5 Best Cat Food for Cats With Diarrhea to Stop Sloppy Wet Poos

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Is your cat stinking up the place with huge wet poos?

It’s not the most pleasant experience for cat owners. Heck, it’s not that fun for your cat either!

Thankfully, there are a few things you can try to clear things up. Here’s our top 5 picks:

1. Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken | Best Overall
2. Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Liver | Best for Kittens
3. Dr. Elsey’s Clean Protein Chicken | Best Dry
4. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb | Dry Food for Food Intolerances
5. Meat Mates Lamb | Wet Food for Food Intolerances

In this article I’ve put together a comparison table of the best cat food for cats with diarrhea to help your cat enjoy firmer and less stinky poos.

There’s also a buying guide where I go deep into this topic to help solve the problem.

You’ll finally be able to close the windows with confidence!

I am a cat enthusiast and independent researcher. I am not a veterinarian and I recommend seeking the advice of a vet for any further questions. The advice in this article is not intended as medical advice.

Let’s get into the article.

5 Best Cat Food for Cats With Diarrhea picks

I’ve narrowed this list down to the 5 top picks I’ve tested with my cats.

If none of these options tickle your fancy, scroll down for a full comparison of great cat foods for diarrhea.

1. Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken

Best Wet Cat Food for Cats with Diarrhea

Tiki Cat After Dark is the best wet food for cats with diarrhea. It is low on irritating ingredients like soy, wheat, and peas which help your cat enjoy firmer poos.

We tested Tiki Cat After Dark with our cat who enjoyed the products. Meeting AAFCO’s guidelines for all life stages, this is a versatile choice for any cat.

The main downside is the price of this one. Despite our positive testing results, there are some mixed taste reviews online. This won’t help if your cats diarrhea is allergy related.

Key Features:

• Suitable for all life stages
• Made in Thailand
• Wet cat food in shreds texture

Read More: Tiki Cat After Dark Review

>> Check price of Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken (Chewy) <<

2. Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Liver Entree

Best Kitten Food for Diarrhea

Like Tiki Cat, Purina Pro Plan is a low fiber cat food with no added grains. This makes it an easy recommendation for kittens with loose stools.

Whilst we couldn’t get our hands on the canned product, we did test the Purina Pro Plan pouches. It’s fair to say our big 1 year old cat loved it, and customers agree.

This product does use meat by-products which might put off some. The fiber is a touch higher than we’d like (still comparatively low), but better overall than other kitten food options.

Key Features:

• Suitable for kittens up to 1 years of age
• Made in the USA (canned product)
• Wet canned pate texture

>> Check price on Chewy here <<

>> Check price at Amazon here <<

3. Dr. Elsey’s Clean Protein Chicken

Best Dry Cat Food for Loose Stools

It’s hard to go past Dr. Elsey’s Clean Protein as the best cat food for firm stools. Using gelatin instead of grains and legumes helps keep the carbs down for easy digestion.

We haven’t tested this one but most reviews are positive for Dr. Elsey’s range of dry cat food products. In the future, we hope to get our hands on this one but I think this is good choice.

The main downside is the price, compared to most dry kibble cat foods. As an occasional choice, this one will work but you’ll have to check the budget.

Key Features:

• Suitable for all life stages
• Made in the USA
• Dry kibble

>> Check price on Chewy here <<

>> Check price at Amazon here <<

4. Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Lamb

Best Novel Protein Dry Cat Food for Diarrhea

If you’ve got the budget, Ziwi Peak’s Air-Dried lamb cat food is the best dry food to help clear up wet poos. It’s made without added grains or legumes for sensitive stomachs.

We tested Ziwi-Peak air-dried cat food which most of cats enjoyed and ate.

Really, the main downside is the price here. Then again, this food could save you in the long run with vet bills.

Key Features:

• Suitable for all life stages
• Made in New Zealand
• Air-dried cat food

Read More: Ziwi Peak Cat Food Review

>> Check price on Chewy here <<

>> Check price at Amazon here <<

5. Meat Mates Lamb

Best Novel Protein Wet Cat Food for Diarrhea

It’s hard to go past Meat Mates lamb as single novel protein wet food. It’ll help your cat if they have problems with allergies to chicken that irritate digestion.

Our cats enjoyed Meat Mates, despite some mixed reviews online.

Aside from the poor availability, this is a solid choice.

Key Features:

• Suitable for all life stages
• Made in New Zealand
• Wet canned pate cat food

Read More: Meat Mates Cat Food Review

>> Check price on Chewy here <<

>> Check price at Amazon here <<

How We Chose the Best Cat Food for Cats With Diarrhea

I’ve built a database of over 100 popular cat food products (with many tested hands on with our cats).

For this article I filtered out anything that could increase diarrhea risk. This includes high carb foods, as well as cat food with added grains and legumes.

