We take reviews seriously. This article has product links we may be compensated for as an affiliate, at no extra cost to you.
For my long-haired Maine Coon, who is prone to hairballs, with a sensitive stomach and is showing signs of chronic kidney disease nausea, the best cat food to help her throwing up is Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Wet Cat Food.
- Contains natural prebiotic fiber to support gut health
- Uncommon proteins minimize allergen potential
- Real duck or arctic char as first ingredient
- Grain free
- Variety pack for picky eaters
That’s her above. As I’ve tried to find the right food for her, I’ve learned too much about the best foods for cats that throw up, and now have practical advice for other pet parents going through the same thing. So I like this Purina formula.
However, the top one for mine may not be ideal for yours. Maybe your cat is into crunchy kibble or is a bit older than mine.
Which is why I cover other wonderful picks from a variety of categories. And at the end is a complete buyer’s guide to cat food to prevent vomiting.
These are the products we review in this article (not all shown):
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Cat Food
- Duck, Salmon, Venison, Chicken (All With Green Pea) Flavors
- 33.33% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Proteins
Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Dry Cat Food
- Duck, Fish, Potato (All with Potato) Flavors
- 32.97% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Proteins
Royal Canin Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy Wet Cat Food
- Chicken and Pork Flavors
- 51.72% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Highly Digestible Proteins
Purina Pro Plan 7+ Prime Plus Grain Free Wet Cat Food
- Turkey & Giblets, Chicken & Beef, Chicken, Salmon & Tuna & more Flavors
- 45.45% Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prebiotic Fiber
Purina Pro Plan Hairball Management Dry Cat Food
- Salmon & Rice Flavors
- 45.45% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prebiotic Fiber, Probiotics
Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care Canned Cat Food
- Chicken Flavors
- 38.64% min protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Highly Digestible Protein and Fat
- Best Wet Cat Food for Cats That Throw Up
- Best Dry Cat Food for Cats That Throw Up
- Runner Up Dry Cat Food for Vomiting Cats
- Best Cat Food for Preventing Vomiting
- Best Dry Cat Food for Cats that Vomit Excessively
- Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit
- Best Cat Food for Hairballs and Vomiting
- Best Cat Food for Sick Cats
- How to Choose a Cat Food to Prevent Vomiting
- Vomiting vs. Regurgitation
- Why is My Cat Vomiting?
- Foods that Can Make Cats Throw Up
- How to Treat Vomiting in Cats
- What to Feed a Cat That Throws Up A Lot
All cat foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for cats. Always consult with your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet.
Best Wet Cat Food for Cats That Throw Up
- Contains natural prebiotic fiber to support gut health
- Uncommon proteins minimize allergen potential
- Real duck or arctic char as first ingredient
- Grain free
- Variety pack for picky eaters
- First 5 Ingredients: duck, liver, meat by-products, water, ocean whitefish
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Calories: 87 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Adult
Say goodbye to artificial protein with Purina’s Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach wet cat food. This food includes real Arctic char or duck that cat owners say even their pickiest kitties will eat. The uncommon protein options are also a great choice for cats with protein sensitivities.
While there are meat by-products on the ingredient list, many owners testify that their older cats with sensitive stomachs feel great with Purina.
The science-based nutrition behind this wet cat food is the reason why it includes both omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin A. As one of the best cat foods for cats that throw up, parents notice not just less vomiting, but also all-around healthier animals.
As one of the best cat food for cats that throw up, it features highly digestible ingredients. It might not have as much crude fiber as other options, but it makes up for it with prebiotic fiber.
What We Liked:
- Purina’s premium line up with ingredient quality to match
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- An uncommon protein as first ingredient
- Wide flavor variety
- Commercially available and enjoyed by most cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains by-products
Best Dry Cat Food for Cats That Throw Up
- Duck, Salmon, Venison, Chicken (All With Green Pea) Flavors
- 33.33% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Proteins
- First 5 Ingredients: duck, duck meal, peas, chickpeas, lentils
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Calories: 410 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
Don’t get caught up in a long list of ingredients when you feed your cat. Try the Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diet for a great dry food option. Owners say that it helps their cats with serious allergy issues thanks to its pared-down ingredient list. It is one of the best food for vomiting cats available.
