Last updated Jul 27, 2023
Medically reviewed by
Our Review Process
Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.Everyone lets a little gas loose now and then – even your cat. Occasional gas in your cat usually isn’t a problem. But if your cat has become increasingly gassy, and that gas is accompanied by other digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting, you’ll want to be proactive about solving this smelly problem.
Increased gassiness could mean your cat needs a change of diet, and possibly some veterinary care, to get its digestive tract back to normal. Here, we discuss the causes of flatulence in cats and provide recommendations for the best cat food for gassy cats.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Gassy Cats to Buy in 2023
Smalls Fresh Ground Bird
- Fresh food made with human-grade ingredients
- Rich in protein and hydrating moisture
- Easily digestible for most cats
JustCats Fish & Chicken Recipe Fresh Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Limited list of digestible ingredients
- Low in fiber and high in moisture
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Canned Cat Food
- Primarily animal-based
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Low carbohydrate content
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Single source of animal protein
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Very low carb content for a dry food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Very nutrient-dense
Caru Classics Turkey Stew Wet Cat Food
- Rich in animal protein
- Hydrating source of moisture
- Limited list of easily digestible ingredients
Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Single source of novel animal protein
- Made with 98% meat, organs, and ground bone
- Prepared in small batches
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- High in digestible animal protein
- Hydrating source of moisture
- Relatively low phosphorus content
Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Low in carbohydrates
- Calorie-dense, enables you to feed smaller meals
A little gas is natural. But excessive gas, especially if it’s smelly, can indicate that something is wrong in the digestive tract.
Flatulence can be caused by a number of things, including lactose intolerance, hairballs, excessive fiber intake, and food allergies. An inappropriate diet or overindulgence in greasy table scraps can contribute to gassiness as well. So, although you may not particularly enjoy it when your cat passes gas, that gas doesn’t automatically mean you have a major problem on your hands.
Treatment for gas in cats varies according to the gas’s underlying cause. For example, your vet may recommend a change of diet or a change in eating habits. They may also recommend increased physical activity, which helps to keep things moving along in the digestive tract.
Do not try to fix your cat’s gassiness on your own. Getting an accurate diagnosis is essential, and your vet’s treatment recommendations can go a long way toward getting rid of the gassiness.
Why Trust Cats.com?
Having evaluated hundreds of cat food brands and tested countless recipes, we’ve acquired an understanding of what makes a product worth putting in your cat’s bowl. In this case, we performed in-depth research to determine the common dietary causes of gassiness before making selections that adhere to our standards for quality ingredients, species-appropriate nutrition, and general appeal for cats.
In addition to personally purchasing and testing the products on this list, we sent several recipes to an ISO 17025-certified food testing and analysis lab. This testing reveals the precise macronutrient and micronutrient content of the food, as well as undesirable content of yeast, mold, and heavy metals.
Finally, we consulted veterinary experts to get their professional opinion on what makes a cat food appropriate for gassy cats.
Our Veterinary Advisors:
- Joanna Pendergrass, DVM
- Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Chyrle Bonk, DVM
In addition to performing our own qualitative analysis of the brands reviewed here, we submitted samples for analysis at an ISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis lab.
We bought the products at full retail price, and the entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
Analytical testing in a food chemistry lab gives us the exact macronutrient and micronutrient content of each recipe. The tests also look at microbial content, yeast, mold, and heavy metals, helping you ensure that you’re only putting the best in your cat’s bowl.
Also Read: Why We Lab Test Cat Food and How to Interpret the Reports
The 9 Best Cat Foods for Gassy Cats
We’ve assembled a list of the best cat foods for gassy cats, categorized by food type, preference, price, and other key considerations. Our selections are based on a variety of criteria, including quality of ingredients, popularity, species appropriateness, and more.
While Smalls Fresh Ground Bird is our top pick for its meat-centric, easily digestible formula, it’s not ideal for every cat. If your cat has specific food allergies, you’ll need to choose wisely. Talk to your veterinarian about dietary changes that could help resolve your cat’s gassiness.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Fresh Ground Bird
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 15.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
With its meat-centric formula and high moisture content, Smalls fresh cat food is a digestible choice for gassy cats. A combination of chicken muscle meat and organs yields a dry matter protein content over 55%. In addition to supplemental protein, the organ meats provide carnivore-appropriate sources for essential nutrients like vitamin A.
