10 Best Cat Food For IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is no fun for your cat. This disturbance is basically a severe episode of gastrointestinal distress. It can cause extreme discomfort to cats and be a cause of great worry for owners. 

There can be many reasons and symptoms of IBS in a cat. However, the good news is, since it is related to gastrointestinal health and basically the cat’s stomach, changing the diet can be a quick fix. 

Being a veterinarian and part of many pet researches, I have compiled food varieties available out there that target different causes of IBS ranging from intolerances to unhealthy weight. 

One such cat food, which is also one of the most popular and a majority favourite is Hill’s Prescription Diet, w/d Multi-Benefit. This cat food comes with the confidence of hundreds of cat parents, and has cured IBS for one of my own cats.

TOP PICK

Hill's Prescription Diet w/d - Multi Benefit

• Value For Money 
• Highly Digestible Food Choice
• Manages Weight
• Gets Rid of IBS-Causing Issues

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Being very easily digestible, it does not cause irritability in your cat’s stomach. This leads to easy, regular bowel movements without distress. 

This Article Will Explain & Disscuss:

• Prescription Diet & How The Right Diet Can Help Your Cat With IBS
• Macro-Ingredients Required In Cat Food For IBS 
• Detailed Reviews On 10 Best Cat Foods For IBS
• Causes And Symptoms of IBS In Cats
• Supplements For Cats With IBD
• FAQs Regarding IBS

Our Quick Comparison On The Best Cat Food For IBS

Image	Product	Features	Shop On
TOP PICK	Hill's Prescription Diet, w/d - Multi-Benefit	Soluble & Insoluble Fiber Blend Veterinary Recommended Digestive Health	AmazonChewy
BEST BUDGET	Diamond - Maintenance Cat	Omega Fatty Acids Antioxidants For Immunity Chelated Minerals	AmazonChewy
BEST PREMIUM	Instinct - Raw Meals, Chicken	Freeze-dried Real Ingredients Non-GMO	AmazonChewy
BEST HYDROLYZED PROTEIN	Purina Pro Plan - Veterinary Diets, HA	Hydrolyzed Protein Highly Digestible Veterinary Exclusive	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR SENIOR CATS	Purina Pro Plan - Prime Plus, Chicken & Rice	Live Probiotics Immune Health Proprietary Blend	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR INDOOR CATS	Diamond Naturals - Indoor Cat	Superfoods Added Probiotics  Antioxidants	AmazonChewy
BEST WHOLESOME	Halo Holistic - Wild Salmon & Whitefish	Grain-Free Non-GMO Highly Digestible	AmazonChewy
BEST RAW	ORIJEN- Regional Red	Wholeprey Diet Fresh Ingredients Animal-Based Protein	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR HAIRBALLS	Purina Pro Plan - Indoor Hairball, Turkey & Rice	High Protein Live Probiotics Vitamin-A & Taurine	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR GUT HEALTH	Solid Gold- Winged Tiger	Gluten-Free Healthy Digestion  Grain-Free	AmazonChewy

Our Detailed Reviews On The Best Cat Food For Cat That Has IBS

1. Hill’s Prescription Diet, w/d Multi-Benefit

• First 5 Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Meal, Wheat Gluten, Powdered Cellulose
• Protein Quantity: 34.0% min (Crude Protein) 
• Fiber Content: 9.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 7.5% min, 10.0% max (Crude Fat) 
• Type of Product: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Weight Control, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 280 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good The Best Cat Food For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

Every cat is different from others. Some gain weight easily while others don’t. Cat food changes can help a lot to manage all the weight problems and IBS in your cat.

Hill’s Prescription Diet formula has an optimal blend of soluble and insoluble fiber, low fat and low caloric foods. This cat food include corn gluten meal and whole grain wheat to promote digestion and to maintain the healthy weight of your furry friend. A cat which has a good weight has a lesser chance of developing IBS.

With therapeutic L-carnitine levels, our top-picked diet maintains a healthy immune system and promotes the urinary tract health of your cat. It contains antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin E and C, which plays a vital role in cell oxidation.

This diet has a lower magnesium and sodium content, which is beneficial to the urinary health conditions of your cat.

2. Diamond, Maintenance Cat 

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Ground Corn, Wheat Flour, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Corn Gluten Meal
• Protein Quantity: 30.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 3.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 15.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 10.0% max
• Type of Product: Pea-Free, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Adults
• Caloric Content: 3,742 kcal/kg, 424 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

If you are thinking of giving your furry friend something different for IBS then this Diamond Maintenance cat food could be a good pick. It is budget-friendly and has the highest quality ingredients in it.