No strange, artificial additives are present in this dry food from Natural Balance, another one of the best cat foods for cats that throw up. This brand sticks to clean, wholesome products and a limited number of carbs and proteins.
This grain free cat food can be enjoyed by all cats, whether they have sensitivity or vomiting issues. Reviewers point out how easy it is for them to get multiple cats to eat and enjoy this food. It can be a good selection to feed as a preventative measure against frequent throwing up or hairballs.
A unique aspect of this limited-ingredient food is the ability to verify your bag. Feeding unusual ingredients from unknown sources can be risky for a cat who throws up easily. Natural Balance makes it easy to validate the safety and authenticity of your pet’s food.
What We Liked:
- Just 1 protein and 1 vegetable formula
- Grain-free, chicken-free, poultry free in Duck or Venison flavors
- No eggs, dairy, super clean eating
- No artificial anything or fillers
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers talk of inconsistent batches
Runner Up Dry Cat Food for Vomiting Cats
- Duck, Fish, Potato (All with Potato) Flavors
- 32.97% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Limited Ingredient, Novel Proteins
- First 5 Ingredients: deboned duck, duck meal, pea protein, peas, tapioca starch
- Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Calories: 354 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
Get rid of the grains with Blue Buffalo’s Basics Skin & Stomach Care. This dry cat food for vomiting cats has been a lifesaver for many reviewers. Its great-tasting formula gets cats to eat it and helps prevent frequent vomiting and digestion issues.
Cats with food allergies need to try this food. If you don’t know what your cat might be sensitive to, the limited ingredients allow you to easily figure it out. If you know your cat has a known issue with chicken, this food conveniently uses Duck, Fish, or Turkey!
Picky eater cats are no match for this food, according to reviewers. Even stubborn cats enjoy the taste and can experience the benefits of more easily digestible food bits. As another one of the best cat foods for vomiting in cats, Blue Buffalo promotes digestion and eases the stomach.
Blue Buffalo specializes in antioxidant-rich, vitamin-filled bits that add a little extra to every mouthful. Your cat will have a more robust immune system, which is heavily linked to a healthy gut.
What We Liked:
- Single protein formula
- High fiber and probiotics for gut healing
- Free of chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs
- Contain’s Blue Buffalo’s proprietary mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some complaints of its smell
Best Cat Food for Preventing Vomiting
- Chicken and Pork Flavors
- 51.72% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Highly Digestible Proteins
- First 5 Ingredients: Water sufficient for processing, chicken by-products, pork by-products, pork liver, salmon
- Guaranteed Analysis: 7.5% Crude Protein, 2% Crude Fat, 1.7% Crude Fiber, 82.5% Moisture
- Calories: 66 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Adult
Don’t let the price get you down. Royal Canin’s Digest Sensitive Thin Slices in Gravy wet cat food is what many pet parents feed their cats. Reviewers say that it is worth it to help cats who throw up every day and have trouble due to old age.
Balance your cat’s meal completely with this food that combines flavor and texture. Before your cat has an issue with vomiting, this food can target it at its source. With 30% crude protein, cats get the energy they need without unnatural fillers. Check it out as the best cat food to prevent vomiting.
Science is behind every food item from Royal Canin. The science in this wet food ensures a balanced diet with plenty of moisture to avoid dehydration. Cat owners rejoice when they see their cats enjoying this food without a hint of discomfort in sight.
This cat food is also scientifically proven to reduce stool odor and manage a healthy weight in cats.
