10 Best Cat Food For Cat That Throws Up

Cats can throw up often, which is seemingly common, but it is a real cause of distress for cat owners and vets like myself.

In most of my veterinary clinical experience, I observed that your cat food has some ingredient that is hard on your cat’s stomach, causing them to throw it up. So changing it has proven to be effective at controlling vomiting in cats.

Now you are faced with the dilemma of ‘what should I feed my cat then?’. You do not need to go through tons of research because I already did it for you. 

Trained vet and a multi cat owner for 10 years, from bringing up more litters of newborn kittens than I can count, to home-nursing a senior cat with a chronic illness, I have done it all. 

My number one choice for best cat food for cat that throws up is Hill’s Science Diet, Digestive Care. It is light on the tummy and keeps my cat active and playful.

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Hill's Science Diet - Perfect Digestion

• Value For Money Cat Food
• Prevent Digestive Issues Causing Throwing Up
• Kibble Is Packed With The Goodness of Quality Nutrients

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However, take me for my word; there is no singular cat food for all the cats throwing up out there. It depends on the reason your cat is vomiting and what it requires.

This Article Will Explain & Discuss:

• What Ingredients To Look For In Food For Cats Suffering From Vomiting Problems
• Features & Benefits of 10 Best Cat Foods For Cats That Throw Up
• Difference Between Vomiting & Regurgitation In Cats
• Causes & Solutions of Vomiting In Cats
• FAQs Regarding Cats Who Throw Up

Our Quick Comparison On The Best Cat Food For Cat That Throws Up

Image	Product	Features	Shop On
TOP PICK	Hill’s Science Diet - Perfect Digestion	Quality Ingredients Value For Money Easily Digestible	AmazonChewy
BEST PREMIUM	Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe	Smells Fresh Eradicates Stinky Poop Too	AmazonChewy
BEST BUDGET	Purina Beyond White Meat Chicken & Egg Recipe	Favorite Across Different Cat Breeds Suitable For Outdoor Cats	AmazonChewy
BEST WET	Hill's Prescription Diet Digestive Care	Preferable For Cats Who Like Wet Food Convenient To Pour	AmazonChewy
BEST FREEZE-DRIED	Stella & Chewy's Chicken Dinner Morsels	Improves Appetite & Digestion Promotes Teeth & Gum Health	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR INDOOR CATS	Rachael Ray Nutrish Indoor Complete	Improves The Smell of Cat's Breath Smells Good	AmazonChewy
BEST MIXER/FOOD TOPPER	Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers	Used As Food Topper For Cat's Not Willing To Switch Foods Helps With Easy Digestion	AmazonChewy
BEST HIGH PROTIEN	Wellness CORE Signature Selects Flaked	Free From Harmful Additives Also Promotes Healthy Coat	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR KITTENS	Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach	Promising Results For Kittens & Adults Works For Outdoor & Indoor Cats	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR HAIRBALLS	Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball	Prevents Vomiting Due To Hairballs Good For Over-Weight Cats	AmazonChewy

Our Detailed Reviews On The Best Cat Food For Cat That Throws Up

Below are the 10 best cat food for cat that throws up that have been carefully compiled and reviewed. I have used my veterinary clinical experience and research to list their features and benefits so your cat to feel fit in no time. 

1) Hill’s Science Diet, Perfect Digestion

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27.0% min, Crude Fat 13.0% min, Crude Fiber 4.0% max, Moisture 8.0% max
• Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Senior
• Caloric Content: 465 Kcal per 8 oz. Cup

Why Is It The Best Cat Food For Cats Who Throw Up?

Hill’s Science Diet, Perfect Digestion provides an instant solution for your cat’s vomiting problems by encouraging healthy digestion and an active lifestyle.

It aids digestive system by providing cats with a good microbiome, which are all the microorganisms that are essential for keeping their bodies running.

In my experience as a veterinarian, Senior cats face vomiting problems more frequently. It is because senior cats are more prone to digestive issues than younger cats, so they require more digestive care. So if you are a senior cat owner, This can do wonders!

