The Best Cat Foods For Sensitive Stomachs In 2022

Does your cat have a sensitive stomach? For some cats, a sensitive stomach might mean struggling to digest certain proteins or specific ingredients in their food. Other cats with sensitive stomachs may be reluctant eaters or experience gastric irritation, which can manifest in the form of vomiting or diarrhea. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, it's important to schedule a veterinary appointment immediately. Your vet will be able to fully examine your cat to make sure there aren't any underlying medical conditions leading to your cat's stomach sensitivities that need to be addressed separately from his diet.

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​Get Professional Help:​ If you suspect your cat has an upset stomach or is dealing with ongoing digestive issues, schedule an appointment with your cat's veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian may recommend a specific food or other treatments to help your cat.

​Check Ingredients:​ If your cat has any sensitivities or allergies to certain proteins or ingredients, you'll need to carefully read the ingredient list of any new food you're thinking about purchasing. Avoid any of the ingredients your cat has sensitivities to prevent further irritation.

​Plan Ahead:​ When changing your cat's food, it's important to make the transition slowly—especially for cats who have sensitive stomachs. Gradually add some of the new food to their old food, increasing the percentage of new food and decreasing the percentage of old food, over the course of a week. Be sure to purchase the new food before your cat runs out of her old food so you have enough on hand to make the transition slowly and prevent your cat's stomach from getting upset.

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Hill's Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, 7-lb. Bag

$31.49 at Amazon

$34.49 at Chewy

Chicken and brewers rice are the first two ingredients in this high-quality dry cat food. It contains a prebiotic fiber (FOS) that supports healthy gut bacteria and was developed to be easily digested to promote optimal nutrient absorption. This food can also support consistent and solid stool health. Made in the U.S. without chicken by-product meal, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, this formula contributes to supple skin and a shiny coat thanks to vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids.

Amazon/Hill's Science Diet

Purina ONE Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food, 7-lb. Bag

$14.98 at Chewy

$22.95 at Amazon

With real turkey listed as the number one ingredient, this dry cat food is developed to be gentle on the stomach and highly digestible. It's made with 34% protein to support lean muscle mass and contains 430 calories per cup. The formula includes omega-6 fatty acids, which are important for the health of your cat's skin and coat, as well as added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. In addition to being gentle on a cat's stomach, the crunchy-texture dry food can reduce plaque build-up on the teeth. This food is manufactured in Purina-owned, U.S. facilities and doesn't have any artificial flavors or preservatives.

Amazon/Purina

Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Dry Cat Food, 3.5-lb. Bag

$18.98 at Amazon

$18.98 at Chewy

Developed for cats with sensitive stomachs, this dry food is made with real chicken as the primary protein. It's intended for adult cats and utilizes prebiotic fiber to support digestive health. The food is highly digestible and has been enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It's free of poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives. This food includes vegetables and fruits as a natural source of fiber while being gentle on a cat's stomach. The kibbles are cold-formed to lock in nutrients and flavor, and the bag is resealable so the food stays fresher for longer.

Amazon/Blue Buffalo

Purina Cat Chow Sensitive Stomach Gentle Dry Cat Food, 13-lb. Bag

$14.78 at Amazon

$15.99 at Chewy

This affordable dry cat food is made with farm-raised turkey and natural prebiotic fiber to support a cat's overall digestive health. Intended for adult cats, the recipe includes 25 essential vitamins and minerals, plus omega-6 fatty acids for a lustrous coat and clear skin. The crunchy kibble doesn't contain any artificial flavors or preservatives, but it is made with 34% protein for strong muscles. Providing a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fatty acids, this food provides complete nutrition for cats with stomach issues.

Amazon/Purina

Halo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food,
Seafood Medley, 6-lb. Bag

$25.49 at Amazon

$25.49 at Chewy

Made with real fish that is sustainably sourced and non-GMO fruits and vegetables, this recipe is easy for cats to digest. Only whole meat is used—primarily whitefish and salmon—so there's no rendered meat meal to be found. These types of fish are high in omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. The food is free of any artificial ingredients, colors, or preservatives, as well as fillers. It's made in the U.S. with high-quality ingredients sourced from trusted domestic and international partners. Its balanced nutrition helps improve digestive health and leads to solid, more consistent stools. The recipe also includes taurine, which supports a cat's eyes and heart health without irritating their stomachs.

Amazon/Halo

Solid Gold Winged Tiger with Quail & Pumpkin Grain-Free Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food, 6-lb. Bag

$23.99 at Amazon

$23.99 at Chewy

This food is created with quail and fiber-rich pumpkin. By focusing on novel proteins, this food is developed to support cats with sensitive stomachs by avoiding common allergens including corn, wheat, and soy. It's intended for adult and senior cats who are less active. The grain-free and gluten-free recipe includes egg protein, which supports a cat's muscle health and metabolism. The inclusion of pumpkin may ward off constipation and diarrhea, plus it's packed with vitamins A, C, and E. Quail is a lean protein, and pairing it with whole superfoods like peas, chickpeas, blueberries, cranberries, and salmon oil helps cats maintain optimal gut health.

Amazon/Solid Gold

Authority® Sensitive Stomach and Skin All Life
Stages Cat Food – Turkey & Rice, 16-lb. Bag

$43.49 at PetSmart

This tasty turkey and rice formula is designed specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs. Deboned turkey is the number one ingredient, followed by turkey meal and brewers rice. The formula includes a prebiotic fiber to support your cat's digestion, as well as omega fatty acids for optimal skin and coat health. This sensitive stomach dry food was developed to provide lifelong nutrition to cats of all ages. The texture of the kibbles can also support your cat's oral health and prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. This food doesn't include any artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.

PetSmart/Authority

Royal Canin® Sensitive Digestion Adult Dry Cat Food, 7-lb. Bag

$32.99 at PetSmart

$28.99 at Chewy

Developed specifically for cats who struggle with digestive issues, this food is gentle on the stomach. It's made with prebiotics and easily digestible proteins. The food has three different kibble shapes to attract cats. It was developed to be nutritionally dense, which allows cats to eat smaller meals to help with digestive issues or even weight management. Smaller portions fed throughout the day can be less upsetting to a sensitive stomach. The food's nutritional balance also contributes to healthy stools.

PetSmart/Royal Canin