The 8 Best Cat Foods For Sensitive Stomachs

The best cat food for sensitive stomachs is easy to digest, rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients, and free from additives and artificial ingredients that could irritate your cat’s intestinal tract or immune system.

With its highly-digestible recipe, abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, and personalized customer experience, Smalls Fresh Ground Bird is our pick for the number one best cat food for sensitive stomachs.

But food sensitivities and allergies vary from cat to cat and not everyone is on the same budget.

There’s simply no single food that will solve every cat’s digestive woes. So, in addition to our top pick, we’ve included an assortment of species-appropriate, highly digestible foods to help you choose.

At A Glance: Best Cat Food For Sensitive Stomach To Buy

Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Why Should You Trust Us?

We’ve reviewed over 200 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of different formulas. We’ve spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, analyzing labels, and reading customer reviews. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with most of these foods.

Finally, we consulted 7 veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what causes digestive issues in cats and what types of cat food can help.

How We Tested

We personally purchased and tested the products on this list. The entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.

When researching cat food, we analyze the information on the label including the guaranteed analysis, list of ingredients, and life stage designation. We also consult customer reviews for insight regarding reformulations or issues with product quality and check for product recalls.

During our in-depth testing, we make observations about the product’s appearance, texture, consistency, smell, and packaging. We also feed the food to our cats to get their opinion regarding palatability and general appeal.

In addition to performing our own qualitative analysis of the brands reviewed here, we submitted samples of several recipes for analysis at an ISO 17025 certified food testing and analysis lab.

Also Read: Why We Lab Test Cat Food And How To Interpret The Reports

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.

To access the lab reports for each food reviewed here, click the “view lab report” link in the product review.

Which Cat Food Is Best For A Sensitive Stomach?

Cats with digestive issues are frequently misunderstood and their problems are often dismissed.

The term “sensitive stomach” itself is a euphemism—no cat’s stomach is inexplicably fragile or fussy. There’s usually a reason why a cat can’t tolerate certain foods, even if that reason is difficult — and frustrating — to identify.

In other words, a sensitive stomach isn’t a diagnosis in itself. But if your cat frequently experiences digestive upset, changing their diet could help.

Switch To A Bland Diet

If your cat has acute gastroenteritis, start with a 12-hour fast to allow their GI tract to rest, then introduce a bland diet.

Think of it like the BRAT diet for humans recovering from a stomach illness. Like the BRAT diet, a bland diet is non-irritating and provides enough nourishment for a few days, but you shouldn’t feed it any longer than necessary.

This type of diet comes in various forms. Some like pumpkin puree and boiled chicken. Some recommend boiled chicken and rice.

I prefer to keep it simple and carnivore-appropriate. Try cooked, unseasoned chicken thighs with fat and skin attached. After cooking, remove the bones – cooked bones may shatter and hurt your cat. This cooked chicken is ideally served with bone broth, which is very nutrient-dense, gentle, and palatable.

Don’t feed this diet for more than a few days. Your cat needs complete and balanced nutrition, so switch to a nutritionally complete pet food as soon as possible.

Eliminate Inflammatory Or Irritating Ingredients

This often means choosing a pet food made with novel proteins – meats that your cat hasn’t been exposed to before. For example, if your cat always eats a chicken-based food, opt for one made with rabbit or venison instead. Other potentially irritating ingredients include carrageenan and dairy.

While you’re ridding your cat’s diet of inflammatory ingredients, don’t forget to incorporate anti-inflammatory ones. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or krill oil are powerful and species-appropriate anti-inflammatories.

Choose Foods Featuring Highly Digestible Ingredients

Plant protein, for example, tends to be less digestible than animal protein. Animal by-products, similarly, may have lower digestibility scores than properly proportioned muscle meat, organs, and bones.

Fat follows the same carnivorous logic. Animal fat is more digestible than plant fat.

The guaranteed analysis on the label lists only crude fat and crude protein, so you’ll need to probe deeper to find the digestibility values of these macronutrients; digestibility values indicate how digestible a particular ingredient is. You can guess by looking at the ingredient list or you can contact the company for exact digestibility values.

Promote Healthy Gut Flora By Providing Probiotics

Supporting a healthy gut microbiome is a cornerstone of ensuring that your cat’s digestive system stays in top shape.

Dysbiosis, or imbalanced bacteria population, is associated with poor digestive health and IBD. Particularly if your cat has undergone antibiotic therapy — which kills both good and bad bacteria — it’s likely that dysbiosis plays a role in your cat’s tummy troubles.

There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a connection between antibiotic treatment and subsequent IBD in humans.

One of the simplest ways to promote healthy gut flora is to add a probiotic supplement to your cat’s meals. You can also consider the inclusion of prebiotics, which promote the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria.

This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your veterinarian can provide personalized suggestions relevant to your cat’s unique situation.

