Gastrointestinal Cat Foods

Wesley Burke
11 min readSep 25, 2024

Finding the right food for your cat can be challenging, especially when they have sensitive gastrointestinal issues. Look no further, as we have compiled a list of the top gastrointestinal cat foods on the market. This roundup highlights the best options for keeping your furry friend healthy and happy while addressing their specific dietary needs. Let's explore these expert-recommended options together.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, we may earn from qualifying purchases!

Reviews

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy Dry Cat Food for Optimal Digestion and Balanced Microflora

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal High Energy Dry Cat Food for Optimal Digestion and Balanced Microflora | Image

This high-quality, medical-grade cat food from Royal Canin is specifically designed to support cats with gastrointestinal issues. With precise nutrients and balanced ingredients, it helps nourish the digestive system and improve overall GI health. Enriched with essential fatty acids and energy-rich content, it helps control vomiting, diarrhea or constipation while promoting appetite. This food also helps maintain a healthy urinary environment, making it the perfect choice for cats experiencing health challenges. Cat owners and veterinarians alike have praised this food for its effectiveness in improving cat health and well-being.

Royal Canin GI Kitten Dry Cat Food for Gastrointestinal Health

Royal Canin GI Kitten Dry Cat Food for Gastrointestinal Health | Image

Royal Canin's Gastrointestinal Kitten Dry Cat Food is a lifesaver for kittens with sensitive stomachs. Designed specifically for growing kittens, this nutrient-packed food boasts highly digestible proteins, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil to promote optimal digestive health and manage GI issues. The adapted levels of nutrients make it the perfect choice for your kitten's complete and balanced diet, as it offers small meal portions with high energy content for fussy eaters.

Farmina Vet Life Gastrointestinal Cat Food for Optimal Digestion

Farmina Vet Life Gastrointestinal Cat Food for Optimal Digestion | Image

The Farmina Vet Life Gastrointestinal Feline Dry Cat Food is a specially formulated diet aimed at addressing gastrointestinal disorders in cats. This nutritious food is designed to aid in nutritional recovery, malabsorption, and for those who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. It's an excellent alternative to HP Derma for cats facing adverse food reactions. Made in Italy, it not only prioritizes the cat's health but also adheres to a natural dietary approach, making it a popular choice among pet owners. With a 4.9-star rating from 267 reviews and consistent positive feedback, this cat food is a highly trusted and effective gastrointestinal solution.

Royal Canin Low Protein Sensitive Cat Food Thin Slices in Gravy

Royal Canin Low Protein Sensitive Cat Food Thin Slices in Gravy | Image

Introducing Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy - the perfect solution for your cat's sensitive tummy. With highly digestible proteins, this wet cat food provides essential nutrients for optimal digestive health and balanced intestinal tracts. Not only does it help maintain your cat's weight, but it also offers a uniquely balanced blend of vitamins and minerals for overall wellness. And don't forget to pair it with Royal Canin Digestive Care dry cat food for a complete and balanced meal that your cat will adore.

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Wet Cat Food for Healthy Digestion

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Wet Cat Food for Healthy Digestion | Image

The Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Loaf wet cat food is perfect for those feline friends who suffer from a sensitive stomach or require support for their digestive health. With high-quality ingredients, including proteins, prebiotics, and omega-3 fatty acids, this delicious canned wet food provides the necessary nutrition in small, easily-digestible portions, ensuring your cat gets the nutrients they need for optimal health.

Wellness Core Digestive Health Pate Variety Pack: High Fiber Wet Cat Food

Wellness Core Digestive Health Pate Variety Pack: High Fiber Wet Cat Food | Image

Wellness CORE Digestive Health cat food takes your furry friend's health seriously with its highly digestible wet food formula made from premium ingredients, superfoods like pumpkin and papaya, and designed to support overall gut health. This wellness solution also caters to your senior pets, offering a range of options to meet all your kitty's nutritional needs at any stage of life. Experience the benefits of a balanced, quality diet for your cat with the wide variety of flavors available from Wellness Nutrition.

Hill's Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive Cat Food: Natural Chicken & Vegetable Stew for Fiber Care Support

Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive Cat Food: Natural Chicken & Vegetable Stew for Fiber Care Support | Image

Help your feline friend find relief with Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Cat Food. Formulated with a unique approach to digestive care, this tasty stew promotes regular healthy stool and supports overall digestive health. Packed with high levels of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, it encourages the release of good bacteria for improved digestion. Though it may be a bit pricier than other options, it's a game-changer for cats with digestive issues.

