Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets En Gastroenteric Feline Formula Cat Food
An important factor when dealing with kitties who suffer from IBD and other gastroenteritis problems is keeping their food as natural as possible. This Purina Pro Plan food is specifically formulated for cats dealing with gastrointestinal conditions while maintaining a great taste for your cat to enjoy.
The high-protein meals are energy-dense and totally digestible. This means that your cat has the ability to absorb all the nutrients found within the food, but also allows for food to pass easily.
Getting a new kitty? Check out my guide to How to Look after a Kitten, 6 Best Kitten Wet FoodOptions and 8 Best Kitten Dry Food Options
How To Start Your Untamed Journey
You can treat your cat to Untamed delicacies by ordering a starter pack at a competitive price! All you have to do is:
Your custom-made order will arrive within a daywe deliver cat food with free shipping. If your kitty approves, youll receive monthly deliveries of Untamed boxes after the trial period ends.
Since your feline companions well-being is our primary concern, our cat food service leaves plenty of room for tweaks and turns. Youre free to change your order at any point from your Untamed account!
Dont let IBS get in the way of your cats happiness! Become a member of our community and treat your cat to tasty and nourishing meals.
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The Benefits Of Single
Products that contain a single protein source, such as Untameds Choka Chicken and Tuck-in Tuna, are appropriate for cats with IBS and food allergies because they contain a single protein source. Cats with inflammatory bowel disease can benefit from these meals because they are low in sugar and provide all of the necessary amino acids.
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The 9 Best Cat Foods For Irritable Bowel Syndrome
When it comes to inflammatory bowel disease in cats, natural treatment methods usually involve a change in diet. Your veterinarian will be able to provide specific recommendations for your cat, but youve already learned some of the general things to look for in a hypoallergenic cat food for IBS and IBD. If youre still not sure what youre looking for, try one of our recommendations.
Here are our top picks for the best food for cats with IBD or IBS:
Dr Elseys Cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain
Dr. Elseys grain-free dry cat food is formulated with natural proteins that are found in cats wild-caught prey. With this natural design, the food removes all of the added proteins and allergens found in common retail cat food produce.
With high-quality ingredients, including chicken as the main ingredient, as well as healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, your kitty will be left feeling active and happy. The fatty acids also play an important role in keeping the gut healthy, as well as aiding in healing.
Many cats who suffer from IBD show remarkable weight loss and a lack of appetite. The fact that this grain-free food is made up of 90% protein means your kitty can maintain healthy body weight.
Shop USADr. Elseys Cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
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Causes Of Ibd In Cats
- Parasitic or bacterial infection: such as Salmonella, E. coli, or Giardia
- Imbalance of gut bacteria: Disruptions to the makeup of the GI microbiome can lead to IBD.4 One vet mentioned this could include too much chlorine in drinking water.2 High chlorine levels will negatively affect the good bacteria that is crucial in normal, intestinal functioning.
- Genetic predisposition: genetic abnormalities of the immune system inherited from the cats parents.
- Poor diet: regularly consuming low-quality ingredients, a low-fiber diet, or high amounts of fat in the diet.
- Genetically modified foods & herbicides: Recent studies found that genetically modified foods, food additives, and herbicides can be irritating to the stomachs of animals. These can include corn, canola oil, soy, and sugar beets, which are all common in cheap pet foods.
- Antibiotics & other pharmaceuticals: Antibiotics damage the microorganisms that live in the digestive system. Avoid these unless necessary and prescribed by a vet.
- Stress: Although a less supported theory, stress has been associated with other inflammatory diseases in cats.
How Can I Put Weight On My Cat With Ibd
As the treatment for your cats IBD starts to work, your cats gut will begin to recover. They will absorb more nutrients and will start to put weight back on. Work with your vet to find a food that your cat finds palatable and that is suitable for their IBD.
If you are struggling to get your cat to eat, a feeding routine may help. Small and frequent meals are usually tolerated better than infrequent large meals. Cats prefer food that is close to their body temperature so try heating it in a microwave to 101.5 degrees F. Cats are solitary hunters and do not like people fussing over them when they are eating. Try placing their food bowl in a quiet part of the house where they will not be disturbed.
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Hills Prescription Diet Feline Z/d For Skin/food Sensitivities
Cats have reactions to certain types of proteins that are found within popular ranges of cat foods. And while these proteins are rich in health properties, some cats react badly to them.
The Hills Prescription food sensitivities product has been developed to manage diet sensitivity, as well as aid in reducing the possibility of adverse food reactions. It is formulated with proteins and nutrients with low allergens.
