Cat lovers, who amongst you has ever stepped into a slimy pile of cat vomit when you emerged from sweet slumber first thing in the morning?
Been there, done that more times than I can count.
First, any food that you feed to your feline (or any pet for that matter) should be endorsed by AAFCO, which is the Association of American Feed Control Officials.
If it doesn’t have the AAFCO seal on the bag, don’t buy it.
Subsections: (quick look)
AAFCO is the regulatory body that assures that the pet food meets minimum standards for nutrition, you can go to AAFCO’s website at www.aafco.org for more information.
Next, what should you look for in a diet that will be better for your cat’s sensitive stomach?
The food should be palatable, which means it tastes good.
No one wants to spend money for cat food that Sylvester won’t eat.
Also, make sure the diet is high in protein and low in carbs.
The proteins should be highly digestible with prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids included.
Lastly, soluble and insoluble fibers help to support the GI tract and help promote fullness, so your feline doesn’t overeat.
I have compiled a list of five commercial cat diets which are labeled specifically for felines with vomiting issues.
I have a detailed review of each diet, in no particular order.
Surely one of these will prevent Chuck’s name from being changed to UpChuck.
Purrfect.
5 Best Cat Food for Vomiting (Overall)
Veterinary Diets Purina EN Gastroenteric Cat Food
This diet is all natural.
There is no corn, wheat or added artificial colors or flavors in this diet.
It is high in protein and low in carbs, with added Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids.
It is also a good diet for cats with a previous history of urinary crystals, both struvite and calcium oxalate varieties, it promotes an environment which is unfavorable to the development of urinary crystals.
This food is appropriate for both adult cats and growing kittens.
The reviewers of this diet on chewy.com rave about how good it tastes (to their cats, of course).
These cat owners say their cats are super picky eaters, but they love the Purina EN food.
These reviewers also say that it does work for calming down feline stomachs and saves money on expensive trips to the vet.
Some positive quotes from chewy.com: “This food saved my cat!” “Helped stop chronic vomiting.” “Perfect for sensitive stomachs.”
Negative remarks: “This product worked for about 1 yr.” “Ok, but not real popular with my cats.”
Some sellers require a prescription for this food, and some sellers do not.
It comes in only one size, a 10lb bag of dry food.
The crude fat in this diet is 16% minimum, which is middle of the range for the diets on this list.
Purina Veterinary Diets do not advertise a taste/satisfaction guarantee.
Eva is a cat owner who avoids artificial colors and additives in her diet.
The Purina EN gastroenteric diet would be perfect for her multiple cat household with an adult female cat who vomits periodically.
Is this the best cat food for vomiting?
Many cat lovers give it dewclaws up.
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Gastrointestinal Health
This diet is formulated to be highly digestible and has a mixed, optimal balance of soluble and insoluble fiber, along with added prebiotics and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
It also is formulated to prevent the development of struvite and calcium oxalate crystals and is nutritionally complete for both growing kittens and adult cats.
Hill’s has a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on all their prescription diets.
If your cat won’t eat it, they will give you your money back.
The majority of the cat parents reviewing this food on chewy.com say that their cats love this food.
Some positive quotes from chewy.com: “Dry food receives a 5-meow review.” “They love it.” “Great for sensitive bellies and food allergies.”
Some negative quotes from chewy.com: “My cat doesn’t like it.” “My cat doesn’t like the new formula.”
The major drawback of this diet is the need for a prescription from your cat’s vet or having to go to the vet clinic to purchase this food.
It comes only in an 8.5lb bag.
The fat content of this diet is 20.8% on a dry matter basis, which is the highest among the foods on this list.
John is a cat owner on a fixed income.
The Hill’s i/d diet would be the most economical option for him to feed to his adult male cat with a history of struvite crystals in his urine and intermittent vomiting.
Raise your paw if you think this is the best cat food to stop vomiting.
Blue Buffalo Veterinary Diet GI
This diet is grain-free (no corn, no wheat, no soy), and it contains both pre- and pro-biotic fibers.
No prescription is needed to purchase this product.
Only comes in a 7lb bag of dry food.
The crude fat content is listed at 14.0% minimum, which is one of the lowest of the foods on this list.
