Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Pauline G. Carter
Are you constantly dealing with a gassy feline companion? Is your cat’s flatulence becoming a major source of discomfort for both you and your pet? Finding the best cat food for gassy cats can be a game-changer when it comes to alleviating these unpleasant symptoms. In this article, we will explore the top cat food options that can help reduce gas and improve your furry friend’s digestive health. Whether your cat suffers from occasional bouts of gas or chronic gastrointestinal issues, selecting the right cat food can make a significant difference in its overall well-being. Discover the best solutions to combat flatulence and ensure a happy, contented kitty.
Our Top Picks
The Causes Of Gassy Cats:
Are you tired of your cat passing gas frequently? While it may seem like a common problem among felines, excessive gas may indicate underlying health issues. Here are some factors that contribute to gassy cats:
- Intestinal bacteria: The gut of cats contains numerous bacteria responsible for digestion. An imbalance or overpopulation of these bacteria can lead to gas accumulation in the intestines.
- Food intolerance: Food sensitivities or allergies can cause flatulence in cats. Some cats may lack the enzymes necessary to break down certain food ingredients, leading to fermentation and gas production.
- Malabsorption: Cats with weak digestive systems may not be able to absorb nutrients from their food effectively. As a result, undigested food can ferment in the gut, leading to gas buildup.
- Other health conditions: Certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, and parasites can cause gas in cats.
Understanding the root cause of your cat’s gassiness can help you choose the right cat food for them. Different types of cat food can address different issues and reduce flatulence. For example, sensitive stomach cat foods are formulated to be easily digestible and reduce food allergies.
Key Features To Look For In Cat Food For Gassy Cats:
Cats can develop gassiness due to various reasons like bacterial imbalances, food allergies, and intolerances, or even due to not staying active enough. The right cat food can help manage your cat’s digestive health and prevent gassiness. Here are some key features to look for:
- High-protein, low-carbohydrate, and moderate-fat diets
Feeding cats a diet rich in high-quality protein, such as chicken, beef, or fish, and low in carbs can aid in stabilizing their digestive health. A moderate level of fat can help provide proper energy and help maintain their weight.
This type of diet can help reduce bloating and gassy problems.
- Prebiotic fibers, probiotics, and other digestive aids
Prebiotic fibers, such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (fos), can help promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria in your cat’s digestive tract. Similarly, probiotics are live, beneficial bacteria that can help restore the balance of gut bacteria. Other digestive aids such as digestive enzymes can also support the digestive system and prevent gassiness.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and artificial preservative-free
Many cats are sensitive to grains and gluten, which can cause inflammation and digestive issues. Artificial preservatives like BHA and BHT can also negatively affect your cat’s digestive system and overall health. Opt for cat food that is free of grains, gluten, and artificial preservatives to minimize the risk of digestive issues.
10 Best Cat Food For Gassy Cats Of 2024
1. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- Manufacturer: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sales, Inc.
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 4.0 Inches Width: 12.1 Inches Length: 17.25 Inches Weight: 15.5 Pounds `
Features
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Sensitive Stomach & Skin, offers nutritional excellence for your feline friends. This 15.5 lb bag, featuring a tasty Chicken & Rice recipe, prioritizes your cat’s wellness. Packed with prebiotic fiber, it fosters beneficial gut bacteria, boosting your cat’s microbiome for optimal digestion. The formula is easily digestible, ensuring nutrient absorption and simplifying stool pickup. This cat food also offers a skin nourishing blend of vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids, promoting a healthy, shiny coat. Crafted with natural ingredients, it’s proudly made in the USA, ensuring a trusted, globally sourced blend.
Pros:
- Supports Gut Health: The prebiotic fiber present supports a healthy gut microbiome, promoting overall cat health.
- Highly Digestible: Formulated for optimal nutrient absorption, ensuring your cat gets the maximum benefit from each meal.
- Skin and Coat Health: The addition of Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids helps nourish the skin and promotes a glossy, healthy coat.
- Natural Ingredients: The product is made with high-quality natural ingredients, ensuring a wholesome diet for your cat.
- Made in the USA: Provides confidence in its quality and ethical sourcing, being made in the USA with globally trusted ingredients.
Cons:
- Not Suitable for All: While it’s formulated for adult cats with sensitive stomachs, it might not be suitable for kittens, senior cats, or cats with specific dietary needs.
- Chicken & Rice Flavor Only: Limited to a single flavor, which may not appeal to all cats.
- Pricier Option: Given its premium ingredients and specialized formulation, it could be a more expensive choice compared to other cat food brands.
