Last updated Feb 8, 2025
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by chronic irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Though the cause is unknown, experts believe it has to do with the interaction between the cat’s immune system, diet, gut flora, and other environmental factors.
The best cat food for IBD helps to heal the gut lining, reduce inflammation, and restore healthy gut flora without stressing the digestive system.
That’s why we recommend Smalls Ground Other Bird fresh cat food as the overall best cat food for IBD. Our top pick is minimally processed and frozen at the peak of freshness. It features a single protein source, promising better digestibility and reduced inflammation.
Based on both veterinary research and anecdotal evidence, we’ve identified the top 10 cat foods that appear to have the best chance of controlling IBD symptoms and putting your cat on the road to optimal digestive health.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for IBD To Buy
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.
Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Good source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids
- Fresh food delivered to your door
American Journey Landmark Chicken & Vegetables Canned Cat Food
- Simple list of easily digestible ingredients
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Modestly priced around $0.30 per ounce
Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Wet Cat Food
- Hydrolyzed protein may improve digestibility
- Contains a limited list of ingredients
- Rich in moisture to support hydration
The Honest Kitchen Minced Chicken in Bone Broth Gravy
- Packed with animal protein
- Rich in moisture from bone broth
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
Dr. Elsey's cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Features highly digestible animal proteins
- Much lower in carbs than most dry foods
- Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Pork Patties
- Made with a single protein source
- Minimal list of ingredients improves digestibility
- Easy to crumble and rehydrate
Tiki Cat Baby Chicken & Egg Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Protein-rich recipe for kittens
- Simple formula is easily digestible
- Good source of DHA and taurine
Raised Right Original Chicken Adult Cat Recipe
- Consists primarily of chicken muscle meat and organs
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s
- Competitively priced fresh food
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement for Cats
- Contains probiotics to promote healthy digestion
- May help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea
- Contains antioxidants for immune system support
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Paté Recipe
- Simple recipe free from inflammatory additives
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
Can Dietary Management Help with IBD?
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by chronic irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Though the cause is unknown, experts believe it has to do with the interaction between the cat’s immune system, diet, gut flora, and other environmental factors. Each case is unique, but cats with IBD often have a harder time digesting and absorbing nutrients.
Craig Ruaux, BVSc (Hons), Ph.D., MACVSc, DACVIM-SA tells Hills Pet Nutrition that 60% of cats with chronic GI problems improve with nutritional therapy alone.
That’s right—for many cats, diet alone is enough to ease IBD symptoms. No drugs necessary.
While there’s no arguing that diet can help, however, there is definitely some debate on how much it can help. Some experts say IBD is incurable. Others disagree, saying that diet is both the cause of, and the cure for, IBD.
Paola Cuevas, DVM, a veterinarian and pet care consultant, says that dietary management is just one part of the equation. “Cat owners should work closely with their veterinarian,” she says, “to investigate the best choices for each individual cat.”
Why Trust Cats.com
We’ve partnered with licensed veterinarians and veterinary nutritionists to determine the qualities of a diet appropriate for cats with IBD. The products recommended here have been tested by multiple members of our team (with the help of their cats, of course). Our testing process is fully funded by Cats.com without direct influence from the recommended brands.
When testing cat food, we make observations about each product’s appearance, smell, texture, consistency, and nutritional makeup. We analyze the product information on the label, research the brand’s history and manufacturing processes, and read customer reviews to gauge public opinion of the product and the brand as a whole.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Albert Ahn, DVM
- Elizabeth Youens, DVM
The Best Cat Food for IBD: Our Top 10 Picks
For its meat-centric formula and easy digestibility, Smalls Ground Other Bird is our top recommendation for cats with IBD. It’s made with a single source of animal protein with plenty of hydrating moisture to support your cat’s digestion.
However, it may not be the ideal recipe, or even the perfect brand, for your specific cat. To help you assess the options, we’ve categorized our picks according to price, product type, life stage, and other considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 14.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
If you’re looking for a healthy, wholesome diet to maximize your cat’s nutrition, check out this Other Ground Bird fresh cat food recipe from Smalls. It’s made entirely with human-grade ingredients, including turkey as the sole source of animal protein.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This formula features fresh turkey thigh as the primary ingredient, with chicken liver as a supplemental source of protein. Fresh veggies like green beans and kale provide natural sources of key nutrients, though some supplementation with synthetic vitamins and minerals is still needed.
