Nothing is more distressing for a cat owner than having their fur baby deal with an upset stomach or bouts of diarrhea. This is where the best cat food for diarrhea can come to your rescue.
Cat food made specifically to counter gastro-intestinal issues in cats can help your fur baby regain lost weight, balance the electrolytes in its body, and also regulate upset system and bring it back on track.
Let us discuss the best cat food to help with diarrhea in the market along with their pros and cons.
Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top 5 reviewed products for the best cat food for diarrhea:
- Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food
- Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food
- Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
- Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Wet Cat Food
- Halo Real Whole Meat, Highly Digestible Cat Food
Best Cat Food for Diarrhea – 2022 Top Picks
1. Our Editor’s Top Pick: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Diet products are carefully manufactured after consulting top veterinarians in the country.
Their grain-free food for cats is especially formulated for cats having sensitive stomach or skin.
They contain prebiotic fiber that balances the gut flora and helps enhance your cat’s immune system.
Hill’s Science Diet adult cat food for sensitive stomach ensures the right stool consistency in cats suffering from chronic or acute diarrheal bouts.
The food is manufactured in the United States, is fortified with omega 3 essential fatty acids and Vitamin E, and is free from preservatives, chemicals, and other artificial ingredients.
What we like about it
- Excellent flavor; cats love it!
- Grain-free
- Fresh ingredients like salmon and yellow pea
- Vet-recommended food for digestive and skin issues
What we don’t like about it
- Large pellet size
- Some cats may be allergic to chicken which is present in this food.
- A source of prebiotic fiber to fuel beneficial gut bacteria and support a grown cat's microbiome
- This adult cat food is highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption and easy stool pickup
- Helps nourish an adult cat's skin with vitamin E and omega 6 fatty acids
- Made with natural ingredients
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust
2. Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food
If your cat is allergic to most protein sources, then s/he is sure to love Purina One cat food formulated specially for sensitive stomach.
It is made with turkey which a gentler, easier-to-digest protein – making this a great cat food to combat feline diarrhea.
It has 0% fillers and no artificial ingredients making it very easy-to-digest.
No more itchy skin or loose and watery stools!
This cat food nourishes the skin while regulating bowel movements.
Turkey is a great source of protein so it also supports strong muscles.
What we like about it
- Large 22lb bag for multi-cat households
- High-quality, fresh ingredients with gentle protein source that is ideal for cats having sensitive skin and/or digestive issues
- Great flavor and taste that cats love
What we don’t like about it
- It contains chicken by-products which some sensitive cats may not be able to digest
- Real turkey is the first ingredient in our high protein cat food to help support strong muscles, including a healthy heart in adult cats
- Made for cats with sensitive systems, this Purina ONE sensitive stomach cat food features an easily digestible formula with added prebiotic fiber
- Crunchy cat food with calcium supports strong teeth and healthy gums, and four antioxidant sources help support a healthy immune system
- With deliciously crunchy bites, this turkey cat food delivers a great taste and is made with no artificial flavors or preservatives
- Purina sensitive skin and stomach cat food is crafted in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities
3. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
Blue Buffalo is an all-natural adult cat food containing de-boned chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, flaxseeds, peas, and carrots.
It is fortified with vitamins, anti-oxidant rich minerals, and other ingredients to enhance your pet’s immunity.
The FOS prebiotics in this food support better digestion and are especially made for cats having chronic diarrhea.
These prebiotics help balance the gut flora and promote better nutrient absorption giving your cat a healthier coat, stronger immunity, and overall improved digestive health.
What we like about it
- All-natural cat food for diarrhea is cold-formed to preserve potency of ingredients
- The food also contains taurine – an amino acid that supports feline eye and heart health
- It is free from corn, soy, wheat, and artificial ingredients
- Great flavor and scent; fresh ingredients
What we don’t like about it
- Some cats refused to eat this food.
- IT’S HERE: BLUE for Cats is now BLUE Tastefuls, with a new look and the same tasty recipe
- DELICIOUS REAL CHICKEN FIRST: BLUE Tastefuls is made with tasty real chicken as the first ingredient
- FORMULATED FOR HEALTHY DIGESTION: Created to support the digestive health of your cat, this formula contains prebiotics to increase healthy bacteria in the intestine
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE's exclusive LifeSource Bits — a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health
- WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS: BLUE foods are formulated with the finest natural ingredients, with no chicken by-product meals, no corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors or preservatives
4. Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Wet Cat Food
Many cats prefer wet food over dry kibbles. Pet owners also sometimes prefer canned food as it is easy to mix it with rice which most cats love and digest easily.