While most of the protein in this recipe is animal-sourced, the primary added fat is plant-based. This recipe also contains some peas, but cats appear to tolerate the food well. If you’re looking for a more digestible alternative to high-carb dry food, this fresh food formula is one to consider.
Overall, this is a high-protein, high-fat fresh cat food with low carbohydrate content. It’s also a hydrating source of moisture for cats.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Water (Sufficient for Processing), Chicken Hearts, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Canola Oil, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Magnesium Sulfate, Niacinamide, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Manganese Sulfate, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Low carbohydrate content
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies on animal-sourced fat
- Contains peas
#2 Runner Up: JustCats Fish & Chicken Recipe Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 42
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.75 per day
Another fresh cat food formula, this recipe from Just Food for Cats features Alaskan cod and chicken as the primary ingredients. These animal proteins are supplemented with chicken organ meats and whole Atlantic sardines. Overall, the food contains about 46% dry matter protein and about 17% fat, most of which appears to come from animal sources.
In addition to being relatively high in protein, this fresh cat food formula is high in moisture to support your cat’s hydration. With only one plant ingredient – and a limited ingredient list as a whole – it is highly digestible and the dry matter fiber content is only about 2%.
On the downside, Just Food for Cats is expensive at about $0.78 per ounce. The good news is that while you have to order it online, you have the option to make a one-time purchase. If you live in California, you can even pick up the food directly from a Just Food for Cats kitchen.
Flat rate shipping is $19.99 for orders that do not meet free shipping minimums. Free shipping is available on frozen orders and dry goods (DIY kits, supplements, treats, and merchandise) over $99. This is valid in the Continental U.S. only. For more information about their shipping policy and costs, please visit this page.
Ingredients
Alaskan Pacific Wild-Caught Cod, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Hearts, Chicken Liver, Tapioca Starch, Whole Atlantic Sardines, Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Blend.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich source of animal-based protein
- Limited list of ingredients improves digestibility
- Low in fiber and high in moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive, around $0.78 per ounce
#3 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.98 per day
High-quality nutrition is key for optimal digestibility, but good cat food doesn’t have to break the bank. This Nulo Freestyle formula offers plenty of animal-sourced protein and fat, hydrating moisture, and superior digestibility for under $2.00 a day.
Featuring muscle meat from chicken and turkey as well as turkey liver and tuna, this canned food contains 50% protein measured as dry matter. Menhaden fish oil—with some help from the tuna—provides plenty of animal-sourced omega-3s and essential fatty acids.
Without starchy vegetables or hard-to-digest legumes, the carbohydrate content of this formula remains fairly low. Some cats experience loose stools eating foods thickened with guar gum, but most cats seem to tolerate this food well. Just be mindful that it may not be appropriate for cats with chicken or fish allergies.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with three sources of animal protein
- Relies on animal-sourced fat
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Free from starchy vegetables and legumes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not appropriate for cats with chicken or fish allergies
- Guar gum may trigger loose stools in some cats
#4 Premium Pick: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 47%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 149
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.75 per day
Freeze-dried cat food provides a shelf-stable alternative to fresh food and this Open Farm recipe is a nutritious choice. Featuring a carnivore-appropriate blend of chicken muscle meat, organs, and bone, this is a single-protein formula. It contains nearly 50% protein and over 42% fat when measured as dry matter and the carbohydrate content is very low.
As a primarily meat-based formula, this freeze-dried cat food is highly digestible for cats. Salmon oil provides animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids and organic cranberries may help support urinary tract health. There are no legumes or starchy plant ingredients.
Overall, this is a high-protein, high-fat freeze-dried cat food with very low carbohydrate content. It’s also incredibly calorie-dense, so your cat won’t need to eat large portions. Just be sure to rehydrate the food before feeding so it provides your cat with much-needed moisture.
