Best Cat Food for IBD: 11 Gentle, Nutritious Picks for Digestive Relief

Is your cat struggling with vomiting or chronic diarrhea? Have you noticed lethargy or sudden changes in your cat’s appetite? Your cat may be suffering from Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Depending on the type, proper medication and nutritional therapy can help cats live comfortably and happily despite having the condition. In this article, we have reviewed the best cat food for IBD in the market today.

What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)?

Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract caused by an over-reactive immune system in response to food or bacterial components. It can affect the cat’s stomach, small intestine, and/ or colon. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) on the other hand, is the severe and sudden inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Cats of any age can be affected by IBD, but the condition is more common in cats aged between 5-12 years of age.

The type of IBD depends on the type of inflammatory cells present in the gastrointestinal tract or the location that is affected.

What to Look For in Cat Food for IBD

The specific adjustments to be made on your cat’s food will depend on the type of IBD, as well as the region of the gastrointestinal tract affected. Your vet may prescribe commercially available food, prescription food, or even a recipe that has the right balance of nutrients that your cat needs. 

Novel Protein

Changing your cat’s diet to one that has a protein source she has never had is one of the most important parts of managing IBD linked to food sensitivities. Select a food that is single-source protein. 

A novel protein diet and limited-ingredient diets are advisable for cats with IBD. Recipes or meals with more food ingredients increase the risk of exposing the cat to food allergens.

Food with hydrolyzed protein can also help. Hydrolyzed proteins are commonly used in vet prescription cat foods. The proteins in such foods are broken down so small that they are absorbed easily by the cat’s body without triggering allergic reactions.

High In Fiber

A higher dietary intake can be beneficial to cats with IBD. Look for cat foods with psyllium, pumpkin, or other healthy fiber sources that are not cheap fillers such as corn, wheat, or soy. Don’t hesitate to ask your vet what he or she recommends as carb or fiber sources for your kitty. This will help you narrow down your search for the right food.

Low In Fat

Depending on the type of IBD, your vet may prescribe a low-fat diet for your cat. Ask your vet about the fat percentage range that would be ideal for your cat.

Hydration

Access to fresh, clean drinking water must be provided to all cats. Having a water fountain can help entice your cat to drink more. 

Increase your cat’s water consumption by feeding wet cat foods or giving freshly cooked food. In addition to canned cat foods, you can also give your cat broths to lap up, or you can pour it over their meals.

Best Cat Food for IBD

1. Hill's Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities

First 5 ingredients: Brewers Rice, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Rice Protein Concentrate, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Oil

There are several different types of prescription cat food that your vet may recommend depending on the type, affected region, and severity of your cat’s IBD.

One of the most commonly recommended by vets for cats with IBD is the low allergen cat food from the famous brand Hill's.

It is specially formulated for cats suffering from gastrointestinal issues, ear infections, skin and/ or coat conditions caused by food allergies. A vet’s authorization is required to purchase this dry food.

This Hill’s Prescription Diet has hydrolyzed chicken liver instead of chicken meal as its main protein source.

Because the amino acids in this vet diet have been broken down into very small parts, the body can absorb them easily without triggering an allergic reaction.

Despite having brewers rice as the first ingredient, this prescription cat food is quite high in protein at 29%. It is also low in fat at 10.5% Having rice as the main carb and fiber source makes this food highly digestible, which is important for cats who have inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

This formula has clinically proven antioxidants that help boost your cat’s immune system. They also promote a healthy skin barrier, which a cat suffering from skin allergies needs to give her relief from itchy, inflamed skin.

Hill's Prescription Diet z/d has received great feedback from owners of cats with various food allergies. According to owners of cats with IBD, this food has helped their cats become healthier.

They are no longer vomiting, have healthier skin, shiny coats, and brighter eyes. Some who initially lost weight from the disease have also managed to gain some weight back.

There are several who stated that they tried z/d after trying prescription cat foods from other brands. According to them, this particular formula has delivered much better results than previous ones they’ve tried. For this reason, z/d is our top pick for the best food for cats with IBD in the prescription category.

2. Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Naturals 

First 5 ingredients: Meat By-Products, Ocean Whitefish, Water, Chicken, Long Grain Rice

Formulated specifically for gastrointestinal issues in cats, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Naturals wet cat food is one of the canned cat foods that vets often prescribe to cats with IBD. This formula is crafted by vets and nutritionists to provide a natural, highly-digestible meal to promote optimal nutrient absorption. A vet’s prescription is required to buy this product.