2. Halo Holistic Cat Food Dry, Wild-caught Whitefish Recipe for Sensitive Stomach
- Brand: Halo Purely For Pets
- Manufacturer: Halo, Purely for Pets
- Color: White/blue
- Dimensions: Height: 12.5 Inches Width: 8.0 Inches Length: 4.5 Inches Weight: 3.0 Pounds `
Features
Halo Holistic Cat Food is a wholesome choice for sensitive stomach support. This 3-lb bag of dry food boasts a wild-caught whitefish recipe, using real, whole whitefish, and no meat meals. Produced in the USA, it’s naturally packed with vitamins and minerals for superior nutrition. Its complete digestive health formula, rich in prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics, supports your cat’s digestion and immune system. With balanced omega fatty acids, it promotes a healthy skin and radiant coat. Made responsibly, the fish is MSC certified, and the recipe excludes GMOs, antibiotics, and unnecessary ingredients like corn, wheat or soy.
Pros:
- Uses Real, Whole Whitefish: The first ingredient in the recipe is whole, wild-caught whitefish, providing high-quality protein, which is essential for feline health.
- Complete Digestive Health: The formulation is rich in prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics, offering superior digestive support especially for cats with sensitive stomachs.
- Boosts Skin and Coat Health: Contains a balanced blend of omega fatty acids that contribute to maintaining a healthy skin and a glossy coat.
- High-Quality and Safe Ingredients: Made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients, the food doesn’t contain unnecessary additives like corn, wheat or soy.
- Ethically Sourced: The whitefish used is MSC certified, meaning it lived in its natural environment, ate a diverse diet, and was not given antibiotics.
Cons:
- Price: Given the high-quality ingredients and ethical sourcing, this cat food might be more expensive than other options on the market.
- Allergenic Potential: Despite the high-quality ingredients, some cats may be allergic to fish.
- Availability: The MSC certification could potentially limit the supply, affecting the product’s availability.
3. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Sensitive Digestion & Skin, Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Iams
- Manufacturer: Mars Petcare
- Color: Other
- Dimensions: Height: 16.0 Inches Width: 8.75 Inches Length: 5.25 Inches Weight: 6.0 Pounds `
Features
Nourish your feline friend with IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Sensitive Digestion & Skin Dry Cat Food. This 6 lb bag is packed with high-quality protein from real turkey to promote strong muscles. The unique fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, aids in nutrient absorption, supporting digestive health. Its formula includes Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Proudly made in the USA using the world’s finest ingredients, it also boosts immune defenses with added prebiotics and antioxidants. It’s suitable for adult cats of all sizes and ages.
Pros:
- High-Quality Protein: The product contains real turkey as the number one ingredient, promoting strong muscles in your cat.
- Digestive Support: A unique fiber blend, including prebiotics and beet pulp, aids in nutrient absorption, supporting a healthy digestive system.
- Skin and Coat Health: Omega-6 and -3 fatty acids in this formula nourish the skin and promote a shiny coat.
- Immune Support: The cat food supports strong immune defenses with added prebiotics and antioxidants.
- Universally Suitable: The product is formulated for adult cats of all sizes and ages.
Cons:
- Specific Diet: Cats without specific skin or digestive sensitivities may not require this specialized formula.
- Ingredient Sensitivity: Some cats may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients, like poultry or beet pulp.
- Domestic Manufacturing: While made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, the product might not appeal to those seeking a more globally sourced cat food.
4. Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Digestive Health
- Brand: Instinct
- Manufacturer: Nature’s Variety
- Color: Gut Health
- Dimensions: Height: 10.0 Inches Width: 6.25 Inches Length: 3.25 Inches Weight: 0.34375 Pounds `
Features
Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain Free Digestive Health Recipe is the perfect all-natural cat food topper. With cage-free chicken as the main ingredient, it is packed with whole food elements that promote gut health such as pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics. The mixer is free from grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, and preservatives. Freeze-dried to lock in nutrients and flavor, this topper or treat brings variety to your feline’s diet. The power of raw ingredients ensures a minimally processed, protein-packed meal that’s USA-made with globally-sourced fine ingredients. Trust in Instinct, the raw brand.
Pros:
- High Quality Protein: With cage-free chicken as the main ingredient, this cat food topper provides a high-quality source of protein.
- Gut Health Support: Includes whole food ingredients like pumpkin, sweet potato, chicory root, apple cider vinegar, and probiotics which are beneficial for digestive health.
- Nutrient-Rich: The freeze-drying process removes moisture but locks in nutrients and flavor, ensuring your cat is getting optimal nutrition.
- Grain-Free and Natural: Made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives, it’s an all-natural choice for your cat’s diet.
