacturer, or ask your vet for help.

Best dry

Hill’s and Purina make the best sensitive stomach food for cats. 

Wet food isn't always convenient or affordable, and some cats simply don't like it — but dry food makes a good alternative for most cats. Dry kibble has a long shelf life and stays fresh longer than canned foods after you open the package. So, you can buy the recipe that works best for your cat in larger quantities, which is often more budget-friendly. 

Keep in mind, though, that dry foods typically contain more carbohydrates than wet foods. As a result, Richardson says some cats with sensitive stomachs may have a harder time digesting kibble. Look for recipes with complex carbohydrates, such as whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes. According to Tufts University, these carbohydrates provide nutrients such as fiber, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids.

Our picks for the best dry cat foods are specifically formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs. They contain easily digestible animal-based proteins and healthy extras like dried beet pulp and oats. Beet pulp contains insoluble and soluble fiber sources, and it's highly fermentable by cats, says  Ellen Dierenfeld, a comparative animal nutritionist and founder of Zootrition. Fermentable means it feeds the good bacteria in the microbiome, which can improve digestion. Oats are a soluble fiber source that slows digestion and may help ease diarrhea. 

Best for kittens

Royal Canin makes our favorite foods for kittens with sensitive stomachs. 

Kittens with diarrhea may benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, says Dr. Deb Zoran, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at Texas A&M University. This is because foods high in protein and fat provide energy and promote healthy development of a kitten's gastrointestinal tract, she says. Pet food labels don't always list the percentage of carbohydrates in a diet, but you can shop for foods that list whole meats, meat meals, and byproducts as the top ingredients before carbohydrate sources.

According to the AAFCO recommendations, food intended for kittens must contain at least 30% and 9% fat to support their growth and energy needs. However, Zoran says the best kitten foods for sensitive stomachs should be at least 40% protein on a dry matter basis. Just keep in mind that kittens could have an upset stomach for several reasons, including intestinal parasites. Before transitioning your kitten to a new diet, it's best to have their health checked by your vet. 

Our picks include four different meat sources in the first five ingredients and exceed 40% protein on a dry matter basis. They also contain healthy additions like fish oil, which contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega fatty acid that's essential for cognitive growth and development. These foods have also undergone feeding trials to ensure they are palatable, digestible, and provide adequate nutrition. Royal Canin's Gastrointestinal Kitten food requires a prescription from your vet.

Best for seniors

These foods from Purina, Wellness, and Hill’s may benefit senior cats with sensitive stomachs. 

Older pets may be more likely to have health problems, but getting sick isn't a normal part of aging. That's why it's important to watch your senior cat closely for any signs of gastrointestinal issues. For instance, cats who aren't getting the nutrients they need due to diarrhea or vomiting may lose weight or have dull coats. 

Cats are good at hiding when they're ill, Diehl says. But signs like chronic vomiting, loose stool, or very pungent poop can all point to health issues. Your vet can help narrow down the cause and recommend dietary changes that may help. It's essential to get guidance from your vet, since managing a sensitive stomach through diet depends on many factors, including other underlying health conditions, Diehl says. 

Because cats are obligate carnivores, the best senior cat foods for sensitive stomachs may be high in protein. However, not all senior cats can eat high-protein diets. For instance, high-protein diets can be harmful to senior cats with health conditions like chronic kidney disease. Our low-protein senior pick from Hill's includes fish oil, which can help improve skin and joint health and ease gastrointestinal inflammation. Our high-protein senior picks from Purina and Wellness contain inulin (commonly derived from chicory root), which is a soluble and insoluble fiber source. While insoluble fibers help keep bowel movements regular, soluble fibers absorb water and form a gel in the stomach. This can help cats maintain a healthy weight by slowing their digestion and keeping them full between feedings.

What to look for in sensitive stomach cat food

When shopping for the best cat food for a sensitive stomach, you'll want to consider the following criteria: 

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages: The most basic measure of nutritionally complete kitten and cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional standards for pet food. Recommendations are based on life stages, so food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is complete and balanced for kittens, while food with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages is complete and balanced for adult cats. The AAFCO hasn't established specific recommendations for senior cat diets. Foods for senior cats must meet the minimum AAFCO nutritional recommendations for adult or all life stages foods. 

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Food for kittens must meet the AAFCO's recommended minimum of 30% protein and 9% fat, and food for adult cats, including seniors, must have a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat. 

Our experts say it's important to carefully examine the guaranteed analysis for cat foods. As obligate carnivores, cats can digest high-protein diets more easily than foods with low animal protein and high carbohydrates. For some cats, the best cat food for a sensitive stomach may be high in protein, but high-protein diets can be harmful to some senior cats with certain health conditions. This is one reason why it's essential to ask your vet before transitioning diets.

Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Dierenfeld says that muscle meat proteins provide the best source of essential amino acids for obligate carnivores like cats. In other words, animal proteins in the form of whole meat, meat meal, or animal byproducts should come first on the ingredients list. When choosing the best cat food for a sensitive stomach, you can also check for ingredients that promote healthy digestion and ease inflammation, like probiotics, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil. 

