The Best Cat Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

Photo of author
Updated On

I Love Veterinary blog is reader-supported, and we may earn a commission from products purchased through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Learn more About Us and our Product Review Process >

Cats With Sensitive Stomachs

Finding the proper treats is essential when your cat has a sensitive stomach. You want to choose the best cat treats for sensitive stomachs. To do this, you must look for special snacks for sensitive stomachs.

These treats should be tasty and gentle on your cat’s digestive system. Sometimes, choosing treats that are best for your cat can be challenging. Here are the seven best cat treats for sensitive stomachs.

Cat licking treat

How to Know If Your Cat Has a Sensitive Stomach

Detecting whether your cat has a sensitive stomach can be an uphill task because the signs can differ from one cat to another. Here are some common signs that might suggest your cat has a sensitive stomach:

  • Frequent vomiting: If your cat throws up a lot, especially after meals or treats, it might indicate a sensitive stomach. But remember, occasional vomiting can happen for various reasons and may not necessarily mean a sensitive stomach.
  • Diarrhea or loose stools: Cats with sensitive stomachs might have diarrhea or loose, watery poop. They might also need to go more often. If your cat’s litter box habits change, it could be due to stomach issues.
  • Gas troubles: Cats with sensitive stomachs can pass gas more often, and it may not smell pleasant. If you notice your cat being gassy, it could be a sign of stomach sensitivity.
  • Appetite changes: A cat with a sensitive stomach might eat less or become pickier about food and treats because of tummy discomfort.
  • Weight issues: Digestive problems can lead to weight loss or difficulty gaining weight. If your cat’s weight is dropping despite a good appetite, you should look into it.
  • Reduced activity: Cats with stomach discomfort might become tired and less playful. If your cat seems less active than usual, it could be tied to digestive issues.

If you see any of these signs or suspect your cat has a sensitive stomach, it’s crucial to talk to a vet.

Vitamin pill giving to cat

Our Favorite Sensitive Stomach Cat Snack

Our favorite cat treat for a sensitive stomach is Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats . This premium cat treat supports healthy skin, hairball reduction, and digestive health for cats. Each bite of this treat provides Omega-3 fatty acids essential for immune system function. 

Other Cat Treats for Sensitive Stomachs

  1. Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats : Best overall
  2. Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats For Cats : Best for hairballs
  3. Purina Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack : Best assorted cat treats
  4. Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats : Best value for money
  5. Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats : Best flavored cat treats
  6. Fruitables Crunchy Treats For Cats : Best for cats with grain sensitivities
  7. Whole Life Pet Living Treats for Cats : Best for healthy skin
Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats - Catnip Treats for Cats with Digestive Support, Natural Ingredients Kitten Treats with Real Chicken, Healthy Flavored Feline Snacks - Catnip N Chill, 3-Pk
Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats - Cat Furball Support - Functional Supplement with Omega 3 Fish Oil EPA & DHA + Zinc, Biotin & Psyllium Husk - Supports Gut & Skin Health - 60 Count
Fruitables Crunchy Treats For Cats – Healthy Low Calorie Treats Packed with Protein – Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy – Made with Real Tuna with Pumpkin – 2.5 Ounces
Product name
Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats – Catnip Treats for Cats with Digestive Support, Natural Ingredients Kitten Treats with Real Chicken, Healthy Flavored Feline Snacks – Catnip N Chill, 3-Pk
Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats – Cat Furball Support – Functional Supplement with Omega 3 Fish Oil EPA & DHA + Zinc, Biotin & Psyllium Husk – Supports Gut & Skin Health – 60 Count
Fruitables Crunchy Treats For Cats – Healthy Low Calorie Treats Packed with Protein – Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy – Made with Real Tuna with Pumpkin – 2.5 Ounces
Price
$10.47
$12.99
$4.99
Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats - Catnip Treats for Cats with Digestive Support, Natural Ingredients Kitten Treats with Real Chicken, Healthy Flavored Feline Snacks - Catnip N Chill, 3-Pk
Product name
Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats – Catnip Treats for Cats with Digestive Support, Natural Ingredients Kitten Treats with Real Chicken, Healthy Flavored Feline Snacks – Catnip N Chill, 3-Pk
Price
$10.47
Buy Now
Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats - Cat Furball Support - Functional Supplement with Omega 3 Fish Oil EPA & DHA + Zinc, Biotin & Psyllium Husk - Supports Gut & Skin Health - 60 Count
Product name
Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats – Cat Furball Support – Functional Supplement with Omega 3 Fish Oil EPA & DHA + Zinc, Biotin & Psyllium Husk – Supports Gut & Skin Health – 60 Count
Price
$12.99
Buy Now
Fruitables Crunchy Treats For Cats – Healthy Low Calorie Treats Packed with Protein – Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy – Made with Real Tuna with Pumpkin – 2.5 Ounces
Product name
Fruitables Crunchy Treats For Cats – Healthy Low Calorie Treats Packed with Protein – Free of Wheat, Corn and Soy – Made with Real Tuna with Pumpkin – 2.5 Ounces
Price
$4.99
Buy Now