In addition to being packed with protein, this recipe is loaded with moisture. Together, these qualities make it a highly digestible and highly nutritious recipe for your cat. Plus, Smalls sends you deliveries of fresh food right to your door as part of their subscription. You can change your cat’s meal plan and pause or cancel your subscription at any time through the customer portal or by contacting customer support via email or text message.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of hydration for your cat
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Budget Pick: American Journey Landmark Chicken & Vegetables Canned Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 27
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.3 per day
While canned food tends to be costlier than kibble, this Landmark recipe from American Journey is modestly priced at around $0.30 per ounce. It’s a simple, easily digestible formula that relies on a single source of animal protein with flavorful chicken broth instead of water.
This American Journey canned food contains 95% chicken, broth, and vegetables. It’s free from inflammatory additives and is very low in carbohydrates. The food is nutritionally complete for adult cats and doesn’t contain an excessive amount of fat or fiber.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sweet Potatoes, Kale, Sunflower Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Reduced Iron, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Potassium Iodide, Biotin Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Simple list of easily digestible ingredients
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Modestly priced around $0.30 per ounce
- Rich in hydrating moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relies on animal-sourced fat
#3 Best for Food Sensitivities: Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 7.3% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 31
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.7 per day
For cats struggling with food sensitivities, a hydrolyzed protein diet may help. Hydrolyzed protein is broken down into tiny particles that have a lower risk of triggering an adverse immune reaction. This Hill’s Prescription Diet wet food contains hydrolyzed chicken liver as the sole source of animal protein.
In addition to being a hydrolyzed protein diet, this formula contains a limited list of ingredients to further improve its digestibility. The food is rich in hydrating moisture and contains a careful balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It’s also enriched with immune-boosting antioxidants.
As a veterinary diet, this food requires a prescription to purchase. Customer reviews of this product are mixed. Some cat owners report that their cats don’t enjoy the flavor while others have seen a drastic improvement in their cat’s digestion after switching to this product.
Ingredients
Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Water, Corn Starch, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Oil, Calcium Carbonate, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid (Source of Vitamin C), Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Iodized Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Cysteine, L-Lysine, Taurine, Minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Potassium Citrate, Beta-Carotene.
Ingredients We Liked: Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Corn Starch, Soybean Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Hydrolyzed protein may improve digestibility
- Contains a limited list of ingredients
- Rich in moisture to support hydration
What We Didn’t Like:
- Prescription is required for purchase
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
- Flavor may not be appealing to some cats
#4 Best Wet: The Honest Kitchen Minced Chicken in Bone Broth Gravy
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Moisture is extremely important for cats with IBD which is why we love this wet cat food from The Honest Kitchen. It features a single source of animal protein and is cooked in a flavorful bone broth which provides digestive benefits.
This recipe contains fresh chicken as the main ingredient and the only source of animal protein. The only other main ingredients are pumpkin, carrots, blueberries, and cranberries. These act as natural sources of essential nutrients and dietary fiber to help regulate your cat’s digestion.
Not only is this recipe formulated for balanced nutrition and easy digestibility, but it’s made with high-quality ingredients. The Honest Kitchen uses human-grade ingredients and manufactures their products in human food facilities. The products are all free from artificial additives like synthetic colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Blueberries, Cranberries, Natural Chicken Flavor, Agar Agar, Dandelion Greens, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Copper Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Potassium Iodide, Zinc Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Turmeric, Salmon Oil.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture and fiber to support healthy digestion
- Free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- Comes in a resealable, recyclable container
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive, over $0.50 per ounce
#5 Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.78 per day
While high-moisture food may be best for cats with IBD, some cats won’t eat anything but kibble. If you find yourself in the position of searching for a low-carb dry food, this food from Dr. Elsey’s is about as good as it gets.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
In contrast to your typical dry food, this food emphasizes high-quality protein, with chicken and hydrolyzed pork dominating the ingredient list. The food doesn’t contain a lot of plant ingredients. Instead of containing high-carbohydrate binders like most dry foods, this recipe uses gelatin as its kibble binder. It contains salmon oil as a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
All of this translates to an efficient food that nourishes your cat without a lot of waste or inflammatory ingredients. Aside from the moisture factor, this food fits our description of a great diet for cats with IBD.
