The best sensitive stomach cat food, recommended with advice from veterinarians

The best sensitive stomach cat food for your pet depends on the underlying cause of their digestive issues, whether it's food intolerances, allergies, or inflammatory bowel disease. For cats without food allergies, veterinarians may recommend a sensitive stomach formula with low to moderate fat, easily digestible animal proteins, and fewer carbohydrates. These diets commonly include supplements such as probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil, which can help reduce gut inflammation and improve digestion. Certain dietary fibers may also be beneficial.

For this guide, I evaluated dozens of sensitive stomach cat foods according to input from veterinarians, focusing on the ingredients and nutritional value of each food. One of the best wet foods is Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy, which contains insoluble fiber to help prevent constipation. For dry food, Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Salmon and Yellow Peas Recipe is a top choice thanks to prebiotic fiber that supports digestive health.

All of my recommendations meet the pet food standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the Global Nutrition Guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA). These are important considerations when selecting thebest cat foods.

It's also important to understand that signs of a sensitive stomach can be subtle. Because cats commonly cough up hairballs, symptoms such as vomiting or regurgitation can be easily overlooked. A cat that vomits material with very little to no hair or vomits more than once a week should be evaluated by their veterinarian, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, a veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. Frequent loose stools and gas are also common. A diet change may ease these symptoms, but if your cat has a food allergy, your vet may instead recommend a prescription hypoallergenic diet.

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Highlights for the best sensitive stomach cat food

Best wet: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy - See at Chewy

Best dry: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin Adult Salmon and Yellow Peas - See at Chewy

Best for seniors: Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Ocean Whitefish and Salmon - See at Chewy

Best for kittens: Royal Canin Kitten Loaf in Sauce - See at Chewy

Best wet

If your cat regularly experiences digestive issues, your veterinarian might recommend switching to a wet food diet to help relieve their stomach issues and keep them well hydrated. Wet cat foods contain significantly more moisture than kibble, typically 75% to 78% moisture compared to 10% to 12%. This extra hydration is important for cats who lose water through vomiting or diarrhea, says Dr. Kelly Fishman, a veterinarian and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists.

Thebest wet cat foods typically have higher protein and lower carbohydrate content than dry food. This can help with weight control and digestion, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, a veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Veterinary.

Our best sensitive stomach cat food pick from Royal Canin contains powdered cellulose and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon. Tufts University explains that cellulose is an insoluble fiber that may help relieve constipation by increasing stool volume and bowel movement frequency. Our pick from Merrick is made with limited ingredients, which can help reduce digestive upset in cats by limiting the number of ingredients in the food, says Dr. Korinn Saker, a retired veterinary nutritionist and former associate professor of clinical nutrition at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

To compare the nutritional values of wet and dry cat foods, you'll need to convert wet food values to a dry matter basis. This involves removing the moisture content from the wet food and calculating the nutritional values based on the remaining solids. For the foods in this guide, we contacted the food manufacturers to get the dry matter values. If you want to compare other recipes, you can follow these directions from the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University, contact the food manufacturer directly, or ask your vet for help.

Best dry

Wet food can be expensive and inconvenient to feed, and some cats simply don't like it. Fortunately, dry food can be a good alternative for most cats. Kibble has a long shelf life and, once opened, it stays fresh longer than canned foods. You can buy larger quantities of the recipe that works best for your cat, which is often more affordable, especially if it's one of the best affordable cat foods.

Just keep in mind that dry foods typically contain more carbohydrates than wet foods. Because of this, Richardson says some cats with sensitive stomachs may have a harder time digesting kibble. You'll want to look for formulas containing complex carbohydrates, like whole wheat, corn, or white potatoes. These carbohydrates provide nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, according to Tufts University.

Our picks for the best dry cat food for sensitive stomachs contain easily digestible animal proteins and healthy extras like dried beet pulp and oats. Beet pulp contains insoluble and soluble fiber sources, and it's highly fermentable by cats, says Ellen Dierenfeld, a comparative animal nutritionist and founder of Zootrition. "Fermentable" means it feeds the good bacteria in the microbiome, which can support better digestion. Oats, another key ingredient, are a source of soluble fiber that can slow digestion and may help relieve diarrhea.

Best for seniors

Older pets may be more likely to have health problems, but getting sick isn't a normal part of aging. That's why it's important to watch your senior cat closely for any signs of gastrointestinal issues. For instance, cats who aren't getting enough nutrients due to diarrhea or vomiting may lose weight or have a dull coat.

Diehl says cats are good at hiding when they're ill. But signs like chronic vomiting and loose or very pungent stool can signal health issues. Your vet can narrow down the cause and recommend dietary changes that may help. It's essential to get guidance from your vet, since managing a sensitive stomach through diet depends on many factors, including other underlying health conditions, Diehl says.

Because cats are obligate carnivores, the best senior cat foods for sensitive stomachs may be high in protein. However, not all senior cats can eat high-protein diets. For instance, these diets can be harmful to senior cats with health conditions like chronic kidney disease. Our low-protein senior pick from Hill's includes fish oil, which can help improve skin and joint health and ease gastrointestinal inflammation. Our high-protein senior pick from Purina contains inulin (commonly derived from chicory root), which is both a soluble and insoluble fiber source. While insoluble fibers help keep bowel movements regular, soluble fibers absorb water and form a gel in the stomach. This can help cats maintain a healthy weight by slowing their digestion and keeping them full between feedings.

