Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

Diarrhea or very moist poops can be a sign of a health problem. If your cat struggles with this issue for longer than 48 hours, consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying clinical cause. The right diet can help with chronic diarrhea and the associated underlying cause.

It is best to check with the vet when picking out a food for a pet with a medical condition, but the following guidelines can help you get started.

1) Choose a diet that has a source of insoluble fiber

One type of fiber, called “insoluble fiber”, helps keep to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and reduce instance of diarrhea. Examples of insoluble fiber sources include pea fiber, soybean hulls, beet pulp, and rice hulls.

2) Choose a diet with prebiotic ingredients

Prebiotics are ingredients in the diet which feed the healthy bacteria of the gut. These “good bacteria” produce compounds which have been linked to gastrointestinal health. Examples of prebiotic-containing ingredients include cranberries, apples, and carrots.

Remember that these ingredients are incorporated into your cat’s pet food in a balanced way- don’t add them as fresh ingredients without checking with your vet first.

3) Consider a diet for an adverse food reaction

Cats suffering from an adverse food reaction may experience diarrhea. Choosing a diet with alternative ingredients, particularly the protein source, can help to alleviate many gut-related issues. The best choice for a suspected adverse food reaction or allergy is a hydrolyzed protein diet.

This diet uses proteins that are broken down into pieces as their amino acid source. These pieces that are so tiny that they are unlikely to trigger a reaction. These diets are also a top choice to use for a clinical dietary trial to pinpoint the exact ingredient causing the problem.

4) Consider your cat’s energy needs

Obesity can have an impact on gastrointestinal health in cats. If your vet advises that your cat is overweight, you might want to find a less ‘calorie dense’ diet to help her slim down.

Your veterinarian can help you determine how much to feed each day for your cat to meet her ideal bodyweight. You should measure out your cat’s daily portion using a scale, as cups are inaccurate.

5) Don’t change diet too quickly or too frequently

When you are choosing a food for your cat, one important thing to keep in mind is to not switch diets too quickly or frequently. The gut of a cat and healthy gut bacteria need time to adjust to changes in composition and texture of new foods.

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 Diarrhea?

Author:
Last updated June 21, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
Hill's Prescription Diet Dry Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 35%
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%
Hill's Prescription Diet Wet Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%

Cat Food for Diarrhea Reviews

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Diarrhea

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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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  • 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 Protein Dry Cat Food for Diarrhea Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is one of the best cat foods for chronic diarrhea. It is formulated with hydrolyzed soy proteins, which are easy for your furry friend to digest. It also contains prebiotics, which are primed to support a healthy digestive system and keep your cat regular. A balance of fibers works to prevent diarrhea and other stomach issues.

This formula is balanced with essential ingredients, like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. This exceptional quality formula helps keep your cat’s entire body healthy. This cat food from Royal Canin is a great option for cats that are prone to diarrhea and other stomach problems.

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
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  1. Chicken
  2. Cracked Pearled Barley
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Brewers Rice
  5. Pork Fat
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
17%
17%
Protein
35%
35%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated to soothe your cat’s digestive system. It’s made with insoluble natural fibers, which can be very effective at preventing litter box messes. The formula is also enriched with prebiotics, which are excellent at keeping your cat regular.

This formula from Hill’s is one of the best foods for cats with diarrhea. This diet is also specifically formulated with proteins that are easy to digest and keep your cat’s energy up, as well as essential antioxidants to boost their immune system and protect their cells. Additionally, it is made with Hill’s S+OXSHIELD seal, which means it is designed to protect your cat’s urinary health.

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Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food

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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 Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food Review

If you’re looking for the best dry cat food for diarrhea, this formula from Blue Buffalo is one to consider. The Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food contains exceptional quality ingredients to keep your cat healthy and prevent diarrhea. The vital FOS prebiotics in this formula help keep your kitty feeling regular. This formula is also enriched with Blue Buffalo’s signature LifeSource bits, which contain essential vitamins and minerals for your cat’s diet.

Not only does this formula have an optimal balance of nutrients, but it also has a rich flavor that’s very appealing for cats. It’s made with real chicken as well as veggies and fruit. These powerhouse ingredients contain plenty of essential nutrients, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet 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 i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Wet Cat Food is a great choice for cats that prefer wet food, but are prone to diarrhea. This exceptional formula is made with insoluble natural fibers to support good gut health.

This formula is made with fresh chicken and vegetables, for an appealing flavor that cats love. It’s also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals that your cat needs to stay healthy. Overall, the Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d formula is one of the best cat foods to stop diarrhea, especially if your cat prefers wet food. An optimal balance of protein and fat make this formula an excellent source of energy and nutrients that won’t weigh your cat down.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Diarrhea

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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
 PRICE
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 Protein Dry Cat Food for Diarrhea Review

This Purina Pro Plan formula is a great choice for cats that struggle with diarrhea and other stomach troubles.

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is primed to support a healthy digestive system and can help prevent diarrhea. The formula contains a single hydrolyzed protein, which is much easier for your cat to digest and can prevent stomach irregularities. Every ingredient is selected with sensitive stomachs in mind, from low allergen carbohydrates.

This formula contains plenty of vitamin supplements and minerals for a healthy diet, as well as an appealing taste and crunchy texture your cat will love.

BUY HERE →