Purina Veterinary Diets en Gastroenteric Feline Formula Canned Cat Food - Great Taste, Supports GI Health and High Digestibility

Purina Veterinary Diets en Gastroenteric Feline Formula Canned Cat Food — Great Taste, Supports GI Health and High Digestibility | Image

This Purina Veterinary Diets canned cat food, specifically the EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula, is designed to provide proper nutrition to cats suffering from gastrointestinal conditions. With a focus on high protein and low carbohydrate content, this formula offers exceptional palatability and contains a variety of essential vitamins and minerals for overall health. Its ease of serving and unique flavor have proven successful in countless consumer reviews, making it a reliable choice for cat owners seeking to support their feline friends' health and happiness.

Purina Pro Plan EN Gastroenteric Feline Cat Food

Purina Pro Plan EN Gastroenteric Feline Cat Food | Image

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Feline Formula is a carefully designed cat food that supports feline digestive health with high protein, low carbohydrate, and optimal nutrition for adult cats and growing kittens. Its highly digestible nutrients and essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids make it a trusted choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. The moderate fat content ensures that your cat gets the right amount of energy without putting too much strain on their digestive system. With its excellent palatability, this cat food is sure to be a hit with your little feline friends.

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Cat Food for Optimal Digestive Health

Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Cat Food for Optimal Digestive Health | Image

The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Cat Food is a specially formulated diet designed to improve and maintain the health of your pet's digestive system. Made with a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, this diet helps ensure your cat has healthy transit through their gastrointestinal tract, reducing the likelihood of vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Enriched with EPA and DHA, this cat food helps nourish your pet's digestive system while also supporting urinary health with the exclusive S/O Index, which creates an environment unfavorable to crystal formation in the bladder. This veterinary-prescribed diet has been praised by many pet owners for its positive impact on their cat's digestive health, and despite the high price, it's worth it for the peace of mind and improved quality of life for your cat.

Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive Care Dry Cat Food, Chicken Flavor, 4 lbs

Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive Care Dry Cat Food, Chicken Flavor, 4 lbs | Image

Hill's Prescription Diet GI Biome aims to provide cats with ideal digestive support. This high-fiber dry cat kibble has a unique blend of prebiotics known to promote healthy stool in as little as 24 hours, reducing the risk of recurrence. Designed to support digestive health, Gi Biome helps balance a cat's GI system, offering a urinary environment that minimizes crystal formation. However, remember to consult with a veterinarian for advice on the best dietary plan for your furry companion.

Hill's Prescription Diet I/D Dry Cat Food for Gastrointestinal Health - Chicken Flavor

Hill’s Prescription Diet I/D Dry Cat Food for Gastrointestinal Health — Chicken Flavor | Image

Introducing Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Feline Dry Food, a game-changer for cats with digestive health issues. This clinically formulated cat food is packed with highly digestible proteins and an optimal balance of soluble and insoluble natural fibre. Enriched with prebiotic fibre, essential Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, and clinically proven antioxidants, it supports bowel health and helps manage digestive problems in cats. If you're concerned about your furry friend's comfort, give them the chance to thrive with this easy-to-digest, mess-free, and veterinarian-approved dry cat food.

Buyer's Guide

When it comes to ensuring a cat's health and well-being, choosing the right cat food is crucial. In particular, gastrointestinal cat food is specially formulated to aid digestion and support overall gut health for cats prone to sensitive stomachs or digestive issues. In this buyer's guide, we will explore the essential features and considerations to look for when selecting the perfect gastrointestinal cat food for your furry friend. We will also provide general advice to help you make an informed decision that meets the unique needs of your cat.

Important Features of Gastrointestinal Cat Food

  1. High quality proteins: Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their diet should primarily consist of high-quality animal proteins to provide essential amino acids for proper function. Gastrointestinal cat foods should be made primarily from easily digestible animal protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, or fish.

Considerations for Gastrointestinal Cat Food

  1. Limited ingredients: To minimize the chance of digestive upsets, consider choosing a gastrointestinal cat food with a limited number of ingredients. Look for simple, easy-to-digest ingredients without additives, fillers, or artificial preservatives that may exacerbate digestive issues. Opt for grain-free formulas that make it easier for cats to digest their food.

Advice for Selecting Gastrointestinal Cat Food

  1. Read food labels: Be sure to thoroughly examine the food label to ensure it is made primarily of high-quality animal protein sources and does not contain any ingredients that could potentially trigger allergies or digestive issues. Compare the caloric content, protein content, and feeding instructions across different brands and ensure they align with your cat's nutritional requirements.