Ingredients
Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Salmon Oil, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Fructooligosaccharides, Vitamins (Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12), Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, CalciumIodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Magnesium Oxide, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Hydrolyzed Pork, Pork Plasma, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Features highly digestible animal proteins
- Much lower in carbs than most dry foods
- Salmon oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acid
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
#6 Best Freeze-Dried: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Pork Patties
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 45% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 133
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.44 per day
A straightforward freeze-dried recipe is often a winning option for cats with food allergies and digestive issues like IBD. This Vital Essentials formula features pork muscle meat and pork organs as the primary ingredients. Herring oil provides a species-appropriate source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
If your cat is sensitive to pork, Vital Essentials offers a variety of other single-protein formulas including chicken, turkey, salmon, duck, and rabbit as well as several multi-protein flavors. Choose from freeze-dried patties or smaller bites, both of which are easy to crush and rehydrate in warm water or broth.
With a limited list of animal-sourced ingredients, this freeze-dried food offers a digestible, species-appropriate choice for cats with IBD when properly rehydrated.
Ingredients
Pork, Pork Liver, Pork Spleen, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex.
Ingredients We Liked: Pork, Pork Liver, Pork Spleen, Herring Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single protein source
- Minimal list of ingredients improves digestibility
- Easy to crumble and rehydrate
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very low in moisture, should be rehydrated before feeding
#7 Best for Kittens: Tiki Cat Baby Chicken & Egg Recipe Wet Cat Food
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 15% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 34
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.15 per day
Formulated with the needs of growing kittens in mind, this Tiki Cat Baby recipe features high levels of animal-sourced protein and fat. This energy-dense formula contains 62.5% protein and 25% fat, both measured as dry matter. The dry matter carbohydrate content is negligible and the short list of main ingredients makes this food easily digestible.
On top of its digestibility, other qualities that make this recipe appropriate for cats with IBD include its omega-3 fatty acid content and its moisture content. Though marketed for kittens, the food is complete and balanced for cats in all life stages.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Chicken Liver, Egg, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Lactate, Potassium Chloride, Inulin, Taurine, Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Egg, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 62% dry matter protein
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Short list of easily digestible ingredients
- Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive, over $0.70 per ounce
#8 Honorable Mention: Raised Right Original Chicken Adult Cat Recipe
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 20% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 47
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.05 per day
When you find a product your cat loves and their digestive system can tolerate, it makes sense to buy it in bulk. Raised Right offers 4-bag sample packs to help you find the right formula and then you can purchase full boxes of sixteen 1-pound bags.
This fresh cat food formula features chicken muscle meat and chicken organs. It’s a single-protein recipe, so it may be a good option for cats with sensitivities to other proteins. These carnivore-appropriate ingredients contribute to the recipe’s high protein content of over 58%, measured as dry matter.
In addition to being an excellent source of protein, this recipe relies primarily on animal-sourced fat in the form of cod liver oil. This ingredient provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids which also help support your cat’s skin and coat health.
As a fresh food, this recipe is also higher in moisture than the typical dry cat food. At about 66% moisture, however, the texture is a little dryer than the average canned cat food. Some cats don’t seem to like it.
Ingredients
Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Organic Spearmint, Blueberries, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Organic Dried Kelp, Flaxseed Oil, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Primarily consists of chicken muscle meat and organs
- Rich in animal-sourced omega-3s from cod liver oil
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats dislike the texture of the food
- Only available in 4- and 16-packs
#9 Best for Picky Eaters: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement for Cats
Sarah Zimerman / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 43%
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 112
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.03 per day
If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, you might be considering a food topper or mixer. Instead of running the risk that a traditional food topper might trigger your cat’s IBD symptoms, try something specifically designed to soothe irregular digestion.
This powdered supplement from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets contains microencapsulated probiotics shown to help manage diarrhea and other digestive symptoms. It comes in a box of 30 individual sachets—simply sprinkle one over your cat’s food at mealtime.
