When it comes to their diet, cats with gastrointestinal problems or sensitive digestion require extra attention. The foods they eat can have a significant impact on their general health and wellbeing. Giving them the nourishment they require without putting them through discomfort is more important than merely feeding them.
What kind of food is best for cats with these conditions is a question that many pet owners have. Selecting the best option can be overwhelming due to the abundance of options. Certain foods are created especially to promote digestive health, while other foods are made to reduce symptoms related to the gastrointestinal tract.
In-depth reviews of some of the best cat food brands for cats with sensitive stomachs and associated health problems will be provided in this guide. We’ll go over what makes these foods appropriate, how they can benefit, and things to consider when selecting a food for your pet.
Brand | Features |
Royal Canin Digest Sensitive | Soft texture, helps with easier digestion, reduces stool odor. |
Hill"s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach | Promotes healthy digestion, made with natural ingredients, includes prebiotics. |
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric | Formulated for cats with digestive issues, helps improve nutrient absorption. |
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach | Made with high-quality protein, supports gentle digestion with natural fiber. |
Wellness CORE Digestive Health | Grain-free, with probiotics for gut health, designed for sensitive stomachs. |
- How to understand that a cat has digestive problems
- Features of feeding a pet with gastrointestinal diseases
- Criteria for choosing dietary food
- Which food is better: wet or dry
- Overview of therapeutic foods
- VetSolution Gastrointestinal and Sensitive Cat food from the company "Monge"
- Sensitive Cat – features
- Characteristics of VetSolution Gastrointestinal
- What is the use of Gastro Intestinal from Royal Canin
- Vet Life Cat Gastrointestinal from Farmina
- Diet food Sensitive Cat from "Savarra"
- Medicinal food from Purina — composition and properties
- PRO PLAN brand
- PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal
- Grandorf food
- "Nasha Marka" Hypoallergenic
- Hill"s Prescription Diet Feline i/d
- 1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC
- Bilanx Sensitive dry food
- Table: cost of therapeutic feeds
- Video on the topic
- ROYAL CANIN GASTROINTESTINAL food for cats with gastrointestinal diseases in Magizoo.ru
- Josera SensiCat dry food for adult cats with sensitive digestion
- ZILLII dry food for adult cats with sensitive digestion (white fish) review
- What to feed a cat with sensitive digestion?
- Josera SensiCat – food for cats with sensitive digestion
- Hello, SIRIUS! Food for cats with sensitive digestion
- BOWL WOW: a gastroenterologist on the nutrition of sensitive cats
How to understand that a cat has digestive problems
The following are the duties performed by the digestive system of cats:
- digestion of food;
- providing the body with the necessary nutrients;
- removal of harmful toxins from the body.
The following symptoms could be experienced by the cat if these processes are interfered with:
- stool disorders of various kinds: constipation, diarrhea;
- signs of intoxication of the body: nausea, vomiting;
Vomiting is a sign of gastrointestinal tract disorders in cats.
An owner should be alerted if their favorite treat is refused by their cat.
Overweight cats are more likely to suffer from gastrointestinal disorders. Constipation and gastritis are two conditions that are exacerbated by obesity, which also overloads internal organs and disturbs metabolism.
Features of feeding a pet with gastrointestinal diseases
Both natural food and specific store-bought food can be fed to a cat suffering from gastrointestinal disorders or sensitive digestion. The following ingredients can be found in natural food:
- fresh lean meat (chicken, veal, rabbit);
- fermented milk products with low fat content;
- a small amount of bran and vegetables without starch (pumpkin, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers).
Cats with digestive issues should not eat fatty foods because they overburden the gastrointestinal system.
Adequate fluid consumption is a crucial component of the nutrition of cats suffering from gastrointestinal pathologies. The gastrointestinal system cannot operate normally when the body is dehydrated.
For the digestive system of a cat to operate normally, the cat must consume enough fluids.
Special diet products should be prioritized when purchasing prepared foods.
Criteria for choosing dietary food
The following factors should be considered when selecting therapeutic food for cats with gastrointestinal tract issues:
- food class. The higher the class, the better the product;
- composition components. The food should contain vitamins, minerals and other useful additives. If the cat is prone to food allergies, then you should avoid food with chicken, chicken fat, gluten;
- indications. Some food is designed for animals with strictly defined diseases;
- contraindications. For example, certain products are prohibited for cats during pregnancy and lactation.
For many cat owners, the cost of feed is an important consideration. Nevertheless, cats with digestive issues require specialized, high-quality products that are unaffordable.
Which food is better: wet or dry
Medication food may be moist or dry. Every food type has some benefits.