Best for kittens

Kittens with diarrhea can benefit from a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, says Dr. Debra Zoran, a veterinary nutritionist and professor at Texas A&M University. This is because foods rich in protein and fat provide energy and support the healthy development of a kitten's gastrointestinal tract, she says. While pet food labels don't always provide the percentage of carbohydrates, you can look for foods that list whole meats, meat meals, and byproducts among the first ingredients before carbohydrate sources.

The AAFCO recommendations say that kitten food, which is labeled for growth or all life stages, must contain at least 30% protein and 9% fat to meet their growth and energy needs. However, Zoran says the best kitten foods for sensitive stomachs should contain at least 40% protein on a dry matter basis. Just keep in mind that kittens could have an upset stomach for several reasons, including intestinal parasites. Before transitioning your kitten to a new diet, it's best to consult your vet to rule out other causes.

Our picks for the best sensitive stomach cat food for kittens include four different meat sources among the first five ingredients and exceed 40% protein on a dry matter basis. They also contain beneficial ingredients like fish oil, which contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid that's essential for cognitive growth and development. These foods have also undergone feeding trials to ensure they are palatable and digestible and provide adequate nutrition. Royal Canin's Gastrointestinal Kitten food requires a prescription from your vet.

What to look for in a sensitive stomach cat food

When shopping for the best sensitive stomach cat food, you'll want to consider the following criteria recommended by veterinarians.

AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for growth, adult maintenance, or all life stages: The most basic measure of nutritionally complete kitten and cat food is an AAFCO statement on the label. The AAFCO is a nonprofit organization that recommends nutritional standards for pet food. Recommendations are based on life stages: Food with an AAFCO statement for growth or all life stages is complete and balanced for kittens, and food with an AAFCO statement for maintenance or all life stages is complete and balanced for adult cats. The AAFCO hasn't established specific recommendations for senior cat diets. Senior foods must meet the minimum AAFCO nutritional recommendations for adult or all life stages foods.

Guaranteed analysis and nutrient profiles: The guaranteed analysis on a pet food label shows the percentages of important nutrients, including protein, fat, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Food for kittens must meet the AAFCO's recommended minimum of 30% protein and 9% fat, and food for adult cats, including seniors, must have a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat.

It's important to carefully examine the guaranteed analysis for cat foods. As obligate carnivores, cats can digest high-protein diets more easily than foods with low animal protein and high carbohydrates. For some cats, the best sensitive stomach cat food may be high in protein, but high-protein diets can be harmful to some senior cats with certain health conditions. This is one reason it's essential to speak with your vet before transitioning diets.

Ingredients list: The ingredients on a pet food label appear in order of weight. Dierenfeld says that muscle meat proteins provide the best source of essential amino acids for obligate carnivores like cats. Animal-based proteins should always be listed as the first ingredient in cat food. The best sensitive stomach cat foods in this guide include quality protein sources in the form of whole meat, meat meals, and meat byproducts. Saker says that meals and byproducts are concentrated forms of protein that are just as nutritious and digestible — if not more so — than whole protein sources.

You can also look for ingredients that promote healthy digestion and ease inflammation, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil.

Expert formulations: My picks for sensitive stomach cat food meet the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. This means the brands employ a full-time board-certified veterinary nutritionist or a PhD-level animal nutritionist. This expert oversight helps ensure your cat's food meets veterinarian-recommended standards for nutritionally complete and balanced food.

Manufacturing standards: Zoran says pet foods can vary slightly from batch to batch, which can trigger digestive upset in cats with sensitive stomachs. When choosing sensitive stomach food for your cat, it's wise to consider the quality control measures and facilities where the food is produced. Brands that own their manufacturing plants have greater control over the ingredients in their recipes and, therefore, the food your cat consumes. Pet food brands should also be transparent about how they implement quality control measures. In short, they shouldn't just say they conduct quality control.

Calorie content: The calorie content of cat food is listed in kilocalories (kcal). Your cat's calorie needs will depend on their age, activity level, and overall health. For example, kittens grow quickly in their first year and should eat multiple high-calorie meals per day. Your vet can recommend the ideal number of daily calories for your adult or senior cat based on their lifestyle and ideal weight. They can also teach you how to check your cat's body condition score (BCS) between wellness visits. The BCS is a visual tool that helps you assess your cat's body fat on a scale of 1 to 9. This information can help you understand if your cat needs to lose or gain weight. That said, it's always best to talk to your vet before adjusting your cat's daily portion sizes.

How we selected the best sensitive stomach cat food

To narrow down the best sensitive stomach cat food, I spoke with three veterinary nutritionists, two small animal veterinarians, and one board-certified veterinary internist. I also consulted the standards and recommendations from the AAFCO, the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines, and other publications and organizations linked in this guide.

You can learn more about the experts I interviewed below.