It is fortified with fiber which I find to be the core ingredient to get rid of IBS, by digesting food properly. Proteins and fats are carefully monitored to provide energy and promote overall health.

To provide your cat with healthy skin omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are used in this meal.

This kitty kibble contains antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E which helps your active cat to flourish and promotes its immune system. It contains taurine, which aids your cat’s normal vision, digestion, heart muscle function, and the health condition of it’s immune system.

3. Instinct, Raw Meals, Chicken

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Montmorillonite Clay, Ground Flaxseed
• Protein Quantity: 38.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 3.0% ,max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 34.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 6.0% max
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, High-Protein, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Pea-Free, Raw, Natural
• Food Form: Freeze-Dried
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 4,782 kcal/kg, 197 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

Instinct Raw meal is going to solve the problem of IBS disturbances for your cat, as it has worked for mine in the past.

In this premium cat food, animal based protein source like chicken, chicken heart, chicken liver and raw ingredients which are freeze-dried are used to maintain your cat’s muscle mass and to promote easy digestion.

It is a balanced meal with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables such as apples and carrots to maintain your pal’s overall health.

This diet contains flaxseeds which are a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, two things which can help your cat in its battle with IBS.

It has Vitamin D3 supplements. As vitamin D levels are linked to intestinal motility, treating vitamin D deficiency improves GI motility and symptoms of IBS in cats.

4. Purina Pro Plan, Veterinary Diets, HA

• First 5 Ingredients: Rice Starch, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Tricalcium Phosphate
• Protein Quantity: 30.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 4.0%,  max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 9.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 10.0% max
• Type of Product: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Hydrolyzed Protein
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 3,792 kcal/kg, 323 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

Food sensitivities in cats generally appear as IBS or itching and scratching on their skin. Purina Pro Plan is going to help your cat if it is suffering from IBS as it helped many others.

This cat food contains hydrolyzed soy protein isolate as a single protein source which is highly digestible. This helps your cat with food sensitivities and promotes its overall health.

A single low-allergen carbohydrate source is included in this meal. This reduces the risk of food-related reactions in your furry friend.

Because most cats with IBS are unable to absorb vitamin B12, this food contains vitamin B12 supplements. These assist in the absorption of several other nutrients.

5. Purina Pro Plan, Prime Plus, Chicken & Rice  

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Rice, Cassava Root Flour
• Protein Quantity: 38.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 2.5% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 17.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 12.0% max
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Weight Control, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult 7+
• Caloric Content: 4,316 kcal/kg, 604 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

Purina pro plan works great for my senior cat-patients.This diet promotes lean muscles and healthy digestion in your cat. It uses a high-protein meal with real chicken as the first ingredient.

This meal is good for senior cats since it has a specific blend of nutrients. These help your cat stay energetic in its senior years. Since older cats are more prone to lethargy and inactivity. 

It also contains prebiotics, which assists cats to maintain a healthy digestive tract. This in turn gives it relief from IBS.

Antioxidants found in this meal, such as beta carotene and vitamin E, help in regulating the immune system of your furry senior cat.

6. Diamond Naturals, Indoor Cat

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Chicken, Ground White Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Grain Sorghum
• Protein Quantity: 32.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 8.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 14.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 10.0% max
• Type of Product: Indoor, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content:  3,350 kcal/kg, 380 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

Diamond Natural cat food works best for indoor cats with IBS. It contains all the important nutrients which assist in healthy digestion.

Real cage-free chicken is used as the first ingredient in this high-protein dry cat food. It helps your cat to maintain healthy muscle structure.

It contains superfood vitamins and minerals such as blueberries and oranges. Also containing omega fatty acids for skin and coat health and fiber, it aids digestion in your indoor cat.

Each serving of this meal contains unique probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics to support your cat’s digestive, immunological, and general health.

It is free of corn, wheat, artificial flavours or colours which might trigger IBS symptoms in your cat.

7. Halo, Holistic, Wild Salmon & Whitefish 

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Whitefish, Dried Egg Product, Dried Peas, Dried Chickpeas
• Protein Quantity: 33.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 5.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 12.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 9.0% max
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Weight Control, Indoor, Non-GMO, High-Protein
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 3,550 kcal/kg, 391 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

If you and your cat both are worried because of IBS then this Halo holistic cat food is going to help you out.

It is made with real, whole, certified salmon as the first ingredient. It reduces significant food allergies that affect cat hair, and aids in the treatment of IBS through appropriate digestion.

This best wholesome dry indoor cat food contains prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics. They help improve your cat’s immune system and promote healthy digestion.

