Things To Remember When Feeding Your Senior Cat:
- Stick to a routine: Cats are creatures of habit, so remember it’s best to feed them in the same place and at the same time each day.
- Watch the treats and diet changes: Older cats and their digestive systems are even more sensitive than youngsters to the unbalancing effects of frequent snacks, treats, and table scraps. For this reason, keep your senior cats diet consistent and feed them treats only in moderation.
- Make their food more appetising: With a weaker sense of smell and taste, your senior cats appetite may decrease. If this is the case, you can try to make your older cats food more appealing by warming it to increase its smell , or by adding bouillon, canned tuna juice or gravy. Always consult with your vet if your senior cat has problems with their appetite or eating.
- Gradually transition your cat’s diet: If you’ve decided to make a change to your cat’s diet, it’s really important that you do so gradually over a 7-day period. While we can happily eat a variety of foods in one day, our pets have a very different digestive system, which focus on balance to help prevent digestive upsets. To learn more about how to change your cats food, .
Purina One Sensitive Skin And Stomach Premium Dry Cat Food
Specifically designed for adults with sensitive stomachs, this food is perfect for cats that vomit. Its made from high-quality, highly digestible protein thats gentle on tummies. With its tasty ingredients and crunchy texture, your cat will be purring in no time.
The recipe also includes an antioxidant-rich blend of vitamins and minerals. As well as omega fatty acids, ensuring healthy skin and a silky coat.
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food
The Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food is the all-in-one solution for older cats that vomit. Each kibble is packed with protein and other nutrients that are easy to digest and specially formulated for sensitive stomachs.
This dry cat food is made with real chicken meat so youre assured of its high protein content. It is also packed with wholesome grains, vegetables, and fruit to make sure that your cat receives a balanced and nutritious diet.
The Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food also contains FOS probiotics, and this helps improve your cats digestion so his sensitive stomach wont have to do a lot of the work.
It also contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are specifically selected by veterinarians and nutritionists to guarantee your cats health. And finally, each kibble contains omega-3 and omega-9 which are known for improving your cats skin and fur.
Because of its high-protein and all-natural ingredients, the Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food easily landed a spot in our top picks. It also contains probiotics that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, while its blend of antioxidants greatly improves your cats overall health.
Pros:
- It has probiotics that aid digestion.
- It contains antioxidants and omega fatty acids.
Cons:
- Older cats with fewer teeth may find it hard to chew.
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How To Stop A Cat From Throwing Up
Some of the quickest fixes to tummy troubles are also the simplest. Frequent vomiting can be a sign of dehydration, so make sure your kitty has plenty water to drink at all times of the day. If the problem lies in your cats other bowl, finding the right food is crucial. Food for cats with sensitive stomach issues can be found at most major pet stores, and avoiding rich treats and snacks will go a long way towards making sure your cat finds it easy to digest cat food. If the problem persists, even after the transition to a sensitive stomach cat food, it may be time to arrange a visit to your veterinarians office, but in most cases, simply switching from rich foods and off-the-shelf standard brands to a highly digestible cat food that is designed with your cats dietary needs in mind will help eliminate the root of the matter and get your pet feeling better in no time at all.
Nulo Freestyle Senior Alaska Pollock Duck & Sweet Potato Recipe Review
Nulo is another well-known pet food brand but one that is quite young in comparison to others. It was founded in 2009 Michael Landa and since then has seen explosive growth.
While some of the other recipes may be hard to acquire, Nulo is sold nationwide in thousands of pet food stores as well as from most of the online pet food websites, which should make it easy to get ahold of.
Weve decided to highlight their Senior Recipe as an option for older cats that vomit as it is specialized for mature cats. While it may not be quite as specialized for digestive issues as others mentioned here, it will likely still perform better than standard adult cat food recipes.
This recipe from Nulo also uses Pollock, like the previously mentioned Go! formula does, but also includes smaller portions of Chicken Meal and Turkey Meal.
This combination of Pollock and Poultry ingredients provides a stable base of meat and fish. In addition, this large combination provides a very satisfactory proportion of protein and fat coming in at a minimum of 38% and 14%, respectively.
Outside of this fish and poultry content, Nulo utilizes a mix of Peas, Lentils, and Sweet Potatoes as its plant-based content. This mix provides the recipe with a modest proportion of carbohydrates, plant-based protein, and fiber.
While not all cats react well to these ingredients, this recipe could be advantageous for those cats who react poorly to alternatives like grains.
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How To Tell If Wet Cat Food Is Bad
There are a few ways to determine if your cats food has gone bad, but the most obvious indicator is when your cat refuses to eat it.
If your cat isnt a picky eater but suddenly refuses to eat the food she enjoys, investigate more to see if theres a problem with the food.