Disrupted stools, constipation, and blockages are some symptoms of the digestive system problems cats face, causing them to throw up. The high quality and premium blend of prebiotics, whole grain oats, and pumpkin in this cat food address and resolve these symptoms.

Lastly, The antioxidants and vitamins C and E in this food energize cats for an active lifestyle. The main ingredient is real chicken which fills your cat with protein which is essential for their growth.

Because of the benefits mentioned above and an excellent first-hand experience, This is my top pick for the best cat food for cat that throws up.

2) Instinct Original, Grain Free

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 41.0% (min), Crude Fat 21.0% (min), Crude Fiber 3.0% (max), Moisture 9.0% (max)
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Natural
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 4,300 kcal/kg, 505 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

Instinct brings cat owners this bundle of health with its cage-free chicken that is the main source of high animal protein in this cat food. Animal protein is a better quality protein than other sources and keeps your cat active and playful. It also helps to build lean muscle, which keeps cats strong and prevents laziness. 

The food mix contains 81% of animal ingredients and oils which adds to the quality, along with 19% of fruits and other wholesome ingredients which give flavor and other nutritious benefits to your cat. 

It is free from filler ingredients like grain, potatoes, soy, corn, wheat, or other artificial additives, which can cause slow harm to your cat’s health. The natural probiotics, omegas, and antioxidants provide cats with good essential bacteria which keep digestive system in check and ultimately keeps your cat from throwing up.

The ingredients are of premium quality to ensure only good quality feed for your precious cat. 

3) Purina Beyond, Simply Grain Free

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 35.0% min, Crude Fat 14.0% min, Crude Fiber 4.0% max, Moisture 12.0% max
• Type of Product: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, High-Protein, Natural
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 3,588 kcal/kg, 394 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

Purina Beyond is an all-natural cat food made with chicken that has been raised without steroids. It has limited ingredients to rule out allergies and for easy digestion.

The probiotics in this mix replenish the healthy gut bacteria in your cat’s stomach to prevent vomiting and nausea. 

It is also gluten-free in case your cat has gluten intolerance with no addition of corn, wheat, soy, artificial additives, or preservatives. It serves only good quality protein with no poultry by-products which is good for energizing and nutrifying your cat with additional vitamins and minerals. 

Your cat is sure to feel better and vomit much less when its body gains the required nutrition to fight diseases and illnesses.

4) Hill’s Prescription Diet, Digestive Care

• First 5 Ingredients: Water, Pork Liver, Chicken, Rice, Potato Protein
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 7.5% min, Crude Fat 4.0% min, Crude Fiber 1.0% max
• Type of Product: Pea-Free, Veterinary Diet, Sensitive Digestion, With Grain
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Pate
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 161 kcal/5.5 oz can

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

Hill’s prescription diet is a top recommendation by many vets for cats going through digestive issues which cause throwing up. 

It contains highly digestible protein and fat which are light on the cat’s stomach and also help to absorb nutrients and repair tissues faster. There is a fair loss of nutrients in the body due to vomiting, which this food will help refill. 

In the long run, the prebiotic fiber in this food will maintain gastrointestinal health. This energizes your cat to a fast recovery from illness through good digestive health. The electrolytes and vitamins in this food help to keep the immune system of cats strong.  

However, it should be noted that this cat food needs veterinarian authorization so be sure to check up with your vet. 

5) Stella & Chewy’s, Dinner Morsels

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (Ground With Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 45.0% min, Crude Fat 25.0% min, Crude Fiber 5.0% max, Moisture 5.0% max
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural, Premium
• Food Form: Freeze-Dried Food 
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 4,360 kcal/kg, 182 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

This cat food is unique. It is not the usual wet or dry form of food. Stella and Chewy’s dinner morsels are freeze-dried and raw. You can rehydrate this food by adding water as much as your cat requires and so it gives an amount of control to you. It can also be served as it is, after thawing. 