I also point out whether the food is a novel protein choice for cats with allergies.

Since I haven’t gotten my hands on a few I held off recommending them, but check them out below.

Here’s a list of the best cat food for cats with diarrhea:

Best wet cat food for cats with diarrhea	Price	Novel Protein?	Texture	Lifestage	Protein	Carbs	Fiber
Hound & Gatos Duck & Liver	$$	Yes	Pate	All	45.5%	0.0%	4.5%
Tiki Baby Cat Chicken & Egg	$$$	No	Shreds	All	62.5%	0.0%	8.3%
Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken	$$$	No	Shreds	All	77.7%	0.1%	0.0%
Fancy Feast Savory Centers	$$	No	Pate	Adult	45.0%	1.0%	7.5%
Meat Mates Lamb	$$$	Yes	Pate	All	41.7%	1.7%	3.9%
Ziwi Peak East Cape	$$$	Yes	Pate	All	44.6%	1.8%	3.6%
Feline Natural Chicken & Lamb	$$$	No	Pate	All	51.5%	2.1%	0.5%
Purina Pro Plan Kitten Chicken & Liver	$$	No	Pate	Growth	51.1%	2.1%	6.4%
Wellness Smooth Loaf Chicken	$$	No	Pate	Adult	47.7%	2.6%	4.5%
Instinct Original Grain-free Real Rabbit	$$	Yes*	Pate	All	59.1%	3.2%	6.8%
Wellness Core Tiny Tasters Duck	$$	No	Pate	Adult	46.7%	3.7%	0.4%
Dave’s Naturally Healthy Turkey & Giblets	$	No	Pate	Adult	48.4%	3.7%	0.8%
Nulo Freestyle Duck & Tuna	$	No	Pate	All	51.4%	5.8%	0.4%
Sheba Perfect Portions Pate Savory Chicken	$	No	Pate	Adult	45.0%	7.5%	7.5%
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Duck & Pea	$	Yes	Pate	Adult	40.9%	7.7%	9.1%
Halo Chicken Stew	$$	No	Stew	Adult	43.9%	7.8%	7.3%
Ziwi Peak Venison Recipe	$$$	Yes	Pate	All	54.2%	10.4%	4.2%
Blue Buffalo Freedom Indoor Cat Chicken	$$	No	Pate	Adult	40.9%	11.8%	9.1%
Sheba Perfect Portions Cuts in Gravy	$	No	Gravy	Adult	43.8%	12.5%	9.4%

Buying Guide: Best Cat Food For Cats With Diarrhea

So what do you do when your cat leaves sloppy wet stinky poos in the litter tray?

Run away!

Ok…no, let’s be practical.

First, rule out any medical problems.

Kittens are at risk of parasites, whilst older cats are susceptible to medical issues like hyperthyroidism.

For kittens and senior cats, see a vet. Also see a vet if you find any concerning stuff (e.g. weight loss or bloody poos).

If there’s no other issues, it’s time to try switching up diet. This can help cats find relief in 2-3 days.

Vets recommend a highly digestible diet.

Cats have a harder time digesting carbohydrates. This includes:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Barley
• Lentils
• Peas

Why do cats have a hard time digesting carbs?

Cats are carnivores. Their body has fewer digestive enzymes for carbohydrates.

A cats eats mice, not rice.

Another cause of diarrhea is food intolerance. This is a negative reaction to food.

Some ingredients that cause food intolerance include:

• Histamines
• Gluten
• Lactose
• Colorings
• Preservatives
• Flavorings
• Lectins

Grains like wheat and barley contain gluten. Peas and legumes contain legumes.

These ingredients are worth steering clear of if your cat has a sensitive stomach.

How does food intolerance affect digestion?

• A lack of digestive enzymes (e.g. not enough lactase)
• Food changes digestive system function (e.g. faster transit time)

Usually, wet cat food is easier to digest.

Vets also recommend single novel protein diets. This can help clear things up if the problem is allergy related.

Common allergens include chicken, beef, and fish.

Foods found in almost everything cat food!

Novel protein sources are anything your cat hasn’t been exposed to. This includes:

• Kangaroo
• Lamb
• Turkey
• Duck
• Venison
• Rabbit

Try search around for any cat food that has the following ingredients by themselves.

Final thing:

The other thing to look for is whether the food is suitable as a sole source of nutrition for cats.

Check the label for AAFCO’s statement of nutritional adequacy. You want a food that meets your cats dietary needs for health.

Here’s a summary of what to look for:

• Wet over dry cat food
• No grains or legumes
• Novel single protein source
• Statement of nutritional adequacy

Here’s a few more guides to help you learn more about choosing cat food:

Learn More:

• How to Read a Cat Food Label
• Do Cats Need Carbs?
• 9 Tips to Feed Your Cat for Awesome Health

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wet Food or Dry Food Better for Cats With Diarrhea?

