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Best Cat Food For Diarrhea – A Careful Cat Owner’s Guide (Updated 2020)

Published by Annie Anderson
Last updated: December 24, 2023

Wet and Dry Diarrhea Cat Food Review

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Cleaning up your cat’s mess every day isn’t the most fun, and if you’ve come home after a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is find one of your cat’s ‘presents’ on the floor.

And yes, I know the feeling of having to mop up and clean that smelly mess very well! I’m okay with firm stool, but when it comes to diarrhea, it isn’t only unhealthy for the cat, but a burden to me as well.

So if your cat is suffering from constant diarrhea or poor digestion, there is a solution – specialized cat food. Here’s how you can choose the best cat food for diarrhea.

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Why Does My Cat Have Diarrhea?

You’ve probably experienced your cat having a very wet stool, and it’s no laughing matter! But WHY does it happen in the first place? There are several things that could cause diarrhea in cats, either mild and changeable, or serious and will require medical attention.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Irritable Bowel Disorder
  • A change in diet
  • Eating too much human food (whether given by you or stolen off of the counter)
  • Eating grass or bugs outside
  • Eating dairy
  • Eating chocolate (please note, chocolate can be fatal for cats!)
  • Internal parasites such as roundworm or ringworm
  • Cancer
  • Medication
  • Allergic reaction
  • Bacterial infection

While some of these reasons made me worry and fear for the hefty price tags on vet visits and medicine, there’s nothing to worry about.

You can treat your cat’s diarrhea and poor digestion through feeding it the RIGHT cat food that aids in better digestive health without the artificial ingredients.

While you can’t always control what your cat eats (especially when it is sneaky like mine), you can still make the correct changes and relieve its digestion health and stool through changing the diet on a more positive note.

Get Professional Advice

Remember that while giving them better food choices is always an ideal option, don’t forget to talk about it with a veterinarian. If you are not sure can cat drink milk or if your cat seems sick or uncomfortable while having diarrhea, take it immediately to your veterinarian for professional advice.

Your vet can tell a lot just from a physical examination, however, they may order x-rays and blood tests as well if they deem it necessary.

NEVER try to self-diagnose, no matter how likely you think you are to be right, or how long you’ve owned cats.

Chances are you know your cat better than anyone else, but to protect its health for as long as possible, regular visits to the vet are imperative to your cat’s well-being; and that means taking care of it in emergency situations as well.

What To Look For In Cat Food for Diarrhea

While it’s important to buy quality cat food for all cats, if yours has digestion problems, there are CERTAIN things you should look for in the ingredients. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Go Organic

Many best cat food brands are manufactured in a factory with ingredients that are less than natural (in fact, the same could be said about our human food!) Foods known as GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms) can wreak havoc on our bodies, and cats are no different.

These ingredients are foreign to the digestive system, and as such, don’t get digested properly. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably best left on the shelf. So if possible, go natural and organic.

I urge you to purchase cat food specialized for sensitive stomach & diarrhea because feeding your cat RAW (different from organic) will end up messing up its digestive system even more!

2. Grain-Free and More Protein

Just like with humans, protein is an absolute necessity for cats to continue to grow healthily. Not only will they have the healthy bones and muscles, but protein is easily digestible and will pass through their systems without any trouble.

Studies have also shown that feeding your cat a grain-free diet with high protein consumption will vastly improve their bowels, especially those who suffer from IBD.

Also, take note that cats who have diets higher in fat may suffer from colitis, which is damage to the intestine that causes diarrhea. Focus on low-fat diets and more on protein.

3. Plenty of Essential Nutrients

The protein may be the most important ingredient, but it’s not the only one they need. Vitamins like A, C and E will ensure they have the proper digestion to let your cat poo healthily.

Two essential nutrients needed to help your cat’s digestion would be fiber and probiotics. These are known to help your cat digest its food better and allow the stool to come out smoothly, without diarrhea or discomfort.

4. Look for Foods with Less Ingredients

When reading the ingredient list, you shouldn’t feel as though you’re reading a novel. The best food lists only a handful of wholesome ingredients. That’s all that’s needed to keep your cat happy and healthy.

The less ingredients, the less likely your cat would have any food intolerance that can cause diarrhea.