Top 8 Best Foods For Cats With Sensitive Stomachs

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Peas, Water (Sufficient for Processing)

If your cat is sensitive to everything but chicken, this recipe from Smalls could be your chicken-based solution.

Featuring chicken and chicken liver as the top two ingredients, this fresh food is packed with premium animal protein. Green beans, peas, and kale are the only carbohydrate ingredients.  They are naturally grain-free, rich in nutrients, and promote healthy digestion.

In addition to being high in protein and low in carbohydrates, this formula is rich in moisture that helps support digestion and healthy skin and coat. Overall, this minced chicken recipe is a high-quality source of balanced nutrition for cats in all life stages.

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

Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Hearts

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas, Canola Oil

Common Allergens: Chicken

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• Primarily made with high-value animal protein
• Made from human-grade ingredients
• Conveniently shipped to your door
• Low carbohydrate content

What We Didn’t Like:

• One of the most expensive foods on the market

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens

This single-protein recipe is a great choice for cats with chicken sensitivities and those who simply prefer the taste of turkey.

This is a high-protein wet food made with just two main ingredients, both of which are species-appropriate animal proteins. Turkey broth gives the food flavor and adds plenty of hydrating moisture. There are no grains, potatoes, peas, or legumes which might be difficult for your cat to digest.

Fenugreek seeds are included as a digestive aid. There is some evidence to suggest that it may help stimulate appetite in pets and most cats seem to tolerate it well.

Overall, this is a high-protein and high-fat formula with negligible carbohydrate content. Its short list of ingredients and moist texture makes it highly digestible for most cats.

Ingredients

Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Common Allergens: None

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• Made with turkey as a single source of protein
• Negligible carbohydrate content
• Short list of simple, whole-food ingredients
• Rich in moisture and animal-sourced fat

What We Didn’t Like:

• Pricey, may cost over $3.00 per day
• Some reviewers say the consistency is a little dry

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beef Bone

Freeze-dried raw foods are some of the newest additions to the Open Farm lineup. These foods offer a shelf-stable, convenient alternative to fresh and frozen raw food while delivering similar nutritional benefit.

This particular recipe features a blend of salmon and beef, inclusive of beef organs and bone. It’s a species-appropriate blend of animal ingredients and doesn’t contain added grains, starches, beans, peas, or legumes. It’s also free from potentially irritating binders like carrageenan and the fresh salmon provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s.

The downside of this freeze-dried food is its low moisture content. It is, however, designed to be rehydrated before feeding which helps resolve the issue.

Freeze-dried food also tends to be pricey but, at 136 calories per ounce, this food is very nutrient-dense. The average 10-pound cat will only need about 1 ½ ounces of this food per day.

Ingredients

Salmon, Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beef Bone, Montmorillonite Clay, Dicalcium Phosphate, Organic Dandelion Greens, Potassium 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), Salt, Organic Cranberries, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.

Ingredients We Liked: Salmon, Beef, Beef Liver, Beef Heart, Beef Bone

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Common Allergens: Fish, Beef

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• Species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
• Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
• Fairly low carbohydrate content
• Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

What We Didn’t Like:

• Likely expensive to feed
• Low moisture, should be rehydrated before feeding

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Duck, Duck Liver, Pumpkin

This wet cat food recipe is uniquely formulated for senior cats. It is made with a combination of soft shreds and mousse which makes it easy for cats with dental issues to eat and the the multi-protein flavor may entice picky cats to eat.

The food contains 60% dry matter protein and 25% fat, most of which appears to come from animal sources. At around 30 calories per ounce, it’s not a low-calorie food and the high protein content should help skinny senior cats keep on weight.

While this food doesn’t contain carrageenan, a known carcinogen, it is thickened with xanthan gum. Gum thickeners may not be inherently harmful but they have been known to trigger digestive upset in some cats.

One reviewer quipped that, as a high-protein and low-carb recipe, the food has been a game-changer for his diabetic cat. Several reviewers commented that their cat really loves the combination mousse-shreds texture.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Chicken Broth, Duck, Duck Liver, Pumpkin, Dried Egg, Coconut Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Turmeric, Tuna Oil, Green Tea Extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.

Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Duck, Duck Liver, Dried Egg, Tuna Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Coconut Oil, Xanthan Gum

Common Allergens: Chicken

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• Concentrated source of animal protein and fat
• Very low carbohydrate content around 10%
• Contains low phosphorus levels for kidney support
• Soft shreds and mousse texture for cats with dental issues

What We Didn’t Like:

• Pricey, costs over $0.75 per ounce
• Reviews are limited because the product is still new

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries

This fresh cat food formula features turkey as a single source of protein, inclusive of muscle meat and organs. As such, it may be appropriate for cats with allergies or sensitivities to common proteins like chicken and beef.