Customer ratings for this product are overwhelmingly positive. Cat owners often say that their cats enjoy the flavor, including picky eaters, and many report improved digestive symptoms when consistently using this product.
Ingredients
Enterococcus faecium, Taurine, Liver Flavor, Yeast.
Ingredients We Liked: Enterococcus faecium
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Liver flavor
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains probiotics to promote healthy digestion
- May help alleviate symptoms of diarrhea
- Contains antioxidants for immune system support
- Easy-to-administer powdered formula
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains some artificial flavor
- Can be expensive, about $1 per day
#10 Best Canned: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Paté Recipe
Kate Barrington / Cats.com
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 36
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.74 per day
Made with two sources of animal protein, this wet food formula is highly digestible for most cats. It doesn’t contain grains or artificial additives which might exacerbate your cat’s IBD symptoms and the food is high in moisture to help improve digestibility.
Though this isn’t a single-protein formula, all of the animal protein comes from poultry. Salmon oil is the primary source of added fat, but proteins are more likely than fats to trigger food allergies in cats. Plus, salmon oil is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which help fight inflammation and boost skin and coat health.
What makes this recipe truly ideal for cats with IBD, however, is the inclusion of prebiotic fibers like apple powder and pumpkin powder. Prebiotics provide food for the beneficial bacteria in your cat’s digestive tract to help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
The food is pretty pricy and only comes in small cans but many cat owners have found that their cats enjoy the food and tolerate it well.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Chicken Hearts, Pumpkin, Ground Flaxseed, Fish Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Inulin, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Apple Powder, Cranberry Powder, Taurine, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Sulfate, Salt, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Blueberry Powder, Papaya Powder, Pomegranate Powder, Peppermint Leaf Powder, Cinnamon, Fennel Powder, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Simple recipe free from inflammatory ingredients
- Rich in animal-based protein from poultry
- Salmon oil provides a great source omega-3 fatty acids
- High moisture content improves digestibility
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive, priced over $0.70 per ounce
- Carbohydrate content could be lower
Best Cat Food for IBD: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food | American Journey Landmark Chicken & Vegetables Canned Cat Food | Hill’s Prescription Diet z/d Skin/Food Sensitivities Original Flavor Wet Cat Food | The Honest Kitchen Minced Chicken in Bone Broth Gravy | Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food | Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Pork Patties | Tiki Cat Baby Chicken & Egg Recipe Wet Cat Food | Raised Right Original Chicken Adult Cat Recipe | Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder Digestive Supplement for Cats | Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Paté Recipe |
| Primary Protein | Turkey | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Chicken | Pork | Chicken | Chicken | N/A | Chicken |
| Guaranteed Protein | 14.5% | 12% | 7.30% | 10% | 59% | 45% | 15% | 20% | 43% | 10% |
| Ash | 2.29 | 3 | 5.8 | N/A | 7.5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 8.5 | 1.94 |
| Calcium | 0.49 | N/A | 0.81 | 0.36 | 1.24 | 1.79 | 0.35 | N/A | N/A | 0.4 |
| Phosphorus | 0.37 | 0.18 | 0.67 | 0.12 | 0.94 | 1 | 0.3 | N/A | 11.47 | 0.3 |
| Calories Per Ounce | 40 | 27 | 31 | 30 | 113 | 133 | 34 | 47 | 112 | 36 |
| Cost Per Day | $4.00 per day | $2.3 per day | $4.7 per day | $4.00 per day | $0.78 per day | $4.44 per day | $4.15 per day | $3.05 per day | $1.03 per day | $4.74 per day |
What To Look For in Cat Food for IBD
Cats with IBD have the same nutritional needs as any other feline. They’re just less tolerant of anything that falls outside of that carnivore-oriented blueprint. In other words, they need plenty of readily-digestible protein from animal sources. And they should avoid potentially inflammatory pet food additives and other ingredients that could make things worse.
Though every cat with IBD is unique, there are certain features cat owners should look for when shopping for cat food to ensure optimal nutrition and high digestibility with minimal irritation.
Easily Digestible
To nourish your cat while minimizing waste and digestive strain, choose a highly-digestible food with healthy doses of animal protein. Prioritize animal-sourced fats as well, especially those rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Aim for a dry matter carbohydrate content under 10%.