Does all of this sound familiar? The recommended diet for cats is also very close to our own diet recommendations from health experts! Just like us, our cats have to eat natural food filled with the nutrition they need.

While it may be a bit different to what our body requires, it all boils down to natural and vitamin-rich food.

Tips on How to Feed Your Cat Right to Remedy Diarrhea

Besides feeding your cat the proper food specialized in treating digestion and diarrhea, follow these tips to relieve its loose stools:

  • While feeding your cat wet food for sensitive stomach & diarrhea is completely fine, it’s recommended to feed it dry food, as it will be absorbed in your cat’s digestive system easily and reduce diarrhea.
  • Avoid giving your cat any “human treats”. Instead, opt for charcoal-activated treats and fiber supplements to help it get things going. Let your cat stay within its diet, avoiding foreign food at all costs.​
  • Focus on its water intake as well. While your cat has diarrhea, it may dehydrate it. Make sure your cat is quenched with the clean water. The cleanliness of water is critical as well, since contaminated water also causes diarrhea.
  • If you are traveling with your pet, be sure to pack bottled water for its sensitive stomach, as well as its cat food to soothe the digestion and diarrhea.
  • The timing of meals is also important. Instead of giving your cat one large meal per day, opt to give it three smaller meals to ease the digestion. Sometimes, diarrhea from overeating comes in the form of very large amounts of wet poo!

The Top Five Best Cat Food for Diarrhea

Based on my research and tests with my cat, as well as other customers’ point of views, here are the top five best cat food products for sensitive stomach & diarrhea:

1. Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

What’s great about Nature’s Variety is that they offer cat food that is based on a a grain-free recipe. It has the perfect protein content for cats to enjoy and stay healthy with. With its nutrient-rich ingredients, this food vastly improves your cat’s digestive system while sustaining its overall health.

It’s grain-free, gluten-free and contains no form of corn, wheat, soy, or fillers. All in all, it contains everything your cat needs without the artificial flavoring and chemicals that harm them.

My cat’s poo improved after a few days, and he had a solid stool with a good tummy that kept wanting even MORE of the food!

It’s complete and balanced for ALL cats, as young as kittens to adult cats, or those who are indoor or outdoor. With its versatility and nutrition, it’s worth the investment and will have your cat free from diarrhea while improving its coat with healthy fatty acids.

Pros

  • Reduces my cat’s vomiting and diarrhea
  • Shinier and healthier coat
  • High in protein and healthy fatty acids
  • Ideal for ALL types of cats
  • Delicious and cat loves the taste
  • Perfect consistency- Easy to consume

Cons

  • Some cats may pick out certain parts of the food
  • A bit more expensive than other cat food brands
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Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

2. Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Sensitive Digestion

Royal Canin is a well-known brand for cat products, and this one holds no exception. What makes this dry food a hit for cats is that it targets sensitive digestion, with the balanced sources of fiber which helps support digestion and healthy urinary function.

So if your cat seems unhealthy because of the poor absorption of nutrients, its cat food will be able to help keep its whole body working properly and without fail.

With its specially formulated and digestible proteins, it won’t only increase nutrient absorption and digestion, but prevent soft stools such as diarrhea. Plus, it’s a tasty treat which cats appreciate. My cat surely does!

Pros

  • Each serving contains added vitamins and minerals for maximum health support
  • Has the right amount of fiber and digestible proteins for better digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Focuses on preventing soft stools and stops throwing up as well
  • Highly palatable and with distinct kibble shapes to stimulate and satisfy the cat’s appetite
  • Comes in different sizes and packages for affordability and to measure frequency of meals

Cons

  • Dry kibbles might not be suitable for older cats who have trouble chewing
  • Only good for adult cats, no variety for kittens
  • Some cats MAY shed more as compared to eating other food, but still bearable

Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Sensitive Digestion

3. Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food

What sets this cat food apart is that it comes in a variety of package sizes and it is perfect for any age, may it be kittens, adults, or even senior cats! You can even choose the canned food for cats who have trouble chewing.

This cat food was made with healthy and gentle digestion in mind to ease your cat’s digestive problems.

Not only does it stop indigestion, but sensitive stomach & diarrhea and soft stools as well. It prevents dehydration with its natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

A clinically proven formula is used to give the desired effects. Filled with antioxidants and without any artificial ingredients, it’s definitely worth the purchase.

