The digestibility of cat food is influenced by various factors and cats with sensitive stomachs may require food with higher digestibility. In this article, I have reviewed the best cat food for sensitive stomachs and have provided a detailed guide on how you can choose the most ideal food for your cat’s stomach.
AAFCO has not set any minimum or maximum digestibility index but in general, the rule of thumb is to go for food with nutrients that exceed 70% digestibility. Read more about digestibility scores here.
Most cat food brands – both dry and wet- have digestibility scores ranging from 80% to 90%. A few exceed 90%.
Kittens have lower digestibility scores and senior cats also have lower scores.
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Factors to consider when choosing the best food for cats with sensitive stomachs:
- High-quality ingredients: The first and most important factor to consider when choosing the best food for cats with sensitive stomachs is the quality of the ingredients. Look for foods that contain high-quality, easily digestible ingredients such as chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb, fish meal, or eggs.
- Avoid fillers and by-products: Fillers and by-products are low-quality ingredients that can be difficult to digest and can contribute to digestive issues. Look for foods that do not contain fillers or by-products, such as corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors and flavors.
- Enzyme supplements: Enzymes are important for proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Some cats with sensitive stomachs may benefit from foods that contain enzyme supplements to help with digestion.
- Go for wet cat food: Wet cat food is typically more digestible than dry food and may be easier on your cat’s stomach.
- Limited ingredients: Limited ingredient diets are made with a limited number of ingredients and can be helpful for cats with food allergies or intolerances.
- Choose a grain-free diet: Grain-free diets are easier to digest and may be less likely to cause digestive issues.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are live bacteria that can help support a healthy digestive system. Some foods for cats with sensitive stomachs contain probiotics to help reduce digestive issues.
- Speak to your veterinarian: If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it is always best to speak to your veterinarian before making any changes to their diet.
Why meat meal ingredients are the best for cats with sensitive stomachs
Meat meals including chicken meal, fish meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal are highly digestible ingredients that are often used in foods for cats with sensitive stomachs.
These ingredients are a concentrated source of protein and nutrients and are less likely to cause digestive issues than other protein sources.
The process of obtaining the protein concentrates also helps to remove many of the allergens that can be present in whole meats.
Your cat will not be struggling to digest their food and will be able to absorb all of the nutrients they need. This is because meat meals are already in a predigested state.
How we scored the best food for cats with sensitive stomachs:
We used 6 factors to score food brands most suitable for cats with stomach issues;
| The 6 factors used to score cat food brands for cats with sensitive stomachs | Score |
|---|---|
| Does the cat food brand use meat meals such as fish meal, chicken meal, lamb meal, or turkey meal? | Those with the listed meat meals scored 30 more |
| Does the cat food brand have fillers? | Those without fillers scored 10 points more |
| Is the cat food brand wet or dry food | Wet food brands scored 10 points more |
| Number of ingredients | Those with less than 30 ingredients scored 10 points more |
| Does the cat food brand have additional enzyme supplements | Those with enzyme supplements for digestion scored 10 points more |
| Does the cat food brand have grain or is grain-free | Grain-based brands scored 10 points more |
| Total Score: | 100% |
5 best cat food for sensitive stomachs:
Here are the 5 best cat food for sensitive stomachs:
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List of digestible food for cats with sensitive stomachs:
- Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach
- Purina ONE Sensitive Stomach
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Sensitivities
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Sensitive Stomach Recipe
- Halo Holistic Sensitive Dry Cat Food
Reviews of the Best Cat Food for Sensitive Stomachs
1. BLUE for Cats Adult Dry Cat Food
The first product that we would like to introduce to you is Blue. This one is considered the most excellent version on the market at this time. On the other hand, it is the perfect food that flourishes fantastic recipes for kittens along with allergic tummies. Moreover, this best cat food for sensitive stomach vomiting is soft and offers more nutrients for your pet’s immunization system.
Besides, this one is built along with grains or chicken slices, which is good for sensitive tummies.
This food is rich in a high amount of protein, vitamins, and other minerals as well. The recipe is derived from by-products as well.
Pros
It can absorb nutrients, compared to the wet cat food for sensitive stomachs.
This version contains omegas and other essential acids
It supports to develop your cat’s hair
It can decrease throwing up the status
Cons
It is not suitable for sensitive, prone kittens.
2. Purina Cat Chow Gentle Dry Cat Food
Here is the product among the best cat foods for sensitive stomachs which is affordable for users to grab at this moment. On the other hand, it is used for people who want to save up money a lot. Besides, this cat food owns 23 vitamins that are useful for your lovely pets throughout their diet. Next, this one is a mild recipe that can support your kitten to deal with hair loss issues. Moreover, your pets can digest easily when using this type of food as well.
Pros
Your lovely pet will enjoy the smell of this food
This dry cat food for sensitive stomach can help your cat digest food easily.
It can assist in the bowel movement.