What We Liked:
- Texture promotes appetite
- Easily digestible proteins
- Moisture rich
- Commercially available
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low protein
- Contains wheat, grains, by products
Best Dry Cat Food for Cats that Vomit Excessively
- Real chicken as top ingredient
- Fiber-rich and contains probiotics
- Free of by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy
- First 5 Ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, whole ground brown rice, oatmeal, whole ground barley
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein, 16% Crude Fat, 3.5% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Calories: 422 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
Blue Buffalo’s Tastefuls Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult dry cat food features good ingredients, including prebiotic fiber, that encourages a healthy gut for your cats. Current owners share how much better their kitties feel after trying this food.
Excessive vomiters, including cats who vomit every day for no specific reason, feel relief with the sensitive formula of Blue Buffalo. This brand has whole chicken as the first ingredient and no fillers, by-products, or wheat are allowed.
Some reviewers share their amazement at the results with Blue Buffalo’s Tastefuls. They have gone from 5 times a week cleaning up vomit to a few times in one month. The carefully formulated recipe uses high-quality proteins and other wholesome ingredients that will not upset your cat’s stomach. It is a great cat food to stop vomiting where it starts.
This dry cat food for vomiting also features a bonus in the form of vitamin and antioxidant-rich Lifesource bits. Cats get an extra boost in nutrition and immune system support. Definitely one of the best foods for cats who vomit.
What We Liked:
- Real chicken as top ingredient
- Fiber-rich and contains probiotics
- Free of by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only 1 chicken flavor
Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit
- Turkey & Giblets, Chicken & Beef, Chicken, Salmon & Tuna & more Flavors
- 45.45% Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prebiotic Fiber
- First 5 Ingredients: chicken, liver, water sufficient for processing, meat by-products, beef
- Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Calories: 94 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Senior
It can be stressful finding the right senior cat food for changing nutritional and health needs. Older cats that begin to vomit a lot can benefit from Purina’s Pro Plan Grain Free Senior wet cat food. This brand features ingredients meant for a sensitive stomach.
Current owners share how happy they are with this vet-recommended food. Their picky and stubborn cats enjoy the flavor of this wet food even when they will not eat anything else.
Senior cats that begin to have trouble digesting dry food as they age can add time to their life by eating this Purina food. Its ingredient blend is designed to help extend the life of your cat.
Trying to make an older cat eat a new food can be hard, but this food is gobbled up by cats. Reviewers say that the portion size is great for their cats and really starts to help with vomiting issues immediately.
This Purina wet food is recommended for any senior cat with a sensitive stomach over 7 years old. For the best cat food for older cats that vomit, especially senior cats, consider Purina.
What We Liked:
- Real meats and organ protein sources
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- No grains, meals, by-products, fillers
- Variety pack
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price
Best Cat Food for Hairballs and Vomiting
- Salmon & Rice Flavors
- 45.45% min Protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Prebiotic Fiber, Probiotics
- First 5 Ingredients: salmon, rice, corn gluten meal, chicken meal, wheat flour
- Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 5.5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Calories: 508 kcal/per cup
- Life Stage: Adult
Anyone dealing with frequent hairballs with their cats should give Purina’s Pro Plan Hairball Management dry cat food a try. Formulated with natural prebiotic fiber and other wholesome ingredients, it promotes happy, healthy animals.
Owners say that their hairball problems are quickly rectified after transitioning to this Purina option. Cats who experience frequent hairballs and vomiting will feel more settled with the high-quality, uncommon protein and the higher content of fiber.
Beyond easing the hairballs and preventing vomiting, cats like eating this Purina food, one of the best foods for cats that throw up Owners share how simple it was to transition from other foods, even in a multi-cat household.
Checking through the list of ingredients, notice that a top ingredient is corn gluten meal. This is typically not a great option for vomiting control. However, the main concern you should have is if your cat has a gluten or corn allergy.
Even picky eaters happily eat this Purina dry food. Some reviewers even claim their cats eat more often and more fully. The result is fewer hairballs and healthier weight management thanks to high-quality protein ingredients.