Pros

  • Comes in both canned or dry food variety, suitable for all ages and with different sizes available
  • Natural ingredients filled with essential vitamins and minerals, along with amino acids and antioxidants for a better stool
  • Helps improve digestion and make it gentle and healthy to prevent diarrhea
  • No artificial ingredients included
  • Comes with a money back guarantee
  • Gives your cat a sleeker coat and healthier look
  • Highly palatable and cats love the taste

Cons

  • Kibbles from the 15-pound size bag might be too big or hard to chew for older cats
  • Not as inexpensive as other cat food products

Hill’s Science Diet Indoor Dry Cat Food

4. BLUE Adult Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food

Blue Buffalo is one of the most reputable and trusted brands for cat products, and if you’re looking for something your cat will love and stay healthy with, then this is it.

I love the fact that it comes with the natural ingredients filled with the essential vitamins and minerals my cat needs for proper defecation and digestion. It has the digestible proteins for the cat to stay healthy and strong, as well as to ease the strain of its digestive system when filtering out bacteria and such.

Pros

  • Real deboned chicken meat, rich with protein, and no fillers
  • Has vegetables
  • No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
  • Helps my cat poo properly and without feeling any stomach discomfort
  • Helps with both diarrhea and constipation – Your cat will have a healthy stool daily, removing all toxins from its body
  • Palatable and cats will love the taste
  • Ideal for sensitive stomachs and for cats who suffer from digestive conditions
  • Small pebbles for easy chewing

Cons

  • Ideal for adult cats only, not for kittens
  • No canned food variety for cats who have trouble chewing
  • Bag isn’t resealable

BLUE Adult Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food (Editor’s Choice)​

5. Nature’s Variety Pride Instinct Grain-Free Flaked Canned Cat Food

These come in 5.5 oz. serving sizes, and you can buy in cases of 12, making it more convenient; buying in bulk is an ideal option for almost anything that has an extended expiration date, or even better, no expiration date at all.

There are six flavor choices, including chicken, turkey, lamb, and salmon. You’re sure to find a flavor that your cat loves, although you may have to experiment to find their favorite one.

The Instinct brand is the official partner of Best Friends Animal Society. As an official pet food partner, they provide more than one million meals of Instinct to adoption centers across the country.

This alone is a great reason to purchase this cat food – you’ll not only be helping your own feline, but you’ll also help others while they try to find permanent homes.

Pros

  • High in protein
  • Free from grain and gluten
  • Made with all natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals
  • Contains Omega and Essential fatty acids to keep their coats healthy and shiny
  • Many flavors to choose from and your cat will love them
  • Easy for sensitive tummies to digest and prevents soft stool or diarrhea
  • No bones where your cat might choke from or have a hard time digesting

Cons

  • More ideal for indoor cats rather than those who live outdoors
  • Some picky cats may not eat all of the food- just the gravy area
  • There is more liquid gravy than chunks from the new formula

Nature’s Variety Pride Instinct Grain-Free Flaked Canned Cat Food

Verdict

So, which product is the CLEAR winner here? For me and my cat, who is a strictly indoor cat, and suffers from diarrhea and throwing up, BLUE Adult Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food wins.

I have an automatic feeder, and this is very easy to fill, without worrying about the food going bad (I’m away for 12 hours a day, sometimes more).

I love that it’s made with wholesome ingredients like real deboned chicken and vegetables. It took a few weeks to notice a difference in the cat’s digestive system, but he seems to be doing quite well. He is a finicky eater, and she loves the flavor it brings.

Plus, with its fibers and boosted probiotics and amino acids, I won’t need to worry about his digestive system anymore. A HUGE plus is the healthy coating. Plus, he lessened both throw ups and diarrhea.

All of the above foods are made with only the finest ingredients and can help with digestion. They make a great alternative to general store-bought brands that are made with GMO or other ingredients that are considered unhealthy.

But which one will your cat continue to eat? That’s impossible to say – you may have to try a couple of different brands before you find the one that your cat loves the most. Your cat will tell you which brand she likes best!

Read more:

  1. Cat Pregnancy Stages and Signs
  2. What is a Group of Cats Called?

What has been your experience with these brands? Is there a brand that your cat loves best? How do you deal with your cat’s digestive issues? We’d love to hear about this.

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