This diet is not nutritionally complete for kittens, it is made for adult cats only.
Also, it is not formulated to prevent development of urinary crystals like the Hill’s product and the Purina product.
There is no taste/satisfaction guarantee listed on Blue Buffalo’s website.
Purr if you think this is the best cat food for throwing up.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Moderate Calorie
This diet contains prebiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, and highly digestible proteins.
It also contains a mix of soluble and insoluble fibers to promote healthy stools.
It is formulated with the Royal Canin Urinary S/O Index, which promotes an environment which is unfavorable for developing urinary crystals.
All the Royal Canin Veterinary products have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, if Miss Kitty won’t eat it, send it back for a full refund.
It comes only in a 7.7lb bag of dry food and does require a prescription from your cat’s veterinarian.
This moderate calorie formula has a reduced fat content (11% crude fat, the lowest on this list of foods for vomiting), which helps to limit weight gain in spayed/neutered cats or those cats that tend to be overweight.
It is for adult cats only.
Royal Canin Feline Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP
This food is different than the other four diets listed, in that it targets reactions (vomiting) from allergies to proteins in a cat’s diet.
It contains only a single protein (soy) and a single carbohydrate (rice starch).
The soy protein in the food is transformed so that the cat’s immune system does not react to the protein.
It is also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
This diet is also possibly beneficial for cats who have allergic skin problems.
It is formulated for adult cats only but is also formulated with the Royal Canin Urinary S/O index and is covered by the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee for taste.
The crude fat of this diet is listed at 18%, which is fairly high as compared to other diets on this list.
This food does require a prescription from your cat’s veterinarian.
The reviews on chewy.com are mostly 5 stars, with most reviewers raving about the taste.
Positive reviews include, “Lifesaving food!” “Excellent results.” “Hesitant due to price but good food.”
Negative reviews include, “So disappointed” “They won’t eat it.”
It comes in two sizes, a 7.7lb bag and a 17.6lb bag.
Brenda’s cat, Oreo, is a 3-year-old male cat who has chronic itchy skin and hair loss, as well as periodic vomiting.
She should try feeding Oreo the Royal Canin Hypoallergenic Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP.
If the price doesn’t make you puke, this might be the diet for your vomiting feline, especially if he also has allergic skin issues.
What is the best cat food for vomiting cats, you ask?
It really depends on the cat.
All of the diets on this list seem to be viable options to try.
When choosing, you need to consider things such as the age of your cat (kitten versus adult).
Also, is your cat prone to developing urinary crystals or being obese?
Does your cat have skin allergies?
Is having to have a prescription from your vet a big hassle to you?
Do you want a diet with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee?
Do you want the lowest price product, especially for feeding multiple cats?
If you have a feline companion that is vomiting more than occasionally, and your veterinarian agrees that a diet change might be worth a try, I hope this discussion will help you with your choice.
May your morning footsteps be vomit-free.
5 Best Cat Foods for Sensitive Stomachs and Vomiting
No owner likes to see their pet unwell and it can be hard to watch our cats feeling under the weather; retching, coughing up fur balls and even throwing up.
While it is vital that any unwell cat or one with chronic vomiting be assessed by a veterinarian, most treatment plans will incorporate a certain type of diet and we have listed five of the best cat foods for sensitive stomachs and vomiting below.
As there are a large number of conditions that can cause chronic vomiting, most cats will undergo a range of tests including blood tests and abdominal ultrasound imaging.
For some, an underlying medical disorder such as a liver condition, inflammatory bowel disease or hyperthyroidism will be diagnosed.
While these ailments will require specific therapies, often feeding the right nutrients can help offer support and prevent chronic weight loss.
Other cats may receive a diagnosis of food allergies or sensitivities, and for them, diet forms the mainstay of their therapy.
Adjunctive therapies such as vitamin supplementation and anti-nausea medication may be useful, and your veterinarian will tailor a specific plan for your cat’s unique needs.
Feeding the right diet can not only support an unwell animal but can also help them to maintain an appropriate body condition and prevent unnecessary vomiting or diarrhea.
For many, probiotics can be administered alongside their prescribed diet and may further improve their gastrointestinal health.
