Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

Regurgitation in cats is usually a symptom of a clinical problem. Regurgitation occurs before swallowed food can reach the stomach and can occur due to an infection, obstruction, or gut movement disorder.

If your cat regurgitates regularly after her meals, it is important to check with your vet to determine the underlying cause.

In some cases, the right diet can benefit a cat who is prone to regurgitation. 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 high-moisture food

High-moisture foods, such as the ones in cans or pouches, move more quickly through the gut. This reduces the time available for regurgitation and is less traumatic on the esophagus in the case of an episode.

2. Choose a food that will fit into a puzzle feeder or slow feeder

Puzzle feeders are special toys that have to be manipulated by your cat to get to a treat. By choosing a food that can be used with a puzzle feeder, your cat will have to eat her meals slowly. This prevents your cat from gorging, which could cause regurgitation — what we vets call ‘scarf and barf’!

3. Choose a food that is complete and balanced

No matter what underlying condition is causing regurgitation in your cat, it is important that she be supplied with a complete and balanced diet. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has developed nutrient requirements for cat foods based on the historic body of nutrition research.

A food that meets the AAFCO’s requirements will have an adequacy statement printed on the label. Some foods may be regarded as adequate for “all life stages” which is suitable for growing kittens, motherhood, and adult cats. These can be used for any cat, but a food with an adequacy statement that matches your cat’s current life stage will be the best choice.

4. Choose a food that your cat enjoys

Your cat may be prone to developing food aversions if she starts to associate her food’s flavor and texture with her regurgitation condition.

You will likely have to switch to a different food if this occurs. Many cats who decide they no longer want to eat a certain food will prefer to go hungry than eat the offending diet.

Thankfully, diets come in a variety of textures and flavor. If your cat is especially picky, you might want to consider choosing a high moisture diet. These can easily be warmed up which will release the foods meaty aroma and entice even the most finicky eaters.

What is the Best Cat Food for Regurgitation?

Author:
Last updated June 28, 2021
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Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%
Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food
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  • Calories: 82 kcal/2.9-oz can
  • Protein: 31%
Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%
Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 67 kcal/can
  • Protein: 50%
Sheba Perfect Portions Seafood Pate
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 38 kcal/serving
  • Protein: 47%

Cat Food for Regurgitation Reviews

Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food for Regurgitation

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
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  • 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 Dry Cat Food for Regurgitation Review

This is one of the best cat foods for regurgitation on the market because of its gentle limited ingredient formula. It contains FOS prebiotics, which help keep your cat’s digestive system regular. The kibble is also the perfect size to fit into a puzzle feeder, which helps cats slow down while they eat and can prevent regurgitation.

Blue Buffalo uses exceptional quality ingredients in their formulas. This formula contains deboned chicken, which is an excellent lean source of protein, and is fortified with fruits and vegetables. These provide the essential antioxidants and minerals that your cat needs to stay healthy. This formula also contains plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support soft skin and coat.

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Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food for Urinary Hairball Control

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  1. Water
  2. Chicken
  3. Turkey Giblets
  4. Pork By-Products
  5. Pork Liver
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 82 kcal/2.9-oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Fat
15.9%
15.9%
Protein
31%
31%
Fiber
6.8%
6.8%
REVIEW

Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food for Urinary Hairball Control Review

This wet food from Hill’s is designed to prevent hairballs, which are a common cause of regurgitation. It does this with an optimal blend of natural fibers, which help keep your cat’s digestive system regular. It does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives, and it has a high moisture content to further help with digestion.

This cat food is also excellent for preventing urinary health issues. In addition to high moisture level, it is also high in magnesium, which is an essential ingredient for a healthy urinary tract. Finally, it contains essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that your cat needs for a well-rounded diet.

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

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  1. Water
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  3. Pork Liver
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  • 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%
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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food Review

This canned formula from Hill’s Prescription Diet is very effective at managing digestive issues and preventing regurgitation. Both the protein and fat in this formula are designed for easy digestion, and it has a very high moisture content as well. It has a stew texture and savory chicken flavor that is very appealing for cats.

This diet is also enhanced with plenty of antioxidants to support your cat’s immune system. These include vitamins E, B12, and C, as well as taurine, magnesium, and more. It contains prebiotics, which support a regular digestive system, and it also helps your cat replenish their electrolytes to keep their energy up throughout the day.

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Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Wet Cat Food

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  1. Poultry Broth
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 67 kcal/can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
11%
11%
Protein
50%
50%
Fiber
8.3%
8.3%
REVIEW

Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Poultry & Beef Feast Wet Cat Food Review

The Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers formula is a nutritious wet food that is great for cats that struggle with regurgitation issues. They have a very high moisture content for easy digestion, and they are made with real chicken, turkey, and beef as a source of lean protein. The texture consists of chunks in gravy, which is very appealing and easy for your cat to eat.

Each flavor in this variety pack is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for a complete and balanced diet. This includes taurine, which is an essential nutrient for your cat’s heart, eyes, and other internal organs. This balanced diet from Fancy Feast has the delicious taste and nutritional value that your cat needs, but it also has the high moisture content they need to prevent regurgitation.

BUY HERE →

Sheba Perfect Portions Seafood Pate for Regurgitation

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Water
  3. White Fish
  4. Poultry Liver
  5. Chicken Broth
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 38 kcal/serving
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
26%
26%
Protein
47%
47%
Fiber
7.9%
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REVIEW

Sheba Perfect Portions Seafood Pate for Regurgitation Review

This multipack from Sheba contains three delicious fish flavors to choose from – salmon, tuna, and a seafood blend. These pates are very high in moisture content, which make them easy for your cat to digest and help prevent regurgitation. The pates have a light, appealing texture that is easy to eat, and they come conveniently pre-portioned.

These pates don’t contain any grains, soy, corn, wheat, or gluten that could irritate your cat’s delicate digestive system. Each recipe also contains essential nutrients like vitamins E and D3 as well as fish oils. If your cat prefers fresh seafood flavors, this recipe is a nutritious and easy-to-digest option.

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