Finding the right cat food that does not irritate your cat’s irritable bowel syndrome symptoms can be difficult. Allergies are a significant factor in triggering IBS in cats. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose hypoallergenic foods as a solution for your cat. Many vets prescribe protein-rich food for cats suffering from IBS to ease some of the uncomfortable signs your cat experiences.
If your cat’s vomiting and suffers from diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and chronic inflammation, they may have a case of IBS. In this case, wet cat foods with minimal carbohydrates are a good choice. The formula should exclude allergens, and since cats are carnivores, it should contain wholesome protein such as duck or venison. Always consult your veterinarian if your cat is showing signs of IBS.
In this article, we have reviews of high-quality cat foods and picked the top products that vets recommend for cats with IBS.
Disclaimer: The foods reviewed here were chosen because they have certain characteristics that might help with some of the causes or consequences of this medical condition. However, they are not a medical treatment or a substitute for medical treatment. Keep in mind that each medical case is different, and what works for some pets may not work for others. Your veterinarian is the right person to advise you on the best diet for your pet’s case.
Click to Skip Ahead
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2025
| Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
 |
 |
Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription |
|
Click to Save 40% Use code: PetKeen24 |
Budget Buy
 |
 |
Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food |
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
 |
Hill's Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit Dry Cat Food |
|
CHECK PRICE |
 |
Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
 |
Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 9 Best Cat Foods for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall
| Protein content: | 23.4% |
| Fiber content: | 0.3% |
| Fat content: | 6.6% |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Smalls produces several premium recipes for cats, but the Fresh Other Bird was our best overall food for cats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Cats suffering from IBS benefit from low-fat meals enriched with minerals and vitamins. This recipe also has a higher moisture level, ensuring your cat stays hydrated.
Fresh Other Bird contains less crude fat (6.6%) than any Smalls recipes. Its primary protein sources are turkey (skin-on) and chicken livers, which contain essential vitamins and minerals. Smalls does not add artificial colors, fillers, or preservatives, and its meals are delivered to your home.
- Only 6.6% crude fat
- All-natural ingredients
- Taurine supports cardiac health
- Expensive
2. Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion & Skin Turkey Dry Cat Food – Budget Buy
| Protein content: | 33% minimum |
| Fiber content: | 3% maximum |
| Fat content: | 14% minimum |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
The best cat food for irritable bowel syndrome for the money is Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion & Skin Turkey Dry Cat Food. Iams Proactive Health has omega fatty acids that provide nourishment for your cat’s skin and coat. It contains a blend of dietary fiber and prebiotics, supporting your cat’s digestive system. This is especially helpful for cats who struggle with irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive difficulties.
While such an affordable option may seem like the natural choice, you should note that some cats refuse to eat Iams Proactive Health. If your cat is a picky eater, you may need to look for other options.
- Affordable
- Omega fatty acids nourish your cat’s coat
- Includes prebiotics and fiber to support healthy digestion
- Picky eaters may avoid this cat food
3. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit with Chicken Dry Cat Food
| Protein content: | 34% minimum |
| Fiber content: | 9% maximum |
| Fat content: | 7.5% minimum |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
For a premium choice, try Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit with Chicken Dry Cat Food. This veterinarian-recommended diet has an impressive protein content of 34% and bolsters your cat’s urinary and immune system health.
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is expensive, but the benefits it provides your cat are well worth the cost. The recipe is designed to support your cat’s weight maintenance. It boosts the metabolization of fat while supporting the pre-existing lean muscle, ensuring your cat stays at a healthy weight.
- Veterinarian-recommended diet
- Helps your cat maintain a healthy weight
- Antioxidants boost the immune system
- Expensive
4. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food
| Protein content: | 32% minimum |
| Fiber content: | 3.5% maximum |
| Fat content: | 16% minimum |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Next on the list is the Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach Natural Chicken Adult Dry Cat Food. It contains 32% protein and high-quality ingredients, such as deboned chicken. There are no unhealthy filler ingredients included in the recipe. For such excellent quality, the price is a good value.
The prebiotics support cats with sensitive stomachs, which is especially helpful for those struggling with irritable bowel syndrome. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls also supports your cat’s immune system with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Unfortunately, some fussy eaters don’t enjoy this recipe, so if your cat is known to be picky, you may need a backup plan.
- Excellent value
- No filler ingredients
- High-quality ingredients
- Fussy eaters may not enjoy it
5. Dr. Elsey’s clean protein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
| Protein content: | 59% minimum |
| Fiber content: | 4% maximum |
| Fat content: | 18% minimum |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Dr. Elsey’s clean protein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is an excellent formula for cats who need a little extra protein in their diet. The high-quality ingredients mimic your cat’s natural diet and contain 59% protein, ensuring that your cat’s meals are packed with the nutrients they need.
In addition, Dr. Elsey’s formula is a low-glycemic option with fewer carbohydrates than other brands.
- Includes high-quality ingredients that mimic a cat’s natural diet
- Low-glycemic formula
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Expensive
6. Purina ONE Sensitive Systems Dry Adult Cat Food
| Protein content: | 34.0% |
| Fiber content: | 4.0% |
| Fat content: | 14.0% |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Purina ONE has been formulated for adult cats with sensitive stomachs and skin. Turkey is the first ingredient and a lean source of protein. It features an easily digestible formula for cats with sensitive stomachs. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health, which can benefit cats with sensitive skin. Purina ONE Sensitive Systems is veterinarian-recommended, which increases the quality and trust of this food.