Benefits of moist food:
- contains a lot of water;
- prevents obesity in cats. It has been proven that animals eat less when fed wet food.
Cats with dry food have better dental health because it keeps plaque and tartar off their teeth’s surface. As a result, since dental health has a major influence on the condition of the digestive system, dry food can help prevent gastrointestinal disorders to some extent.
You can choose the best food for a cat with gastrointestinal issues with the assistance of an expert. The outcomes of an animal’s medical examination are used to determine the animal’s dietary needs in veterinary clinics.
Overview of therapeutic foods
Nowadays, a lot of producers make feed especially for cats who have digestive issues.
VetSolution Gastrointestinal and Sensitive Cat food from the company "Monge"
Since its founding in 1963, the Italian company "Monge" has risen to the top of the global cat and dog food production market. The following items are available from the manufacturer for cats with digestive issues:
- dry food Sensitive Cat;
- dry and wet food VetSolution Gastrointestinal.
Every dish produced by the "Monge" company is super-premium.
Sensitive Cat – features
Sensitive Cat is intended for sterile cats experiencing gastrointestinal issues. The food comes in 0.4 and 10 kg portions.
Super-premium class food is characterized by a high content of natural ingredients and a low content of preservatives and other potentially harmful substances.
Sensitive Cat dry food comes in 0.4 and 10 kg packages.
The following elements are included in the food’s composition:
- chicken. According to the manufacturer, in the process of feed production only fresh meat is used, flavor and dyes amplifiers are not added.
- rice;
- corn;
- animal fat;
- vitamins:
- A — protects the gastrointestinal mucosa from infections, normalizes the circulatory system;
- B1, B2, B6 — activate digestion, increase immunity, prevent the development of anemia;
- E — a powerful antioxidant that protects the animal"s body from free radicals;
- PP — improves protein metabolism, cleanses the circulatory system of harmful substances, reduces cholesterol in the blood;
- iron — plays an important role in the formation of hemoglobin in the blood. With gastrointestinal diseases, cats often develop anemia. Sufficient iron intake prevents the development of this condition;
- selenium — regulates the thyroid gland, increases the body"s resistance to bacteria and viruses;
The manufacturer advises against limiting the cat’s food intake because it won’t eat more than it requires. The only exception is if the animal is overweight; in this case, the daily norm should be chosen using the table provided on the packaging.
Characteristics of VetSolution Gastrointestinal
The horse chestnut extract in the product provides the primary therapeutic effect of both the wet and dry food. The following advantageous qualities of the substance are present:
- restores damaged mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract;
- has an astringent effect;
- slows down intestinal peristalsis (mobility), thereby improving digestion;
- relaxes the muscles of internal organs, thereby reducing pain in the gastrointestinal tract.
The following ingredients are included in the dry food in addition to horse chestnut extract:
- pork;
- potatoes;
- salmon protein;
- vitamins A, D3, E;
- iron, iodine, manganese.
VetSolution We sell digestive dry food in 1.5 kg and 0.4 kg quantities.
VetSolution We sell digestive dry food in 1.5 kg and 0.4 kg quantities.
For loose stools, intestinal blockage, and gastroenteritis, dry food is recommended. It is not permitted to feed kittens or nursing or pregnant cats this product. The table on the packaging is used to determine the recommended daily dosage.
Tin cans contain wet food. Diarrhea and digestive disorders are indications. VetSolution The following elements are included in gastrointestinal wet food:
- chicken liver;
- pork;
- eggs;
- vitamins E, D3;
- iron, zinc, manganese, selenium;
- bifidobacteria, which normalize the intestinal microflora.
In addition to enhancing intestinal function, bifidobacteria boost a cat’s immunity. Ultimately, it has long been established that the majority of immune cells originate in the intestines.
VetSolution Wet food for the digestive system comes in tin cans with 100 g of product.
What is the use of Gastro Intestinal from Royal Canin
Food products in the form of wet and dry food are made by Royal Canin. Products from the company fall into the extra-premium category.
Both dry and wet food are available in Royal Canin’s Gastro Intestinal line.
Established in 1967, "Royal Canin" is a French company owned by renowned veterinarian Jean Catari. These days, Royal Canin is a multinational behemoth whose primary business is creating high-quality products for different cat and dog breeds as well as animals suffering from specific ailments.
Royal Canin’s Gastrointestinal feeds are indicated for the following conditions:
- loose stools;
- inflammatory processes in the small intestine;
- vomiting;
- liver diseases (exception – hepatic encephalopathy);
- gastritis – an inflammatory process in the stomach;
- colitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane of the colon;
- anorexia.