Ingredients
Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin) Taurine, Organic Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite) Salt, Salmon Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Carnivore-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Salmon oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low in moisture, should be rehydrated
#5 Best Dry Cat Food: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Salmon Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 56%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 115
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.77 per day
While wet cat food is preferable for its hydrating moisture content, dry food is more convenient for some cat owners. Because many dry foods are loaded with carbohydrates, however, they can contribute to gassiness. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein dry food is formulated specifically to be low-starch and high-protein.
This dry food features a high dry matter protein content over 63%. It’s not a single-protein recipe, however, so be mindful of feeding it to cats with chicken or egg allergies. The food also contains pork protein. With fresh salmon and chicken fat on the list, the food relies primarily on animal-sourced fat.
Overall, this is a very high-protein, moderate-fat dry cat food recipe with fairly low carbohydrate content. Like any dry food, however, it’s low in moisture. It also contains some dried chickpeas.
Ingredients
Salmon, Dried Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Gelatin, Salmon Hydrolysate, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Chickpeas, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Pork Protein Isolate, Potassium Citrate, Fructooligosaccharide, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Very high protein content over 63% (dry matter)
- Relies on animal-sourced fat
- Low carbohydrate content for a dry food
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
- Contains dried chickpeas
#6 Best For Picky Cats: Caru Classics Turkey Stew Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.39 per day
Made with a single source of animal protein, this turkey stew is a popular choice among picky eaters. Its high protein and fat content makes it species-appropriate, not to mention the fact that it provides plenty of moisture. Some cat owners find the food too soupy, but it appears to be a hit among cats who like gravy-style foods.
Though this recipe contains tapioca starch, it’s still very low in carbohydrates. It’s free from legumes and other hard-to-digest ingredients, so it may help reduce gassiness. Because it’s pricey, however, some cat owners may prefer to use it as a wet food topper rather than a staple diet.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Tapioca Starch, Egg Whites, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Apples, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Bitartrate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Iodine Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite).
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 60% dry matter protein
- Rich source of hydrating moisture
- Simple list of digestible ingredients
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cat owners find it too soupy
- May be pricey as a staple diet
#7 Best Novel Protein: Stella & Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 44% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 132
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.75 per day
If you suspect the quality of your cat’s diet might be causing his flatulence, consider upgrading to a freeze-dried formula made with a novel source of protein. This Absolutely Rabbit recipe from Stella & Chewy’s is made with 98% rabbit meat, organs, and ground bone, making it a species-appropriate source of balanced nutrition for your cat.
In addition to the rabbit and rabbit liver, this recipe contains olive oil and pumpkin seed. We generally prefer to avoid plant-based ingredients in cat food, but these ingredients, combined with the nutritional supplements, make up only 2% of the total formula.
The freeze-dried formulation keeps the recipe’s moisture content very low – only about 5%. While Stella & Chewy’s says you can feed this product as-is, we recommend rehydrating it with water or bone broth prior to feeding. This is the best way to ensure your cat’s needs for hydration are met, and it may boost the digestibility of the food as well.
Ingredients
Rabbit With Ground Bone, Rabbit Liver, Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Dried Ediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Single source of novel animal protein
- Made with 98% meat, organs, and ground bone
- Prepared in small batches to ensure quality
- Free from common allergens and artificial additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Somewhat pricey
- Must be rehydrated to provide moisture
#8 Best For Senior Cats: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner with Beef & Pumpkin in Gravy Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.24 per day
Kidney disease is common in older cats but you don’t need to switch your cat to a prescription renal diet unless your veterinarian recommends it. That said, reducing phosphorus intake may help preserve kidney function in healthy senior cats. This Weruva Truluxe recipe contains well below the average commercial cat food’s phosphorus content at 1.0 mg per 1,000 calories.
Not only is this a low-phosphorus recipe, but it’s a digestible choice rich in animal protein. With beef as the main ingredient, this is a single-protein formula and it has plenty of hydrating moisture. The food is free from legumes but does contain sweet potatoes and potato starch. Overall, however, the carbohydrate content is still relatively low.
Ingredients
Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Low phosphorus content may support kidney function
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Hydrating source of moisture for cats
- Free from carrageenan
What We Didn’t Like:
- Gum thickeners may trigger loose stools in some cats
#9 Best For Small Meals: Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 21% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 44
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.00 per day
This Raised Right fresh cat food features a species-appropriate blend of turkey muscle meat and organs. Cod liver oil provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, supplemented with flaxseed oil. The food contains over 63% protein measured as dry matter and the carbohydrate content is under 10%.
For gassy cats, feeding smaller meals sometimes helps. This fresh cat food is calorie-dense – it contains about 44 calories per ounce – so your cat gets the nutrition they need in smaller portions.
Keep in mind that this recipe contains about 6% fiber measured as dry matter. If your cat isn’t used to a significant amount of fiber in their diet, the change could impact their digestion. Be sure to transition your cat slowly if you’re going to try Raised Right.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Low in carbohydrates, under 10% dry matter
- Calorie-dense, enables you to feed smaller meals
- Limited list of easily digestible ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- High fiber content may increase stool volume
- Some cats don’t seem to enjoy the texture
What Causes Flatulence in Cats?
Although cat food allergies are a common cause of flatulence, it’s wise to consider all the possibilities and talk to your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet or lifestyle. Let’s take a look at a few of the more prevalent causes behind cat gassiness:
- High-fiber diet: Cats have a limited ability to digest plant matter, especially plant fiber, so a high-fiber diet could cause gassiness.
- Food allergies: If your cat is having trouble digesting a specific ingredient in their food, it could lead to gassiness and other digestive symptoms.
- Intestinal parasites: Various intestinal parasites can wreak havoc on your cat’s digestive system and cause a wide range of symptoms, including gas.
- Lack of exercise: Regular exercise is essential for overall health and supports your cat’s digestion. Lack of exercise can lead to constipation and gassiness.
- Eating spoiled food or garbage: Consuming inappropriate foods, like garbage or spoiled food, can lead to indigestion and gassiness.
For the most part, occasional gas will pass on its own. If you notice an increase in your cat’s flatulence or it is accompanied by other digestive problems, we recommend contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible to have your cat examined.
What to Look for in Food for Gassy Cats
While you shouldn’t attempt to treat digestive problems without your veterinarian’s guidance, certain types of food are more likely to contribute to gas than others. If your vet rules out underlying conditions, switching your cat to a more easily digestible diet may help resolve issues with gassiness. Here are some qualities to look for.
Made with Digestible Animal Ingredients
As obligate carnivores, cats are designed to process animal products more efficiently than plants. An ideal feline diet relies on animal-sourced protein and fat with limited carbohydrate content. Look for a recipe that lists an animal ingredient first and focuses on fresh meat and meat meals rather than plant protein concentrates.
Free from Hard-to-Digest Legumes
Though protein is always the priority, cats have a limited ability to absorb nutrients from certain plant foods. Digestibility is key, however. Cats have fewer of the enzymes required to digest plant foods and legumes are particularly resistant to digestion. Foods that pass relatively undigested through the small intestine will be fermented by bacteria in the colon—a process that produces gasses that contribute to fecal odor and flatulence.
Limited Fiber Content
While high-fiber diets are often recommended for overweight pets, they can contribute to digestive issues including flatulence. Cats don’t need a significant amount of fiber in their carnivorous diet. When fiber is included, it’s important to balance the soluble and insoluble fiber ratio. Excessive intake of soluble fiber, in particular, may cause gassiness. Examples of soluble fiber in pet food include gums, inulin, and prebiotics like dried beet pulp.
We all experience flatulence from time to time, and your cat is no exception. In many cases, it’s just a little digestive upset, and it will pass on its own. If your cat experiences frequent gas, however, a dietary change might be needed. Giving your cat a healthy, easily digestible diet can reduce gas, improve energy levels, boost immunity, and support long-term health and wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does wet cat food make cats gassy?
Every cat is unique, so some cats may have less gas on dry food versus wet food, or they might do better with certain ingredients than others. Typically, it’s the ingredients that are the problem. Some of the top gas-producing foods are legumes and cruciferous vegetables.
What do you feed a cat that has gas?
If your cat has frequent gas, you might try reducing the fiber content and improving the digestibility of his diet. Try feeding smaller, more frequent meals and consider an elimination diet if you suspect that your cat has developed food allergies.