Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

It is important that you check with your veterinarian if you notice that your cat is not able to keep food down, even if they’re old. Vomiting is a symptom of illness that could require treatment, with hospitalization in some cases.

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) Choose a diet that is suited for cats with adverse food reactions

Some cats may vomit as a response to a certain ingredient in the diet. Choosing a diet with alternative ingredients, particularly the protein source, can also help to solve the problem. The best choice for a suspected adverse food reaction or allergy is a hydrolyzed protein diet.

2) Choose a diet with high water content

Both older cats and vomiting cats can benefit from an increase in water intake and better hydration, especially as they may face decreased kidney function as they age. Diets high in water content are also softer and easier to chew for old cats with poor teeth, preventing gulping and subsequent vomiting.

Additionally, high moisture foods move through the gut more quickly than dry foods which will reduce the likelihood of a vomiting episode.

3) Choose a diet that is no more than 25% fat, on a dry matter basis

Diets that have a high fat content tend to move more slowly through the stomach. Because of this, these diets are more likely to trigger a vomiting episode. A diet for an older cat who frequently experiences vomiting should contain no more than 25% fat, on a dry matter basis.

Don’t cut it out entirely though. Fat is an important nutrient, especially in older cats who can have increased energy requirements.

4) Choose a diet that is between 30-40% protein, on a dry matter basis

An excess of protein in the diet puts stress on the stomach during digestion that can lead to gut irritation. However, adequate protein is essential to maintain muscle mass and immune function in an aging cat. Animal protein ingredients in the diet also tend to be quite tasty and will encourage cats with low appetites to eat.

A diet with a protein level between 30-40%, on a dry matter basis, should match the needs of a vomiting senior cat. If your pet has a health condition, their protein requirements may be different. Ask your veterinarian at your cat’s check-up for a more specific recommendation.

Finally, avoid frequent diet changes

Changing diets too quickly or too frequently can trigger a vomiting episode in a sensitive kitty and may make cats refuse flavors that they associate with illness. The transition should happen over a minimum of 7 days, increasing the proportion of the new food in the bowl each day.

Older cats will sometimes need an even longer transition. They have had time to develop strong food preferences and aren’t always open to trying new foods.

What is the Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit?

Author:
Last updated March 29, 2021
IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
Top Pick
Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Formula
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 176 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Protein: 36%
Chicken Soup For The Soul Canned Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 146 kcal/can
  • Protein: 40%
Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 91 kcal/can
  • Protein: 45%

Cat Food Reviews for Older Cats that Vomit

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Brewers Rice
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
  3. Chicken Fat
  4. Powdered Cellulose
  5. Natural Flavors
 PRICE
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 Protein Dry Cat Food Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is formulated specifically for cat’s sensitive stomach. It’s a limited ingredient formula with hydrolyzed soy proteins, which break down into very small pieces so that your cat can digest them easily. However, your cat still gets enough protein to support their muscles and keep their energy levels up.

Additionally, this formula contains essential fibers and prebiotics, which keep your cat’s digestive system regular. It’s also fortified with B-vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, which keep your cat’s skin, eyes, and coat healthy. Many older cats struggle with dry skin and irritation, and this diet is specifically designed to prevent that. This formula from Royal Canin is some of the best cat food for older cats that vomit.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

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 Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Formula is very nutritious, but safe for cats with sensitive tummies. It has a single hydrolyzed protein source, which breaks down easily in your cat’s stomach. Hydrolyzed proteins like this make it much easier for your cat to absorb the essential nutrients in the food.

This formula also contains one source of carbohydrates, which is low-allergen to prevent irritation. This carbohydrate also contains medium chain triglycerides, or MCTs, which are very easily absorbed. Although this formula is very gentle on your cat’s stomach, it still contains the optimum balance of nutrients they need to stay healthy.

BUY HERE →

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Wet Food For Older Cats

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Chicken Broth
  3. Chicken Liver
  4. Potatoes
  5. Pea Flour
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 176 kcal/5.5 oz can
  • Lifestage: Senior
NUTRITION
Fat
25%
25%
Protein
36%
36%
Fiber
9%
9%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Wet Food For Older Cats Review

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe is a wet formula that is designed specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs. On a dry matter basis, this recipe contains 36 percent protein and 25 percent fat. That’s just enough for your cat to get all the essential nutrients they need without irritating their digestive system.

This formula is made with real chicken, and also contains fruits and vegetables for a boost of antioxidants. It’s made with vital ingredients like DHA and taurine, which support a healthy coat, eyes, and heart. It’s free of many ingredients that could irritate your cat’s stomach, like soy, corn, grain, or artificial flavors.

BUY HERE →

Chicken Soup for the Soul Fish, Chicken & Turkey Cat Food For Older Cats

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Ocean Fish
  2. Chicken Broth
  3. Turkey Broth
  4. Chicken
  5. Chicken Liver
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 146 kcal/can
  • Lifestage: Senior
NUTRITION
Fat
13%
13%
Protein
40%
40%
Fiber
11.4%
11.4%
REVIEW

Chicken Soup for the Soul Fish, Chicken & Turkey Cat Food For Older Cats Review

The Chicken Soup For The Soul Canned Cat Food has the rich poultry and fish flavors that cats love, but is still gentle enough for cats that struggle with a sensitive stomach. One of the reasons this formula is good for a sensitive digestive system is that it is very low in fat, at just 13 percent. This is combined with an optimal balance of 40 percent protein content.

This formula is also very low in calories, which is great for older cats who struggle with their weight. Additionally, it contains DHA, a fatty acid that supports healthy brain development, as well as taurine, which is great for the eyes and heart. Chicken is blended with turkey, duck, and salmon for a flavor that is very enticing to your cat. If you’re looking for the best cat food for senior cats that vomit, this is one balanced formula to consider.

BUY HERE →

Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Salmon & Tuna Wet Food For Older Cats

SEE MORE →
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Salmon
  2. Liver
  3. Water Sufficient for Processing
  4. Meat By-Products
  5. Fish
 PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE → 		FEATURES
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 91 kcal/can
  • Lifestage: Senior
NUTRITION
Fat
27%
27%
Protein
45%
45%
Fiber
6.8%
6.8%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Focus Classic Salmon & Tuna Wet Food For Older Cats Review

The Purina Pro Plan Focus Canned Cat Food has a nice balance of nutrients and a simple low ingredient formula that won’t irritate your cat’s stomach. It contains 45 percent protein and 27 percent fat on a dry matter basis, which is consistent with Dr. Marie’s recommendations for cats who have stomach issues.

The formula is grain free and uses real salmon and tuna for an authentic fish flavor. It’s fortified with essential vitamins and amino acids for a balanced diet, such as taurine, B vitamins, vitamin E, and vitamin A. It also has a soft texture that cats enjoy.

BUY HERE →