- lymphangiectasia – damage to the lymphatic vessels;
- hepatic encephalopathy – deterioration of the liver, resulting in disruption of the functioning of the cat"s brain;
- pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas.
Liquid feed components include:
- pork;
- poultry meat;
- corn flour;
- fish oil;
- probiotics;
- marigold extract, which normalizes blood pressure, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- vitamins A, E, D3;
- iron, manganese, zinc, iodine.
There are 100 g of wet food products in each package.
Ingredients in dry food:
- poultry meat;
- rice;
- animal fat;
- dietary fiber;
- soybean oil;
- beet pulp, which prevents the development of urolithiasis;
- fish oil;
- marigold extract;
- calcium, iron, phosphorus, zinc;
- vitamins A, E, C, D3.
Bags of dry food weighing 0.4 and 2 kg are available.
The product has a minimum of three weeks on the shelf. The course of treatment may be prolonged at the veterinarian’s recommendation.
Vet Life Cat Gastrointestinal from Farmina
One brand of dry food is made by the Italian company Farmina specifically for cats suffering from digestive disorders. The item is in the super-premium category.
The Farmina company was founded fifty years ago. Scientific research validates the company’s products’ excellence. Farmina feeds are currently made at three facilities in Brazil, Serbia, and Italy.
Usage indications for food:
- chronic pancreatic insufficiency;
- digestion or absorption disorders in the intestines;
- rehabilitation period after surgical operations on the digestive system.
- hepatic encephalopathy;
- lymphangiectasia.
- chicken;
- fiber;
- corn gluten;
- flax seeds. A useful supplement improves fat and carbohydrate metabolism, promotes the healing of damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa;
- plantain seeds, which have antimicrobial properties;
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids;
- calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium;
- vitamins A, C, E.
Depending on the veterinarian’s recommendations, the food may be used for one to twelve weeks. The weight of the cat is used to determine the daily rate; comprehensive instructions are provided on the packaging.
Farmina’s Vet Life Cat Gastrointestinal food comes in small and large packaging.
The food is offered in weights of 0.4, 2, 5, and 10 kg.
Diet food Sensitive Cat from "Savarra"
Food that is dry The UK is the producer of "Savarra’s" Sensitive Cat. The majority of the product’s components, according to the manufacturer, are English. In addition to being in the super-premium category, the food’s manufacturer compares it to holistic.
Holistic is a product that can be used to feed both people and cats. Furthermore, holistics are completely balanced and free of gluten.
Cats with delicate digestive systems should use "Savarra" Sensitive Cat. There are no contraindications for this product, according to the information on the packaging.
- lamb meat. This dietary type of meat contains little fat, so it does not burden the intestines and is easily digested. And lamb meat helps to reduce cholesterol in the blood;
- brown rice, which is rich in dietary fiber. Brown rice has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and prevents the development of constipation;
- salmon meat containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids;
- turkey fat containing selenium and vitamin E;
- vitamins A, D3;
- seaweed — a source of alginic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant, cleanses the body of toxins, has antimicrobial properties;
- cranberries, blueberries containing large amounts of vitamins C and E;
- calcium, phosphorus.
- is a hypoallergenic product;
- does not contain chemical additives;
- does not include gluten, which in addition to allergic reactions can cause damage to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.
Excessive levels of calcium and phosphorus are a drawback.
Savarra’s Sensitive Cat dry food comes in 0.4, 2 and 15 kg bags.
The food comes in 0.4, 2 and 15 kg portions. The product packaging specifies the daily intake.
Medicinal food from Purina — composition and properties
Two brands are available from the Purina company for cats with digestive issues:
- PRO PLAN, which is suitable for cats with sensitive digestion;
- PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal, developed for animals with acute digestive disorders (diarrhea).
These brands’ entire product line is super-premium.
"Purina" consists of three sizable businesses that manufacture an enormous variety of pet products. The company launched its first line of dog and cat food at the start of the 1900s.
PRO PLAN brand
The following nutritional goods are available under the PRO PLAN brand:
- PRO PLAN Sterilised dry food with chicken, suitable for sterilized animals;
- PRO PLAN Delicate dry food with lamb and turkey;
AVANTAGE PLAN There are two varieties of delicate dry food: chicken and lamb.
All products contain the following ingredients, with the exception of the primary ingredient (meat or fish):
- corn gluten;
- arginine is an amino acid that maintains the normal functioning of the nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems;
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids;
- vitamins E, C;
- bifidobacteria;
- yeast;
- calcium, phosphorus.