Such as single animal-source protein which minimizes the chances of negative food reactions and prevents harmful conditions.
The food targets a wide range of health problems that are prominent in cats, such as IBD and gastrointestinal disease. With high levels of essential fatty acids, this product also nourishes your cats skin and coat, in order to prevent skin conditions which may arise with IBD.
Shop UKHills Prescription Diet Feline z/d for Skin/Food Sensitivities Dry Food
Stella & Chewys Duck Duck Goose Dinner Freeze
Another convenient alternative to fresh food for cats is this Stella & Chewys Duck Duck Goose Dinner Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food. This formula features fresh duck with ground bone as the main ingredient which is a novel protein source and is packed with nutrition. It also contains fresh turkey and goose for supplemental sources of premium animal protein. This recipe is naturally grain-free and low in carbohydrates, relying on sources like pumpkin seed to provide fiber as well as omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Because this food is freeze-dried and not cooked at high temperatures, the raw ingredients retain more of their original nutritional integrity. You have the option of feeding the food as-is or rehydrating it with water or broth. Either way, you can count on this recipe to deliver quality nutrition as well as a hefty dose of natural flavor.
- Pros: Novel animal proteins, low in carbohydrates, blend of omega fatty acids, rich in nutrients, chelated minerals for nutrient absorption, freeze-dried instead of cooked, natural flavor
- Cons: Some cats dislike the texture of freeze-dried food, not a single source protein recipe
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Hound And Gatos Duck Formula Grain
Our Top Pick for the Best Grain-Free Wet Cat Food for IBD: When it comes to the best wet cat food for IBD, we love this Hound and Gatos Duck Formula Grain-Free Cat Food because it is made with a novel source of protein and very few other ingredients. This recipe features fresh duck as the primary ingredient and a novel source of premium animal protein. Aside from beneficial supplements, the only other ingredients are duck broth for moisture, duck liver, salmon oil, and agar-agar which acts as a thickening agent and source of fiber. This formula is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat while also meeting your cats needs for healthy energy. It is a very limited-carbohydrate recipe and naturally grain-free to ensure digestibility and easy absorption of nutrients. For nutritional balance, this recipe contains vitamin supplements and chelated minerals, but there are no added colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives to worry about.
- Pros: Single source of novel animal protein, very carbohydrate-limited, blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, chelated minerals, rich in moisture and natural flavor, fiber for digestion
- Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet, some controversy about agar ingredients in cat food
Try Out Foods With Minimal Additives
Sometimes, it can be hard to identify which ingredients are causing the symptoms of IBS to occur. It might even take an experienced veterinary nutritionist a bit of time to determine that. Since every cat will react differently to different food, you must monitor your cat at all times when you give it a new type of food. Another way of avoiding this all together is through choosing foods with a minimal number of additives. This will minimize your cats immune reactions and limit the number of ingredients youre suspecting of causing IBS. For precautions sake, be sure to research the food you provide to see whether or not it may cause an allergic reaction to cats.
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Signs Of Ibd And Diagnosis
Vomiting, weight-loss, chronic diarrhea, and poor appetite are some of the common signs of IBD.
When diagnosing a cat with IBD, extensive tests and evaluations are done. The process needs to be done efficiently because many of the prevailing symptoms can relate to other health issues that cats are often faced with.
How Is Ibd Diagnosed
If you suspect that your cat has IBD, take her to the vet. They can perform a number of tests to properly diagnose your cats condition and determine the type and course of action to take. This also helps rule out other causes of gastrointestinal disease.
Your vet may perform diagnostic tests such as fecal examination, urinalysis, blood work, serum biochemistries, serum thyroxine level, dietary trials, Xrays, and/or ultrasound. Tests for the feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus may also be requested.
Microscopic examination of small pieces of the intestinal lining is the most definitive way to diagnose the specific type of IBD. Depending on the location of the IBD, tissue samples can be obtained during abdominal surgery or endoscopic examination. Such procedures require general anesthesia.
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Treating Ibs In Felines
Dietary therapy is the most effective treatment for IBS. Although theres no universal meal plan available, a high-protein diet is the recommended course of action.
In addition to adjusting your cats feeding habits, there are other lifestyle changes you should implement. Regular exercise can ease the symptoms of IBS and improve your felines gastrointestinal function.
On average, playtime should be between 15 and 20 minutes each day. More active breeds, such as Maine Coons, can endure more, so theres no need to limit them to half an hour.