Though we still don’t fully understand which proteins are the most digestible for cats, we do know that minimally-processed animal flesh appears to be the most efficient protein source for an obligate carnivore. (This rules out foods that contain a lot of plant protein from ingredients like corn gluten meal, pea protein, potato protein, and soy protein.)
Limited Number of Ingredients
Since food allergies and intolerances often play a part in IBD, it’s a good idea to avoid allergenic ingredients. A few of the most common cat food allergens are chicken, pork, beef, fish, dairy, and eggs. Because meat or animal byproducts may contain any variety of allergenic meats, these ingredients should be avoided as well.
If you don’t know which proteins your cat is sensitive to, select novel proteins that are new to your cat’s diet. For example, if your cat has always eaten chicken-based foods, choose turkey, lamb, venison, or rabbit instead. Your veterinarian can help you decide which novel protein to feed your cat.
Rich in Hydrating Moisture
Feeding a high-moisture diet is the easiest way to combat the dehydration that is so common among cats with IBD. Instead of feeding kibble, opt for a canned food, freshly-cooked, raw, or rehydrated diet.
Free From Inflammatory Additives
Cut out potentially inflammatory additives like lactose, artificial colors and flavors, and certain preservatives like BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and ethoxyquin. Instead, look for foods that contain guaranteed levels of probiotics and the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These ingredients can help fight inflammation and support overall health.
*This article is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Your veterinarian can provide personalized suggestions relevant to your cat’s unique situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is raw food safe for cats with IBD?
While most cats never get sick from bacteria found in raw meat, it may be risky for severely immunocompromised cats. Many commercially available raw foods contain a considerable amount of bone. If your cat has constipation, excessive bone content could make matters worse.
If this worries you, you might opt for home-cooked cat food as a less pathogenic middle ground. This requires careful planning, research, and adherence to well-formulated recipes. A veterinary nutritionist who is experienced in developing raw food diets for cats can help you with this.
Do cats with IBD require a prescription diet?
Some cats thrive on prescription foods, but it’s important to remember that every case of IBD is unique. By eliminating or hydrolyzing the components most often implicated in feline food allergies and sensitivities, some prescription foods omit common inflammation triggers and give the digestive tract a chance to heal.
Recall, however, that cats with IBD are still carnivores and, like every other cat on the planet, should receive a species-appropriate, meat-based diet. Many prescription foods are high in carbohydrates and low in moisture, so evaluate your options before automatically switching your cat to a veterinary diet.
What supplements are beneficial for cats with IBD?
Dr. Cuevas recommends probiotics for cats with IBD and suggests that some cats may also benefit from supplemental fiber in their diets. Because IBD is fundamentally an inflammatory disease and a condition of dysbiosis (microbial imbalance), supplementation with “good” bacteria touches at the root of the problem. For fiber supplements, soluble (fermentable) fibers are recommended along with an easily digestible diet.
Hi, my cat just got diagnosed with IBD. The vet had us buy the prescription Hill’s cat food from them for her to try. I’m thinking of switching her to the Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird food. Should I only try the other bird, or should I try other meats as well from Smalls? Thank you so much!!!
I would try a variety of meats—they have several options that may be appropriate, and some trial and error may be needed to find the one that works best for your kitty.
My previous cat, a Maine Coon developed IBD (chronic colitis) at 5 years and lived to 13 years, so I had to manager her IBD for 8 years. Six months of food trials with novel-protein veterinary diets indicated that any poultry (chicken, duck, turkey) would set off the colitis. Unfortunately, most cat food contains some form of poultry. Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP was a game changer. Unfortunately, RC HP’s first ingredient is brewers rice and is over 40 percent carbohydrates. As the disease progressed, she needed to go on long-term low-dose prednisolone which has the high probability of leading to diabetes. At 13 years she developed diabetes, which meant lowering the carbohydrates fast and now my food options were even more limited. If I had to care for an IBD cat again, I would probably try more food brands beyond the standard-brand veterinary diets — but with IBD, it is not about “species-appropriate” food content, it is about food content that excludes the offending protein so I question if these foods would work. Also, I would be hesitant to put my cat on long-term low-dose pred again.