The indoor cat kibble is grain free and contains lower fat levels for healthy weight control in indoor cats. It also serves as an appropriate mix of omega fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and coat of your cat

This food has no GMOs and no unnecessary ingredients such as corn, wheat, artificial flavours, preservatives, or colours which can make digestion difficult and worsen IBS.

8. Purina Pro Plan, Indoor Hairball, Turkey & Rice

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Meal, Rice, Powdered Cellulose
• Protein Quantity: 36.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 7.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 10.0% min , 14.4% max (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 12.0% max
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Indoor, High Fiber, Weight Control, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 3,363 kcal/kg, 357 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

It is not normal to vomit hairballs more than once a month If so, it could be an indication that your cat has IBS. I first tested Purina Pro Plan on my rescue cats and it worked like a charm. 

The first ingredient in the high-protein cat food is real turkey. It maintains lean muscle and a healthy weight for your curious cat while she jumps and plays.

This indoor cat chow is best for hairballs that appear as a symptom of IBS. It also contains guaranteed live probiotics to help support your pal’s digestive health and give it relief.

It contains vitamin A and taurine to promote your furry friend’s good vision. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin A to nourish the cat’s skin and coat.

9. ORIJEN, Regional Red

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Pork, Whole Mackerel, Beef Liver, Wild Boar
• Protein Quantity: 36.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 2.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 16.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 12.0% max
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, Premium
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 4080 kcal/kg, 510 kcal/cup     

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

If your cat is always in discomfort because of IBS, feeding ORIJEN cat chow might help loads.

In this cat food, 90% of premium meat and fish ingredients are used. These assist healthy digestion and avoid IBS, as well as skin, coat and heart health in your cat.

The first five components in this cat food are fresh or raw animal protein source. These include beef, Yorkshire pork, whole mackerel, wild boar, and lamb, to assist your cat. They promote lean muscular health and a healthy immune system.

This meal also includes lentils, which are high in fiber and protein. They are also low in fat, and aid digestion and fast metabolism in your pal.

10. Solid Gold, Winged Tiger

• First 5 Ingredients: Quail, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes
• Protein Quantity: 30.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Content: 3.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 13.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 10.0% max
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Indoor, Sensitive Digestion
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 385 kcal/cup, 3,600 kcal/kg

Why Is It Good For Cats With IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)?

This Solid Gold cat food recipe provides your cat with IBS with the balanced nutrition she requires to thrive. It is good to repair and maintain your cat’s gut to relieve it from stomach issues such as IBS.

It contains quail as the first ingredient and protein source. It also contains fibre-rich pumpkin, for those furry companions who suffer from IBS or who require novel, exotic proteins. 

For a cat-patient with a weak stomach, digestive health was aided by the unique functional superfood and omega fatty acid blend in this dry diet, which also boosted his immunity.

Because most IBS cats cannot absorb vitamin B12, this diet contains vitamin B12 supplements, which aid in the absorption of several other nutrients.

This formula is free of corn, wheat, soy and artificial colourings or preservatives which might cause IBS symptoms due to improper digestion in many cats.

Guide To Buying The Best Cat Food for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Just before we dig deep into the ingredients you should look for in cat food for IBS, it is important to identify the causes and symptoms of this condition. Why, you ask?

The causes of IBS in cats help to identify the right ingredients required for what your cat is specifically experiencing. This will ensure treatment of the underlying issue while helping your cat recover. Symptoms help cat owners to identify IBS in their cats before it gets worse.

Causes And Symptoms of IBS In Cats

There are numerous causes of inflammatory bowel disease, however, the cause is frequently unknown. Bacterial infection, parasitic infection with worms or single-celled parasites, or food allergies or intolerance to a certain protein source in the diet are all possible causes of IBS in cats.

Causes

• Bacterial Infection
• Parasitic Infection (Worms)
• Allergic Reactions Due To Intolerance of Low-Quality Proteins and Other Ingredients

Symptoms

• Chronic Vomiting and Lethargy
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
• Bloody Stools
• Diarrhea

How The Right Cat Food Helps Your Cat With IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) 

Some IBS cats will respond to dietary changes. This can be performed in one of two ways. First, a commercial food containing a novel protein source or a hydrolyzed protein is chosen. If that fails, a high-fiber diet is tried.

A proper food trial needs the test food to be fed exclusively for eight to twelve weeks. In some situations, your veterinarian will advise you to provide a true elimination diet, which consists of limited or one ingredient. In all food trials, no treats or other foods can be offered to your cat.

Should You Feed Prescription Cat Food Only To Your Cat With IBS?

Prescription foods minimize frequent inflammation triggers. They allow the digestive tract to heal by removing or hydrolyzing the components which commonly cause feline food allergies and sensitivities.

