Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

There are a number of reasons a cat may have a sensitive stomach, so you should visit your vet in the first instance. Whatever the cause, the type of food fed and the way that it is offered can help to minimize symptoms. It is best to check with your veterinarian when picking out a food for a pet with a medical condition, but the following guidelines can help to get you started:

1) Consider going hydrolyzed

If you suspect your cat has an allergy or sensitivity, choose a food that uses a protein source they have not eaten previously. This can be difficult as many foods are contaminated with proteins not listed on the label.

The best choice, therefore, is to use a prescription hydrolyzed protein diet. These diets use proteins that are broken down into tiny pieces that are unlikely to trigger a reaction but still provide all the amino acids that your cat needs from the diet.

2) Choose a diet with less than 40% protein

An excess of protein in the diet puts stress on the stomach during digestion that can lead to gut irritation. So choose a food with no more than 40% protein, on a dry matter basis.

Don’t worry about your cat not getting enough protein- as long as the diet is ‘complete and balanced’, you can be sure that they will be getting all the nutrients they need.

(Note: The protein and fat values listed on your food label will most likely be given on an “as fed” basis. You can learn how to convert these values to dry matter basis here.)

3) Choose a diet with high moisture content

When you’re choosing your sensitive cat’s diet, you might want to reach for the cans instead of the kibbles. Moist foods move through the gut more quickly and may be a better choice for sensitive cats.

These foods are also easier to warm up before serving which make them also easier to digest. If you do choose warm up your cat’s meal, make sure it is no warmer than body temperature before serving.

In addition, you’ll want to transition onto new diets slowly

It’s very important not to switch diets too quickly or frequently, as these changes can trigger sensitive stomach symptoms and your cat may associate the adverse effect with the new diet. Cats will refuse to eat a food if they associate the flavor with a time they felt ill. The transition should happen over a minimum of 7 days, increasing the proportion of the new food in the bowl each day.

What is the Best Cat Food for a Sensitive Stomach?

Author:
Last updated March 29, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%
Purina Pro Plan Gastroenteric Formula
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 151 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Protein: 43%

Sensitive Stomach Cat Food Reviews

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food For a Sensitive Stomach

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Rice Starch
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate
  3. Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq
  4. Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
  5. Tricalcium Phosphate
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
9%
9%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food For a Sensitive Stomach Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Cat Food has a limited ingredient formula that’s designed specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs. It uses a single hydrolyzed protein source, which is easy for your cat’s digestive system to process and will help them absorb the nutrients more effectively.

This formula also contains one source of carbohydrates that are low in allergens. It also contains several key vitamin supplements, including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B-12, Vitamin K, and more. The food has a rich chicken flavor that is appealing to cats. The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food is a great option for anyone looking for the best sensitive stomach cat food.

BUY HERE →

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food For a Sensitive Stomach

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Brewers Rice
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
  3. Chicken Fat
  4. Powdered Cellulose
  5. Natural Flavors
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
18%
18%
Protein
24%
24%
Fiber
5.7%
5.7%
REVIEW

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Dry Cat Food For a Sensitive Stomach Review

The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated with a blend of nutritious ingredients that are easy for cats with sensitive stomachs to digest. The food contains hydrolyzed soy proteins, which break down into very small pieces so your cat can absorb them.

Additionally, this formula contains plenty of powerhouse foods to support your cat’s health. In addition to having the optimal balance of protein, it also contains prebiotics and fiber, which support a healthy GI tract. This food is also enriched with B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids to keep your cat’s skin and fur healthy.

Overall, this is a very nutritious formula, and it’s one of the best dry cat foods for a sensitive stomach. It delivers a blend of essential nutrients, but the small hydrolyzed proteins won’t irritate your cat’s digestive system further.

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Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food For Cats with Sensitive Stomachs

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Brown Rice
  4. Oatmeal
  5. Barley
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VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
16%
16%
Protein
32%
32%
Fiber
3.5%
3.5%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food For Cats with Sensitive Stomachs Review

The Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food is a natural and limited ingredient formula with just the right amount of protein for a cat who struggles with stomach sensitivity. Powerhouse foods like real chicken combined with fresh grains, fruits, and vegetables results in an appealing taste as well as a balanced nutritional profile.

Blue Buffalo also includes their signature LifeSource Bits, which are primed to support your cat’s overall health. These are a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support your cat’s overall health and well-being. Additionally, the recipe contains prebiotics as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

If you’re looking for the best natural cat food for sensitive stomachs, this product is one worth considering.

BUY HERE →

Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care Chicken Canned Cat Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Water
  2. Chicken
  3. Pork Liver
  4. Carrots
  5. Wheat Gluten
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
23.2%
23.2%
Protein
37.9%
37.9%
Fiber
2.7%
2.7%
REVIEW

Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care Chicken Canned Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care cat food is one of the best canned cat foods for sensitive stomachs. This cat food has a high moisture content, which can be easier for cats to digest. It also contains just the right amount of protein – approximately 22 percent on a dry matter basis.

This balanced formula also contains essential fibers as well as a blend of vital antioxidants to help keep your cat’s entire body healthy. The chicken and vegetable stew flavor is very enticing for cats as well. Those looking for the best canned cat food for sensitive stomachs should consider the Hill’s Prescription Diet for their pet.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Gastroenteric Formula Canned Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Meat By-Products
  2. Water Sufficient For Processing
  3. Liver
  4. Rice
  5. Chicken Hearts
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 151 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
18.2%
18.2%
Protein
43%
43%
Fiber
9%
9%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Gastroenteric Formula Canned Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach Review

The Purina Pro Plan Gastroenteric Formula is specifically formulated with nutrients that will keep your cat healthy without irritating their sensitive GI tract. It has a very high moisture content and contains 43 percent of dry matter protein.

The formula is designed specifically for cats with gastrointestinal conditions. It is fortified with vitamins and minerals, and can even help prevent kidney stones. It does this by fighting against struvite and calcium oxalate crystals. This is one of the best wet foods for cats with a sensitive stomach.

BUY HERE →