Last updated May 27, 2024
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The best cat food to stop vomiting is made with highly digestible, species-appropriate ingredients and free from potential irritants.
Packed with animal-sourced protein and hydrating moisture, Smells Fresh Ground Other Bird is our top pick. Made with turkey as the sole source of protein, it’s a carnivore-appropriate choice and a good option for cats with food allergies or sensitivities to chicken or fish.
While modifying your cat’s diet may help reduce digestive upset, identifying the cause of your cat’s vomiting is key. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose any underlying health issues and make recommendations for dietary changes that might help manage their condition.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Food for Vomiting to Buy
Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Meat-centric recipe made with a single protein
- Salmon oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
- Short list of easily digestible ingredients
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Primarily a meat-based recipe
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Contains animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
Raised Right Chicken Pate for Adult Cats
- Species-appropriate blend of animal protein and fat
- Low carbohydrate content under 10% dry matter
- Moderate healthy fat from an animal source (cod liver oil)
Caru Classic Turkey Stew Wet Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Easily digestible with low carbohydrate content
- Hydrating source of moisture for cats
Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck & Duck Liver Recipe
- Made from high-quality, easy-to-digest protein sources
- Doesn’t contain any sources of plant protein
- May help to relieve inflammation
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Pate Recipe
- Highly digestible for most cats
- Top four ingredients are all animal-based
- Supplemented with prebiotic fibers
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Packed with animal-sourced protein
- Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
- Very low in carbohydrates
Why Trust Cats.com
Mallory Crusta / Cats.com
I spent several hours researching the subject of vomiting in cats to find out what causes it and how dietary changes might help resolve the issue. Having identified the features that make a cat food product appropriate for cats suffering from vomiting, I performed in-depth brand research, evaluated product labels, and read customer reviews to choose the best products for testing.
All products featured in this guide were purchased at full retail price and tested in-house with my three cats. My cats’ opinions heavily informed my picks, but I also made my own observations about the food’s appearance, texture, consistency, smell, and packaging.
Our Top 8 Picks for the Best Cat Food to Stop Vomiting
While occasional vomiting is common in cats, repeated occurrences of vomiting accompanied by other symptoms or changes in behavior should be addressed with your veterinarian. Acute vomiting — vomiting that lasts only a day or two — may not require treatment. If your cat’s vomiting is a chronic issue, dietary modification could help but additional treatment may be required.
If your cat’s vomiting is a dietary issue, improving the digestibility and species appropriateness of their food might help. For its meat-centric formula and high moisture content, Smalls Fresh Ground Other Bird is our top pick for the best cat food to stop vomiting. But it may not be the ideal choice for every cat.
We’ve assembled a list of diverse recommendations to help you find the product that works for you and your cat.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Other Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 14.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Made with human-grade ingredients and frozen immediately after cooking, Smalls fresh cat food is our top pick for cats who suffer from vomiting. Each recipe features a single source of animal protein supplemented with cod liver oil and nutritious veggies, making Smalls a species-appropriate choice for cats of all life stages.
This particular formula features turkey thigh meat as the main ingredient, supplemented by turkey liver. You’ll also find green beans, kale, and dandelion greens on the list as natural sources of key nutrients. The food is completely free from artificial additives and by-product meals, making it an easily digestible choice for cats with food sensitivities or other digestive issues.
If your cat doesn’t like turkey, Smalls also offers chicken, beef, and fish recipes. Many of their formulas also come in multiple textures to appeal to picky eaters. You can always adjust your cat’s plan in your customer portal or via text or email with Smalls customer support.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Kale, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Proteinate, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Very low carbohydrate content
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- Multiple protein and texture options
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Runner Up: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 47% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 149
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.87 per day
Made with high-quality raw ingredients, this cat food is gently freeze-dried to render it shelf-stable without compromising its nutritional integrity. Simply measure out 1 cup for every 10 pounds of your cat’s body weight and soak the food in water or broth until softened.
If your cat tolerates chicken, this freeze-dried raw formula offers high levels of quality animal protein from a single source. The combination of fresh muscle meat, organs, and ground bone makes this a species-appropriate choice, as long as you rehydrate it before feeding to add moisture.
Open Farm pet foods are made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, so they can be pricey. But this food is very nutrient- and calorie-dense, so you may end up feeding your cat less than you would with the typical kibble or canned food.
Ingredients
Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin) Taurine, Organic Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite) Salt, Salmon Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Meat-centric recipe made with a single protein
- Salmon oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
- Short list of easily digestible ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low moisture, should be rehydrated before feeding
- Fairly expensive
#3 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.39 per day
A high-quality diet is one of the best investments you can make in your cat’s health, but you don’t necessarily need to pay a fortune for it. This Nulo Freestyle recipe costs under $2 per day to feed the average 10-pound cat.
