The 8 Best Cat Foods For Diarrhea
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Occasional diarrhea is nothing to worry about – you take a fiber supplement and move on. When it happens to your cat, however, it’s an entirely different story.
If you’re lucky, your cat makes it to the litter box in time, but you won’t always be lucky. When things get messy, it’s time to start thinking about what could be causing your cat’s diarrhea and diet should be the first thing you think about.
Compare Best Cat Foods For Diarrhea
|
Best Dry Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach
3. Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food |
Best Dry Cat food For Easy Digestion
4. I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food |
Best Nutritionist-Recommended
5. Petcurean Go Sensitivity + Shine Cat Food Freshwater Trout + Salmon |
Best Veterinary Diet
6. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
Best All Life Stages
7. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food |
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|
Protein
2.3% Min |
Protein
21.2% Min |
Protein
32% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
45% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
41% Min |
Protein
19.5% Min |
|
Fat
0.1% Min |
Fat
8.05% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
18% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
22% Min |
Fat
6% Min |
|
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
0.4% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
5.5% Max |
Fiber
1.5% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
|
Moisture
97% Max |
Moisture
66.1% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
|
Caloric Content
160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp |
Caloric Content
550 kcal/package |
Caloric Content
422 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
362 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
489 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
405 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
496 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
1325 kcal/kg |
|
Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
Dry |
Food Type
Dry |
Food Type
Dry |
Food Type
Dry |
Food Type
Dry |
Food Type
Dry |
In this article, we’ll talk about tips for treating diarrhea in cats and provide some insight into choosing the right cat food. We’ll also show you our top 8 picks for the best cat food for diarrhea.
What To Look For In A Cat Food For Diarrhea?
Every cat gets diarrhea from time to time. If it becomes a frequent issue, however, you should talk to your veterinarian. Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other issues, so talk to your vet about the treatment options and consider switching to a different cat food.
Here are some important things to look for in a cat food for diarrhea:
- High-quality, natural ingredients. In some cases, chronic diarrhea is an allergic reaction – look for a cat food made only with natural ingredients to ensure digestibility and reduce reactivity.
- Adequate but not excessive fiber content. Adding some extra fiber to your cat’s diet can increase the bulk of its stools to relieve diarrhea but too much fiber can do the opposite.
- Rich in animal protein. All cats require a diet high in protein, regardless the health of their digestive system. Plant products are more difficult to digest and less biologically valuable.
- Probiotic supplements. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help support the balance of bacteria in your cat’s gut for healthy and regular digestion.
Now that you have a better idea what to look for in a cat food for diarrhea, it’s time to start shopping! Keep reading to see our top 8 picks for the best food for diarrhea in cats.
Here Are Our Top 8 Picks For The Best Cat Food For Diarrhea:
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Bone Broth
Product Info
- Protein: 2.3% Min
- Fat: 0.1% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 97% Max
- Caloric Content: 160 kcal ME/kg, 2.25 kcal ME/tbsp
- Food Type: Fresh
- First four ingredients are high-quality animal proteins
- Made with 100% traceable, ethically sourced ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Fairly expensive
Open Farm is a fresh food delivery service that offers customized meals catered to your cat’s unique nutritional needs and made with the freshest ingredients available.
Your cat’s food will be prepared and delivered fresh on a monthly basis, sent in perfectly portioned packages that you can refrigerate or freeze.
Simply fill out your pet’s profile online to get started and choose from their recipe collection.
Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 21.2% Min
- Fat: 8.05% Min
- Fiber: 0.4% Max
- Moisture: 66.1% Max
- Caloric Content: 550 kcal/package
- Food Type: Fresh
- Fresh chicken (thigh and breast) as first two ingredients
- High in moisture for digestion and hydration
- Free from grains and fillers
- Low carbohydrate content (estimated under 2%)
- Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Choose from a variety of wet food formulas including minced foods and pates, made with real animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried food and treats, all of which can be delivered right to your door in convenient monthly shipments.
If you’re looking for a nutritious, highly digestible cat food made with ingredients you can feel good about, Smalls is a brand worth considering.