With turkey thigh and organs as the top three ingredients, this recipe contains over 63% protein measured as dry matter. The dry matter fat content is around 24% and appears to be sourced primarily from cod liver oil.

Though this recipe contains a few plant ingredients, it’s free from hard-to-digest beans, peas, and legumes. The carbohydrate content is under 10%, measured as dry matter, and the food doesn’t contain any artificial additives or inflammatory ingredients.

Overall, this is a high-protein and moderate-fat fresh food formula with low carbohydrate content. Its short list of ingredients makes it very digestible, though some cats seem to dislike the flavor or texture of the food.

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:

• Made with a single source of animal protein
• Short list of digestible ingredients
• Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
• Good choice for cats with chicken sensitivities

What We Didn’t Like:

• Some cats seem to dislike the flavor
• Only available in quantities of 4 or 16 bags

First 5 Ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart

Air-dried instead of extruded under high head and pressure, this Ziwi Peak cat food offers a concentrated source of nutrition and calories for your cat.

This recipe features whole mackerel as the main ingredient but eight of the next nine ingredients consist of lamb muscle meat, organs, and bone. The food also contains New Zealand Green Mussel which, in addition to anti-inflammatory omega-3s, contain joint-supporting glucosamine and chondroitin.

The only other ingredients in this food are sources of dietary fiber added to support digestion and synthetic supplements to ensure nutritional completeness. Because it is a fairly low-moisture food, it’s pretty calorie-dense. It contains about 129 calories per ounce with under 5% dry matter carbohydrate.

The low moisture content of this food can be a downside, especially considering it isn’t designed to be rehydrated the way freeze-dried foods are. If your cat prefers dry food but you’re looking for a more species-appropriate alternative to kibble, this air-dried food might be a good choice.

Ingredients

Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Bone, Lecithin, Inulin (from Chicory Root), Dried Apple Pomace, Minerals (Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex), Lamb Cartilage, Dried Organic Kelp, Salt, Preservative (Citric Acid, Mixed Tocopherols), DL-Methionine, Vitamins (Choline Chloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine.

Ingredients We Liked: Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart, Lamb Liver, New Zealand Green Mussel, Lamb Kidney, Lamb Spleen, Lamb Bone

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Common Allergens: Fish

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• All main ingredients are animal-derived
• Contains a species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
• No added carbohydrate aside from dietary fiber
• Rich in omega-3s for anti-inflammatory and joint benefits

What We Didn’t Like:

• Expensive to feed
• Much lower moisture content than canned food

First 5Ingredients: Rabbit, Water, Ground Flaxseed, New Zealand Green Mussel, Agar Agar

If food allergies are the cause of your cat’s digestive issues, feeding them a type of protein they’ve never had before – a novel protein -- might do the trick. Koha offers a variety of limited ingredient, minimal ingredient, and single-protein recipes like this rabbit formula.

This rabbit-based wet food contains little more than rabbit muscle meat, ground flaxseed, and New Zealand green mussel with pumpkin as a source of dietary fiber. The rabbit is protein-rich but fairly lean and the green mussels provide a supplemental animal-derived fat source, primarily omega-3s.

Though free from carrageenan and potentially irritating gum thickeners, this recipe does use agar agar as a binder. Like carrageenan, agar agar is a seaweed derivative but there are no scientifically proven harmful effects.

The carbohydrate content of this formula is a little higher than we’d like to see but it’s one of the few canned food formulas on the market made with rabbit that doesn’t also contain another protein.

Ingredients

Rabbit, Water Sufficient For Processing, Ground Flaxseed, New Zealand Green Mussel, Agar Agar, Pumpkin, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Dried Kale, Cranberries, Ginger, Turmeric, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, 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.

Ingredients We Liked: Rabbit, New Zealand Green Mussel

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Agar Agar

Common Allergens: None

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• Single protein recipe made with rabbit only
• New Zealand green mussels provide omega-3 fatty acids
• Easily digestible and rich in hydrating moisture
• May be a good choice for cats with food allergies

What We Didn’t Like:

• Expensive to feed
• Higher carbohydrate content than is ideal

First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat

Most dry foods contain potentially-inflammatory additives and high-carbohydrate ingredients that can irritate sensitive stomachs. This dry food is a refreshing exception to that rule. While it still doesn’t have the moisture your cat needs, this Dr. Elsey’s kibble emphasizes ultra-digestible protein sources and cuts back on carbohydrates, giving you a readily-digestible food that honors your cat’s carnivorous needs.

The recipe contains some of the most easily-digested protein sources available, including pork protein isolate, which is extraordinarily bioavailable and won’t trigger food sensitivity reactions.

The inclusion of salmon oil helps to soothe inflammation and may ease digestive distress.

Overall, dry food is never our first recommendation for cats, whether they have digestive issues or not. But if you want to feed dry food, this is the type of product you should try.