It contains organic fruits and vegetables, which add to the health benefit, and is made with quality cage-free poultry. This provides your cat with maximum nutrition without harmful chemicals, also free from grains, gluten, artificial preservatives, and colors. 

Raw chicken makes it rich in protein with a simple recipe for easy digestion to prevent vomiting. 

6) Rachael Ray Nutrish, Indoor Complete

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 34.0% min, Crude Fat 12.0% min, Crude Fiber 8.0% max, Moisture 9.0% max
• Type of Product: Indoor, Weight Control
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 3499 kcal/kg; 371 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

Real chicken is the star of the show in this Rachael Ray recipe for cats who like to stay indoors in our cozy, comfortable homes. 

It is common for indoor cats to gain weight and be lazy as there is not as much activity as there is for outdoor cats. So this food gives your cat the optimum amount of fiber to maintain a healthy weight. 

It also contains essential omega-6 fatty acids for a good shine and healthy coat of fur as your cat might experience dullness and loss of fur as it ages. 

Additionally, for a good immune system, it contains antioxidants and vitamin E. It is also free of harmful additives like preservatives and also from soy, fillers, and poultry by-products making it a cat superfood. 

7) Instinct Raw Boost Mixers, Digestive Health

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (including Ground Chicken Bone), Chicken Liver, Pumpkin seeds, Chicken Heart, Dried Pumpkin
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 36.0% min, Crude Fat 30.0% min, Crude Fiber 15.0% max, Moisture 6.0% max
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Pea-Free, Raw, Natural
• Food Form: Freeze-Dried 
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 4,555 kcal/kg, 18 kcal/tablespoon

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

This freeze-dried mix by Instinct contains raw ingredients and natural probiotics found in fresh, natural meat which provide your cat with good digestive health. 

The main ingredient is chicken, which is a source of easily digestible meat mixed with pumpkin, apple cider vinegar, chicory root, and sweet potato, all of which boost gastrointestinal functions for regular, healthy stools which also prevent issues that cause the cat to throw up. 

Whole foods are raw and freeze-dried to remove moisture from the food while keeping the nutritional qualities intact. This pure form of wholeness includes food free from soy, corn, grain, and artificial additives. 

This food originally works as a mixer or topper for your cat’s regular food and helps relieve them of nausea. However, many cats who have lost their appetite due to throwing up or refuse to have anything else can be fed this raw diet as it is unprocessed and is more nutritious than other forms of food.

8) Wellness Signature Selects, Flaked

• First 5 Ingredients: Tuna, Tuna Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Mackerel, Salmon
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 10.0% min, Crude Fat 3.5% min, Crude Fiber Upwork 1.0% max, Moisture 85.0% max
• Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, High-Protein, Premium
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Flakes
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 884 kcal/kg, 70 kcal/can

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

Wellness brings this hand-packed can of real meat in a delicious sauce for cats to devour with love. It has high-quality protein in the form of fish to keep your cat healthy and active. 

The sunflower oil keeps the digestive system well oiled and in perfect working, along with a good coat of fur through the fatty acids present in it. 

The texture of the food is also soft, so it turned out to be especially good for my older cats with teeth problems, as far as the chewing part goes.

The sauce present with the meat also ensures hydration for your cat with a full balance of nutritional needs. 

9) Blue Buffalo Tastefuls, Sensitive Stomach

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32.0% min, Crude Fat 16.0% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% max, Moisture 9.0% max
• Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain, Natural
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Kittens and Adults
• Caloric Content: 3,773 kcal/kg, 422 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

The main ingredient in Blue Tastefuls is real chicken which is full of natural protein, lean fat and is easily digestible. 

This is especially for kittens with sensitive stomachs which causes them to throw up, filled with prebiotics that boosts good gut bacteria and healthy digestion. 

The antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals make the immune system stronger for growing bodies to make them active and playful. It is pure good quality meat with the absence of by-products, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives to keep allergies and harmful ingredients at bay. 