Made with fresh muscle meat from turkey and chicken as well as turkey liver, this canned cat food is a protein-rich, species-appropriate choice. Menhaden fish oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids while pumpkin offers a gentle source of dietary fiber. The short ingredient list and high moisture content help boost the food’s digestibility as well.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Primarily a meat-based recipe
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Contains animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum causes loose stools in some cats
#4 Best for Sensitive Stomach: Raised Right Original Chicken Pate for Adult Cats
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 20% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 47
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.05 per day
Featuring a short list of whole-food ingredients, this Raised Right recipe is easily digestible for cats. It contains a carnivore-appropriate blend of chicken muscle meat and organs with cod liver oil as the primary source of added fat.
Made with chicken thigh, hearts, and liver, this recipe contains nearly 59% protein when measured as dry matter. A combination of cod liver oil and flaxseed oil contribute to the food’s 26.5% dry matter fat content, leaving the carbohydrate content under 10%.
Because this food is meat-centric, easily digestible, and free from artificial additives and other irritating ingredients, it may be a good choice for cats struggling with vomiting. If you suspect a chicken allergy as the cause of your cat’s vomiting, Raised Right also offers two turkey-based formulas.
Ingredients
Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Carrots, Organic Spearmint, Blueberries, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Organic Dried Kelp, Flaxseed Oil, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken Thigh, Chicken Heart, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Species-appropriate blend of animal protein and fat
- Low carbohydrate content under 10% dry matter
- Moderate healthy fat from an animal source (cod liver oil)
- Free from artificial additives and other irritating ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats don’t seem to like the texture or flavor
- Only sold in packs of 4 or 16 bags
#5 Best for Picky Cats: Caru Classic Turkey Stew Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 30
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.67 per day
Changing your cat’s diet to reduce vomiting can be tough if your cat has picky eating habits. This turkey stew from Caru tends to be a hit with even finicky cats and it’s a protein-rich, easily digestible formula. The high moisture content of the food also makes it a hydrating choice, though some reviewers find the consistency a little too thin.
Not only is this formula high in protein and moisture, but it’s free from synthetic additives and other potentially irritating ingredients. It does contain some tapioca starch as a thickener, but it doesn’t significantly raise the food’s carbohydrate content. Plus, this ingredient hasn’t been linked to digestive issues such as loose stools like some gum thickeners have.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Tapioca Starch, Egg Whites, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Apples, Natural Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate, Choline Bitartrate, Taurine, Calcium Carbonate, Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement), Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Magnesium Amino Acid Chelate, Iodine Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite).
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Egg Whites
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Easily digestible with low carbohydrate content
- Cardboard carton is easy to close for leftover storage
- Hydrating source of moisture for cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers find the consistency too thin
- Fairly expensive
#6 Best For Senior Cats: Tiki Cat Silver Chicken, Duck & Duck Liver Recipe
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 31
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.98 per day
Formulated for senior cats in need of immune support, controlled phosphorus, and high-quality protein, this recipe from Tiki Cat could be a good choice for older cats prone to frequent vomiting.
It’s not a single-ingredient recipe, and it probably won’t be the best choice for cats with food sensitivities and intolerances. However, it’s made from a variety of high-quality, easy-to-digest protein sources. Additionally, the food contains pumpkin, which is one of the most popular remedies for cats with digestive issues. Finally, the food features ingredients that could reduce inflammation, including tuna oil.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Duck, Duck Liver, Pumpkin, Dried Egg, Coconut Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Turmeric, Tuna Oil, Green Tea Extract, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Vitamin E Supplement, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Zinc Oxide, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Duck, Duck Liver, Dried Egg, Tuna Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Coconut Oil, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made from high-quality, easy-to-digest protein sources
- Doesn’t contain any sources of plant protein
- May help to relieve inflammation
- Contains pumpkin
- Made to support the needs of senior cats
- Low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not a limited-ingredient recipe
- Some cats may find the chicken and egg irritating
#7 Best Wet Cat Food: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Chicken Pate Recipe
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 34
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.66 per day
This Wellness CORE paté is primarily chicken-based, featuring fresh chicken and chicken liver at the top of the list. These ingredients are supplemented with additional animal-based protein from fresh turkey. Salmon oil is the main added fat and an excellent source of skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids.
