The 9 Best Cat Food To Stop Vomiting

comments-icon Medically reviewed by  JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM
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The best cat food to stop vomiting is made with highly digestible, species-appropriate ingredients and free from potential irritants.

Packed with animal-sourced protein and hydrating moisture, Smells Fresh Ground Other Bird is our top pick. Made with turkey as the sole source of protein, it’s a carnivore-appropriate choice and a good option for cats with food allergies or sensitivities to chicken or fish.

While modifying your cat’s diet may help reduce digestive upset, identifying the cause of your cat’s vomiting is key. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose any underlying health issues and make recommendations for dietary changes that might help manage their condition.

At a Glance: The Best Cat Food for Vomiting to Buy in 2023

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2688
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Overall Best
9.9
Picked by 31 people today!

Small Fresh Ground Other Bird

  • Made with human-grade ingredients
  • Rich in real animal protein
  • High in moisture, low in carbohydrates
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Runner Up
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!

Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

  • Meat-centric recipe made with a single protein
  • Salmon oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
  • Short list of easily digestible ingredients
Get 20% Off ENTER "CATS20" TO GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST AUTO-SHIP ORDER
Budget Pick
9.8
Picked by 31 people today!

Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

  • Primarily a meat-based recipe
  • Rich in hydrating moisture
  • Contains animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
Premium Pick
9.7
Picked by 31 people today!

Furry Wonder Sensitive Digestion Freeze-Dried Raw Silky-Textured Rabbit Recipe for Cats

  • Animal-based recipe is easy for cats to digest
  • Free from grains, legumes, and artificial additives
  • Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Best For Sensitive Stomachs
9.6
Picked by 18 people today!

Raised Right Chicken Pate for Adult Cats

  • Species-appropriate blend of animal protein and fat
  • Low carbohydrate content under 10% dry matter
  • Moderate healthy fat from an animal source (cod liver oil)
Best for Picky Cats
9.5
Picked by 31 people today!

Caru Classic Turkey Stew Wet Cat Food

  • Rich in animal-sourced protein
  • Easily digestible with low carbohydrate content
  • Hydrating source of moisture for cats
Best For Senior Cats
9.4
Picked by 18 people today!

Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck & Duck Liver Recipe

  • Made from high-quality, easy-to-digest protein sources
  • Doesn’t contain any sources of plant protein
  • May help to relieve inflammation
Best Wet Cat Food
9.3
Picked by 21 people today!

Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Pate Recipe

  • Highly digestible for most cats
  • Top four ingredients are all animal-based
  • Supplemented with prebiotic fibers
Best Dry Cat Food
9.2
Picked by 31 people today!

Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

  • Packed with animal-sourced protein
  • Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
  • Very low in carbohydrates

Why Trust Cats.com

We’ve spent hours researching top cat food brands, testing and reviewing hundreds of different products, to find out what makes a product worth putting in your cat’s bowl. Cats with digestive issues can be particularly difficult to please, so we consulted our team of veterinary experts to learn what qualities to look for and what to avoid.

Throughout this process, we analyzed ingredient lists, read customer reviews, performed in-depth brand research, and tested the products with our own cats. While testing, we considered our cats’ opinions and made general observations about the food’s appearance, smell, texture, consistency, and packaging.

In addition to testing the products ourselves, we sent several samples to an ISO 17025-certified food testing and analysis laboratory. This gives us a report detailing the food’s exact nutrient content as well as any microbial content or contamination with mold, yeast, or heavy metals.

Also Read: Why We Lab Test Cat Food and How to Interpret the Reports

Our Top 9 Picks for the Best Cat Food to Stop Vomiting

While occasional vomiting is common in cats, repeated occurrences of vomiting accompanied by other symptoms or changes in behavior should be addressed with your veterinarian. Acute vomiting — vomiting that lasts only a day or two — may not require treatment. If your cat’s vomiting is a chronic issue, dietary modification could help but additional treatment may be required.

If your cat’s vomiting is a dietary issue, improving the digestibility and species appropriateness of their food might help. For its meat-centric formula and high moisture content, Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird is our top pick for the best cat food to stop vomiting. But it may not be the ideal choice for every cat.