Compared to Hill’s z/d, this recipe is not a limited-ingredient diet. It has meat by-products, ocean whitefish, and chicken as its sources of protein. None of these protein sources are hydrolyzed. However, they make this highly digestible minced wet food very palatable, which is important to help stimulate cats’ appetites.

Long grain rice is high in fiber and easy to digest even for cats with tummy issues. Oat hulls and sweet potato add even more fiber to this recipe, which helps aid digestion by helping food move through the cat’s GI tract or digestive tract. Fiber also improves cats’ stool quality.

The majority of the pet parents who purchased this prescription cat food for IBD are relieved that their kitties are eating again.

The high palatability of this formula has helped cats who suffered from weight loss gain some of their weight back. Others purchased this formula as their cats have stopped eating their prescription cat foods from different brands.

Aside from improving their stool quality, some pet parents have remarked that they observed an improvement in the skin condition and coats of their cats.

Overall, this dry food is a great way to add hydration to your cat’s food or diet – something crucial, especially for cats suffering from gastroenteritis. 

Also Read: Purina Pro Plan Cat Food Review

3. Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Diet 

First 5 ingredients: Ground Rice, Anchovy Meal, Hydrolyzed Fish Protein, Fish Oil, Chicken Fat

This is a kibble developed specifically to address chronic gastrointestinal issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, belching, ulcers, nocturnal vomiting on an empty stomach, gastric swelling, flatulence, intestinal noises, hairballs, and gastritis. Prescription is not required to purchase this cat food.

Made for sensitive stomach, this limited-ingredient diet has only anchovy meal and hydrolyzed fish protein as its protein sources. This minimizes the risk of triggering further inflammation in cats with food allergies. It offers a high-protein diet at 29% protein. 

To help inflamed gastrointestinal tracts digest food easily, this formula has ground rice as its main carb and fiber source.

Rice is gentle even on very sensitive stomachs. This is why it is commonly used in prescription diets or those made to help improve a cat’s digestive system problems.

Fish oil and chicken fat provide omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that are vital in reducing inflammation in the gut as well as in cats’ skin.

Natural extracts of dried rose hips, psyllium seed husk, and oregano are added for their high nutritional value and fiber content. Psyllium is highly recommended by vets for cats with IBD.

This excellent cat food for IBD has received numerous rave reviews from owners of cats with various gastrointestinal conditions. It has improved the stool quality of the cats and resolved the vomiting as well. 

The brand promises to deliver results in just 7 days, and it seems to have delivered on its promise on many occasions.

This earns Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support the top spot among the best food for cats with IBD in the non-prescription dry category.

4. Meow Lamb​ & Hoki 

First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Hoki With Ground Bone, Lamb Green Tripe, Lamb Heart, Lamb Livertoes, Sunflower Oil

This is a nutrient-dense recipe designed to provide cats with a wholesome, biologically appropriate diet. Suitable for cats of all life stages, it features a high-protein formula that contains over 90% meat, organs, and bones for optimal nutrition and energy.

This recipe uses grass-fed lamb as the primary protein source, combined with sustainably caught hoki to deliver a balanced blend of red and white meats. These premium ingredients are rich in essential amino acids that help support lean muscle development and maintain overall vitality in cats.

Manuka honey, organic virgin coconut oil and kelp are added to enhance immunity, digestion, and skin health. Green-lipped mussels and hoki oil provide natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and promote healthy joints, skin, and coat.

As a freeze-dried formula, this cat food retains its natural enzymes, nutrients, and flavor—unlike cooked or heavily processed diets. The gentle drying process preserves the integrity of the ingredients, ensuring your cat receives maximum nutritional benefits in every bite.

Made in small batches in New Zealand, this grain-free recipe is crafted without artificial preservatives, fillers, or unnecessary carbohydrates. It’s an excellent choice for pet parents seeking a minimally processed, high-quality diet that mirrors what cats would eat in nature.

Cats who have lost a lot of fur due to allergies have started getting their fur back. Their coats are also much healthier.

5. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Formula (Indoor Mature )

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Tapioca Starch

Next, we have a dry cat food specially formulated for senior indoor cats who have food sensitivities.

This grain-free, limited-ingredient recipe. The lower fat content of this food makes it ideal even for younger cats who require a low-fat, high-protein diet.

Turkey is the only animal protein source in this recipe. It has both deboned fresh turkey and turkey meal – both high-quality ingredients. Turkey is a great alternative for cats who like chicken but are allergic to it.

Peas, potatoes, and tapioca starch are the main carb/ fiber sources in this recipe. Crafted specifically for cats with sensitive stomach and skin, this recipe is made even more digestible by the inclusion of pumpkin.

Pumpkin is high in soluble and insoluble fiber that helps food move through the digestive tract. Probiotics are also included to promote a healthy gut flora and improve nutrient absorption.

Like all Blue Buffalo recipes, this dry food for mature cats has the brand’s unique LifeSource Bits. These bits contain a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists, to support cats’ immune system health.

This Blue Buffalo Basics grain-free cat food has been working quite well for numerous cats who were suffering from chronic vomiting. Many of them are cats with IBD. 

The limited-ingredient turkey recipe is also a hit with chicken lovers who have chicken allergies. They seem to like the savory flavor of turkey. Increased energy levels have also been noticed among cats who enjoyed this crunchy turkey dinner.

6. Weruva Mideast Feast Grilled Tilapia in Gravy

First 5 ingredients: Tuna, Water Sufficient For Processing, Tilapia, Potato Starch, Sunflower Seed Oil

This is a flavorful, protein-packed meal that delivers complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.

It features real tuna and tilapia as the main ingredients, offering high-quality animal protein that supports lean muscle development and overall vitality. Both fish are rich in omega fatty acids that help promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, while providing natural anti-inflammatory benefits.

The savory gravy adds moisture to your cat’s diet, making it an excellent option for cats that don’t drink enough water. Hydration is key to maintaining urinary tract health and supporting proper digestion, and Weruva’s broth-style meals are known for encouraging cats to eat and drink more enthusiastically.

To ensure a gentle and wholesome diet, this recipe is completely grain-free and made without gluten, carrageenan, wheat, corn, soy, or any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It also contains no animal by-products, making it ideal for cats with food sensitivities or allergies.

Weruva’s meals are safely produced in facilities that meet the strict BRCGS Global Standards for food safety and quality. The company is family-owned and operated, which means every recipe is crafted with care, transparency, and a focus on using only the finest ingredients.

Based on feedback from pet parents, cats love the tender fish flakes and savory gravy of Weruva Mideast Feast. Many report improved coat condition, better digestion, and renewed appetite in even the pickiest eaters.

With its responsibly sourced ingredients and balanced nutrition, this recipe stands out as a healthy and delicious option for cats who deserve the best.

7. Hound & Gatos 98% Turkey & Liver Formula

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Turkey Liver, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride

Hound & Gatos 98% Turkey & Liver formula is a pate that is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition for cats of all life stages. This limited-ingredient canned food is soft and easy to chew even for senior kitties.

With real turkey and turkey liver as the only animal protein source, this rich wet cat food is easy to digest and ideal for cats who are allergic to chicken. It is free from plant-based proteins such as pea proteins, legumes, chickpeas, or potatoes.

This low-carb best wet cat food is heavy on protein. It does not have any fillers or even any other vegetables or grains. This simple recipe is one of the best wet cat foods for kitties who need a low-glycemic diet.

Buyers find great value in this canned food as it is almost purely just turkey and liver. Cats seem to enjoy the meaty goodness of this recipe. As it has very few ingredients, cats with allergies or food sensitivities are thriving on this canned cat food.

It has received good feedback from owners of many cats with IBD. According to them, this wet cat food does not make their cats vomit. 

8. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Venison Recipe 

First 5 ingredients: Venison, Venison Tripe, Venison Heart, Venison Lung, Venison Liver

This is another meat-rich recipe that makes use of a novel protein source – highly recommended for cats allergic to chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. This air-dried/ dehydrated cat food can be served as a meal on its own, or as meal-toppers and treats.

The only source of animal protein in this cat food is venison – a novel protein that is lean and packed with nutrients. With venison tripe as the second most plentiful ingredient, this recipe offers a lot of benefits for cats’ digestive health.

A superfood for cats, tripe is a superfood for cats that they also find quite tasty. It promotes good gut health, healthy skin, and boosts the immune system and cats’ overall health.

Gently air-dried for maximum nutrient retention, this venison recipe has a protein load of 45%. Contributing to this high protein content are venison heart, lung, and liver. These nutrient-dense venison organs make every air-dried piece of this recipe burst with red meat flavors. 

The air-drying process combines the nutrition of a cat’s natural diet with the convenience of kibble.

Comments from buyers show that a lot of them bought this Ziwi Peak Venison recipe for their kitties who have allergies and digestive issues.

Majority of them are quite happy with the results that this food was able to deliver. Their cats have much healthier skin and coats, their digestion has improved, and they seem satisfied until their next meal.

Most of the lower ratings were from owners of cats who were not venison fans, or simply did not like the texture of the air-dried pieces.

Also Read: Ziwi Peak Cat Food Review

9. Instinct Raw Boost Recipe with Real Salmon

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, White Fish Meal, Peas, Herring Meal

This recipe is a combination of crunchy kibbles and meaty freeze-dried raw pieces. This is the best dry cat food to try if you want to transition your cat from raw food diets to dry food.

While it is labeled as a salmon recipe, this Instinct Raw Boost recipe is actually a multi-protein food, meaning it has multiple sources of animal proteins.

Aside from real salmon, it also has menhaden fish meal, white fish meal, and herring meal. It seems that the freeze-dried raw food bits are made of freeze-dried raw beef and beef organs such as beef heart, liver, kidney, and spleen. This surf and turf cat food is packed with protein at 42%.

This grain-free recipe has peas and tapioca as the main sources of fiber. It also has superfoods such as carrots, apples, and cranberries. Not only are they high in fiber for healthy digestion, but they are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties beneficial to cats with IBD.

Feedback has been great for this kibble + freeze-dried raw recipe. Despite having more than one source of animal proteins, a lot of sensitive cats seem to be doing well on this fish and beef recipe. 

A lot of the buyers are pleased with the high protein content of this recipe. The high amount of meat proteins also makes this cat food highly palatable, which is great for cats who have decreased appetites due to IBD.

Also Read: Instinct Cat Food Review

10. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cow

Smalls Human-grade fresh cow is a fresh-cooked cat food that is the closest your cat can get to a homecooked meal without all the fuss on your part.

Specializing in high-quality human-grade food just for felines, Smalls offers a fresh-cooked cat food subscription that will keep your cat healthier and happier.

Carefully prepared in the company’s kitchen in Chicago, Illinois, the food is made of fresh, human-grade ingredients sourced from the US and Canada.

The food is then gently cooked to retain most of its nutritional value and natural flavor. This is one of the best cat foods you can give to your pet.

This high-protein recipe is made with fresh lean ground beef, beef liver, and beef hearts for a truly flavorful dinner that your cat will love. This low-carb recipe has only green beans, spinach, and peas as its fiber and carb sources. 

Nutritionally complete and balanced, this human-grade meal for kitties is available in two different textures: ground and smooth. Ground has more of a minced texture, while smooth is in pate form. 

The brand also makes recipes in chicken and turkey. However, their turkey recipe does include chicken liver. These poultry recipes are available in ground, smooth, and pulled (shredded) textures.

Reviews are very positive from this brand of fresh cat food. The pet owners are very pleased with the significant health improvements their cats have shown since being switched to this recipe.

According to them, the chonkier kitties have lost weight and seem to be satisfied until their next meal. The absence of fillers is helping the cats feel fuller for longer.

Many not only noticed much healthier skin and glossy coats on the cats, but they also noticed fresher breath.

The litter boxes also seem to be smelling much fresher than before due to the improvement in their digestion.

Types of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Lymphocytic Plasmacytic Enteritis

The most common type of feline inflammatory bowel disease, lymphocytic plasmacytic enteritis means that lymphocytes and plasma cells are the primary types of inflammatory cells present in the small intestine mucosa. 

While the cause is not known, this type of IBD is associated with an abnormal immune response to environmental stimuli that when continued, creates chronic inflammation resulting in the disease.

Eosinophilic

This type of IBD involves eosinophils, which is another type of inflammatory white blood cell. According to Cornell University’s Feline Health Center, they may be the predominant cell type on occasion, but they are more commonly part of a mixed population of inflammatory cells.

Neutrophilic

This type of IBD involves neutrophils. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that kills and digest fungi and bacteria to help heal wounds and protect the cat’s body from infection. Neutrophilic IBD is not very common in cats.

Granulomatous

According to the Veterinary Information Network, this rare type of IBD in cats is characterized by the presence of not periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive macrophages and other inflammatory cells within the lamina propria. 

It usually presents as a segmental, thickened, partially obstructed segment of the bowel. The ileum and colon appear to be the most commonly affected areas.

Forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Based on GI Region

Enteritis

• The inflammation occurs in the small intestine
• Common symptoms: chronic vomiting, diarrhea

Gastritis

• The inflammation occurs in the stomach
• Common symptoms: chronic vomiting

Colitis

• The inflammation occurs in the colon or the large intestine
• Common symptoms: chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool

Enterocolitis

• Inflammation of both the large and small intestines
• Common symptoms: chronic diarrhea, blood in the stool

Gastroenteritis

• Inflammation of the stomach and the intestinal tract
• Common symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy

What Causes IBD in Cats?