What makes this recipe a particularly good choice for cats that struggle with vomiting is the inclusion of prebiotic fibers like apple powder and pumpkin powder. Prebiotic fiber helps improve your cat’s digestion by providing food for the beneficial bacteria in their gut. The fact that the food is free from artificial additives, beans, and legumes helps improve the digestibility as well.
If you’re looking for a highly digestible cat food to help resolve your cat’s upset stomach and other GI issues, the CORE Digestive Health line from Wellness is worth considering.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Turkey, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Apple Powder, Cranberry Powder, Pumpkin Powder, Taurine, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Inulin, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Blueberry Powder, Papaya Powder, Pomegranate Powder, Vitamin E Supplement, Peppermint Leaf Powder, Cinnamon, Fennel Powder, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Turkey, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Highly digestible for most cats
- Top four ingredients are all animal-based
- Supplemented with prebiotic fibers
- Relies primarily on animal protein and fat
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive, priced over $0.70 per ounce
- Carb content is a little high, over 15%
#8 Best Dry Cat Food: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 114
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.89 per day
Some cats simply prefer the crunch of dry food. If your cat is one of them, this formula from Dr. Elsey’s is a fairly species appropriate choice. It’s packed with animal-sourced protein and fat with a much lower carbohydrate content than the typical dry food.
Though this recipe isn’t a single-protein formula, it offers high digestibility for most cats without food allergies. The dry matter protein content is just over 67% while the fat content remains moderate around 20%, measured as dry matter. The food doesn’t contain any artificial additives and it’s free from starchy plant ingredients like legumes and grains.
Like any dry food, however, this food doesn’t provide a good source of hydrating moisture. It’s wise to supplement your cat’s moisture intake elsewhere in their diet to promote smooth digestion and optimal health.
Ingredients
Chicken, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharide, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Taurine, Salt, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Packed with animal-sourced protein
- Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
- Very low in carbohydrates
- Easily digestible, free from synthetic additives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not a single protein formula
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
What to Look for in Cat Food to Stop Vomiting
Vomiting is a common gastrointestinal issue in cats. In many cases, it is mild and resolves itself in a few days. Other times, however, it can last for weeks and become a much more serious health problem.
Take your cat to the vet if vomiting has become problematic or if you notice additional symptoms (especially blood in the vomit). Your vet may recommend a bland diet for a few days to give your cat’s tummy a break, but you should also consider a permanent switch to a higher quality, more digestible food to prevent the issue from recurring.
A new diet of low-carb, allergen free, and all-natural food could help to calm your cat’s tummy and stop the vomiting. Work with your vet to come up with the best treatment plan to stop your cat’s vomiting.
Here are some features to look for in cat food to stop vomiting:
- Made primarily with animal ingredients: Food composed mainly of animal-sourced proteins and fats will be the most digestible for your cat. Avoid products that don’t list an animal ingredient first or that contain more plant than animal ingredients.
- Moderate fat content: Some cats have trouble tolerating rich foods, so look for a food with a moderate fat content between 10% and 20%, measured as dry matter.
- Dry matter carbohydrate content under 10%: High-carb foods can be difficult for your cat to digest and may trigger digestive issues. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are generally more digestible than legumes and processed grains like corn, wheat, and soy.
- Short list of ingredients: The fewer components there are to your cat’s diet, the less likely it is to trigger a negative reaction. Look for a product with ten or fewer ingredients listed before the first supplement.
- Free from potentially irritating ingredients: Some cats have sensitive stomachs and react poorly to certain ingredients in their food. Every cat is different, but common culprits include synthetic additives, animal by-products and vaguely named meals, dairy products, and carrageenan.
When changing your cat’s diet, be sure to transition them slowly onto the new product. Sudden dietary changes can trigger digestive problems in cats and may make vomiting worse. Start by mixing a little of the new food into your cat’s current diet and increase the proportion of new to old food over the course of at least 7 to 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I feed my cat to stop vomiting?
If your cat is vomiting due to digestive upset, a bland, easily digestible food given in small quantities may help. Try small portions of boiled chicken or turkey, canned pumpkin, steamed rice, cooked sweet potato. Avoid high-fat and overly seasoned foods.
What cat food is easiest on the stomach?
Cat food that mimics a whole-prey diet is generally the most digestible option for carnivores like your cat. Focus on animal-sourced proteins and fats, avoiding animal by-products, artificial additives, and hard-to-digest carbohydrates like legumes, corn, and wheat.
Why is my cat vomiting but acting normal?
Vomiting that isn’t accompanied by other physical symptoms or behavioral changes is likely a reaction to the formulation of their food or an ingredient in it. Poor nutritional quality or excessive fat content may trigger digestive upset in cats, as can a sudden change in diet.