We’ve assembled a list of diverse recommendations to help you find the product that works for you and your cat.

#1 Overall Best: Small Fresh Ground Other Bird

Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 16% Min
  • Age Range: All Life Stages
  • Calories Per Ounce: 40
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00

Made with human-grade ingredients and prepared in small batches, Smalls fresh cat food is our top pick for cats who suffer from vomiting. Made with whole animal proteins and other natural ingredients, Smalls is a nutritious and species-appropriate choice for cats.

This particular formula features turkey muscle as the main ingredient, supplemented by turkey liver. You’ll also find green beans, peas, and kale on the list as natural sources for key nutrients. The food is completely free from artificial additives and by-product meals, making it an easily digestible choice for cats with food sensitivities or other digestive issues.

If your cat doesn’t like turkey, Smalls also offers chicken, beef, and fish recipes. Many of their formulas also come in multiple textures to appeal to picky eaters.

Ingredients

Turkey Thigh, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Peas, 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: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Liver

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Peas

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 16%
Crude Fat: 8.5%
Crude Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 72%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 57.14%
Fat: 30.36%
Fiber: 5.36%
Carbs: 7.14%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 41.4%
Fat: 53.42%
Carbs: 5.18%

What We Liked:

  • Made with human-grade ingredients
  • Rich in real animal protein
  • High in moisture, low in carbohydrates
  • Free from gluten, grains, and fillers

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Fairly expensive compared to other options
  • Not pre-portioned like some fresh cat foods

#2 Runner Up: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 47% Min
  • Age Range: All Life Stages
  • Calories Per Ounce: 149
  • Typical Cost Per Day: About $3.75

Made with high-quality raw ingredients, this cat food is gently freeze-dried to render it shelf-stable without compromising its nutritional integrity. Simply measure out 1 cup for every 10 pounds of your cat’s body weight and soak the food in water or broth until softened.

If your cat tolerates chicken, this freeze-dried raw formula offers high levels of quality animal protein from a single source. The combination of fresh muscle meat, organs, and ground bone makes this a species-appropriate choice, as long as you rehydrate it before feeding to add moisture.

Open Farm pet foods are made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, so they can be pricey. But this food is very nutrient- and calorie-dense, so you may end up feeding your cat less than you would with the typical kibble or canned food.

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.

Ingredients We Liked: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Salmon Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 47%
Crude Fat: 40%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 49.47%
Fat: 42.11%
Fiber: 5.26%
Carbs: 3.16%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 31.94%
Fat: 66.02%
Carbs: 2.04%

What We Liked:

  • Meat-centric recipe made with a single protein
  • Salmon oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
  • Short list of easily digestible ingredients

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Low moisture, should be rehydrated before feeding
  • Fairly expensive

#3 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
  • Age Range: All Life Stages
  • Calories Per Ounce: 35
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $1.62

A high-quality diet is one of the best investments you can make in your cat’s health, but you don’t necessarily need to pay a fortune for it. This Nulo Freestyle recipe costs under $2 per day to feed the average 10-pound cat.

Made with fresh muscle meat from turkey and chicken as well as turkey liver, this canned cat food is a protein-rich, species-appropriate choice. Menhaden fish oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids while pumpkin offers a gentle source of dietary fiber. The short ingredient list and high moisture content help boost the food’s digestibility as well.

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.

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 6.5%
Crude Fiber: 0.75%
Moisture: 78%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 50%
Fat: 29.55%
Fiber: 3.41%
Carbs: 17.05%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 36.02%
Fat: 51.7%
Carbs: 12.28%

What We Liked:

  • Primarily a meat-based recipe
  • Rich in hydrating moisture
  • Contains animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
  • Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Guar gum causes loose stools in some cats

#4 Premium Pick: Furry Wonder Sensitive Digestion Freeze-Dried Raw Silky-Textured Rabbit Recipe for Cats

Furry Wonder Sensitive Digestion Freeze-Dried Raw Silky-Textured Rabbit Recipe for Cats

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 55% Min
  • Age Range: All Life Stages
  • Calories Per Ounce: 118
  • Typical Cost Per Day: Up to $5.00

Low-quality food often contains fillers and artificial additives that can upset your cat’s stomach and make digestive issues or vomiting worse. If you’re able to spend a little more on a premium option, consider Furry Wonder’s freeze-dried cat food.