Can you update the hounds and gatos choice and clarify if you mean turkey or duck? Thanks
Yes! I’m so sorry about this—I’m not sure what happened. I definitely had the duck recipe listed here originally, and it looks like an article update was botched. Sorry about that! Thank you for letting me know.
What is your opinion on rawz meal free dry cat food..ive read the ingredients and it seems to be in line with the articles recommendations…
Ok..thanks for the information. I’m looking into rabbit pate instead of the turkey..trial and error. Tried koha in the past and they didnt like it..lol..
Im currently feeding rawz chicken and pumpkin along with merrick limited turkey pate..how do these rate for a potential IBD cat?.she has not been diagnosed yet but is showing all the signs.
Both of those could be good options for cats with IBD! They should be fairly easy to digest, with minimal ingredient lists and potentially-inflammatory additives. I would consider sticking to a single protein, though, to make it easier to rule out a particular protein source as the cause of your cat’s irritation. Another good brand to look into is Koha, which offers limited-ingredient diets that feature anti-inflammatory ingredients like New Zealand green-lipped mussel and skip additives that might make that inflammation worse, like guar gum (present in the Merrick food).
My cat has IBD and she does not like freeze dried and many of the canned ones listed above. It is a very expensive trial and error. I am going to try the hound and gatos. Also the dry protien. I currently use the orijen. For moisture (she drinks water but not enough) I buy shrimp, put water in it, microwave it ,let it sit and she drinks the whole bowl.
This flare-up is pretty bad..she gets backed up and not diarrhea. So she is back to lactulose,prednisolome and mirtazapine along with sprinkle of optifiber on her food.
Can you give me a summary on fussi cat canned? She likes that, has moisture, it is expensive.
For the Dr Elseys dry food, is it just the chicken recipe thats good or is any of the other clean protein ones good too?
All of them! We just defaulted to the chicken flavor because it’s popular. I will note that all of them contain a variety of proteins, so none of them are exclusively composed of the meat on the front of the bag.
which one will be the best for sensitive stomach cat?
All of them! Cats with IBD are, by definition, cats with sensitive stomachs.
This is the most accurate and all encompassing article I have read to date that touches all every vital aspect of IBD. I’ve been researching relentlessly for years so this article was so refreshing. Now if only a veterinarian within a 200 mile radius of me would have this much knowledge on the treatment of IBD… I appreciate your dedication to helping cats and their owners to understand IBD and offer the best treatment options out there to heal our babies. I’ll be reading many more of your articles. Thank you!!
Hi! I noticed your comment about the top two vet-recommended IBD foods: “Neither of these dry foods offers species-appropriate nutrition for an obligate carnivore. Minimally nourishing plant ingredients dwarf the animal inclusions on the list. To add to the oddness of it all, both foods contain chicken, one of the top cat allergens.” But then under #4 of your recommended IBD foods, Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food Review, you state “Features highly-digestible animal proteins,” which proteins appear to be chicken and pork. I’m confused by you saying the vet recommended IBD foods contain a top allergen (chicken) and then saying under another product that it’s a highly-digestible protein. I’m looking for clear information about IBD foods that are well tolerated by cats with IBD.
Good observation. I was trying to underline the irony of the way these vet-recommended foods are formulated, but it didn’t mean that a chicken-based food is always bad for cats with IBD. If you’ve ruled out a chicken sensitivity, then either the Dr. Elsey’s food or perhaps even one of these “prescription” diets could be a good option. I agree, though, that it doesn’t make much sense to feature chicken-based food as the number one dry product on the list, and this article needs to be edited accordingly. You can get some additional recommendations for good limited-ingredient dry foods here.
Curious, do you not recommend Koha Rabbit pate for cats with IBD? I’m considering trying that for cat and he is picky and doesn’t consistently like Stella & Chewy’s rabbit morsels. Also, his vet does not favor raw foods.
Hey Meagan, great question. In fact, we would highly recommend KOHA’s cat food for cats with IBD, but this article hasn’t been updated in several months. We’ll be sure to consider it for placement in the next round of updates, and in the meantime, I’d encourage you to give this product a shot.