One can purchase 0.4, 1.5, 3, and 10 kg of dry food. Food in a can weighs 85 grams.
PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal
There are two types of PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal: canned food and dry food.
Dry food’s composition:
- chicken protein;
- corn starch;
- animal fat;
- inulin – a polysaccharide found in plants. The substance is a natural probiotic that stimulates digestion and serves as food for bifidobacteria;
- vitamins A, E, D3;
- zinc, selenium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus.
Food that is dry For cats experiencing diarrhea, PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal is recommended.
Dry food comes in 1.5 and 0.4 kg packages.
Food in a can weighs 85 grams. There are two varieties: chicken and salmon.
Salmon or chicken may be present in wet food PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal.
The wet food has the following ingredients in addition to the main ingredient:
- rice flour;
- fish oil;
- vitamins A, E, D3;
- iodine, iron, zinc, selenium.
Restrictions on the use of PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal dry and wet food:
- liver shunts – abnormal vessels that connect the main artery of the liver with the general circulatory system;
- renal failure – decreased excretory capacity of the kidneys.
The packaging provides information on the amount of food to be taken daily. The food’s manufacturer advises using it for 7–14 days, or until the uncomfortable symptoms go away, if you have diarrhea. It is best to split the daily dosage into multiple doses to improve food absorption.
Veterinary Diets: PRO PLAN EN Continuous feeding of a cat is not meant for the gastrointestinal system. Don’t take more than the recommended daily dosage or length of use—the product is meant to be used as medicine.
Grandorf food
Granford feed: Holistic products that are hypoallergenic. Belgium’s United Petfood ProduCurs NV is the manufacturer. Two varieties of dry food are appropriate for cats with digestive issues:
-
Grandorf 4 types of meat with probiotics for sterilized cats;
Grandorf Four varieties of meat for sterilized cats that contain probiotics: a hypoallergenic diet that helps the digestive system
The main advantage of Grandorf feed is a large number of probiotics. The manufacturer claims that beneficial bacteria are added to the product after the manufacture of feed, as well as probiotics are in special capsules, which are destroyed only in the intestines of the animal. Thanks to these factors, probiotics fully fulfill their task in the body: they completely normalize the intestinal microflora.
The principal ingredients in dry feed are:
- meat of turkey, rabbit, ducks, lambs;
- brown rice, rich in fiber;
- chicory, which contains inulin;
- antioxidants;
- dried fruits (apple, cranberry);
- vitamins C, E.
Bags of dry food weighing 0.4 and 2 kg are available.
"Nasha Marka" Hypoallergenic
Although the "Nasha Marka" brand does not carry food specifically designed for cats with sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues, the manufacturer does claim that the Hypoallergenic dry food helps animals’ digestive systems. The cuisine is of the highest caliber.
The "Nasha Marka" brand manufactures hypoallergenic dry food that restores the gastrointestinal tract to normal function.
One of the brands of ZAO Gatchinsky KKZ, a sizable Russian holding company, is "Nasha Marka," and it manufactures goods for both domestic and farm animals. Since its founding 75 years ago, the company has grown to hold a dominant position in both the Russian and foreign markets.
The following ingredients are present in the dry food:
- corn;
- rice;
- corn gluten,
- lamb liver;
- vegetable oil;
- beet pulp;
- vitamins A, E, D3;
- calcium, phosphorus;
- dietary fiber.
Dry food is suitable for feeding adult cats. Information on the daily intake rate of the product is posted in the form of a table on the packaging. The food is available in 0.4, 2 and 15 kg.
Hill"s Prescription Diet Feline i/d
Dietary prescription A super-premium diet for cats with digestive issues is called Feline i/d from Hill’s. The diet consists of:
-
dry food with chicken. Sold in 0.4, 1.5 and 5 kg;
Dietary prescription There is only one variety of Hill’s dry cat food available: flavorful of chicken
According to the manufacturer, the food has a lot of antioxidants that stop free radicals from doing their damage.
In 1948, American veterinarian Mark Morris founded Hill’s. The company started making specialty pet food for a range of illnesses in 1968. At the moment, the company sells its goods in 86 different nations. There are production sites in the Netherlands and the United States.
Usage guidelines for the feed:
- gastrointestinal diseases;
- prevention of gastrointestinal pathologies.
The feed additionally includes the following additives in addition to the primary ingredient:
- beet pulp;
- corn flour;
- flax seeds;
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids;
- antioxidants;
- calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium.
1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC
Pets with digestive issues or allergies can benefit from the super-premium class 1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC feed.
For fifteen years, 1st Choice, a Canadian company, has been a global player in the market. The production of expert cat and dog food is the primary activity.