- Versatility: Can be used as either a food topper or a treat, adding variety to your cat’s mealtime.
Cons:
- Price: Premium ingredients and the freeze-drying process may make this product more expensive than regular cat food or toppers.
- Texture: Some cats might not enjoy the texture of freeze-dried food.
- Picky Eaters: Despite its high-quality ingredients and nutritional value, picky eaters might not take to it immediately.
5. Canidae PURE Limited Ingredients Premium Dry Cat Food, Chicken Recipe
- Brand: CANIDAE
- Manufacturer: CANIDAE Corporation
- Color: Fresh Chicken
- Dimensions: Height: 2.5 Inches Width: 12.75 Inches Length: 15.57 Inches Weight: 10.0 Pounds `
Features
Canidae PURE Limited Ingredient Premium Dry Cat Food is a 10-pound bag of nutrition, designed specifically for your feline friend. Made with real chicken as the primary ingredient and complemented by wholesome ingredients like turkey, potatoes, and peas, this recipe is a tasty delight for cats. With only 7 or fewer key ingredients, it’s ideal for sensitive cats. This well-balanced recipe also includes antioxidants and probiotics for digestive and immune health, and a blend of vitamins and minerals for joint, skin, and coat health. Committed to creating a better world, Canidae uses premium proteins and sustainably farmed ingredients in every bowl.
Pros:
- Real Food Ingredients: Made with real chicken, turkey, potatoes, and peas to offer a nutritious and flavorful meal your cat will love.
- Limited Ingredients: Using 7 or fewer key ingredients, this recipe is ideal for sensitive cats with dietary restrictions.
- Health Benefits: Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics for a healthy digestive and immune system, as well as a blend of vitamins and minerals to support joint, skin, and coat health.
- Sustainable and Ethical: Canidae is committed to the planet, using premium proteins and regeneratively farmed ingredients.
- Complete and Balanced: Offers a balanced meal with all the necessary nutrients for all cat life stages.
Cons:
- Limited Flavors: With the focus on using limited ingredients, there may be fewer flavor options for cats that enjoy variety.
- Price: Premium ingredients and ethical sourcing practices may result in a higher price point than other cat foods.
- Potential Allergies: Despite using limited ingredients, the product still contains common allergens such as chicken and peas, which may not be suitable for all cats.
6. Reveal Natural Wet Cat Food, 12 Pack, Limited Ingredient Canned
- Brand: REVEAL LIMITED INGREDIENTS APPROVED BY CATS
- Manufacturer: Reveal
- Dimensions: Height: 5.3937007819 Inches Width: 5.1968503884 Inches Length: 4.0157480274 Inches Weight: 0.154375 Pounds `
Features
Delight your feline friend with the natural, nutritious goodness of Reveal Wet Cat Food. Made from 100% natural ingredients, this grain-free, limited-ingredient formula keeps meals simple yet tantalizing. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are found in these 2.47oz cans, just real protein in a variety of fish flavors. This 12-pack features 4 cans each of Real Tuna Fillet, Real Tuna Fillet with Seaweed, and Real Ocean Fish in Natural Broth, providing an exciting medley for your cat’s palate. Perfect as a complementary feed to any dry food, it offers a well-rounded, delightful dining experience for your pet.
Pros:
- 100% Natural: Made with purely natural ingredients, Reveal Wet Cat Food ensures a healthy and wholesome meal for your cat.
- Limited Ingredients: The simple formula keeps meals uncomplicated yet nourishing, ideal for cats with dietary restrictions or sensitive stomachs.
- Grain-Free: Without any grains, this food is perfect for cats with specific dietary needs or allergies.
- Variety of Flavors: With three enticing fish flavors in each pack, it offers a delectable variety to satisfy fussy eaters.
- Complements Dry Food: It serves as an ideal complement to dry cat food, rounding out a balanced diet for your cat.
Cons:
- Price: Given its high-quality ingredients and premium formula, it may be more expensive than some other cat food options.
- Not a Complete Meal: As a complementary feed, it’s not intended to be the sole source of nutrition for your cat, necessitating additional food purchases.
- Can Size: The smaller 2.47oz cans may not provide a substantial meal for larger cats, requiring multiple cans per feeding.
7. Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Tender Selects Blend With Real Salmon
- Brand: Purina ONE
- Manufacturer: Nestle Purina Pet
- Dimensions: Height: 12.5 Inches Width: 5.2 Inches Length: 8.4 Inches Weight: 7.0 Pounds `
- Publication Date: 2011-01-11T00:00:01Z
Features
The Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Tender Selects Blend With Real Salmon, comes in a convenient pack of four 7 lb. bags. This high-quality cat food features real salmon as the primary ingredient, complemented by accents of nutritious carrots and peas. It’s high in protein, supporting strong muscles, including a healthy heart, throughout your cat’s life. It includes vitamins A and E for bright eyes, and omega-6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin. This natural, easy-to-digest cat food contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, and offers a balanced nutrition enhanced with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The included natural prebiotic fiber aids in balancing your cat’s microbiome.
Pros:
- High in protein: The high protein content supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart, ensuring overall well-being.
- Real Salmon Ingredient: The main ingredient is real salmon, making it a rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.
- Complete and Balanced Nutrition: The cat food has added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, offering a well-rounded diet.
- Natural Prebiotic Fiber: This aids digestion and helps maintain a balanced microbiome in your cat.
- No Artificial Additives: Free from artificial flavors and preservatives, ensuring a natural and healthier choice for your cat.
Cons:
- Single Protein Source: It primarily contains salmon, which may not suit cats with specific fish allergies.
- Size of Bags: The 7 lb bags may not be convenient for owners with a single or smaller breed cat, leading to potential food wastage.
- Lack of Variety: Some cats may tire of the same flavor profile, leading to a decrease in their interest in the food over time.
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Manufacturer: Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd
- Dimensions: Height: 3.0 Inches Width: 13.0 Inches Length: 18.5 Inches Weight: 11.14 Pounds `
Features
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food, Salmon 11-lb, is packed with real salmon to provide your cat with the essential proteins they need for optimal health. This grain-free formula includes healthy carbs like sweet potatoes and peas for an energy boost. The product also contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, promoting skin and coat health. BLUE’s unique LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, support immune health. Made with premium natural ingredients and no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial additives. The pack contains one 11-lb bag.
Pros:
- High Protein Content: Real salmon is the main ingredient, providing essential protein to maintain lean muscle mass.
- Grain-Free: It’s beneficial for cats with grain sensitivities as it contains no corn, wheat, or soy.
- Healthy Carbohydrates: Includes sweet potatoes and peas to fuel an active feline lifestyle.
- Omega Fatty Acids: It’s enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
- LifeSource Bits: Contains a unique blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support immune system health.
Cons:
- Taste Preference: Some cats may not prefer the taste of salmon, leading to lower acceptance.
- Cost: Higher protein content and quality ingredients may make it more expensive than other cat food options.
- No Poultry Option: This particular product does not contain any chicken or poultry, which some cats may prefer.
9. Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Tender Selects Blend With Real Chicken
- Brand: Purina
- Manufacturer: Nestle Purina Pet
- Dimensions: Height: 13.0 Inches Width: 9.75 Inches Length: 4.75 Inches Weight: 7.0 Pounds `
- Publication Date: 2011-01-11T00:00:01Z
Features
The Purina ONE Natural Dry Cat Food, Tender Selects Blend With Real Chicken, is a top-quality dietary choice for your feline friend. This 7 lb. bag is filled with a SmartBlend of high-quality ingredients, starting with real chicken for protein and robust muscles, and high-quality carbs for sustained energy. It promotes gut health and immune support with its prebiotic fiber content. It’s a natural cat food, fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, devoid of fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives. This blend also features four antioxidant sources, vitamins A and E for eye health, and omega-6 for a radiant coat and healthy skin.
Pros:
- Real Chicken as Primary Ingredient: It offers high-quality protein to support strong muscles and overall cat health.
- SmartBlend of Ingredients: Contains a blend of essential nutrients and high-quality carbohydrates for sustained energy.
- Digestive Health Support: With its prebiotic fiber content, it aids in maintaining gut health and fortifying the immune system.
- Nutrient-Rich: The cat food is fortified with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, providing a well-rounded dietary choice.
- No Fillers or Artificial Additives: It’s made without the use of fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives, offering a more natural feeding option.
Cons:
- Limited Protein Variety: The primary protein source is chicken, which might not be suitable for cats with specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
- No Mention of Grain-Free: Some cats may be sensitive or allergic to grains, and it’s not stated if this product is grain-free.
- Omega-6 Only: While Omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial, the inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids could have provided a more balanced fatty acid profile.
10. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Chicken Recipe
- Brand: Hill’s Science Diet
- Manufacturer: Hill’s Pet Nutrition Sales, Inc.