10) Iams ProActive Health, Hairball Care

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 30.0% min, Crude Fat 11.0% min, Crude Fiber 13.5% max, Moisture 8.3% max
• Type of Product: Indoor, Weight Control, Pea-Free, High Fiber, With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Adult
• Caloric Content: 3364 kcal/kg, 302 kcal/cup

Why Is It Good For Cats Who Throw Up?

Hairballs are one of the most common reasons for vomiting in cats. If your cat is suffering from constant discomfort due to hairballs then this is the right cat food for you. Specifically designed for cats who are victim to hairballs, IAMS’s formula is made with beet pulp and a special blend of fibers that keep hairballs to a minimum

Additionally, the L-carnitine in this food supports a good metabolic rate and faster fat burning for indoor cats to keep them from becoming lethargic and gaining excessive weight. 

It has real chicken as its main ingredient along with premium turkey to ensure no compromises in the food quality. The kibble makes it easier to chew and hence easier to digest to keep your cat comfortable. 

Guide To Buying The Best Cat Food For Cat That Throws Up 

Why is your cat throwing up? What should you do for a cat that frequently throws up? What kind of ingredients you should look for in cat food to feed your cat who throws up? Here is a guide to help you make only the right decision!

Vomiting vs Regurgitation 

Vomiting & Regurgitation are different!

In simple words, vomiting is a dynamic process in which the cat goes through muscular strain in the stomach, and the substance thrown up will look digested. Sometimes this can also include intestinal fluid. 

Whereas regurgitation is passive and can be related more with a burp. The substance in this case should not appear digested since this food did not make it to the stomach.

Causes of Vomiting In Cats

There are many common reasons that can make your cat throw up or vomit. Know these

1. Hairball

This is the most common, harmless reason why a cat might vomit. A hairball is a ball of damp, undigested hair which may eject itself out of your cat’s body mixed with digestive fluids. 

Discarding hairballs can be uncomfortable for cats, and that is normal. What isn’t normal is if your cat did not throw up hairballs often.

Also, look out for good litter options especially if you have a long haired cat. A litter with chemichals inside may be injested by your cat when it’s cleaning itself.

2. Poisonous Plants

Cats instinctively eat plants every now and then, and it may be possible that your little fluff may have ingested some poisonous ones. Accidental ingestion may also include some mischief with your cat checking out what stuff lying about the house tastes like, which may include humans food or medication, string, rubber bands, or who knows what! The body will discard such indigestible items in the form of vomit.

In the case of poisonous plants, it is a good thing as the vomit will just discard the substance rather than letting it affect the stomach. However, in case of persistent vomiting, a veterinarian must be consulted. 

3. Gastrointestinal Conditions

Some gastrointestinal conditions like stomach parasites, constipation, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also cause vomiting. For these conditions, a vet would probably give some medication to the cat. 

These issues can cause discomfort for the cat for as long as the treatment lasts. For such a time, the cat should be given food that is easily digestible. 

One of the best cat foods that always works for my cat, as well as other users, according to reviews for an easily digestible option, is Blue Buffalo Tastefuls cat food.  

4. Metabolic Diseases

Metabolic diseases which may cause vomiting include diabetes, kidney disease, and hyperthyroidism in cats. The vet will usually do full cat bloodwork, scans, and other tests for diagnosis and recommend medication and certain types of food depending upon the illness. Diet in this case is bland, simple, and natural.

Dry cat food generally has more caloric content than wet cat food. More caloric content means an overweight cat. This does not help with cats who have metabolic diseases. 

High protein, wet food will give cats in such a situation the energy that they require to recover. Wellness, Signature Selects Free cat food ought to do the job with simple and easily digestible ingredients. 

Macros: Preferred Ingredients In Best Cat Food For Cat That Throws Up

The following is a list of ingredients that the cat food you are choosing for your cat should contain to keep your cat from throwing up.

1. Probiotics

There is a balanced amount of bacteria present in the stomach of cats. Good bacteria help in digestive functions, and immunity and also keeps bad bacteria to a minimum. Sometimes the harmful bacteria can increase due to many reasons like parasites, diseases, old age, or stress. This can cause gas, diarrhea, or throwing up.