Whether you chose to feed a dry diet, a wet food or a mix of both is up to you and is usually something that is dictated by your cat’s preference and palate.
Regardless of which option you choose, all of the foods listed below are digestible and contain quality ingredients.
Importantly, they are all highly palatable; ensuring that even a nauseous cat will be tempted to chow down and consume their daily calorie requirement.
Hill’s Digestive Care I/D Dry Cat Food
Hill’s are one of the biggest international pet food companies and are well-known for their top-class products which are often prescribed by vets for both healthy animals and those with diagnosed health conditions.
In fact, within the veterinary profession, this dry food is seen by many as the ‘holy grail’ of digestible diets and is regularly touted as the best cat food for sensitive stomachs and vomiting.
Whatever the reason for your cat’s digestive upset, Hill’s I/D is likely an appropriate food for them and one which should settle their stomach efficiently.
Ensuring your cat can digest their food and keep it down is not only important for their long-term health but also prevents any vomiting, which is an unpleasant experience for both pets and owners alike.
The balance of soluble and insoluble fibres within this diet, as well as the generous amounts of prebiotics, can assist in stool quality and consistency; an area in which many cats with sensitive stomachs struggle.
Beneficial bacteria are encouraged to grow within the gut, preventing bad bacteria from ‘taking over’.
Chronic vomiting and ill-thrift can put a lot of pressure on the immune system, which is why Hill’s have added valuable anti-oxidants to this dry kibble.
Supporting a healthy immune system can keep an animal protected against a number of infectious diseases throughout their lifetime.
A true benefit of this diet is that it is suitable for all life stages, so even weaning kittens can be fed dry I/D.
This is a real bonus when feeding a litter of kittens and a mother cat who may have developed a bout of diarrhea, as attempting to feed them separately can be impossible.
For kittens, it is perfectly accepted to wet the dry food with a tablespoon or two of warm water, making it mushy and easier to eat for small teeth.
Hill’s Prescription Diet Canned I/D for Cats
Following on from the Hill’s I/D dry diet, is was only sensible that we listed their equally great wet diet option.
With similar benefits to the dry food, this wet food is even more versatile and is a real favourite of many.
As well as improving stool quality, the wet I/D diet is highly digestible and suitable for sensitive stomachs.
Good bacteria within the gut are allowed to thrive and the added electrolytes and B vitamins can support those cats with mild dehydration, who may have had recent diarrhea.
For many, providing a wet diet will increase their appetance as they prefer both the taste and the texture.
Wet diets are easy to heat and can be fed warm, which will further improve the palatability.
In hospitalised patients, wet I/D is often syringe fed while the patient recovers.
At home, owners can use a syringe or may attempt to feed from a spoon or their hand.
A versatile meal option, while this complete wet food can be fed by itself, it can also be mixed with the dry I/D biscuits, and there is a feeding chart on the Hill’s website which discusses appropriate amounts, which will depend on a cat’s weight and age.
As this food does contain potential allergens including pork, chicken and rice, it would not be suitable for a cat with diagnosed food allergies, who should instead be fed an appropriate hydrolysed, hypoallergenic diet.
With a sensible 168 calories per can, the average 4kg cat will require around 2 and a half cans a day, if not being supplemented with any other food source.
Unused food can be covered and refrigerated.
Royal Canin Digest Sensitive 85g Pouches
Another hard-hitter in the pet food community, Royal Canin make some superior diet options for cats with sensitivities and digestive issues.
One of the best cat foods for sensitive stomachs and vomiting that they make is their Digest Sensitive Pouch, which cats love the taste of.
This wet food designed for adult cats consists of tempting thin slices in gravy and comes in a handy pouch which can be opened at each serving to guarantee freshness and flavour.
A key benefit of this food is that it aims to reduce stool odour.
This can be a significant issue in cats with sensitive stomachs who do not digest their food efficiently and often have quite foul-smelling litter trays.
While this is not pleasant for any owner, it poses a real challenge in small homes or apartments where smells can linger.
Containing meats and cereals, this is not a hypoallergenic diet, though is well tolerated by most and is composed of highly digestible ingredients.
The 81% moisture content (a value typical of wet foods) is essential for maintaining hydration and can improve urinary health.