What We Liked:
- Purina’s premium brand with ingredient quality to match
- Very high protein by dry weight matter – 45.45% min
- Contains prebiotic fiber
- Commercially available, enjoyed by most cats
What We Didn’t Like:
- Corn gluten meal as a top ingredient
Best Cat Food for Sick Cats
- Chicken Flavors
- 38.64% min protein By Dry Matter Basis
- Highly Digestible Protein and Fat
- First 5 Ingredients: Water, Turkey Giblets, Pork Liver, Chicken, Corn Flour
- Guaranteed Analysis: 8.5% Crude Protein, 5.2% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber
- Calories: 180 kcal/per can
- Life Stage: Adult
Sick cats who are throwing up, whether they have a chronic illness or are recovering from surgery, require specific nutrition.
Regular cat food can be too interesting or complex for a sick cat’s stomach. Hill’s Prescription Diet a/d Urgent Care Canned dog and cat food is a vet-approved choice that encourages quick recovery.
Current owners using this food swear by it for older, senior animals. If your cat is older and more fragile due to serious illness or injury, you can support its nutrition with more digestible proteins and fats. Definitely look into this, one of the best cat food for older cats that vomit.
Higher levels of beneficial vitamins, like B vitamins and zinc, lend support to compromised immune systems and can help prevent dull skin and fur or weight loss during illness. Underweight animals suffering from chronic illness enjoy this food according to current owners.
If you are looking for a solution to help the recovery of a beloved pet, Hill’s Prescription Diet is recommended by vets, cat owners, and the cats themselves. The added benefit is this is one of the best cat food for cats that throw up. Sick, recovering cats are more prone to vomiting.
What We Liked:
- Easily digestible, energy dense
- Moderate protein, high fat
- Simple to eat texture
- Higher levels of essential potassium, B vitamins, zinc
What We Didn’t Like:
- Prescription formula
- Price
How to Choose a Cat Food to Prevent Vomiting
Not every cat food is created equally. Focus on choosing wet or dry cat food that pays attention to nutrition. Your cat will thank you in the end!
High-Quality Protein Source
Know exactly what protein is in your cat’s food before you give it to them. The source of protein in any pet’s food should not be mysterious or low-quality. Look for natural, wholesome ingredients that are easy to digest as opposed to animal by-products or protein meals.
Prebiotics and Probiotic Fibers
The best cat foods for cats that throw up helps with digestion and the gut. This aid might particularly be beneficial to senior cats. Fiber helps keep everything moving along in the stomach and intestines, and helps gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
Limited Ingredient, Hypoallergenic, or Have Uncommon Proteins
Check for foods that feature a limited ingredient list that avoids unwanted artificial additives, or contain hypoallergenic protein. The best cat foods for vomiting will meet these criteria.
No Excessive Carbs and Fillers
Carbs, grains, dairy, by-products, and fillers have one thing in common when it comes to cat food – they offer very little nutritional value to your cat.
Too many fillers and unnecessary additives provide more opportunities to upset a cat’s stomach or trigger an allergic reaction. Our list of the best cat foods to prevent vomiting limit fillers.
Be Practical
Before deciding on any food for your cat, ask yourself ‘will they even eat it?’ You can find the best food for a sensitive stomach or a senior cat, but it is a nonstarter if they hate it. Some cats do not like wet food. Other cats might hate the taste of beef. Pay attention to what your cat loves to eat and try to accommodate them.
Vomiting vs. Regurgitation
If you suspect your cat has a vomiting problem, you should know how to identify it. Many pet parents confuse vomiting and regurgitation.
Pay attention to your cat. If they appear to be having abdominal contractions, then they are most likely vomiting.
On the other hand, regurgitation happens very quickly. You will not abdominal contractions, but the result is still throwing up undigested food.
Regurgitation most often occurs after your cat eats or drinks. There is actually no cat food for regurgitation, it’s more about eating habits: slowing it down, or eating smaller portions.
Why is My Cat Vomiting?