Some cats thrive on prescription meals, but keep in mind that each case of IBD is unique. Remember that cats with IBD are still carnivores and, like all other cats, should be fed a species-appropriate, meat-based diet.

This means that, regardless of veterinary approval, prescription dry meals are still dry foods. They do not provide the same species-appropriate benefits as other food formulations, such as canned foods. So a mixed diet which does not irritate your cat should be formulated. 

Macros: Ingredients Required In The Best Cat Food For IBS

Highly Digestible Protein From Animal Source

It needs to be established that cats should be fed animal protein sources. Next, you should check for foods free of animal by-products like poultry meals and chicken meals. These ingredients may not be of poor quality, but there exists ambiguity in the labelling which can mean a wide range of protein quality. 

So, always go for clearly stated ingredient labels. 

Animal-Sourced Fats

Cats also derive essential fatty acids from animal fats, most of which are omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acids play a critical role in reducing gut inflammation which is caused by IBS in cats. They are essential for improving a cat’s immunity and for good smoother digestion also relieving problems related to IBS.

Fiber and Carbohydrates

Although fiber is necessary to help food pass through your cat’s digestive tract, you should avoid adding too much fiber to your cat’s diet. Do this unless your cat suffers from constipation.

A combination of moderate fiber content and carbohydrate is beneficial for both IBS and IBD symptoms. 

Carbohydrates are important in supplying cats with a quickly available, easily digested source of energy.

No Inflammatory Additives

Remove potentially inflammatory ingredients such as lactose, artificial colours and flavours. Carrageenan and some preservatives such as BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and ethoxyquin should also be removed from your cat’s diet to relieve it from IBS.

Instead, look for cat food that include guaranteed quantities of probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These substances can help combat inflammation and improve the overall health of your cat. 

Less Ingredients More Moisture

The fewer the components, the better for cats with irritable bowel syndrome. This is because you never know which of the many ingredients is causing your cat’s syndrome. 

The simplest strategy to prevent the dehydration that is so common in cats with IBD is to feed a high-moisture diet. Instead of kibble, feed canned, freshly cooked, or raw food.

However, a mixed diet also works fine. There are many dry cat foods fit for IBS, also recommended by vets. So, if your cat prefers it, you can feed dry food and serve broths along with the feed. Keep plenty of water accessible to the cat at all times. 

Raw Feeding

Poorly managed protein, grains, fillers, harmful additives, and preservatives are the end product of processed food. They don’t do much for gut flora or provide anything like significant probiotics. 

Raw food contains the beneficial bacteria that cats require for healthy gut flora. And raw diets made from high-quality meat sources will be easy to digest and will give probiotics essential for good health. 

But, You should always be aware of the risks of raw food as many types of bacteria hide in raw meat and can make your cat sick as well.

Supplement Support For Cats With IBS

Cats with IBS can also be given a variety of supplements which help their condition. 

Probiotic And B12 Supplements 

Probiotics are also known as “beneficial bacteria” or “good bacteria.” These bacteria can help in the maintenance of a healthy digestive tract in cats. They can be found in supplements and meals that contain live cultures.

Probiotics have been shown to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the stomach, which can improve overall health. This involves lowering inflammation as well as enhancing immunological function and digestion. It is good for cats suffering from IBS.

Since most cats with IBS are unable to absorb vitamin B12, it is important to give them vitamin B12 supplements. They are usually given by injections under the skin.

Stocks And Broth

If your cat has inflammatory bowel syndrome, bone broth should be an important element of your cat’s diet. Bone broth and stocks not only give nutrition to cats suffering from IBS, but they also help cats to stay hydrated. It is better than regular water as cats will be more attracted towards it due to the meaty flavour. 

Most importantly, the collagen in stocks and broth physically repairs the gut mucosa that is useful in treating colitis in cats, which is a type of IBD. As bone broth includes collagen, it helps to thicken the bowel lining by eliminating undigested food and helps in preventing bacteria from growing in the gut.

FAQs About Cats With IBS

Our Verdict

Cats require much care so when they have digestive issues such as IBS, changing their diet should be the first course of action. 

By now you must have understood what the causes and symptoms are of IBS along with what ingredients to look for, which relate to the signs that your cat is exhibiting.

Balanced fiber, moisture, animal-sourced protein, and high digestibility should be the general features that I find to work in cat food for IBS. 

One such cat food which supports these ingredients and has consequently reported to work for many cats is Hill’s Prescription Diet, w/d Multi-Benefit. 

TOP PICK

Hill's Prescription Diet w/d - Multi Benefit

• Value For Money 
• Highly Digestible Food Choice
• Manages Weight
• Gets Rid of IBS-Causing Issues

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