Dr. Debra Zoran is a board-certified small animal internist, nutritionist, and small animal clinical sciences professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University.

Dr. Korinn Saker is a board-certified veterinarian, a distinguished member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, and a retired professor of clinical nutrition at the College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University.

Ellen Dierenfeld is a comparative animal nutritionist with a master's and a doctorate in animal nutrition from Cornell University. She is the founder of Zootrition, a software designed to record and evaluate the diets of animals. She has more than 30 years of experience in zoo, wildlife, and companion animal nutrition.

Dr. Kelly Fishman is a small-animal veterinarian and founder of Strut Animal Mobility Specialists. She received her bachelor's degree at UC Berkeley, conducted veterinary and neuroscience research at UCSF, and earned her doctor of veterinary medicine at Ross University. She is trained in animal acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, and specialty companion animal diets. She also advises on supplement use.

Dr. Jamie Richardson is a general practice veterinarian and head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. After completing her undergraduate studies, Richardson moved to the UK to pursue a veterinary degree from London's Royal Veterinary College. Following veterinary volunteer and practice positions across South Africa, Hong Kong, and Bermuda, Richardson joined the Small Door Vet team.

Dr. Kelly Diehl is the senior director of science and communications at Morris Animal Foundation and a board-certified veterinary internist with a subspecialty in gastroenterology. She is also a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). Diehl received her doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Tennessee and started her practice career in an emergency clinic in New Jersey before joining the Morris Animal Foundation.

Sensitive stomach cat food FAQs

What is the best sensitive stomach cat food?

There's no single best cat food for all cats with sensitive stomachs. The right choice depends on the cause of your cat's upset stomach. Many sensitive stomach formulas are made with easy-to-digest animal proteins such as meat byproducts and meals, limited carbohydrates, and healthy additions like fish oil and fermentable fibers such as beet pulp. Limited ingredient diets can also help reduce potential food reactions.

However, over-the-counter diets may not be the best solution for every cat with a sensitive stomach. If your cat's upset stomach stems from food allergies, your veterinarian may recommend switching them to a prescription hydrolyzed diet. Hydrolyzed diets contain proteins broken down into very small fragments, which are less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.

What cat food is best for cats that throw up?

Cats that frequently vomit tend to do well on limited ingredient diets made with easy-to-digest proteins like chicken, turkey, or salmon. Recipes with added prebiotics and probiotics help balance gut bacteria, while omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil reduce gut inflammation. "Sometimes, simply switching the brand of food can do wonders," Diehl says. We recommend buying from trusted brands such as Purina, Hill's, and Royal Canin. They invest heavily in research and often partner with veterinary institutions to research and develop their formulas. Before trying to manage vomiting on your own, always consult your veterinarian. Ongoing vomiting can be a sign of an underlying health condition.

How do I know if my cat needs sensitive stomach food?

Diehl says signs your cat may benefit from a sensitive stomach food include vomiting soon after eating, vomiting small amounts of yellow or green liquid, or frequently having loose stools. "If you've labeled your cat a 'puker,' don't write it off," she says. Your veterinarian can help determine whether a sensitive stomach diet or prescription diet is appropriate.

What cat food is easiest on the stomach?

Because cats are obligate carnivores, animal-based proteins are the easiest foods for them to digest. This includes whole meats like deboned chicken, meat meals, and meat byproducts. While cats can eat recipes that contain multiple protein sources, they don't need a new recipe each day. In fact, Dierenfeld says switching recipes daily can affect your cat's appetite and upset their gut microbiome.

What makes sensitive stomach cat food different?

The best cat food for a sensitive stomach typically contains moderate to low levels of fat and highly digestible protein sources that are easily absorbed. Many also include supplements that decrease gut inflammation and improve digestion, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil and probiotics. However, specific ingredients and nutritional profiles of sensitive stomach foods can vary from brand to brand. If you're unsure about your cat's digestive health or nutritional needs, your veterinarian can provide individualized guidance.

Is wet or dry food better for a cat with an upset stomach?

Dry foods generally contain more carbohydrates and less moisture than wet foods. Richardson says this may make dry food harder for some cats with sensitive stomachs to digest. Wet foods typically provide higher protein and lower carbohydrate content, which can make them a better choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. When deciding between wet and dry food, Saker advises considering your cat's preferences and the types of special diets available. Some hydrolyzed diets your vet may recommend for severe food allergies only come in kibble form.

What should you feed a senior cat with a sensitive stomach?

Your veterinarian should guide diet choices if your senior cat has a sensitive stomach. Gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea can be the first signs of age-related diseases. Some older cats may benefit from lower-protein foods, such as Hill's Science Diet Speciality Perfect Digestion Adult 7+ Chicken, Barley, and Whole Oats Recipe, which includes fish oil to support skin, joint, and gut health. Senior cats healthy enough for a higher-protein option may benefit from Purina Pro Plan Adult 7+ Prime Plus Ocean Whitefish and Salmon Entree, which contains inulin from chicory root to aid digestion. Because chronic kidney disease affects approximately 40% of cats over age 10, high-protein diets should be fed to senior cats only with veterinary supervision.

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