Your cat that is vomiting is definitely alarming. Sometimes narrowing that reason down can help you figure out what solution to try.
Hairballs
Cats get hairballs when they swallow fur after grooming themselves. When enough hair gathers in the stomach, a hairball forms of undigestible fur. Your cat will then vomit this hairball up and feel better.
Ate too fast
If you’ve ever eaten a meal way too quickly and felt terrible afterward, you know how your cat might feel when it does the same thing. They actually might not need any of our best cat foods for gastrointestinal problems or vomiting!
Ate spoiled food or foreign body
Just like humans, cats will vomit if they eat expired or spoiled food. Vomiting is also a natural reaction when an animal consumes a foreign body, things like toys, string, and hair ties.
If your cat swallows something it shouldn’t, it might begin to vomit due to damage or blockage in the GI tract. Seek immediate help from a vet in this scenario!
Food intolerance
If you notice that your cat reacts to a specific food, your cat might have a food allergy or intolerance. Milk is one of the most common foods that people think they can give their cats but really shouldn’t.
Just a sensitive stomach
Every time your cat throws up, you don’t necessarily have to look around for a complex cause. Some cats are prone to stomach sensitivity. Your cat might get an upset stomach if they eat something not part of its regular diet or some unusual toxin. A mild case of upset stomach is not a worry.
Underlying health issues
Excessive throwing up might be one of the first indications that your cat has an underlying health issue. Chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and pancreatitis, cause nausea and vomiting.
Acute vs Chronic
How you treat your cat after they throw up can differ depending on whether it is an acute or chronic problem. Acute vomiting occurs when a cat has an upset stomach or hairball. Once they vomit the issue usually resolves itself without intervention.
However, a chronic problem means your cat continues to throw up again and again. If you do not act, it may lead to worse problems.
Foods that Can Make Cats Throw Up
Know before you buy the types of foods that can trigger vomiting in sensitive cats. You might be surprised by the types of foods that can upset your cat’s stomach.
Popular proteins in cat food, such as beef, chicken, and fish, are frequently linked to vomiting in cats. Your cat might be reacting to an allergen in one of these proteins if they have trouble digesting it.
Dairy products, including milk, are typically not a good choice for cats. Did you know that most cats are actually lactose intolerant?
Grains can give your kitty stomach problems, too. Just like humans, cats can struggle with digesting different types of grain, like rice and wheat.
Other things that can cause issues are protein meals and by-products, as well as irritating flavors, preservatives, and chemicals. Cats with sensitive stomachs have a harder time processing food that is too interesting or from a by-product.
How to Treat Vomiting in Cats
If your cat has been vomiting, do not panic. First, ask yourself if it was caused by a hairball or an acute problem like eating something they shouldn’t have. These types of problems resolve themselves on their own.
Give your cats plenty of water and let them rest, whether the problem is acute or chronic. They will need more fluids to not become dehydrated.
In the case of a chronic vomiting problem, monitor your cat for any changes. Record what they eat, how much they eat, and when they eat. In extreme cases, you might need to modify their diet to solve the issue.
Extreme and long-term vomiting in a cat can indicate an underlying illness, especially if changes in the diet result in no resolution. Your vet can offer medication to help or even run some tests to get to the bottom of the problem.
What to Feed a Cat That Throws Up A Lot
If your cat has a prolonged problem and not responding to the best cat foods for vomiting, you might need to think outside the box. Consider limiting their food to very bland items, including homemade boiled chicken and white rice. Or you can try meat-flavored baby food that does not have any sugar, salt, or spices.
However, bland human foods have low fat and fiber content. Do not keep your cat on this diet longer than two days after they quit throwing up.
I’m Gary Hu, a proud cat dad to a 15 lb Maine Coon. Have taken care of outdoor and indoor cats for over 10 years, and learned tons on behavior, habits, health, and products. I help new Maine Coon (or any other cat) parents with common questions and issues based on real, practical experience.