First Choice HYPOALLERGENIC feed lessens the chance of allergies while simultaneously enhancing digestion.
- does not contain grain products, which cats often have allergies to;
- includes a large amount of vitamin A, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and coat of the cat.
- duck meat;
- potatoes, beets;
- rice protein;
- vegetable oil;
- chicory extract, rich in inulin;
- flax seeds;
- fiber;
- vitamins A, C, E;
- phosphorus, calcium, magnesium.
It is appropriate to feed adult cats this food. The packaging does not list any contraindications. Package sizes: 350 g, 2.72 kg, and 5.44 kg.
Bilanx Sensitive dry food
Bilanx Sensitive, a premium dry food, is appropriate for feeding cats with the following issues:
- gastrointestinal tract dysfunction;
- animal tendency to food allergies;
- skin irritation;
- poor coat condition.
- does not contain gluten;
- includes a large percentage of inulin, therefore it helps improve digestion;
- does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract;
- prevents the development of allergies.
There are three weights of Bilanx Sensitive dry food: 0.75 kg, 2.5 kg, and 10 kg.
- chicken;
- lamb;
- corn;
- beetroot;
- fiber;
- parboiled rice;
- inulin;
- vitamins A, E, D3;
- zinc, iodine, selenium.
Table: cost of therapeutic feeds
Feed name | Package weight and cost |
Sensitive Cat from the company "Monge" | 0.4 kg – 240 rubles 10 kg – 3700 rubles |
Dry food VetSolution Gastrointestinal from the company "Monge" | 0.4 kg – 410 rubles 1.5 kg – 1300 rubles |
Wet food VetSolution Gastrointestinal from the company "Monge" | 100 g – 75-90 rubles |
Dry food Sensitive Cat from "Savarra" | 0.4 kg – 385 rubles 2 kg – 1400 rubles 15 kg – 9200 rubles |
Dry food PRO PLAN from Purina (all types of dietary feeds have the same cost) | 0.4 kg — 320 rubles 1.5 kg — 1100 rubles 3 kg — 2000 rubles 10 kg — 5200 rubles |
Wet food PRO PLAN from Purina | 60 rubles |
Dry food PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal | 0.4 kg – 440 rubles 1.5 kg — 1,300 rubles |
Wet food PRO PLAN Veterinary Diets EN Gastrointestinal | 85 g — 75 rubles |
Dry food GRANDORF | 0.4 kg — 380 rubles 2 kg — 1,500 rubles |
Dry food Vet Life Cat Gastrointestinal from Farmina | 0.4 kg — 480 rubles 2 kg — 1,800 rubles 5 kg — 4,200 rubles 10 kg — 8,100 rubles |
Wet food Gastro Intestinal from Royal Canin | 100 g — 70 rubles |
Dry food Gastro Intestinal from Royal Canin | 0.4 kg — 440 rubles 2 kg — 1,800 rubles |
Dry food "Nasha Marka" | 0.4 kg — 95 rubles 2 kg — 350 rubles 15 kg — 2500 rubles |
Hill"s Prescription Diet Feline i/d Dry Food | 0.4 kg — 460 rubles 1.5 kg — 1500 rubles 5 kg — 4800 rubles |
Hill"s Prescription Diet Feline i/d Wet Food | 85 g — 70 rubles |
1st Choice HYPOALLERGENIC Dry Food | 350 g — 360 rubles 2.72 kg — 2200 rubles 5.44 kg – 3200 rubles |
Bilanx Sensitive Dry Food | 0.75 kg — 430 rubles 2.5 kg — 1100 rubles |
Selecting the appropriate food for cats with gastrointestinal problems or sensitive digestion can have a significant impact on their general health. You can lessen your cat’s discomfort from digestive distress and make sure it gets the nutrients it needs without worrying about upset stomach by selecting a specialized diet.
Probiotics, low-fat formulas, and easily digestible ingredients are a few examples of options that can help your cat’s digestion and overall health. To ensure that the new food is the right fit for your cat, it’s critical to monitor how they react to it and speak with your veterinarian.
Today’s selection of cat foods for sensitive stomachs ensures that you can find something that will improve your pet’s quality of life and make mealtimes more enjoyable.
Selecting the appropriate food for cats with gastrointestinal disorders or sensitive digestion can have a significant impact on their general well-being and comfort. The best cat food options that are especially designed to relieve digestive problems are reviewed in this article, with ingredients that are easy to digest, gentle on the stomach, and high in vital nutrients. We’ll examine the leading brands and their efficacious qualities to assist you in making a wise choice for your cat’s health.