This particular recipe from Furry Wonder is designed to be easily digestible. Not only is it formulated with 96% meat, organs, and bone, but it contains pumpkin and slippery elm bark to help support your cat’s digestion. The food also contains plenty of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil.

The downside of this formula is its low moisture content. The food should be rehydrated with water or broth before feeding — it helps if you crush the nuggets first and warm the liquid to make the food more appealing. It’s also worth noting that this recipe isn’t appropriate for cats whose vomiting is caused by an allergy to chicken.

Ingredients

Chicken Breast, Rabbit with Ground Bone, Chicken with Ground Bone, Rabbit Loin, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Stomach, Egg Powder, Chicken Cartilage, Slippery Elm Bark Powder, Yeast Hydrolysate, Pumpkin, Salmon Oil, Fructooligosaccharides, Galactooligosaccharides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondroitin Sulfate, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamin B3, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E, Bovine Colostrum, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin B5, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin A, Vitamin B7, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, Yucca Extract, Rosemary Extract, Tea Polyphenols, Citric Acid.

Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Breast, Rabbit with Ground Bone, Chicken with Ground Bone, Rabbit Loin, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Stomach, Egg Powder, Chicken Cartilage, Salmon Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 58%
Crude Fat: 19%
Crude Fiber: 2%
Moisture: 6%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 61.7%
Fat: 20.21%
Fiber: 2.13%
Carbs: 15.96%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 48.68%
Fat: 38.73%
Carbs: 12.59%

What We Liked:

  • Animal-based recipe is easy for cats to digest
  • Free from grains, legumes, and artificial additives
  • Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
  • Contains digestive supplements

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Might not be appropriate for cats with chicken allergies
  • Low in moisture, should be rehydrated before feeding

#5 Best for Sensitive Stomach: Raised Right Original Chicken Pate for Adult Cats

Raised Right Original Chicken Adult Cat Recipe

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 20% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Ounce: 47
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $3.05

Featuring a short list of whole-food ingredients, this Raised Right recipe is easily digestible for cats. It contains a carnivore-appropriate blend of chicken muscle meat and organs with cod liver oil as the primary source of added fat.

Made with chicken thigh, hearts, and liver, this recipe contains nearly 59% protein when measured as dry matter. A combination of cod liver oil and flaxseed oil contribute to the food’s 26.5% dry matter fat content, leaving the carbohydrate content under 10%.

Because this food is meat-centric, easily digestible, and free from artificial additives and other irritating ingredients, it may be a good choice for cats struggling with vomiting. If you suspect a chicken allergy as the cause of your cat’s vomiting, Raised Right also offers two turkey-based formulas.

Ingredients

Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Organic Spearmint, Blueberries, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Organic Dried Kelp, Flaxseed Oil, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.

Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 20%
Crude Fat: 9%
Crude Fiber: 2%
Moisture: 66%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 58.82%
Fat: 26.47%
Fiber: 5.88%
Carbs: 8.82%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 44.59%
Fat: 48.73%
Carbs: 6.69%

What We Liked:

  • Species-appropriate blend of animal protein and fat
  • Low carbohydrate content under 10% dry matter
  • Moderate healthy fat from an animal source (cod liver oil)
  • Free from artificial additives and other irritating ingredients

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Some cats don’t seem to like the texture or flavor
  • Only sold in packs of 4 or 16 bags

#6 Best for Picky Cats: Caru Classic 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: $4.50

Changing your cat’s diet to reduce vomiting can be tough if your cat has picky eating habits. This turkey stew from Caru tends to be a hit with even finicky cats and it’s a protein-rich, easily digestible formula. The high moisture content of the food also makes it a hydrating choice, though some reviewers find the consistency a little too thin.