Probiotics are live microorganisms (like yeast), which are fed to cats to balance the levels of good bacteria. So, it is essential to choose cat food full of probiotics that will improve the bacterial health of your cat’s digestive system.

Different kinds of probiotics have different effects on the digestive tract, so the decision of which kind of probiotic-filled food is to be given to your cat depends upon what exactly is causing the sickness diagnosed by a vet.  

2. Real Source of Animal-Based Protein

Cat food full of real animal-based protein may be the best choice for a cat who is throwing up. The reason for this is that it closely resembles the diet of cats in the wild. 

Being carnivores, cats primarily eat meat. Animal protein in meat is the best nutrition they can get, so the best cat food to look for is the one that contains animal by-products at a minimum and mainly comprises real meats like fish, turkey, chicken, or beef.

Foods filled with grains, dry carbs, and low in water content can cause many problems with cats, like digestive blockages or urinary tract problems, as well as serious problems in the long run. Hence, you should look for food that has animal protein as its main ingredients.

3. Balance Wet & Dry Cat Food 

Cats need high water content in their food. Why, you ask? Cats derive most of the water needed by their bodies through the food they eat and not by drinking water (surprise!). 

They are low-thirst animals, and when they lived in the wild, they caught prey with animal protein which fulfilled their water requirement. Now they are your pet, and if you have been giving them a regular dry food diet, it is not very late to change. 

What happens if they aren’t hydrated enough? Their digestion is disturbed, blockages might even be caused in their stomach, and which makes them throw up. Giving both foods in balance can keep them nutritiously balanced while also fulfilling the hydration requirement.

Canned wet food mimics the natural diet of cats more than dried food, and feeding a diet of dried food only can sometimes cause blockages or digestive system issues for your cat. 

4. Made With Wholesome, Natural Ingredients

The term ‘natural’ adds a lot of value to a cat food product. To add the term ‘natural’ to their product, companies need to go through and it sounds like a big deal. Here, the difference between ‘natural’ and ‘regular’ cat food must be understood.

To claim that a variant of cat food is natural, it should contain all-natural ingredients with the exception of a few essential vitamins and minerals. Whereas many regular cat food ingredients list animal by-products, low-quality fillers, preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. Natural cat food is usually derived from animals, plants, or mined sources.

Cat food made with natural ingredients is more wholesome for your feline friend, so the next time you go shopping, pick the food with natural ingredients to save your cat from unwanted stomach problems caused by unnatural ingredients leading them to throw them up.

5. Low Carb Content

High carbohydrate content in cat food can cause nausea for cats. Grains can also be a cause of throwing up for some cats. 

However, this does not necessarily mean that if it is grain-free, the food is suddenly good for your cat. There are non-grain carbs to look out for in certain cat foods that are just replaced with non-grain starches. 

Foods high in carbs and low in animal protein do not trigger the same gastric secretion leading to poor digestion. Vegetables and grains lead to the addition of carbs and protein as well. However  this protein is of quite lower quality as compared to animal protein. Grain provides some other nutritious components that the former does not.

Look for low-carb cat food for easy digestion for your cat.

FAQs: Best Cat Food For Cat That Throws Up

Our Verdict

There isn’t just one best cat food for cat that throws up. However, there are different ingredients and features of cat food that suit different cats and what is causing them to throw up.

Either wet or dry cat food, It is just a matter of what your cat is going through and what kind of diet it needs. 

Just be sure to check your cat for food intolerances and allergies while picking cat food. Overall best cat food for cat that throws up that I, as a vet, can wholeheartedly recommend is Hill’s Science Diet, Perfect Digestion

TOP PICK

Hill's Science Diet - Perfect Digestion

• Value For Money Cat Food
• Prevent Digestive Issues Causing Throwing Up
• Kibble Is Packed With The Goodness of Quality Nutrients

Shop on AmazonShop On Chewy