- Color: White
- Dimensions: Height: 11.25 Inches Width: 5.25 Inches Length: 7.5 Inches Weight: 7.0 Pounds `
Features
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Dry Cat Food, a 7 lb. Chicken Recipe Delight, prioritizes your feline’s health. It’s formulated with taurine to support heart health and balanced minerals for optimal kidney and bladder function. Its high-quality protein content ensures lean muscle maintenance. Packed with vitamin E, omega 3s, and 6s, this diet also promotes lustrous fur and healthy skin. This product is made with natural ingredients, ensuring a wholesome meal for your adult cat. Trust its quality, as it’s made in the USA using globally-sourced ingredients. Note: Not suitable for kittens, pregnant, or nursing cats.
Pros:
- Contains taurine, an essential nutrient known to support heart health in cats.
- Features balanced minerals to aid in the health of your cat’s kidneys and bladder.
- High-quality protein is included to help build and maintain lean muscle in adult cats.
- Enriched with Vitamin E, Omega 3s, and 6s for promoting healthy skin and fur.
- Made with natural ingredients, ensuring a nutritious, wholesome meal.
Cons:
- Not suitable for kittens, which means owners with multi-age pets may need to buy different food types.
- Not recommended for pregnant or nursing cats, potentially requiring a separate diet during these stages.
- Though made in the USA, some owners might be skeptical about the quality of the globally sourced ingredients.
How To Choose The Right Cat Food For Gassy Cats?
For gassy cats, choose food with high-quality protein sources and easily digestible carbohydrates. Gassy cats can experience discomfort and bloating, leading to health issues if their diet is not tailored to their needs.
Among the top factors to consider when choosing the right cat food for gassy cats, include the cat’s age, digestive system, and whether they have any food allergies. Finding the right balance of nutrients and fiber to support healthy digestion and minimize flatulence requires careful consideration.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Cat Food For Gassy Cats
Gassy cats can be a real handful, and their flatulence can be unpleasant to deal with. Choosing the right cat food for your gassy feline can go a long way in alleviating their problem. However, it’s important to consider certain factors before selecting cat food for gassy cats.
Here are some of the key points you should keep in mind while making the choice:
Nutritional Needs, Age, Weight, And Overall Health Status
When selecting cat food for gassy cats, it’s essential to take your cat’s individual needs into account. Each cat is different and would need cat food that is specifically designed to meet its nutritional needs, depending on its age, weight, and overall health condition.
Consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist to determine the appropriate nutrient profile that your cat needs to remain healthy.
Study The Cat Food Label
Once you’ve determined your cat’s nutritional needs, it’s time to scrutinize the label of the cat food. Cat food labels are required by law to display certain information on the packaging to help you understand the nutritional value of that product.
Look for the following on the label:
- The ingredient list
- Guaranteed Analysis
- Nutritional adequacy statement
- Feeding guidelines
The Quality Of Ingredients
The ingredients of the cat food you choose will have a significant impact on your cat’s overall health and flatulence problem. To choose the right cat food for your gassy cat, you should learn how to assess the quality of the ingredients listed on the cat food label.
Be wary of the following:
- Choose a cat food with high-quality animal protein sources
- Avoid cat food with cheap filler ingredients like corn and soy
- Be cautious of grain-free cat food, as studies have linked it to heart disease in cats
- Be mindful of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which can cause digestive issues
Consult With A Veterinarian Or Pet Nutritionist
In some cases, it might be difficult to determine the best cat food for your gassy cat, even with careful research. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist. These trained professionals can provide valuable insight into choosing the best cat food for your gassy cat’s digestive health.
They can help you determine which nutrients your cat needs and recommend a cat food brand that meets your cat’s specific nutritional requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Gassy Cats?
Gassy cats have flatulence due to diet, digestive issues, or swallowing hairballs.
What Causes Gas In Cats?
Gas in cats can be caused by diet, overeating, food allergies, or digestive disorders.
How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Gas?
You may notice your cat passing gas or having a bloated abdomen. Other signs include vomiting and diarrhea.
What Should I Look For In Cat Food For Gassy Cats?
Look for high-quality protein sources, limited carbohydrates, and probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
How Can I Prevent Gas In My Cat?
Feed your cat small portions, ensure they have access to clean water and choose a diet that is highly digestible.
Conclusion
After all, as a responsible and loving cat owner, your ultimate goal is to keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and comfortable. Gas in cats can be a sign of an underlying health condition, and it is crucial to seek veterinary advice if the issue persists.
By following the tips mentioned above, you can help reduce the likelihood of gas in your cat and improve its overall health and well-being. Remember to always read the label, avoid filler ingredients, consider your cat’s specific needs, and introduce new food slowly.
By making informed decisions when choosing the best cat food for gassy cats, you are not only avoiding discomfort for your pet but also contributing to a healthier life for your furry friend. Here’s to happier and healthier cats!