Not only is this formula high in protein and moisture, but it’s free from synthetic additives and other potentially irritating ingredients. It does contain some tapioca starch as a thickener, but it doesn’t significantly raise the food’s carbohydrate content. Plus, this ingredient hasn’t been linked to digestive issues such as loose stools like some gum thickeners have.

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).

Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Egg Whites

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 11%
Crude Fat: 5.5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 82%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 61.11%
Fat: 30.56%
Fiber: 5.56%
Carbs: 2.78%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 44.25%
Fat: 53.74%
Carbs: 2.01%

What We Liked:

  • Rich in animal-sourced protein
  • Easily digestible with low carbohydrate content
  • Cardboard carton is easy to close for leftover storage
  • Hydrating source of moisture for cats

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Some reviewers find the consistency too thin
  • Fairly expensive

#7 Best For Senior Cats: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck & Duck Liver Recipe

Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck & Duck Liver Recipe

  • Made In: Thailand
  • Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
  • Age Range: Adult
  • Calories Per Ounce: 31
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $5.00

Formulated for senior cats in need of immune support, controlled phosphorus, and high-quality protein, this recipe from Tiki Cat could be a good choice for older cats prone to frequent vomiting.

It’s not a single-ingredient recipe, and it probably won’t be the best choice for cats with food sensitivities and intolerances. However, it’s made from a variety of high-quality, easy-to-digest protein sources. Additionally, the food contains pumpkin, which is one of the most popular remedies for cats with digestive issues. Finally, the food features ingredients that could reduce inflammation, including tuna oil.

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

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 12%
Crude Fat: 5%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 80%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 60%
Fat: 25%
Fiber: 5%
Carbs: 10%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 45.9%
Fat: 46.45%
Carbs: 7.65%

What We Liked:

  • Made from high-quality, easy-to-digest protein sources
  • Doesn’t contain any sources of plant protein
  • May help to relieve inflammation
  • Contains pumpkin
  • Made to support the needs of senior cats
  • Low in carbohydrates

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Not a limited-ingredient recipe
  • Some cats may find the chicken and egg irritating

#8 Best Wet Cat Food: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Pate Recipe

Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Pate Recipe

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
  • Age Range: All Life Stages
  • Calories Per Ounce: 34
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $4.72

This Wellness CORE paté is primarily chicken-based, featuring fresh chicken and chicken liver at the top of the list. These ingredients are supplemented with additional animal-based protein from fresh turkey. Salmon oil is the main added fat and an excellent source of skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids.

What makes this recipe a particularly good choice for cats that struggle with vomiting is the inclusion of prebiotic fibers like apple powder and pumpkin powder. Prebiotic fiber helps improve your cat’s digestion by providing food for the beneficial bacteria in their gut. The fact that the food is free from artificial additives, beans, and legumes helps improve the digestibility as well.

If you’re looking for a highly digestible cat food to help resolve your cat’s upset stomach and other GI issues, the CORE Digestive Health line from Wellness is worth considering.

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Apple Powder, Cranberry Powder, Pumpkin Powder, Taurine, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Inulin, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Blueberry Powder, Papaya Powder, Pomegranate Powder, Vitamin E Supplement, Peppermint Leaf Powder, Cinnamon, Fennel Powder, 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: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Salmon Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 7%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 2.5%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 31.82%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 6.82%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 35.09%
Fat: 59.65%
Carbs: 5.26%

What We Liked:

  • Highly digestible for most cats
  • Top four ingredients are all animal-based
  • Supplemented with prebiotic fibers
  • Relies primarily on animal protein and fat

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Expensive, priced over $0.70 per ounce
  • Carb content is a little high, over 15%

#9 Best Dry Cat Food: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

  • Made In: United States
  • Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
  • Age Range: All Life Stages
  • Calories Per Ounce: 114
  • Typical Cost Per Day: $0.69

Some cats simply prefer the crunch of dry food. If your cat is one of them, this formula from Dr. Elsey’s is a fairly species appropriate choice. It’s packed with animal-sourced protein and fat with a much lower carbohydrate content than the typical dry food.

Though this recipe isn’t a single-protein formula, it offers high digestibility for most cats without food allergies. The dry matter protein content is just over 67% while the fat content remains moderate around 20%, measured as dry matter. The food doesn’t contain any artificial additives and it’s free from starchy plant ingredients like legumes and grains.