Indeed, this food is designed to contain a limited amount of minerals and when fed long-term can help to prevent the occurrence of urinary crystals and stones.
This valuable fact makes this food a great option for cats that not only have chronic stomach issues but who have also suffered with urinary issues in the past.
A 4kg cat should be fed three pouches a day, although this is only if they are not fed treats or other foods on top.
Remember, the feeding of any human foods or treats should be limited and ideally avoided in those cats with sensitive stomachs, who can find it difficult to digest the rich ingredients.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Hydrolysed Dry Cat Food
The simple proteins and low-allergen carbohydrates from a single source that feature in this dry diet from Purina make for a hypoallergenic diet that will suit some cats well.
For any allergy sufferers, a food panel should be undertaken, which can pinpoint the exact foods or food groups that the cat reacts to, allowing for a tailored nutrition plan.
Owners should keep in mind that allergies can change through the course of a cat’s life, and allergy tests may need to be repeated as cats age, particularly if they begin to experience flare-ups of their symptoms.
As the protein is hydrolysed (broken up into pieces so tiny that the body won’t recognise them) any allergic reaction should be completely avoided.
The nutrients contained are all highly digestible allowing for optimal nutrient absorption and preventing unnecessary loss of nutrients through either vomiting or loose stools.
With a 29.5% protein content, this is a relatively low protein food and many comparable diets will consist of up to 40% protein.
For particularly active cats or those that are growing, a diet with a higher protein contact should be sought.
In fact, chicken is only the fourth ingredient on the list, with rice, soy protein and canola oil all being present in higher amounts.
As with the Royal Canin option, this food is also aimed at those cats prone to the development of urinary crystals and contains ingredients which should create a urinary environment which is unfavourable to calcium oxalate and struvite crystals (the two most common types of crystals seen in cats).
Instinct Grain-Free Limited Ingredient Canned Wet Food for Cats
Last but not least on our list of foods for cats with sensitive bellies is this limited ingredient, complete wet food from Instinct.
With cage-free turkey, turkey broth and turkey liver making up the top three ingredients it is evident that the protein comes from a healthy source.
While there are peas in this diet (the unique vegetable source), there are no grains, eggs or dairy or soy.
Of course, it is always possible that your cat has an allergy to either turkey or peas, so if that were the case, this food would not be suitable for them.
However, for the vast majority of kitties, this makes a highly-digestible food source that they enjoy the taste of.
The pâté texture of this diet is well-tolerated and is a particularly good option for elderly cats with dental disease or those suffering from oral issues such as mouth ulcers or gingivitis.
It is easily added to a dry kibble or can be mixed in with some pieces of real turkey breast if your cat deserves a treat!
As this is a complete diet, other than water it does not need to be supplemented with anything.
Some owners may opt to co-feed some kibble, and Instinct do manufacture a limited ingredient kibble which is well-tolerated.
With each 5.5oz can containing close to 200 calories, this is a high-energy food that is perfect for feeding under-weight cats or those that require extra feeding, as they do not need to work as hard to consume a large number of calories.
For most cats, two cans a day is all that they will need, though this is variable and really depends on a number of factors, including their age and activity level.
Commonly, cats that are constantly throwing up and feeling unwell will develop food aversions and can be real fussy eaters. It is so important that we find a diet that they enjoy eating, not only to keep them happy but also to prevent muscle wastage, weight loss and ill-thrift.
The palatability of the diet offered must be extremely high and it should be a digestible food that is unlikely to cause nausea, indigestion or diarrhea.
Typically, this is achieved by providing a limited ingredient diet, or perhaps a hydrolysed one.
Above, we have compiled a list of the best cat foods for sensitive stomachs and vomiting and we feel confident that whichever one you choose, your furry friend will thank you for it.
When it comes to sensitive cats, consistency is key and it is important that their diet is not changed too often, which can in itself lead to stomach upset.
Ideally, these cats should be maintained on the same, complete diet for the duration of their life, as long as it is well-tolerated.
If feeding any additional foods, caution is advised as the benefits of a highly-digestible diet are negated when a cat is also fed grain-rich, fatty treats or human foods.
For most, feeding their prescribed diet alongside nothing else will provide the best results.