A Deep Dive Into Our Picks

Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats : Best Overall

Brand: Zesty Paws

Flavor: Bacon

Age range: All ages

Form: Soft chew

About the Product

Zesty Paws Hairball Bites is a premium soft chew designed to aid in preventing hairballs and promoting digestive well-being in cats. It is a perfect solution for hairball woes.

Enriched with AlaskOmega fish oil, these chews provide essential Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to support your feline friend’s skin health. With the inclusion of Zinc, DHA/EPA, and Biotin, these supplements help maintain your cat’s skin moisture, contributing to overall skin health.

Your cat will adore these bacon-flavored, bite-sized chewables, making hairball and gut health support a delight for your furry companion.

Pros

  • Aids in improving coat and skin health
  • It reduces hairball formation
  • It is easy to administer

Cons

  • It may cause digestive upset if overfed

Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats For Cats : Best for Hairballs

Brand: Get Naked

Flavor: Chicken

Form: Grain

About the Product

Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats For Cats has Ganedenbc30 probiotics for digestive well-being. It is completely grain-free and naturally infused with taurine. Also, it is a low-calorie delight with less than three calories per treat.

This treat is free from wheat, corn, and soy allergens. It is well-crafted with genuine chicken for an irresistible flavor. Also, these treats are low in calories. These additions provide optimal support for your cat’s digestive health and overall wellness.

Pros

  • Helps with hairball relief
  • It is wheat-free, corn-free, and soy-free
  • Promotes healthier coat and skin

Cons

  • Overfeeding may cause gastrointestinal discomfort

Purina Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack : Best Assorted Cat Treats

Amazon’s Choice in Cat Snacks by Purina Fancy Feast

Brand: Purina Fancy Feast

Flavor: Variety pack (chicken, tuna, salmon)

Form: Flakes

About the Product

Purina Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack has five pouches of 10 treats each. It is an assortment of purely fancy feast natural treats. This product contains simple ingredients with absolutely no by-products or fillers included.

Made using high-quality, natural ingredients, these treats are well-crafted to give your cat a wholesome and delicious snacking experience. They offer essential nutrients that contribute to your cat’s overall health. Each bite is a step toward a balanced diet for your feline friend, from protein to vitamins and minerals.

Incorporating the Purina Fancy Feast Natural Cat Treats Variety Pack into your feline friend’s diet can elevate their snacking experience while offering essential nutrition. These treats are a testament to Purina’s commitment to crafting high-quality, flavorful options for cats.

Pros

  • It’s easy for cats to digest due to few ingredients
  • It is delicious and appealing for cats
  • It contains high-quality ingredients

Cons

  • Not all cats love the flavors in the pack

Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats : Best Value for Money

Amazon’s Choice in Cat Snacks by Shameless Pets

Brand: Shameless Pets

Flavor:

  • Catnip
  • Chicken
  • Salmon
  • Lobster & cheese

Age range: Adult

About the Product

These star-shaped, crunchy, bite-sized treats include chicken, sweet potatoes, and catnip. They also contain both prebiotics and probiotics to support your cat’s digestion. Each package includes three 2.5 ounces (70.9 grams) bags.

They are low-calorie, with only 1.5 calories per treat. They are also free from corn and soy but are brimming with wholesome, locally sourced components.

Every Shameless Pets treat is meticulously designed to provide a specific health benefit, ensuring that your pets receive the necessary nutrition even during treat time. This treat contains B. coagulans that aid digestion.

All of Shameless Pets’ innovative and delightful pet treats are produced in the USA by expert nutritionists who employ the finest locally sourced ingredients and eco-friendly methods. Plus, each flavor offers specific health benefits because, in the end, a healthy pet is a happy pet.

Pros

  • It has an irresistible flavor and aroma for cats
  • It is ideal for use as a special reward or for cat training

Cons

  • Some cats may not enjoy the flavor

Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Cat Treats : Best Flavored Cat Treats

Brand: Vital Essentials

Flavor:

  • Chicken
  • Duck
  • Rabbit
  • Salmon
  • Minnows
  • Ahi tuna
  • Chicken giblets
  • Chicken heart
  • Duck liver

Age range: Adult

Form: Freeze-dried raw

About the Product

Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Cat Treats have more protein than the industry standard, giving your cat the ultimate vitality boost. These natural freeze-dried cat treats come from responsibly sourced, high-quality butcher-cut meat.