Like any dry food, however, this food doesn’t provide a good source of hydrating moisture. It’s wise to supplement your cat’s moisture intake elsewhere in their diet to promote smooth digestion and optimal health.

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, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil

Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None

Guaranteed Analysis

Crude Protein: 59%
Crude Fat: 18%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 12%

Dry Matter Basis

Protein: 67.05%
Fat: 20.45%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 7.95%

Caloric Weight Basis

Protein: 53.78%
Fat: 39.84%
Carbs: 6.38%

What We Liked:

  • Packed with animal-sourced protein
  • Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
  • Very low in carbohydrates
  • Easily digestible, free from synthetic additives

What We Didn’t Like:

  • Not a single protein formula
  • No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs

What to Look for in Cat Food to Stop Vomiting

Vomiting is a common gastrointestinal issue in cats. In many cases, it is mild and resolves itself in a few days. Other times, however, it can last for weeks and become a much more serious health problem.

Take your cat to the vet if vomiting has become problematic or if you notice additional symptoms (especially blood in the vomit). Your vet may recommend a bland diet for a few days to give your cat’s tummy a break, but you should also consider a permanent switch to a higher quality, more digestible food to prevent the issue from recurring.

A new diet of low-carb, allergen free, and all-natural food could help to calm your cat’s tummy and stop the vomiting. Work with your vet to come up with the best treatment plan to stop your cat’s vomiting.

Here are some features to look for in cat food to stop vomiting:

  • Made primarily with animal ingredients: Food composed mainly of animal-sourced proteins and fats will be the most digestible for your cat. Avoid products that don’t list an animal ingredient first or that contain more plant than animal ingredients.
  • Moderate fat content: Some cats have trouble tolerating rich foods, so look for a food with a moderate fat content between 10% and 20%, measured as dry matter.
  • Dry matter carbohydrate content under 10%: High-carb foods can be difficult for your cat to digest and may trigger digestive issues. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are generally more digestible than legumes and processed grains like corn, wheat, and soy.
  • Short list of ingredients: The fewer components there are to your cat’s diet, the less likely it is to trigger a negative reaction. Look for a product with ten or fewer ingredients listed before the first supplement.
  • Free from potentially irritating ingredients: Some cats have sensitive stomachs and react poorly to certain ingredients in their food. Every cat is different, but common culprits include synthetic additives, animal by-products and vaguely named meals, dairy products, and carrageenan.

When changing your cat’s diet, be sure to transition them slowly onto the new product. Sudden dietary changes can trigger digestive problems in cats and may make vomiting worse. Start by mixing a little of the new food into your cat’s current diet and increase the proportion of new to old food over the course of at least 7 to 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I feed my cat to stop vomiting?

If your cat is vomiting due to digestive upset, a bland, easily digestible food given in small quantities may help. Try small portions of boiled chicken or turkey, canned pumpkin, steamed rice, cooked sweet potato. Avoid high-fat and overly seasoned foods.

What cat food is easiest on the stomach?

Cat food that mimics a whole-prey diet is generally the most digestible option for carnivores like your cat. Focus on animal-sourced proteins and fats, avoiding animal by-products, artificial additives, and hard-to-digest carbohydrates like legumes, corn, and wheat.

Why is my cat vomiting but acting normal?

Vomiting that isn’t accompanied by other physical symptoms or behavioral changes is likely a reaction to the formulation of their food or an ingredient in it. Poor nutritional quality or excessive fat content may trigger digestive upset in cats, as can a sudden change in diet.

Note: The values in our nutrient charts are automatically calculated based on the guaranteed analysis and may not represent typical nutrient values. This may lead to discrepancies between the charts and the values mentioned in the body of the review.
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About Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and is the published author of several self-help books and nutrition guides. Also an avid dog lover and adoring owner of three cats, Kate’s love for animals has led her to a successful career as a freelance writer specializing in pet care and nutrition. Kate is also a blogger for a number of organic and natural food companies as well as a columnist for several pet magazines.