IBS can also flare up due to stress and anxiety. Allow your cat to have a safe and private place in the house. Changes in routine, such as eating and sleeping hours, should be kept to a minimum. If there are any upcoming lifestyle changes, introduce them gradually.
Depending on the severity of your cats condition, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication in the form of:
- Dry, red, and flaky skin
The exact cause of food allergies remains unknown, although we have some understanding of how they occur. Cats can react badly to a particular protein in meat and animal products . The body detects it as a potential threat, which causes an allergic reaction.
While incurable, food allergies can be kept under control with a proper diet. There are three popular options:
How Much Protein Does Your Cat Need
It depends on the age of your cat, but ideally, your cat should get anywhere between 28% and 45% crude protein in their food. While aging cats can get by with less, 30% is the recommended minimum amount for cats of all ages.
Moreover, kittens should get at least 40% crude protein. Theyre growing and need the extra protein to do it! You can give your adult cat more than 45% crude protein in their diet, but you need to ensure that your cat is working it off. Protein that your cat isnt using turns to fat, and you dont want an overweight kitty just because youre giving them the wrong type of food!
Finally, keep in mind that wet foods work differently. Cats can eat more of it because its mostly moisture, so if the food contains 7.5% to 12.5% protein, youre in good shape.
Regardless of whether you feed your cat dry or wet food, you need a bowl that is sure to keep the mess containedyou can do just that with the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl.
This is designed with your cats comfort in mind. The whisker-friendly bowls are low and wide to prevent whisker fatigue, and the wide catch tray ensures that all food stays exactly where it shouldinside the bowl.
At Excited Cats, weve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
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Switching Your Cat Food
Anytime that your cat switches food, you can expect their stomach to react. This doesnt mean that the new food is the problem, but it can be frustrating for both you and your cat. This is why you should always switch their foods slowly and give them time to adjust to their new food before jumping to any conclusions.
The last thing that you want to do is jump from food to food when the only problem is that their stomach hasnt had time to adjust to their new diet!
Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food
If your cat has a sensitive stomach but is still able to tolerate chicken, this Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach recipe could be a good choice. It features nutritious whole-food ingredients and is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It is formulated specifically for adult cats with sensitive stomachs and contains a rich blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat support. It also contains LifeSource Bits, Blue Buffalos proprietary blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to provide immune support and nutritional balance.
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Justcats Fish & Chicken
Our Top Pick for the Best Cat Food for IBD: JustCats Fish & Chicken recipe is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet thats perfect for adult cats of all breeds. This nutritionally balanced cat food contains yuca root to absorb and retain moisture, to help ensure your cat is always fully hydrated. Yuca root is also highly digestible, making JustCats a great choice for cats with food allergies, sensitivities, or issues like IBD. It is made with human-grade ingredients and delivered conveniently to your doorstep. The main source of protein is Alaskan Pacific wild-caught cod which is low-calorie and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, niacin, vitamin B12 & B6, potassium, phosphorus, and selenium. Cat food that contains easily digestible EFAs, like those in fish, helps contribute to a healthy, shiny coat. If you choose this food for your cat, you can have peace of mind knowing that it is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for maintenance.
- Pros: Gluten free, grain-free, no growth hormones, ideal for adult cats, hydrating, ideal for cats with allergies or sensitivities
- Cons: More expensive than other cat foods
Earthborn Holistic Wet Cat Food
This food company adheres to a wholesome approach to cats nutrition, producing cat food with nothing but high-quality ingredients that will nourish your pets body, especially in times of stress.
The company offers you four kinds of recipes, all of which are grain and gluten-free, thereby making Earthborn Holistic Wet cat food less likely to produce allergic reactions. Many of these recipes use chicken white meat as the primary source of protein but other kinds of protein like grilled mackerel and shrimp are also used.
You can choose among the four which your kitty finds the yummiest.
Up to this time, this company has not been affected by recalls as they are very careful in selecting the freshest and the safest ingredients for cat food. No wonder, this is one of the 7 best food for cats with IBS.
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Treatment Options For Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Cats
Diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease in cats can be tricky because IBD is a group of conditions rather than a single disease. A fecal exam is the first step in diagnosing IBD, but your cat may require additional testing such as blood tests, imaging, and tissue biopsies. Once the specific condition has been identified, other tests may be taken to determine the underlying cause.
When it comes to treating IBD in cats, the best way is to treat the underlying disease. In cases where that underlying disease cant be identified, it is known as idiopathic IBD.
Here are some of the options for treating IBD in cats:
There are several ways to approach a diet for cats with IBD. Keep reading to learn what those options are and to learn what to look for in the best food for cats with IBD.