Ingredients:

Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharide, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, 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, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Taurine, Salt, Rosemary Extract.

Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Salmon Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Common Allergens: Chicken

Guaranteed Analysis

Dry Matter Basis

Caloric Weight Basis

What We Liked:

• Primarily composed of highly-digestible animal-sourced ingredients
• Doesn’t contain any of the most commonly irritating ingredients
• The inclusion of salmon oil introduces omega-3 fatty acids

What We Didn’t Like:

• Doesn’t have all of the moisture cats need
• One of the most expensive dry cat foods you can buy

Raised Right Original Turkey Adult Cat Recipe

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Overview

• Brand Name: Raised Right
• Made In: United States
• Guaranteed Protein: 21%
• Age Range: Adult
• Calories Per Ounce: 44
• Typical Cost Per Day: $3.05

First 5 Ingredients: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Carrots, Blueberries

This fresh cat food formula features turkey as a single source of protein, inclusive of muscle meat and organs. As such, it may be appropriate for cats with allergies or sensitivities to common proteins like chicken and beef.

With turkey thigh and organs as the top three ingredients, this recipe contains over 63% protein measured as dry matter. The dry matter fat content is around 24% and appears to be sourced primarily from cod liver oil.

Though this recipe contains a few plant ingredients, it’s free from hard-to-digest beans, peas, and legumes. The carbohydrate content is under 10%, measured as dry matter, and the food doesn’t contain any artificial additives or inflammatory ingredients.

Overall, this is a high-protein and moderate-fat fresh food formula with low carbohydrate content. Its short list of ingredients makes it very digestible, though some cats seem to dislike the flavor or texture of the food.

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

• Crude Protein: 21%
• Crude Fat: 8%
• Crude Fiber: 2%
• Moisture: 67%

What We Liked:

• Made with a single source of animal protein
• Short list of digestible ingredients
• Rich in animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
• Good choice for cats with chicken sensitivities

What We Didn’t Like:

• Some cats seem to dislike the flavor
• Only available in quantities of 4 or 16 bags

4 Causes Of Sensitive Stomach In Cats

Improving the digestibility of your cat’s diet and adding anti-inflammatory ingredients and probiotics might help, but it’s still important to identify the cause of your cat’s underlying digestive issues.

Some of the most common causes of digestive issues in cats are acute gastroenteritis, colitis, food allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Acute Gastroenteritis

This is any condition involving acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It could be caused by parasites, food poisoning, spoiled food, or another disease. Acute gastroenteritis is typically short-lived.

Colitis

Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine. This condition can be either short-term or long-term and, in many cases, the underlying cause is unknown. Common triggers include bacterial or parasitic infections, kidney disease, and food allergies.

Food Allergies

Food allergies are rare among cats, but the rare cat with food allergies may experience digestive issues.

Although skin irritation and poor coat health are the most common symptoms, food allergies can occasionally manifest as vomiting and diarrhea.

Cats appear to develop allergies to the foods they eat the most. Feed your cat a beef food for five years and you might find that he’s suddenly having an allergic reaction to beef. Therefore, it appears to be a good idea to give your cat a rotational diet — constantly introducing new and varied protein sources.

If you suspect your cat has an allergic sensitivity to a certain food ingredient, it’s time to put the theory to the test with an elimination diet. Elimination diets are performed under veterinary supervision.

Your veterinarian will advise you to switch your cat to a limited ingredient diet — one with very few ingredients and, usually, a single novel protein. For at least a month (ideally 8 to 12 weeks), feed your cat this food exclusively, with no treats or table scraps. If symptoms subside, confirm the difference by reintroducing potential allergens one at a time.

Once you’ve identified the ingredients causing your cat’s allergies, permanently eliminate them from your cat’s diet.

Contrary to popular belief, gluten and grains are not the most common culprits for cat allergies. In fact, whole grains are a more nutritious option than high-glycemic carbs like potatoes. The most common cat food allergens are common proteins like chicken, beef, and fish.

Click Here For A List Of The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food

If You Can’t Find The Right Food For Your Cat, Consider Homemade Cat Food

Making your cat’s food at home allows you to introduce novel proteins and create a rotational diet.

It’s the best way to control what goes into your cat’s body and it makes it easy to track the relationship between dietary changes and symptom changes.  Homemade diets can be a good choice for cats with sensitive stomachs and sensitive skin.

Even with the benefits of homemade food, there are some drawbacks. For example, making your cat’s food can be time- and energy-intensive. Also, it can be difficult to get the proper amount and balance of nutrients. Consult with a veterinary nutritionist if you would like to make your cat’s food.

Read Our Complete Guide To Homemade And Raw Cat Food Diets

Related Articles:

• The Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food
• Making Cat Food: Homemade and Raw Cat Food Diets
• The Best Affordable Cat Food