- Sensitive skin and stomach formula
- Turkey is the main ingredient
- Recommended by veterinarians
- Contains grains
7. Royal Canin Digestive Sensitive Loaf in Sauce Wet Cat Food
| Protein content: | 7.5% |
| Fiber content: | 1.8% |
| Fat content: | 2.0% |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Royal Canin Digestive is a wet cat food loaf with a tasty sauce. It has been formulated for cats over 1 year of age with sensitive stomachs. It contains highly digestible proteins that help cats absorb nutrients better while reducing the stool odor. It helps maintain an ideal weight in cats using specially formulated nutrition.
The precise blend of vitamins and minerals in Royal Canin also helps keep your cat in optimal health. It is suitable for mature and adult cats suffering from IBS and other digestive issues.
- Sensitive stomach formula
- Helps cats absorb nutrients
- Gentle on your cat’s stomach
- Contains grains
8. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Digestive Care Wet Cat Food
| Protein content: | 8.5% |
| Fiber content: | 3.0% |
| Fat content: | 3.0% |
| Hypoallergenic: | Yes |
Blue Buffalo True Solutions is made of highly digestible ingredients with a prebiotic fiber clinically proven to support a cat’s digestive health. The main ingredient is chicken, but it also contains other wholesome ingredients such as fruits and vegetables. Fiber sources have also been included to be gentle on your cat’s digestive system.
It is made without wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives. No chicken by-products have been added to the formula, making the formula gentle on your cat’s stomach. The downside is that True Solutions contains a high amount of fat.
- Highly-digestible ingredients
- Contains fruits and vegetables
- Free from artificial flavors and preservatives
- High-fat content
9. Purina Cat Chow Gentle Sensitive Stomach Adult Cat Food
| Protein content: | 34.0% |
| Fiber content: | 5.0% |
| Fat content: | 11.0% |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Purina Cat Chow Gentle Sensitive Stomach is made from real turkey and a blend of natural fiber to support your cat’s digestive health. It also provides your cat with 25 essential vitamins and minerals. Purina Cat Chow is a balanced formula that is suitable as a long-term diet for a cat with mild IBS signs.
It does not contain added flavors or preservatives, which makes a decent percentage of the food natural. However, it has a large portion of grains, which is okay for most cats but may be unsuitable for sensitive cats. It also contains several fillers and by-products.
- 100% balanced nutrition
- No added flavors or preservatives
- Contains grains
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Cat Foods for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
When searching for formulas for a cat suffering from IBS, the ingredients list is the first and most important place to start. You want to ensure that the food contains no artificial flavors and preservatives, which could further upset your cat’s stomach.
Food high in protein is ideal for cats suffering from IBS. Cats are carnivores and a large portion of their diet is based on protein-rich foods such as chicken, turkey, or fish. Cat food with a single protein source as the first ingredient will likely be high in healthy proteins.
Avoid foods loaded with fillers, as they can be harsh on your cat’s stomach. Look for labels on products that specify if the formula is digestive-friendly or hypoallergenic, which are better for cats with IBS.
What Types of IBS-Friendly Cat Foods Are There?
There are primarily two types of foods for cats suffering from IBS, namely:
Dry Cat Foods
Dry food, typically, contains all the nutrients your cat needs. A downside is that dry food is high in carbohydrates and calories. Some cats struggle to digest dry cat foods since they are more likely to contain allergens like wheat and gluten. The label should specify if the recipe has been formulated for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Wet/Canned Cat Foods
Wet cat foods generally contain fewer ingredients than dry cat foods. Allergens are rarely an issue in wet cat foods, which makes them better for cats with IBS.
Kitten Formula
Kitten food has been specifically formulated for kittens who have trouble digesting other types of cat food. It can be either dry or wet. Most kitten foods are high in protein to aid in their growth, which is beneficial for cats with IBS.
- The food should ideally be hypoallergenic and grain-free.
- The formula should be mindful of cats suffering from digestive issues.
- The food should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates and empty calories (fillers).
- The food should meet your budget requirements and be affordable for you in the long term.
Whether you are an avid kibble supporter, favor wet food, or dabble between the two, opting for the right cat bowl to serve it in is key! The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is equipped with features like shallow dishes for whisker relief, slight elevation to promote good posture and digestion, and removable stainless steel bowls for easy cleaning. Its modern design is spill-proof and has a wide tray on the base meant to catch anything that falls from your kitty's mouth or out of the bowl. Click here to find out if the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is right for you. At PangoVet, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
How We Determined This List of Cat Foods for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
All the cat foods reviewed in this article were chosen by our writers, editors, and team of experienced veterinary professionals to ensure that they are safe and meet the care needs of your pet. When choosing which cat foods to feature, we took into account brand reputation, personal and hands-on experience, reviews from other customers, and of course, feedback from our beloved pets, to make sure to bring you only the best of the best. We at PangoVet want to give you only the best products to choose from in our reviews, to ensure that they meet your pets’ needs for optimal health and well-being.
Why Trust PangoVet?
We are a team of experienced veterinarians, writers, and editors who are pet owners ourselves, so we understand how important your pets and the products they use and consume are to you. Whether you are caring for a furry, scaly, or feathered friend, we make sure that you have honest and unbiased reviews of the top cat foods on the market, so you can make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a cat with irritable bowel syndrome can be challenging, but it does not have to be. Smalls Human-Grade food is our favorite pick, yet options like the affordable Iams Proactive Health or Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit also provide plenty of benefits. We hope these reviews have helped you find the cat food that is right for your pet’s sensitive stomach.
See Also:
