Cat Raw Diet Cure Diarrhea
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This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your veterinarian can provide personalized suggestions relevant to your cat's unique situation.
The best cat food for diarrhea gives your cat's GI tract a break, relieves inflammation, and allows the body to heal. If your cat's experiencing acute diarrhea, that might mean a few days on a bland diet.
In cases of chronic diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or long-lasting issues, longer-term dietary changes can help. For cats with chronic diarrhea, the best food is free of irritants and allergens, gentle on the GI tract, and ready to encourage healthy digestion.
That's why we've chosen Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels as the overall best cat food for diarrhea.
These raw morsels are packed with easily-digestible meat and organs, contain sources of fiber for digestive health, and are fortified with probiotics to support healthy bacteria in the gut. Because rabbit is the food's only protein source, it's a limited-ingredient food and not likely to irritate the GI tract of cats with food sensitivities.
Keep reading to learn more about our top recommendation and the rest of our top eight picks for the best cat food for diarrhea.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Food for Diarrhea
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we've highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You'll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
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Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Cat Food
- Primarily made from readily-digestible protein from minimally-processed fish
- Shipped to your home according to a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule
- Tilapia and salmon are good sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
Top 9 Best Cat Foods for Diarrhea
#1 Overall Best: Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels Cat Food Review
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Our number one recommendation is this freeze-dried raw cat food from Stella & Chewy's. The food is a limited-ingredient, single-protein product with a reputation for helping cats heal and thrive.
Several reviewers say that this food helped to clear up their cats' chronic diarrhea.
The food is primarily made from rabbit muscle meat, liver, and bone.
Rabbit is easy to digest, seldom associated with allergic reactions, and a novel protein for most cats. This makes it an excellent choice for cats with suspected allergies and a gut-friendly option for cats with digestive issues of any kind.
In addition to containing nourishing muscle meat, organs, and bone, the food contains pumpkin seed as a source of fiber. The recipe also includes probiotics, meaning that it can help support the gut microbiome (population of microorganisms) and promote firmer, healthier stools.
Overall, this food has everything we'd look for in the best cat food for diarrhea. If your cat is willing to try a raw diet, this one is worth a shot.
Ingredients:
Chicken (Ground With Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Fenugreek Seed, Dried Pediococcus Acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Longum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Taurine, Tocopherols (Preservative), Dandelion, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 45%
Crude Fat: 25%
Crude Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 47.37%
Fat: 26.32%
Fiber: 5.26%
Carbs: 21.05%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 35.8%
Fat: 48.3%
Carbs: 15.91%
What We Liked:
- Rabbit is a novel protein – ideal for cats with food allergies
- Made with probiotics to support healthy gut function
- Species-appropriate and digestible
What We Didn't Like:
- This food takes a few minutes to rehydrate, so it may not be convenient for every schedule
#2 Runner Up: Hound & Gatos Lamb & Lamb Liver Canned Cat Food Review
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If you suspect that your cat suffers from food allergies or intolerances, a single-protein, limited-ingredient diet may be in order. This ultra-simple recipe from Hound & Gatos could be a good choice. It gives your cat a break from potential irritants and could be a good option for an elimination diet.
The food is primarily made from lamb muscle meat and liver. Lamb protein offers a diversion from the chicken, beef, and fish commonly found in cat food, making it a promising choice for cats with known or suspected food intolerances.
As a 98% meat food, the product doesn't have a lot of room for preservatives, starches, and other potentially-irritating additives. The food contains agar-agar as a thickener and salmon oil as a source of fat. As a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon oil may help to alleviate inflammation associated with diarrhea and other digestive issues.
As one of the simplest foods on the market, Hound & Gatos is popular with cats with IBD and digestive problems.
One reviewer on Chewy says that "I have been pulling my hair out dealing with a food allergy / IBD for 6 months now, ever since I adopted one of my kittens. After multiple vet visits, countless medications, and poopy paw prints all around the house, I am SO happy to say this food (Hound & Gatos Lamb & Lamb Liver Formula) has cured his diarrhea within days of switching to this food."
Ingredients:
Lamb, Lamb Broth, Lamb Liver, Agar-Agar, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Magnesium Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 8%
Crude Fiber: 0.5%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 36.36%
Fiber: 2.27%
Carbs: 15.91%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 30.37%
Fat: 59%
Carbs: 10.63%
What We Liked:
- Made from lamb, which isn't a common cat food allergen
- Limited ingredient list
- Ultra-digestible
- Contains anti-inflammatory salmon oil
- Has a reputation for easing diarrhea and other digestive issues
What We Didn't Like:
- Expensive
- Some cats don't like the way this food tastes
#3 Upgrade Pick: Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Cat Food Review
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Ingredient quality is particularly significant when you're feeding a cat with diarrhea. High-quality ingredients are usually more digestible than their cheap counterparts, giving your cat more nutrition while putting less stress on their digestive system.
This human-grade food from Nom Nom is made from restaurant-quality ingredients and processed in a facility that meets U.S. requirements for human food production. And besides being handled and manufactured according to high standards, most of the food's ingredients are meat-derived and species-appropriate.
The food is made with chicken and chicken liver as its main ingredients. Compared to extruded kibble, which undergoes a lot of processing, this food from Nom Nom is minimally processed and retains much of its textural and nutritional integrity.
Of course, the food isn't perfect. In addition to containing nourishing fish and animal-sourced fat, the food contains several starchy plant ingredients. Nevertheless, it manages to remain relatively low in carbohydrates compared to other products. Carbohydrates constitute 5% of the recipe's calorie content.
But the benefits of Nom Nom go beyond the food itself. In addition to producing cat food, Nom Nom aims to provide personalized, attentive service for its customers. Every subscriber gains access to a team of nutrition experts. If your cat is dealing with recurrent diarrhea, this may be very helpful. The team is willing to review your cat's latest bloodwork and can talk with your veterinarian about whether or not Nom Nom is a good choice for your cat and his unique needs.
To give Chicken Cuisine a try, you'll have to order a sample or opt into Nom Nom's meal delivery service, which creates custom-portioned pouches of food and ships them to your door according to a personalized schedule.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Spinach, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Vinegar, Citric Acid, Taurine, Choline Bitartrate, Zinc Gluconate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Gluconate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Manganese Gluconate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Selenium Yeast, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Cholecalciferol (Source Of Vitamin D3), Potassium Iodide.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 18%
Crude Fat: 3%
Crude Fiber: 0.8%
Moisture: 73%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 66.67%
Fat: 11.11%
Fiber: 2.96%
Carbs: 19.26%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 59.04%
Fat: 23.9%
Carbs: 17.06%
What We Liked:
- Primarily made from readily-digestible protein from minimally-processed fish
- Shipped to your home according to a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule
- Tilapia and salmon are good sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
What We Didn't Like:
- Contains several plant ingredients
- One of the most expensive foods on the market
#4 Best Budget: Authority Chicken Entree Adult Pate Canned Cat Food Review
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If you're looking for an easily-digestible food that's also easy to pay for, consider this recipe from PetSmart's Authority brand.
At a price comparable to Friskies, this food gives you relatively high-quality ingredients like chicken and chicken liver without a lot of artificial colors, preservatives, and other additives that might cause inflammation. You also get the anti-inflammatory benefits of menhaden fish oil, which is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Because it contains chicken, ocean fish, and dried egg product, this food is far from a limited-ingredient product and isn't going to be a good option for cats with food allergies or intolerances.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Ocean Fish, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Brewers Dried Yeast, Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite).
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 6.5%
Crude Fiber: 0.8%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 2.5%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 29.55%
Fiber: 3.64%
Carbs: 10%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 35.73%
Fat: 56.41%
Carbs: 7.86%
What We Liked:
- One of the best budget-friendly cat foods on the market
- Free of animal and poultry by-products
- Primarily made from nourishing, species-appropriate ingredients
- Doesn't contain any common inflammatory additives
What We Didn't Like:
- Contains brewer's rice, a low-value by-product of rice milling
- Contains ocean fish, a vague term referring to a wide range of fish species
- Because it contains several protein sources, this food isn't a good choice for cats with allergies or food intolerances
#5 Best Dry: Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
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In general, wet food is the best option for cats with diarrhea. It helps to prevent dehydration and is usually easier for cats to digest. Plus, it can be much tastier than dry food.
But if your cat loves dry food and you can't get him to eat anything else, this food from Dr. Elsey's is one of the best options available. Unlike most dry foods, which are loaded with starchy binders and inflammatory additives, this food is primarily made from meat. Digestibility is paramount in the Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein brand, so the food contains easy-to-digest ingredients like chicken, dried egg product, and pork protein isolate as its primary inclusions.
The food also contains salmon oil as a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, helping to ease gut inflammation. Fructooligosaccharide serves as a source of prebiotic fiber, which helps beneficial gut bacteria to flourish.
Overall, this meat-rich food is one of the best dry options for cats with diarrhea. Because it contains multiple common food allergens, it's probably not a good choice for cats with food intolerances or allergies, but it's worth a try for cats who don't have those dietary issues.
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.
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:
- Features highly-digestible animal proteins
- Significantly lower carbohydrate content than the typical dry food
- Contains salmon oil as a source of anti-inflammatory fatty acids
What We Didn't Like:
- Dry food doesn't provide enough moisture
- Contains several protein sources—not a limited-ingredient diet
#6 Best Ethically Sourced: Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
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Digestibility is key in a cat food for diarrhea and this Open Farm turkey flavor wet food fits the bill. Made with humanely raised turkey as the primary ingredient, this formula is protein-rich and full of natural turkey flavor your cat will love.
In addition to being packed with animal-based protein, this formula is moisture-rich which helps support your cat's digestion. Pumpkin, carrots, and spinach provide natural sources for key nutrients as well as dietary fiber which helps add bulk to your cat's stool.
The list of ingredients for this formula is fairly limited with helps with digestion and nutrient absorption, though there are more plant-based ingredients than we'd like to see. Even so, the dry matter carbohydrate content is only slightly above our recommended maximum of 10%.
Overall, this is a protein-rich formula with moderate fat and carbohydrate content that contains the moisture your cat needs and plenty of fiber to help relieve diarrhea.
Ingredients:
Humanely Raised Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 8%
Crude Fat: 6%
Crude Fiber: 2%
Moisture: 82%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 44.44%
Fat: 33.33%
Fiber: 11.11%
Carbs: 11.11%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 32.56%
Fat: 59.3%
Carbs: 8.14%
What We Liked:
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- No fillers, animal by-products, or vaguely named ingredients
- Contains the moisture your cat needs for hydration
- Made from 100% human-grade, ethically sourced ingredients
What We Didn't Like:
- Fairly expensive compared to the average cat food
- Contains several plant-based ingredients
#7 Best Wet: ZiwiPeak Venison Canned Cat Cuisine Review
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This food has few ingredients, features a single novel protein source, and is easy to digest. The food is primarily composed of venison, with venison muscle meat, tripe, liver, lung, heart, kidney, and bone appearing on the ingredient list. All of these ingredients are excellent sources of highly-digestable nutrition.
In addition to venison, the food contains New Zealand green mussel, an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids help to fight GI inflammation and firm up your cat's stool. Unlike so many other wet foods, this paté doesn't contain potentially-inflammatory thickeners like carrageenan.
Instead, it relies on chickpeas as its primary thickener. While chickpeas may be a less inflammatory alternative to other additives, they're not nutritionally ideal for your carnivorous cat. Thanks to the generous use of chickpeas, this food is around 20% carbohydrates on a dry matter basis. That's significantly higher than we'd like it to be .
Ingredients:
Venison, Water Sufficient for Processing, Venison Tripe, Venison Liver, Chickpeas, Venison Lung, Venison Heart, Venison Kidney, New Zealand Green Mussel, Venison Bone, DL-Methionine, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex), Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 10%
Crude Fat: 4%
Crude Fiber: 2%
Moisture: 78%
Ash: 3%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 45.45%
Fat: 18.18%
Fiber: 9.09%
Carbs: 13.64%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 44.03%
Fat: 42.77%
Carbs: 13.21%
What We Liked:
- A limited-ingredient diet
- Made with a novel protein source, making it a promising option for cats with food allergies and intolerances
- Readily-digestible and nourishing
What We Didn't Like:
- One of the most expensive foods on the market
- Contains chickpeas
- Relatively high in carbohydrate matter
#8 Best for Picky Cats: Primal Turkey Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Cat Food Review
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If your cat doesn't like the Stella & Chewy's food listed as our number one recommendation, you might want to try an alternative raw product. This popular recipe from Primal is made with freeze-dried turkey, which is a good alternative poultry for cats with chicken sensitivities.
Emulating a whole-prey diet, the food contains a mix of turkey muscle meat, necks, hearts, and livers. This makes it a species-appropriate and highly-digestible source of the nutrition your cat needs.
In addition to muscle meat, bones, and organs, the food contains an array of fruits, vegetables, and other additives. It contains sardine oil as a source of fat. Like other fish oils, sardine oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to reduce the inflammation associated with diarrhea.
Ingredients:
Turkey, Turkey Necks, Turkey Hearts, Turkey Livers, Organic Collard Greens, Organic Squash, Organic Celery, Cranberries, Blueberries, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Sunflower Seeds, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Sardine Oil, Taurine, Organic Quinoa Sprout Powder, Dried Organic Kelp, Organic Cilantro, Organic Coconut Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Organic Ginger, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Preservative).
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 48%
Crude Fat: 22%
Crude Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 9%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 52.75%
Fat: 24.18%
Fiber: 4.4%
Carbs: 18.68%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 40.53%
Fat: 45.11%
Carbs: 14.35%
What We Liked:
- Made with turkey—an excellent option for cats who like poultry but can't eat chicken
- A limited-ingredient diet for cats with allergies and food sensitivities
- Free from common irritating ingredients
- Composed of 93% turkey muscle meat, bones, and organs
What We Didn't Like:
- Contains several plant ingredients
#9 Best for Kittens: Instinct by Nature's Variety Kitten Grain-Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food Review
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For a kitten, diarrhea is more serious than when it affects an adult cat. If your kitten has sustained and serious diarrhea, they are at risk of dehydration and, possibly, death. Kittens suffering from diarrhea should be very closely monitored to ensure that the situation doesn't continue for more than a day or two.
After you've identified the cause of his diarrhea and explored treatment, a kitten who's prone to recurrent bouts of diarrhea may benefit from switching to a higher-quality, more easily-digestible food. This food from Instinct by Nature's Variety is a meat-rich, protein-heavy food that's formulated with kittens in mind.
A combination of chicken, beef liver, salmon, and eggs constitute the bulk of the recipe. The food is formulated for growing kittens, containing appropriate levels of taurine, DHA (a type of omega-3 fatty acid), and key vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
Chicken, Beef Liver, Chicken Broth, Salmon (Source of DHA), Eggs, Montmorillonite Clay, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein: 12%
Crude Fat: 6%
Crude Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 78%
Dry Matter Basis
Protein: 54.55%
Fat: 27.27%
Fiber: 4.55%
Carbs: 13.64%
Caloric Weight Basis
Protein: 40.58%
Fat: 49.28%
Carbs: 10.14%
What We Liked:
- Rich in easily-digestible animal protein sources
- Free of common irritating ingredients
- Contains salmon, which is a good source of DHA for brain and eye development
- Low in carbohydrates
What We Didn't Like:
- Several plant inclusions
- Contains several protein sources—not a limited-ingredient or novel protein food
The Best Cat Food For Diarrhea Is One That Addresses The Underlying Causes Of Your Cat's Loose Stool
In addition to identifying the cause of your cat's diarrhea, it's important to differentiate between acute and chronic diarrhea. While acute diarrhea is best treated with digestive rest and time to recover, chronic diarrhea points to possible long-standing digestive issues and underlying systemic diseases and could demand a dietary overhaul.
Let's talk a bit more about the differences between acute and chronic diarrhea and how to approach each.
Acute Diarrhea
It is a temporary reaction to GI irritants. It lasts for a day or two and disappears along with the irritation. The term "acute diarrhea" refers to a short-lived bout of diarrhea. Acute diarrhea involves the sudden onset of loose bowels, usually caused by an irritant or illness. For example, your cat may develop acute diarrhea after drinking a saucer of milk, having a bad reaction to something they ate, or while dealing with an infection.
Feeding a Cat with Acute Diarrhea
If your cat has acute diarrhea due to illness or eating something they shouldn't have, you don't necessarily need to change his diet. After the stool returns to normal, you may return your cat to his familiar food. Here's what to do in the meantime.
1. Provide Species-Appropriate Food.First, Fast Your Cat
Give your cat 12 hours without food to give his digestive tract a break. As long as this fast is temporary, you're not harming your cat by withholding food. Diarrhea impedes nutrient absorption, so food really doesn't do any more harm than good.
Cats can develop a serious liver condition called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome) if they go for a long time without eating (usually a few days). Fasting your cat for 12 hours won't put your cat at risk for this liver condition.
2. After 12 Hours Of Fasting, Switch To A Bland Diet
The classic protocol is a regimen of cooked chicken and rice, but there's no requirement for rice. Cats are obligate carnivores and do best on a meat diet, regardless of their stool consistency.
A diet of unseasoned, salt-free boiled and defatted chicken, pork, or turkey meat with broth will temporarily nourish your cat without aggravating his GI tract. Remember that this bland diet isn't nutritionally complete and isn't safe for feeding your cat for more than a couple of days.
3. Supplement With Probiotics
The gut microbiome can be considered an organ of its own. It plays a key role in digestion, the immune system, aging, inflammation, and almost every aspect of health. Probiotics help to fortify the natural gut flora and restore healthy intestinal function.
Click Here For Our List Of The Best Probiotics For Cats
4. Consider Using Slippery Elm Bark
This bark has multiple benefits for cats with diarrhea. It soothes pain, eases nausea, and can normalize stool consistency.
Click Here To Learn How To Prepare A Slippery Elm Bark Treatment For Your Cat
5. You May Also Supplement With Pumpkin
While it's a lightweight compared to slippery elm bark, pumpkin is a classic food additive for cats suffering from diarrhea. Many people swear by it. It's a palatable, easy-to-find source of soluble fiber, which can help to bulk up your cat's stool. Choose canned pumpkin puree with no added spices or sweeteners.
Chronic Diarrhea
It occurs intermittently or consistently for more than three weeks and may demand significant dietary changes. Chronic diarrhea continues for weeks or more and may manifest as part of an issue generally referred to as a "sensitive stomach". This condition could stem from allergies, food intolerances, IBD, or other issues.
Click Here For Our List Of The Best Cat Food For IBD
If your cat has chronic diarrhea—they've been having loose bowels for three weeks or more—a trip to the veterinarian is a good idea. The vet can run diagnostic tests, including bloodwork, to determine the cause of your cat's endless loose stool. Dietary change is necessary in almost every case of chronic diarrhea.
Feeding A Cat With Chronic Diarrhea
1. Identify Allergens And Sensitivities By Putting Your Cat On An Elimination Diet
This stripped-down diet eliminates those familiar ingredients that may have triggered your cat's diarrhea and replaces them with novel proteins. If your cat's diarrhea vanishes while on the elimination diet, you can re-incorporate ingredients one-by-one to determine which one caused the symptoms.
Elimination diets are strict. Your cat can eat only that diet—no treats or other food products allowed. Your vet will tell you exactly how long your cat will need to be on the diet, but expect that it will be several months.
2. Provide Species-Appropriate Food
Minimize inflammation by giving your cat a species-appropriate diet centering around fresh muscle meat and organs. Ingredients that aren't species-appropriate aren't efficiently utilized by your cat's body. By providing a high-quality, meat-based cat food with minimal carbohydrates, plant protein, and irritating additives, you lessen the burden on your cat's GI tract.
3. Minimize Dysbiosis By Fortifying Your Cat's Gut Microbiome
Gut dysbiosis—an imbalance of good and bad microorganisms in the gut microbiome—is a major factor in chronic diarrhea. To manage your cat's diarrhea, fortify those "good" populations by administering probiotics.
While most probiotics can help, the S. boulardii strain is the gold standard for cats with diarrhea. This probiotic yeast is impervious to antibiotics and has well-known antidiarrheal properties.
While The Best Cat Food For Diarrhea Can Help, Changing Your Cat's Diet Isn't The Only Solution.
If your cat has diarrhea, watch him closely. If your cat's diarrhea is accompanied by vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, or other signs of sickness, you'll want to take him to the vet. On the other hand, if your cat is still bright-eyed and playful, a day or two of diarrhea isn't cause for concern.
Remember that diarrhea alone can be life-threatening for sensitive populations. If your cat is a particularly fragile kitten or is elderly or infirm, diarrhea may necessitate a vet visit. These cats are at a high risk for dehydration and a bout of diarrhea could wipe them out.
Likewise, continuous bouts of diarrhea that last for several weeks or more may also justify further treatment. Chronic diarrhea points to digestive issues, some of which may be treated by a vet or with diet alone.
About the author
Mallory Crusta is a writer and adventurecat enthusiast on a mission to make cats' lives extraordinary. She's one of the founders of Wildernesscat – a site for happy, healthy, and adventurous cats who are fueled by nature. Visit Wildernesscat for radically natural cat nutrition, home remedies, and lifestyle inspiration.
Source: https://allaboutcats.com/best-cat-food-for-diarrhea
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