Royal Canin is especially formulated for adult cats over 1 year having skin, sensitive stomach and digestive issues.
It also helps in weight management and its precise blend of nutrition ensures optimal digestive health and wellness.
What we like about it
- Highly recommended for cats 1 year and older, especially those with gastroenteritis
- Great taste, excellent flavor, and fresh ingredients
What we don’t like about it
- Some cats refused to eat it
- Expensive
- FOR CATS WITH SENSITIVE STOMACHS: Royal Canin Digestive Care Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food is formulated for cats 1 year and older with sensitive stomachs
- OPTIMAL STOOL: Highly digestible proteins help cats absorb nutrients better, while providing stool odor reduction
- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: Specially formulated nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight
- HEALTH & WELLNESS: Precisely balanced blend of vitamins and minerals provides optimal cat health and wellness
- COMPLETE AND BALANCED: Soft cat food is 100% complete and balanced and is the perfect complement to Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food
5. Halo Real Whole Meat, Highly Digestible Cat Food
Halo Natural cat food for sensitive stomach is made with whole fish and there are no ‘by-products’ or ‘meals’ like chicken meal which many cats are allergic to.
The benefit of whole fish is that it is easier to digest making it the best dry cat food for diarrhea.
This gentle food contains fish like whole fish and salmon, non GMO vegetables, and refined whole grains to support digestion.
What we like about it
- Made with whole fish like salmon which is easier to digest
- Formulated with non GMO vegetables and refined whole grains
- Suitable to support digestion and soothe sensitive stomach
- Great flavor and scent
- Value for money
What we don’t like about it
- Contains grains and soy which some cats may be allergic to
- Holistic Cat Food Made with Real, Whole Protein: One 6-lb dry cat food bag of Halo Holistic Wild-caught Whitefish Recipe made with whole, whitefish as the first ingredient — and no meat meals of any kind
- Natural Dry Cat Food with Added Vitamins and Minerals: Cooked in the USA with high-quality ingredients for optimal nutrition and complete digestive support
- Complete Digestive Health for Adult Cats with Sensitive Stomach: Prebiotics, high levels of probiotics and postbiotics deliver digestive care and cat immune support, plus a boost of whole-body health
- Healthy Skin and Coat for Cats: Ultra-premium cat food dry recipe has an optimal balance of omega fatty acids to help maintain your cat’s healthy skin and radiant coat
- Responsibly sourced: Made with MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certified wild-caught fish that lived in their natural environment and consumed a diverse diet with no antibiotics, plus non-GMO ingredients, and no unnecessary ingredients like corn, wheat or soy
What causes diarrhea in cats?
The main reason why cats develop diarrhea is that their digestive system wants to eliminate some irritants from the intestines.
The cause of these irritants may be:
- External organic irritants such as worms, bacteria or viruses
- Allergies or certain food sensitivities
- Ingesting spoiled or toxic foods.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea in cats?
The main symptom of diarrhea in cats is frequent, soft, and watery bowel movements.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, your cat might even suffer from blood in the stools, belching, bloated stomach, or flatulence.
What are the best tips for treating diarrhea in cats?
The most important tip is to avoid feeding your cat any solid food for the first 24-36 hours.
Also, make sure that your pet is not dehydrated. Give her plenty of fresh water to drink.
You can also feed her some broth made using vegetables, rice, bone, and lean meat. Feed this soup to your pet several times a day.
See a vet right away if your cat does not show any improvement in the next few days, has vomiting, fever, and/or bloody stools.
Important factors to consider when selecting the best cat food for diarrhea
- Always read the food labels. Ensure that your pet is not allergic to any ingredient.
- Talk to your vet first. S/he can advise as to which high fiber cat food for diarrhea is best suited for your cat’s disposition.
- Always start slow when switching to a new food. Feed a little bit of the new food and check to see if symptoms improve. If diarrhea persists or worsens, stop the food right away.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting the best cat food for diarrhea, no two brands are the same.
We certainly recommend Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food as one of the best cat food for diarrhea, trusted by thousands of pet parents and vets. If you are unsure which cat food for diarrhea to choose, it is best to discuss with your vet if this is indeed the right food for your feline baby.
We hope the above honest reviews of the best cat food for diarrhea help you make an informed choice.
