Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

The term “Inflammatory Bowel Disease” (IBD) encompasses a number of gastrointestinal disorders.

Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss. Because IBD is such a complex condition, it is recommended that you speak with your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet.

Choosing the right diet can help to alleviate the symptoms.

1) Choose a diet with a high energy density

When feeding a cat that has a gut dysfunction such as IBD, an energy-dense food will allow your cat to get all the nutrients they need while minimizing the volume of food passing through the gut.

The exact caloric needs of your cat should be calculated, as excess can lead to obesity which can worsen IBD symptoms. 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.

2) Choose a diet with a high protein level

Cats with IBD may be deficient in protein, either because they have trouble digesting dietary sources, or because body protein is lost through gut inflammation. It is recommended that a diet for IBD contains at least 35% protein, on a dry matter basis.

If your pet has a health condition, their protein requirements may be different. Ask your veterinarian at your cat’s checkup for a more specific recommendation.

(Note: The nutrient value 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) Consider hydrolyzed protein diets

A cat suffering from IBD may also be suffering from an adverse food reaction, which will worsen the symptoms. Choosing a diet with alternative ingredients, particularly the protein source, can help to solve this problem.

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 are so tiny that they are unlikely to trigger a reaction. These diets are also a top choice to use for clinical dietary trial to pinpoint the exact ingredient causing the problem.

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

One type of fiber, called “insoluble fiber”, helps to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and can help ease IBD symptoms. It increases fecal bulk and speeds up movement of food through the gut.

Examples of insoluble fiber sources include pea fiber, soybean hulls, beet pulp, and rice hulls.

What is the Best Cat Food for IBD?

Author:
Last updated June 21, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Hill's Prescription Diet Wet Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 35%
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Blue Buffalo Chicken Recipe Dry Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%

Cat Food for IBD Reviews

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

SEE MORE →
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

This cat food from Hill’s is the best wet cat food for IBD and other digestive issues.

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food is a tasty but gentle wet formula that nourishes your cat’s digestive system. This formula contains 40% protein on a dry matter basis, as recommended by Dr Marie, because cats with IBD can be deficient in protein. The balance of protein and fat will also keep your cat feeling energetic.

The recipe is fortified with insoluble natural fibers, which are vital for maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal tract and easing IBD symptoms. This exceptional quality formula is also enriched with antioxidants, which support your cat’s whole-body health. The chicken and vegetable flavor is not only very nutritious, but also has a fresh taste that’s very appealing for cats.

BUY HERE →

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food for IBD

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Salmon Hydrolysate
  2. Peas
  3. Potatoes
  4. Pea Starch
  5. Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids)
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
14%
14%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food for IBD Review

The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet is the best dry cat food for IBD.

The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food is specifically formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs. A protein content of 30% supports healthy muscle growth. The main source of protein is hydrolyzed salmon, which has an appealing taste and is extremely easy for your cat’s stomach to break down, making this type of protein one of the best for cats with IBD.

This cat food is also enhanced with ingredients like pumpkin, kelp, fish oil, and flaxseed. These omega-3 fatty acids are excellent for maintaining a healthy coat. Fortified vitamins such as vitamin C and E keep your cat’s immune system healthy, which is very important for cats with IBD as immunity and digestion are linked. This natural formula does not contain any grains, soy, corn, wheat, or unnatural preservatives.

BUY HERE →

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

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Cracked Pearled Barley
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Brewers Rice
  5. Pork Fat
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • 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 a nutritious diet that’s designed specifically for sensitive stomachs. This recipe has a protein content of 35% and is jam packed with insoluble fibers, this cat food is ideal for cats that struggle with IBD. In addition it has an appealing chicken flavor and crunchy texture your kitty will love.

The proteins and fat in this formula are broken down so they are easy for your cat to digest. This cat food is also made with Hill’s S+OXSHIELD seal. That means it is specifically formulated with your cat’s urinary health in mind. If you’re looking for the best cat food for cats with IBD, this option from Hill’s Prescription Diet is a reliable choice.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for IBD

SEE MORE →
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 IBD Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is a hypoallergenic formula that is designed to minimize stomach problems. It contains one hydrolyzed protein source that is extremely easy for your cat’s digestive system to break down. The carbohydrate source and other ingredients are also low in allergens.

Although this formula is very gentle, it contains all the nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy, including vitamins like Vitamin E, B-12, and D-3. It contains 30% protein, as recommended by Dr. Marie for cats with IBD and stomach sensitivities.

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein formula is a nutritious formula that’s safe for cats with digestive issues.

BUY HERE →

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

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Brown Rice
  4. Oatmeal
  5. Barley
 PRICE
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 tasty formula that’s specifically formulated for cats with sensitive digestive systems. It has 32% protein content, as well as FOS prebiotics to prime your cat’s stomach for easy digestion. This cat food does not contain potentially harmful ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy, which could irritate your cat’s sensitive stomach.

This cat food is made with fresh ingredients like chicken, fruits, and vegetables, and is enhanced with omega-3 fatty acids to support coat health. Overall, this formula from Blue Buffalo is an excellent option for cats struggling with IBD and other stomach problems.

BUY HERE →