Additional Tips for Feeding Your Cat Gastrointestinal Cat Food

  1. Transitioning your cat: If your cat is currently on a different type of cat food, make sure to follow a proper transitioning process to avoid upsetting your cat's digestive system. Gradually mix the new gastrointestinal cat food with your cat's current food over a period of 1-2 weeks, then gradually increase the proportion of the new food until your cat is consuming it exclusively.

FAQ

What is gastrointestinal cat food?

Gastrointestinal (GI) cat food refers to a specific type of cat food formulated to support cats with digestive issues or sensitive stomachs. These foods are typically enriched with ingredients that are easier to digest, minimize the risk of food intolerances, and promote overall gut health. Some common ingredients in GI cat food include fiber-rich ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics, which promote healthy gut bacteria, and readily digestible proteins.

Cats with gastrointestinal challenges often require specialized diets to manage their conditions effectively, and GI cat food is a popular choice among veterinarians and cat owners as a potential solution for alleviating stomach issues in cats. It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's diet.

Who should choose gastrointestinal cat food?

Gastrointestinal cat food is mainly recommended for felines with digestive issues, sensitive stomachs, or chronic conditions that affect the GI tract. Examples of these conditions include irritable bowl syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and food intolerances. Some cats with more standard digestion systems may also choose or be recommended to consume GI cat food if their veterinarian believes it will improve their overall health.

Regardless of the intended recipient, it is always best to consult with a veterinarian before changing your cat's diet, as they will be able to provide the most accurate and appropriate advice for your pet's individual needs. A professional can also offer guidance on any additional supplements or medications that your cat may benefit from while transitioning to a new diet or maintaining a GI-friendly regime.

What are the benefits of gastrointestinal cat food?

The primary benefits of GI cat food are centered around promoting healthy digestion and reducing the risk of food-related sensitivities. This type of diet is typically enriched with ingredients that provide essential nutrients but are gently processed, making them more easily digestible for cats with sensitive stomachs. Ingredients may include prebiotics and probiotics that support healthy gut bacteria, which in turn helps with the digestive process.

One key benefit of GI cat food is that it is often formulated to minimize the risk of food allergies or intolerances – common issues that can cause digestive problems, skin irritation, and respiratory distress in cats. By using a specialized diet, cat owners and veterinarians can effectively manage these issues and help cats lead happier, healthier lives.

How to choose the best gastrointestinal cat food?

When choosing a GI cat food, look for high-quality brands that specialize in formulating diets for cats with digestive concerns. Pay attention to ingredients that are easily digestible, nutritious, and free from common allergens, such as grains, fish, and dairy. Additionally, consider any veterinarian recommendations or labeling that indicates the food is specifically formulated to support cat health with GI issues.

It's also important to read the label carefully to ensure that the product meets your cat's specific nutritional needs. Consult with your veterinarian to discuss your pet's dietary requirements and any underlying health conditions that may require a specialized GI cat food. By making an informed choice, you can provide your cat with the best possible care and promote their overall health and well-being.

Is gastrointestinal cat food suitable for cats of all ages?

GI cat food is generally suitable for cats of all ages, but there are some cases in which a veterinarian may recommend a specific diet or age group. For instance, kittens or elderly cats often have different nutritional needs compared to adult cats, and it's essential to cater to those differences through their diet.

In general, GI cat food can be a beneficial choice for cats with or without specific digestive concerns. A veterinarian can provide advice on the most appropriate diet for your cat's age and situation, ensuring that they receive the proper nutrition for a healthy life. Consulting with a professional is always the best course of action before making any changes to your cat's diet.

What are some common misconceptions about gastrointestinal cat food?

One common misconception is that gastrointestinal cat food is only for cats with severe digestive issues. While it is primarily designed for cats with GI concerns, it can also be a suitable choice for cats with standard digestive systems who need specialized support. Consulting with a veterinarian is always the best approach to determine the most appropriate diet for your cat's unique needs.

Another misconception is that GI cat food is less nutritious than other types of cat food. In fact, many high-quality GI cat foods contain high levels of essential nutrients in the form of easily digestible proteins, healthy fats, and various vitamins and minerals. These diets are specifically designed to provide the nutrients cats need while minimizing the risk of food-related sensitivities and digestive issues.

As an Amazon Affiliate™, we may earn from qualifying purchases!

--

--