These top-notch cat treats unleash raw muscle and organs’ inherent vitamins and minerals. This high-protein diet contributes to energetic playtimes, healthy skin, lustrous coats, strong teeth, and essential gut health for your feline companion.

The product contains no additives, fillers, dyes, artificial preservatives, flavorings, grains, or rendered by-products. Additionally, Vital Essentials offers the broadest selection of single-protein raw cat food and treats, making them ideal for picky eaters.

Vital Essentials freezes the protein within 45 minutes of harvesting to lock in high nutrients, freshness, and flavor. The slow freeze-drying process ensures minimal processing while retaining the vital nutrients that our pets deserve, just as nature intended.

Pros

  • It contains high protein that supports lean muscles
  • It is grain-free, gluten-free, and has limited ingredients
  • It is easy to store and serve
  • It is suitable for cats with food sensitivities

Cons

  • Its texture may cause messy feeding
  • Not all cats enjoy freeze-dried treats

Fruitables Crunchy Treats For Cats : Best for Cats With Grain Sensitivities

Brand: Fruitables

Flavor:

  • Tuna & pumpkin
  • Chicken & Blueberry
  • Salmon & Cranberry

Age range: Adult

About the Product

Fruitables Crunchy Treats for Cats are popular among cat owners due to their high-quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, variety of flavors, low-calorie content, satisfying crunch, and absence of artificial additives.

Crafted from real meat and delightful superfoods, Fruitables cat treats offer enticing protein tastes that cats adore. 

Made with authentic ingredients, the treats are free from animal by-products, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, and flavors. Fruitables use simple, wholesome ingredients you can trust when feeding your feline friend.

These healthy cat treats provide that delightful texture, enticing your cat to enjoy the satisfying crunch with each bite. Also, they offer essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting a healthy digestive system and overall well-being for your feline friend.

Pros

  • It contains healthy and nutritious ingredients
  • It’s great for cats with grain sensitivities
  • It has a crunchy texture that promotes oral health

Cons

  • Its small size may not suit larger cats

Whole Life Pet Living Treats for Cats : Best for Healthy Skin

Brand: Whole Life Pet

Flavor: 

  • Healthy gut with chicken and yogurt
  • Healthy skin with salmon and yogurt

Age range: Adult

Form: Freeze-dried

About the Product

Whole Life Pet Living Treats for Cats contains a blend of seven straightforward components: chicken, potato, pumpkin, yogurt, flaxseed, blueberries, and cranberries. It does not contain preservatives, chemicals, salts, or artificial flavors. These simple ingredient cat treats are freeze-dried to maintain their naturally high protein content.

The proprietary blend combines real USDA chicken or salmon with natural Greek yogurt, which contains live active cultures of Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. bulgaricus, and S. thermophilus. This blend supports healthy digestion in your cat.

As a pet parent, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is what to feed your beloved companion. Before reaching you, every batch undergoes rigorous in-house quality testing and third-party safety assessments. The treats meet 100% human-grade standards and adhere to FDA regulations for human food manufacturing (21CFR110).

Pros

  • It has high nutritional value
  • It contains high-quality real meat ingredients
  • It supports a healthy digestive system

Cons

  • It is expensive compared to other cat treats
  • It has a unique texture, but not all cats like it

Your Buyer’s Guide to Sensitive Stomach Cat Treats

Consider your cat’s health and well-being when selecting sensitive stomach cat treats, and bear the following things in mind:

Ingredient Quality

Be on the lookout for snacks created with premium ingredients. A source of animal-based protein, such as chicken, fish, or turkey, should ideally be one of the first few components included. 

Avoid giving your cat treats with fillers, by-products, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives because these might upset their stomachs, especially if the cat has a sensitive stomach.

Limited Ingredients

Think about foods that have few ingredients. This lessens the possibility of allergies or other irritants that could upset your cat’s tummy. 

Grains like wheat, corn, and soy might be difficult for cats with sensitive stomachs to digest. Allergic reactions or stomach disturbances may result from these substances. It would be best to choose a meal made using ingredients that are easy to digest.

Digestibility

Choose treats designed to be easily digestible. Be looking for foods described as “easy to digest” or “gentle on the stomach.” Ingredients less prone to disturb or irritate the digestive system make these treats.

Low in Grain or Grain-Free

Grain digestion is frequently challenging for cats with sensitive stomachs. Think about snacks that are grain-free or include little grain. The alternative carbohydrate sources in grain-free treats, such as sweet potatoes or peas, can be kinder to your cat’s digestive system.