A significant foul or rotting odour, mould or insect development, if the food has been exposed to moisture or humidity, or if your pet displays indications of pain or sickness after consuming the food are some other ways to know.
You must not offer any canned cat food that has beyond its expiration date, regardless of whether it is spoilt.
Canned cat food has a shelf life determined by how it is stored. The best approach to guarantee that your pets canned food lasts until the expiration date is to store it in the original packing in a cool, dark, dry area.
If you leave wet food out for too long, it can spoil. There are a few factors to consider, such as how hot it is, how humid it is, and where it has been left for the most part.
As a general rule, wet food should not be kept out in cold temperatures for more than 8 hours.
However, if its a hot day, say 50 degrees Fahrenheit, dont keep wet food out for more than four hours.
The amount of time food may be left out on a humid day or if it has grown moist is considerably reduced.
Since bacteria grow in moisture, wet food will become infected with bacteria faster than wet food. Its not worth the danger of keeping wet food out throw it out.
What Could Be The Reason For The Vomiting
Occasional vomiting may be caused by:
Furballs
Cats often ingest hair while grooming. If it forms into clumps it may irritate the stomach, eventually being vomited up. If your cat vomits hairballs frequently your vet may suggest treatments or diets to reduce hair build-up and grooming your cat regularly to reduce the volume of hair ingested.
Eating too rapidly
Cats that gobble food too quickly may regurgitate. If youve got multiple cats make sure you have separate feeding bowls in separate locations to reduce competition. Try serving dry food in a used egg carton, or putting kibble in plastic bottles with holes that dispense the food as it rolls. These puzzle feeders slow eating, create mental challenge, combat boredom and increase exercise which combats weight gain.
Eating too much at once
Cats naturally eat small amounts and often. While not always practical, specialists suggest 5 small meals a day. Dry kibble absorbs fluid in the stomach and swells which may cause vomiting, especially in older cats.
Eating spoilt food or hunting
Like us, they can be susceptible to the bacteria or spoiled food or something theyve caught. This may result in irritation of the stomach.
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How Long Before Wet Cat Food Goes Bad
Any uneaten pet food in an open can should be disposed of within three days of opening. If you often put opened cans of pet food in the refrigerator, write the date the can was opened using a marker right on the can. This will assist you in keeping track of when the opened can should be thrown away.
Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball & Weight Control Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Our Top Pick for the Most Popular Hairball Cat Food: If youre not sure where to start shopping for hairball control cat food, why not go with a popular recipe like this Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball & Weight Control Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food? This formula is very affordable for the quality it delivers, and it is uniquely formulated for indoor cats, offering both hairball prevention and weight management benefits. This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient to support lean muscle mass with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates for energy and fiber. It also contains several supplemental sources of fiber for a total crude fiber content of 9%. This formula is rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat support, plus fresh fruits and vegetables for nutritional balance. It contains probiotics for digestive support as well as chelated minerals.
- Pros: Formulated for hairball & weight control, lean chicken as main ingredient, digestible carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, supplemental protein sources, rich in omega fatty acids
- Cons: Not a grain-free recipe , contains plant proteins
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The Honest Kitchen Grain
Our Top Pick for the Best Cat Food for Hairballs and Sensitive Stomach: If youre looking for the best cat food for hairballs and sensitive stomach, a high-quality formula made with no allergenic ingredients and minimally processed is the way to go. This Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Chicken Dehydrated Cat Food is an excellent choice because it supports healthy digestion as well as complete and balanced nutrition, using only the finest natural ingredients. This recipe features fresh chicken as the main ingredient with grain-free carbohydrates including fresh fruits and vegetables for energy and digestive support. Overall, this food contains 39% protein, nearly 30% fat, and over 2% crude fiber. Most importantly, however, it is dehydrated rather than cooked which means that the nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients is preserved. It also means that you can rehydrate it before feeding to maximize your cats moisture intake for improved digestion.
- Pros: Dehydrated not cooked, contains 70% chicken, grain-free carbohydrates, whole-food ingredients, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, protein-rich and high in fiber
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, needs to be rehydrated before feeding
Halo Natural Dry Cat Food Sensitive Stomach Seafood Medley
For older cats who prefer seafood over poultry, then you might want to consider the Halo Natural Dry Cat Food Sensitive Stomach Seafood Medley. This promises to feed your cat with holistic whole seafood thats rich in protein and easy to digest.
This all-natural dry cat food boasts super-digestibility, thanks to its roster of whole grains and meat from a variety of seafood like whitefish and salmon. It also boasts sourcing its vegetables from non-GMO farms, so you know your pet wont be ingesting genetically-modified food.