We prefer wet food as it’s lower in carbohydrates. This helps reduce digestive upset.

If you want to feed your cat dry food, choose a lower carbohydrate option.

Can Certain Cat Foods Cause Diarrhea in Cats?

Yep, sure can.

A high carbohydrate diet may cause diarrhea in cats. It’s why we suggest keeping carbs low.

Diet isn’t the only cause of diarrhea.

Other causes of diarrhea in cats include:

• Infectious and non-infectious diseases
• Dehydration
• Stress

If switching up diet doesn’t help with diarrhea, take a trip to the vet for a workup.

What Ingredients Should I Avoid to Help My Cat With Diarrhea?

Here’s a list of things to be weary of:

• Histamines
• Gluten
• Lactose
• Colorings
• Preservatives
• Flavorings
• Lectins

It’s hard to avoid all of these ingredients, unless you look for high quality cat food.

Do you best to avoid as much as possible that could irritate your cats digestion.

Is Milk Bad for Cats With Diarrhea?

Cats can tolerate about 1/4 cup of milk per day. Milk contains lactose, a sugar cats have a hard time digesting.

This is due to low amounts of lactase, an enzyme used to break down milk sugar.

Learn more:

• Is Milk Bad for Cats?

What is Cat Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a condition that causes more water is in the feces. This results in either a liquid or partial liquid consistency poo.

Other signs of diarrhea include:

• Lack of straining
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Increased litter box usage

How Common Is Diarrhea in Cats?

Research data on 1,727 cats admitted to shelters find the prevalence of diarrhea is 11.9%. 

What Is the Most Common Cause of Diarrhea in Cats?

Kittens and multiple cats living in an enclosure have a higher risk of diarrhea. Cats living together pass infections more readily.

Why Do Cats Get Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is caused by any one of following problems:

• A physical problem with the digestive system (e.g. short bowel syndrome)
• Metabolic problems (e.g. hyperthyroidism)
• Infections
• Food allergy
• Food intolerance  

These problems affect the digestion of food and how much water is in the feces.

They affect the following areas of digestion:

• Transit time (i.e. how fast food moves through digestion)
• Water absorption 
• Gut bacteria (affects transit time) 

Get a workup from the vet to find the cause of the problem.

Seek medical help for bouts of diarrhea that last more than two days and/or results in a loss of appetite.

When Should I Call a Vet if My Cat Has Diarrhea?

If diarrhea lasts more than two days, call a vet.

According to VCA Hospitals, vomiting and loss of appetite are signs your cat needs immediate medical attention.

How Do Vets Treat Diarrhea in Cats?

A vet will go through a variety of diagnostic tests to find out the cause of the problem, before providing a treatment plan.

This includes the following:

• Physical workup
• Ultrasound
• Bloodwork

The treatment can involve dietary suggestions and/or medication.

If diarrhea lasts more than two days, call a vet.

Do Older Cats Have Diarrhea More Often?

No. Older cats are less likely to experience diarrhea. Senior cats are more likely to experience constipation. 

Older cats do have severe diarrhea more often than young cats, although the overall prevalence is low.

Learn more:

• Best Cat Food for Constipation

Does Dry Cat Food Help With Diarrhea?

No. Dry cat food is higher in carbohydrate, which cats find harder to digest in high amounts.

High carb diets can result in diarrhea.

Dry food also lacks moisture, which is important to maintain hydration.

How Can I Prevent Cat Diarrhea?

Try a wet canned cat food that is low in fiber. This type of cat food is easier on the gut.

How Can I Firm up My Cat’s Stool?

Adding fiber can help improve your cats stool. There are two types of fiber:

• Soluble
• Insoluble

These types of fiber have different effects. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool, whilst soluble increases moisture.

1-2 teaspoons of psyllium (soluble fiber) added to wet cat food can help cats find relief.

Another popular remedy is pumpkin, but research suggests cooked pumpkin doesn’t help with diarrhea. Your mileage may vary.

Should You Withhold Food From Cats With Diarrhea?

No. Wet cat food is a source of water and electrolytes which help replace losses from diarrhea.

I recommend cutting out dry food from the diet and sticking to wet foods. These options are easier to digest and less likely to result in further diarrhea episodes.

This is because wet foods contain fewer carbohydrates, grain, and legume ingredients. Cat’s lack the digestive enzymes for tolerating high carbohydrate diets.

Conclusion

Diarrhea in cats is a problem involving watery feces. This can be a serious problem caused by parasites, tumors, or toxic substances.

Eating high carb foods may cause diarrhea in cats. Switching to wet canned cat food can help some cats find relief. Avoiding sources of food intolerances (e.g. peas) can also help.

See a vet if the problem persists for over two days.

Our best pick for cats with diarrhea Tiki Cat After Dark Chicken.