While a definitive cause has not been well established, there are several possible causes of IBD in felines:

• Bacterial infection such as Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, or E. coli
• Parasites such as Giardia or Tritrichomonas foetus
• Food hypersensitivity, allergy, or intolerance to a specific protein found in the diet

IBD Symptoms 

There are several signs of IBD you can look out for. Depending on the area affected, the IBD symptoms may vary. If your cat suffers from any of these, take her to the vet:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Lethargy
• Not wanting to be touched or handled around the abdomen
• Changes in appetite: poor appetite or significant increase in appetite
• Vomiting hairballs more than once or twice a month
• Weight loss

How is IBD Diagnosed?

If you suspect that your cat has IBD, take her to the vet. They can perform a number of tests to properly diagnose your cat’s condition and determine the type and course of action to take. This also helps rule out other causes of gastrointestinal disease.

Your vet may perform diagnostic tests such as fecal examination, urinalysis, blood work, serum biochemistries, serum thyroxine level, dietary trials, Xrays, and/or ultrasound. Tests for the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) may also be requested.

Microscopic examination of small pieces of the intestinal lining (mucosal biopsy) is the most definitive way to diagnose the specific type of IBD. Depending on the location of the IBD, tissue samples can be obtained during abdominal surgery or endoscopic examination. Such procedures require general anesthesia. 

How Is IBD Treated?

Deworming

Your vet will likely prescribe broad-spectrum deworming to get rid of intestinal parasites. 

Medical Therapy

Depending on the type of IBD your cat has, your vet may prescribe corticosteroids for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, which have relatively few side effects in cats. These are usually taken orally. However, in cases of severe vomiting, your vet may give an injectable corticosteroid. 

Antibiotics such as metronidazole or tylosin are also given to some cats with IBD. Metronidazole contains antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and antiprotozoal properties. Side effects to this antibiotic are quite uncommon at low dosages, but loss of appetite and vomiting may occur. 

Excessive salivation is one of the common reactions of cats after receiving the drug. This is probably a response to the unpleasant taste of the medication. 

Sulfasalazine is another medication used in treating IBD. It is commonly used if large bowel inflammation (colitis) is the predominate problem.

In more severe cases or in cases when other medical treatments have not worked, more potent immunosuppressive drugs, such as chlorambucil or azathioprine may be prescribed by the vet. The vet will need to closely monitor the patient as these types of drugs can suppress the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and, less commonly, platelets, in the bone marrow.

Dietary Management

Dietary changes are an important part of improving the health of cats living with IBD. A change in diet can provide symptomatic relief, as food allergies play a part in the cause of gastrointestinal inflammation in some cats.

Your vet may recommend a hypoallergenic diet. A food trial using hypoallergenic diets typically includes protein or carb sources that are completely new to your cat. Common protein source choices are rabbit, venison, kangaroo, alligator, duck, etc. 

With the guidance of your vet, homemade food can also be given to your cat. Ideally, a novel protein source or one your cat has not eaten before is used, and no other meats. Increased dietary fiber can be beneficial to cats with IBD. The fiber sources must be highly digestible and the cat food recipe must also be low in fat.

Improvement may take several weeks or longer to be observed after a diet change. During a food trial period, all other food sources such as table food, other cat foods, treats, and flavored medications must be eliminated from your cat’s diet.

Prognosis

Many cats improve after dietary changes, medication, or a combination of both. Relapses can occur if the treatment regimen prescribed by the vet is not followed completely. However, there are cases that even with proper management, IBD symptoms may still come and go.

It is critical that cats with IBD are closely monitored by the cat owners and the vet so that relapses can be properly assessed, and the treatment can be adjusted accordingly.

Takeaway

While it is true that there is no cure for IBD, there are many ways to manage the disease, and lots of cats are able to live with it quite comfortably. We highly recommend working closely with your vet to enable your cat to manage IBD in the best way possible. 

Every case is different in the form or type of IBD, as well as the severity of the disease. For this reason, we have carefully selected various food options that may be suitable for cats living with the disease. 

Whether your vet recommends a novel protein-based food, or a low-fat food with limited ingredients for your cat’s IBD, all of the cat food we have selected have received positive reviews from owners of cats with IBD and other allergy and digestion-related health issues. 

We hope that our review helps you find the best food for your cat and that she enjoys her meals for more years to come.