Cats are obligate carnivores, so animal-based proteins should always be listed as the first ingredient in cat food. The best cat food for a sensitive stomach may be higher in protein than other cat foods. Our recommendations include quality protein sources in the form of whole meat, meat meals, and meat byproducts. Saker says that meals and byproducts are concentrated forms of protein that are just as nutritious and digestible — if not more so — than whole protein sources.

Expert formulations: Our picks for the best cat food for a sensitive stomach meet quality control standards recommended by WSAVA. This means the brands employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist. These standards help ensure your cat's food meets nutritional recommendations and includes the right ingredients.

Manufacturing standards: Zoran says pet foods can vary slightly from batch to batch, which can trigger digestive upset in cats with sensitive stomachs. When choosing the best cat food for a sensitive stomach, it's wise to consider the quality control measures and facilities used. Brands that own their manufacturing plants have greater control over the ingredients in their recipes and, therefore, the food your cat consumes. Pet food brands should also be transparent about how they implement quality control measures. In short, they shouldn't just say they conduct quality control.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcals). Your cat's calorie needs will depend on their age, activity level, and overall health. For example, kittens grow quickly in their first year and should eat multiple high-calorie meals per day. Your vet can recommend the ideal number of daily calories for adults and senior cats based on the cat's lifestyle and ideal weight. Vets can also teach you how to check your cat's body condition score (BCS) between wellness visits. The BCS is a visual tool that helps you assess your cat's body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. This information can help you understand if they need to lose or gain weight. That said, it's always best to talk to your vet before adjusting your cat's daily portion sizes.

How we selected the best cat food for sensitive stomachs

To narrow down our picks for the best cat food for a sensitive stomach, we spoke with three veterinary nutritionists, two small animal veterinarians, and one board-certified veterinary internist.

Dr. Deb Zoran is a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and small animal clinical sciences professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. 

Dr. Korinn Saker is a board-certified veterinarian, a distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and a professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University. 

Ellen Dierenfeld is a comparative animal nutritionist with an MS and PhD in Animal Nutrition from Cornell University. She is the founder of Zootrition, a software designed to record and evaluate the diets of animals. She has over 30 years of experience in zoo, wildlife, and companion animal nutrition.

Dr. Kelly Fishman is a small-animal veterinarian and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists. She received her BS at UC Berkeley, conducted veterinary and neuroscience research at UCSF, and earned her DVM at Ross University. She is trained in animal acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, and specialty companion animal diets. She also advises on supplement use.

Dr. Jamie Richardson is a general practice veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. After completing her undergraduate studies, Richardson moved to the UK to pursue a veterinary degree from London's Royal Veterinary College. Following veterinary volunteer and practice positions across South Africa, Hong Kong, and Bermuda, Richardson joined the Small Door Vet team. 

Dr. Kelly Diehl is senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. She is also a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Diehl received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and started her practice career in an emergency clinic in New Jersey before joining the Morris Animal Foundation. 

We also consulted guidelines and recommendations from the AAFCO, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, and other publications and organizations linked in this guide.

Sensitive stomach cat food FAQs

What is the best food for a cat with a sensitive stomach? 

The best cat food for a sensitive stomach depends on the individual cat and the cause of the upset stomach. Many sensitive stomach foods include easy-to-digest animal proteins such as byproducts and meals, limited carbohydrates, and healthy extras like fish oil and fermentable fibers like beet pulp. Limited ingredient diets may also lower the chances of a food reaction. However, over-the-counter diets may not be the best solution for every cat with a sensitive stomach. If your cat's upset stomach is caused by food allergies, your vet may recommend switching them to a prescription hydrolyzed diet. Hydrolyzed diets contain proteins that have been broken down into tiny pieces, which are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

What cat food is easiest on the stomach? 

Cats are obligate carnivores, so animal-based proteins are the easiest foods for them to digest. This includes whole-meat protein like deboned chicken, meat meals, and meat byproducts. Cats can eat recipes containing more than one type of animal protein, but they don't require a new recipe every day. In fact, changing recipes daily can affect your cat's appetite and upset their gut microbiome, says Dierenfeld. 

What makes sensitive stomach cat food different?

The best cat food for a sensitive stomach typically contains moderate to low levels of fat and protein from sources cats can easily digest and absorb. These foods may also contain supplements that decrease gut inflammation and improve digestion. Examples of these supplements include omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and probiotics. However, the specific ingredients and nutritional profiles of sensitive stomach cat foods can vary between brands. If you have concerns about your cat's digestive health or nutritional needs, your vet can offer more guidance on the best diet and care for your cat's individual needs.

Is wet or dry food better for a cat with an upset stomach?

Dry cat foods generally contain more carbohydrates and less moisture than wet foods. Richardson says this can make dry food difficult for some cats with sensitive stomachs to digest. Wet foods, on the other hand, have more protein and less carbohydrates, which can make them a better choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. When choosing between wet and dry food, Saker says it's also important to consider your cat's preferences and the availability of special diets. Some hydrolyzed diets, which your vet may recommend for severe food allergies, only come in kibble form.

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