Cons
It may lead to throwing up for some cases.
It is not very great for decreasing hairballs.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Dry Cat Food
The next version is derived from the Hill brand. This sensitive stomach cat food is a high-quality version with own some fantastic features as well.
When it comes to the tasty recipes, this cat food can take the most advantage of natural additives in the package like combined omega six, which is useful for your pets. Moreover, this one consists of a combination of vital acids, protein, and other minerals as well.
Pros
It is highly suggested for your kittens and cats.
A lot of cats are interested in this food.
It can leave the pleasant smell for your pets
This sensitive stomach kitten food consists of good nutrients as well
Cons
A few cats gain weight while eating this food.
4. Pro Plan Focus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Adult Cat Food
Another version that we would bring to you is the Pro plan. It is constructed for assisting your lovely pets who face some allergic cases. The recipe owns oat components along with lamb, which is the crucial component and takes up more than 45% amount of protein. Besides, this kitten food represents a greater amount of zinc and other acids that can be beneficial for fur and strengthening the coat.
$49.98 in stock
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Next, this food owns over sixty tasty recipes that help you search for the perfect ones for both kittens and cats.
Pros
It consists of synthetic flavor
It is suitable for kitten’s allergic stomach.
This version can strengthen the skin and coat for kittens.
It possesses digestible oatmeal.
Cons
It is not suitable for finicky kittens.
Some kittens do not enjoy this food a lot.
5. Purina ONE Sensitive Systems Adult Premium Cat Food
$28.98 in stock
Free shipping
This food is seen as a great version for supporting your lovely pets, especially for allergic systems. Apart from it, this one is produced from real chicken slices. On the other hand, it is more savory for some kittens to use and stimulate them so much. Next, the other vitamins can strengthen their health and offer entire nutritional value for the development of adult ones at all. Last but not least, this version is highly suggested by some specialists as well.
Pros
It owns re-seal package
The flavor is outstanding
This version becomes popular in some pet shops.
Cons
Some others can include fatty substances
It can result in throwing up for your pets in a few cases.
Buying Guide for Easily-digestible food for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
What is a cat with a sensitive stomach?
A cat with a sensitive stomach is one that is prone to vomiting and diarrhea. The condition can be caused by various factors such as food allergies, intolerance, stress, parasites, and certain medications.
Causes of sensitive stomachs:
But what causes sensitive stomachs in cats and how can you pick the best cat food for them?
There are various factors that can contribute to a sensitive stomach in cats, such as:
- – Food allergies or intolerances
- – Poor quality ingredients
- – Lack of enzymes to properly digest food
- – Underlying health conditions
If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it is important to choose a food that is highly digestible and does not contain any ingredients that your cat may be allergic or intolerant to. The best way to determine this is to speak to your veterinarian.
Causes of Sensitive stomachs in cats
After carrying out research, we provide you with some root causes why your buddy can face some issues related to allergic tummy.
Health issues
The key symptom of this problem is throwing up a lot. When you see your cats vomiting up, we will make sure that they are facing digestive trouble. In this case, you should bring your pets to take the test for diagnosing the cause as well. Besides, other symptoms of bad tummy consist of pancreas issues, kidney, and bladder disorders as well.
Examine your kitten’s oral status
When your kittens are facing stomachs issues, the pet owners are responsible for their tummies’ system. The first thing to do is to examine some issues related to kitten’s tooth. Moreover, when you recognize some troubles in their mouth, it can represent symptoms such as heart and liver disorders.
The next stuff to do is clean kitten’s teeth and remove all decaying teeth for tackling this issue. In this case, your lovely pet is not feeding since the main dish, or side dish can be harmful to it.
Diet mode
The most popular reason for your kitten’s tummy sensitiveness is the quality of food you feed it. Therefore, you need to purchase the appropriate food for your cats. Besides, you need to ensure a suitable diet for them as well.
Next, another stuff that you need to care about is the food with tuna, or a greater amount of fat could be not beneficial for your lovely pets. However, you can give it to them a few times by limiting the amount of this food.
Meeting your lovely cat’s requirements is not easy. On the other hand, choosing the best cat foods for sensitive stomachs which offers more research as well as the vet suggestions for making the purchase. Your cats own a sophisticated dietary system demand rather than other animals. Thus, you must feed them along with the appropriate food as well.
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Hi there! My name is Ben Domb, an owner of two pets and I am one of the co-founders of OurPets HQ. I have several years of experience as a pet care professional in the New England region having spent time in various roles including a stint at a veterinary hospital in Upstate New York, Syracuse area. I am a certified pet care professional and mostly spend my time researching pet nutrition and sharing my thoughts in various blogs and columns. With quarantine and COVID restrictions, I have been spending a lot of time a lot with my dogs and cat and loving it! I also run a small consulting business providing advice to parents on pet nutrition, and especially safe homemade options to try. You can reach me at ben@ourpetshq.com