Hypoallergenic

Consider hypoallergenic snacks if your cat has known dietary allergies or sensitivities. The protein used in these snacks is from unusual sources (such as deer or duck) or hydrolyzed proteins, which are less prone to cause allergic reactions.

Vet-Recommended

It’s advisable to talk to your vet if your cat has a sensitive stomach or ongoing digestive problems. They can offer specialized recommendations for healthy cat treats based on your cat’s requirements, dietary restrictions, and underlying medical concerns.

Additives

Artificial colors, tastes, and preservatives might negatively affect a cat’s digestive tract. These ingredients could trigger digestive issues or hypersensitivity. Select sweets without artificial additives.

Fillers

Steer clear of foods with many fillers, like wheat gluten, soy meal, or by-products of the livestock industry. These fillers have minimal nutritional value and might make digestion problems worse.

High-Fat Content

Cats with delicate stomachs may have trouble digesting fatty treats. Diarrhea or pancreatitis might result from excessive fat intake. Pick treats with a modest amount of fat, ideally between 20% and 24%.

Allergenic Proteins

Certain proteins, including beef, chicken, and fish, can cause cat allergies. Avoid giving your cat treats that include these proteins if they have known food allergies or sensitivities.

Excessive Fiber

Fiber is necessary for digestive health, but too much might upset the stomach in cats with sensitive stomachs. Choose treats with a modest amount of fiber, 1.4% to 3.5%. and avoid those with excessive fiber.

FAQs on Cats With Sensitive Stomachs

Can Cats With Sensitive Stomachs Be Fed Regular Snacks?

Cats with sensitive stomachs may not tolerate regular snacks. These snacks can potentially trigger digestive issues or upset their stomachs. It’s essential to be cautious and selective when offering treats to a cat with a sensitive stomach.

Instead of standard snacks, consider specialized cat treats designed for sensitive stomachs. These treats are gentle on the digestive system and less likely to cause discomfort or adverse reactions.

Always consult your veterinarian for suitable treats and snacks that won’t aggravate your cat’s stomach sensitivity. Prioritizing your cat’s health and well-being is crucial when choosing their diet, including treats.

How Do I Introduce New Snacks to My Sensitive-Stomach Cat?

A sensitive stomach in cats is an inability to digest certain foods or ingredients. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, or a general upset stomach. Understanding these signs is essential to ensure your cat’s comfort and health.

It’s crucial to gradually introduce new treats to a cat with a sensitive stomach. Start by giving your cat a little amount of the novel treat, and then watch how they respond over the following 24 to 48 hours.

Keep an eye out for any indications of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in appetite. You can keep including the reward in your cat’s diet if they tolerate it well.

If any adverse reactions arise, stop using the treat and seek further advice from your veterinarian. You can determine your cat’s tolerance level and make sure the new treat is compatible with their delicate stomach by going slowly and being cautious.

How Many Treats Can My Sensitive Stomach Cat Eat?

No more than 10% of a cat’s daily calorie requirements should come from treats. To find out how many treats your cat can have, talk to your veterinarian about how many calories they should ingest daily. 

With a daily caloric intake of 200 to 220 calories, a 10-pound (4.54 kilograms) cat can get up to 180 to 198 calories from food and 20 to 22 calories from treats.

Owner gives his cat a treat

Why Trust Us

When seeking information about your pets’ health, trust is paramount. I Love Veterinary is committed to earning and maintaining that trust by providing accurate, up-to-date, and reader-centric content. Your pets deserve the best, and we’re here to ensure you have the knowledge and insights to offer just that.

From general pet care tips to in-depth articles on different products, specific conditions, and treatments, our content is comprehensive and covers various topics. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or an experienced enthusiast, you’ll find valuable information to guide you in providing the best care for your furry friends.

Final Verdict

High-quality ingredients, a few available ingredient options, and ease of digestion should always come first when selecting the best cat treats for sensitive stomachs. For cats with sensitive stomachs, try our best pick, Zesty Paws Hairball Bites for Cats , which potentially reduces the occurrence of hairballs.

You can also choose to give your cat pleasant and mild treats that encourage digestive health and general well-being by considering their requirements and preferences and visiting a veterinarian. You can spoil your kitty friend while satisfying their delicate stomach if you choose the correct snacks.

SaleBestseller No. 5
Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats For...
Get Naked 1 Pouch Furball Relief Soft Treats For…
Added Ganaden Bc30 Probiotics Support Healthy Digestion; Grain Free, Natural With Added Taurine
$4.97 Amazon Prime

Sharing is caring!

Photo of author

AUTHOR

Project dedicated to support and help to improve Veterinary Medicine. Sharing information and raising discussions in the veterinary community.