The Halo Natural Dry Cat Food Sensitive Stomach Seafood Medley finely manufactures all ingredients to make it easier for your cat to break down. This helps him absorb more nutrients and produce less waste.
If youre conscious about the source of ingredients of your cat food, then the Halo Natural Dry Cat Food is your best bet. It promises to source its meat and vegetables from sustainable fisheries and non-GMO farmlands to guarantee the most nutritious ingredients for your fur baby.
Pros:
- It comes from sustainable sources.
- It does not contain artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, and antibiotics.
- It contains whole seafood, grains, and non-GMO vegetables.
- It offers good value for money.
Cons:
- Some users note that this cat food emits an unpleasant smell.
- Some cats still end up vomiting.
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Transitioning Your Cat’s Diet
Once youve selected your cats new diet, we recommend a transition period for changing from their current food to a new food. This is best done gradually over 7 days and involves mixing the two kibbles together until your pet is solely on the new diet. If you notice any minor upsets, including diarrhoea or vomiting, you should stop the transition until this has settled. To learn more tips and tricks on how to change your cats food, .
How To Choose The Best Food For Your Senior Cat
Make sure to speak with your veterinarian about any particular health issues your mature cat may have before changing his diet, Anthony says. Body condition, GI health, and other concurrent issues should be addressed by a vet first.
She points out you can narrow down the choices for best senior cat food by checking labels for these specifics:
- Ingredients are listed by weight.
- The main bulk of the food is summed up in the first three or four ingredients.
- In canned food, meat should be the first or second ingredient , and in dry food, it should be one of the top three ingredients.
- Pet food should meet the requirements set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials . The wording will either say “animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures” or “formulated to meet standards.”
Because your vet is aware of your individual senior cat’s underlying conditions, they might have recommendations in addition to these brands, so it’s good to check with them first. Here are a few options to consider:
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What To Look For In A Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
Digestibility is key when it comes to the best cat food for digestive problems. Unfortunately, every cats digestive system is different, so you may need to try a few different recipes until you figure out exactly which one is right for your cat.
In many cases, sensitive stomach and diarrhea in cats is linked to a particular ingredient or to the quality of the food. If youre already feeding your cat a diet made with animal protein and no artificial additives, it is more likely to be one of the ingredients.
Here are some things to look for in a sensitive stomach cat food:
How To Buy Food For A Sensitive Stomach Cat That Vomits
Youve got to be careful when choosing food for your cat. Most puking and digestive problems arise because of a bad diet. The age of your cat, its physical condition and habits literally decide what kind of nourishment it should be given. Nevertheless, whatever nutriment option you pick, make sure that contains four major types of nutrition protein, fiber, vitamin and minerals.
Chicken, turkey, dried egg and tuna are the most common and safe sources of protein. They should take care of the muscle build up and overall physical growth. The fiber helps the digestive system run smoothly. The addition of fruits and veggies to a cats diet will add the much needed fiber and certain types of vitamins.
On the other hand, animal and fish fat will ensure certain types of vitamins including vitamin E, vitamin A and D. Minerals are essential for the growth and proper functioning of the nervous system. So, make sure your cats sustenance must contain these elements too.
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Cats Vs Dogs: Nutrition
Cats and dogs have different dietary requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means that cats must eat meat. Its a biological necessity. Dogs, contrary to some beliefs, are omnivores, which means they eat meat and vegetables, so they need a more varied diet than just meat alone to meet their nutritional requirements.
Cat food is much higher in meat-based protein than dog food. This might be why cat food is so appealing to dogs, since the meat smell and flavor are so strong. However, just because dogs crave it doesnt mean they should eat it.
Unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise, the best food for your dog is dog food, not cat food.
Your Cat’s Breed Has Unique Nutritional Needs
If you have a pedigree cat , you may want to consider feeding your cat a breed-specific diet. From facial and jaw structure to skin and coat type, these breed-specific diets are specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of purebred cats. To learn more about these diets, visit our article ‘The benefits of breed-specific cat food‘.
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I And Love And You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe
When it comes to the best cat food for digestive problems, quality matters. This I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe is a great option because it is made with only the finest quality natural ingredients like fresh salmon and salmon meal as well as menhaden fish meal. Though it isnt a single-source protein option, both salmon and menhaden fish meal are novel proteins for many cats. Youll also be glad to know that it is entirely grain-free, supplemented with probiotics and fiber, and contains chelated minerals as well. Plus, it is positively packed with protein and healthy fats at 36% protein and 16% fat with 5.5% fiber.
- Pros: Limited number of main ingredients, premium animal proteins, rich in healthy fat, grain-free carbohydrates, supplemental fiber, probiotics, and chelated mineral supplements
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, not a single-source protein recipe