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 32% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 422 kcal/cup
- Food Type: Dry
- Lean chicken as main ingredient
- Supports sensitive stomach and digestion
- Balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Not a grain-free recipe (some cats may be sensitive)
- Contains several sources of plant protein
This recipe also promotes healthy skin and coat with optimal levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 5.5% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 362 kcal/cup
- Food Type: Dry
- Rich in premium animal protein
- Limited number of main ingredients
- Supplemented with probiotics
- Fairly expensive compared to the average cat food
- May be too high in fiber for some cats
It is packed with protein from salmon and menhaden fish meal with digestible grain-free carbohydrates.
Petcurean Go Sensitivity + Shine Cat Food Freshwater Trout + Salmon
Product Info
- Protein: 45% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 1.5% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 489 kcal/cup
- Food Type: Dry
- Top three ingredients are animal proteins
- Formulated for sensitive stomachs
- Very high in protein (45%)
- Very expensive compared to most kibbles
- Could be higher in fiber, particularly for diarrhea
It is packed with antioxidants for immune health and omega-3s for healthy skin and coat, plus prebiotics and probiotics for digestion.
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet GI Gastrointestinal Support Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Caloric Content: 405 kcal/cup
- Food Type: Dry
- Vet-approved for digestive issues
- Highly digestible proteins and carbohydrates
- Healthy, holistic formula with natural ingredients
- Requires a veterinary prescription to purchase
- Very expensive compared to most cat foods
Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Pieces Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 41% Min
- Fat: 22% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Caloric Content: 496 kcal/cup
- Food Type: Dry
- High-protein kibble with freeze-dried raw coating
- Highly digestible natural ingredients
- Probiotic boost for digestive support
- Very expensive compared to most traditional kibbles
- May be too high in fat for some cats
Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 19.5% Min
- Fat: 6% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Caloric Content: 1325 kcal/kg
- Food Type: Dry
- Rich in protein and fat, low in carbohydrates
- Made from premium, all-natural ingredients
- Formulated for all life stages and breeds
- Fairly expensive to feed as a staple diet
- Doesn’t contain probiotics
It features 93% meat, organs, and New Zealand green mussels which means that it is very low in carbohydrates and rich in both protein and fat. Every recipe is all-natural and made with premium ingredients including animal-based proteins and fats with nutritional supplements for balance.
Tips For Treating Diarrhea In Cats
Diarrhea in cats can be caused by a wide variety of different things. Parasites, intestinal infections, and even stress can lead to repeated bouts of diarrhea. In some cases, it may also be caused by something in the cat’s diet or a reaction to a medication or supplement.
Regardless the cause, talk to your veterinarian to receive a diagnosis and to discuss the treatment options.
Here are some simple tips for treating your cat’s diarrhea:
- Some veterinarians recommend withholding food for 12 to 24 hours in cats with acute digestive issues – ask your vet if this might help.
- Offer your cat small amounts of starchy foods like white rice to add bulk to its stools – you can also try adding some canned pumpkin to kibble if your cat won’t eat rice.
- Avoid making any significant changes to your cat’s diet – sudden changes can upset your cat’s stomach and make the diarrhea worse.
- Feed your cat small portions until it is able to properly digest its food once more.
- Make sure your cat has access to fresh water at all times – dehydration is a higher risk for kittens and senior cats experiencing diarrhea.
If your veterinarian recommends changing your cat’s food, you should do so slowly. Making a sudden change to your cat’s diet could make its diarrhea worse or trigger other issues.
Make the transition over the course of 7 days or so to make things easier on your cat’s stomach.
Final Remarks
A single episode of diarrhea shouldn’t send you into a panic, but chronic digestive issues could interfere with your cat’s nutrition and might cause long-lasting side effects. After talking to your veterinarian, consider the possibility of switching your cat to a different food its body will be able to digest better.
If you’re still not sure where to start in looking for a cat food for diarrhea, try out one of the top 5 best options we’ve reviewed above. Good luck!
