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Home > Cats > 11 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

11 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

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Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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kitten eating

Managing diarrhea and other stomach troubles in cats can be difficult. When it comes to kittens, it can be extremely difficult because you’re dealing with a high risk of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies. Choosing the right food for your kitten with diarrhea should be done under the guidance of your kitten’s vet. The vet should determine why your kitten is having diarrhea to choose the best food to support your kitten’s digestive tract. These reviews are to help you know where to start when it comes to picking the right food, but you should not make changes to your kitten’s diet without checking with your vet first, especially if the vet isn’t aware that your kitten is having diarrhea.

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A Glance at Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription
  • High-quality ingredients
  • USDA-certified and free from preservatives and fillers
  • High-protein, low-carb diet
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Purina Pro Plan Chicken Kitten Food Purina Pro Plan Chicken Kitten Food
  • Chicken is the first ingredient
  • Calcium content is within recommended range
  • Easy to digest
  • Third place
    Royal Canin Mother & Baby Mousse Food Royal Canin Mother & Baby Mousse Food
  • Calcium content is within recommended range
  • Calorie dense food supports kitten growth
  • High palatability
  • ORIJEN Kitten Dry Food ORIJEN Kitten Dry Food
  • Calcium content is within recommended range
  • Multiple sources of insoluble fiber for digestive health
  • First 13 ingredients are animal proteins
  • Wellness Complete Health Kitten Food Wellness Complete Health Kitten Food
  • Great source of omega fatty acids
  • Smooth texture is easy for kittens to eat
  • Budget friendly
  • The 11 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea

    1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

    smalls premium human-grade-fresh cat food with kittens with logo

    Protein content: 20%
    Fat content: 10%
    Fiber content: 0.5%
    Primary protein: Chicken breast

    There’s a lot to love about the Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Pulled Bird recipe, and that’s why it is our best overall kitten food for diarrhea. All the ingredients used are of the same quality that humans eat, and are all sourced from the United States or Canada. The ingredients in all the recipes are USDA-certified and free from preservatives and fillers.

    This Smalls recipe is suitable for both adult cats and kittens and provides them with a high-protein diet that includes chicken breast, chicken broth, chicken liver, and chicken heart. The muscle, heart, and liver are solid bits for your cat to munch on. A suitable amount of taurine is added to every recipe to aid in good digestion.

    This recipe also includes green beans, peas, flaxseed, and kale to provide your kitten with the necessary vitamins and minerals. However, its fiber content is under 10%, keeping the recipe a low-carb one, suitable for an obligate carnivore.

    Its high moisture content will help prevent dehydration in your kitten, as diarrhea can cause them to lose a lot of fluid. However, you must still place a bowl of clean water out for them, as this recipe won’t be enough to replenish their bodies on its own.

    Smalls offers other recipe options for your kitten to try, but they are a subscription-based service, preventing you from buying their products from your local store. They don’t ship worldwide, and they’re also more pricey than commercial food, albeit better. They also promise to refund you if your kitten doesn’t eat their food.

    Pros
    • High-quality ingredients
    • USDA-certified and free from preservatives and fillers
    • High-protein, low-carb diet
    • High in moisture to put fluids back into their bodies
    • Refunds are offered to owners whose cats won’t eat the food

    Cons
    • Subscription-based service only
    • Pricier than commercial food


    2. Purina Pro Plan Kitten Blend Chicken & Rice – Budget Buy

    Purina Pro Plan Kitten

    Protein content: 42%
    Fat content: 19%
    Fiber content: 2.5%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    The best kitten food for diarrhea for the money is Purina Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, which contains 42% protein and 19% fat, making it in the range for kitten food. It has 2.5% fiber to help support healthy stool and features chicken as the first ingredient. It contains 1% calcium, which is also in range for kitten food. It also contains DHA to support brain and eye health. Chicken and rice blend foods tend to be easier to digest than more complex foods, which supports a healing digestive tract. It is made with actual meaty bits of chicken to enhance palatability. This food does contain corn gluten meal as the second ingredient, which is a filler that adds little nutritional value to the food.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly
    • 42% protein and 19% fat
    • 2.5% fiber
    • Chicken is the first ingredient
    • Calcium content is within recommended range
    • Easy to digest
    • Contains meaty chicken bits for palatability

    Cons
    • Corn gluten meal is the second ingredient


    3. Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Mousse Cat Food

    Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce Wet Cat Food for New Kittens and Nursing or Pregnant Mother Cats

    Protein content: 47.4%
    Fat content: 21.1%
    Fiber content: 10%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    Another good kitten food for diarrhea is Royal Canin Mother & Babycat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce, which is a wet food containing 47.4% protein and 21.1% fat on a dry matter basis. It has 10% fiber, which is higher than most kitten foods, and 1.35% calcium, which is within the recommended range for kittens. The high fiber content supports healthy stools and this food is calorie-dense, making it ideal for the rapid growth that kittens experience. This highly palatable food is easy on the tummy and is ultra-soft, making it ideal for weaning kittens. It is not recommended to continue to feed this food as the primary source of nutrition beyond 4 months of age.

    Pros
    • 47.4% protein and 21.1% fat
    • 10% fiber
    • Calcium content is within recommended range
    • Calorie-dense food supports kitten growth
    • High palatability
    • Ultra-soft texture and easy-to-digest

    Cons
    • Not recommended as the primary food beyond 4 months of age
    • Premium price


    4. ORIJEN Premium Ingredients Kitten Dry Food

    Orijen Free Run Chicken & Turkey Dry Kitten Food (1)

    Protein content: 40%
    Fat content: 20%
    Fiber content: 3%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    The ORIJEN Kitten Dry Food contains 40% protein and 20% fat, putting it in the recommended range. It also contains 3% fiber to support digestion and 1.4% calcium, which is within range. Chicken, turkey, salmon, whole herring, chicken liver, turkey giblets, whole mackerel, eggs, dehydrated chicken, dehydrated turkey, dehydrated herring, dehydrated chicken liver, and dehydrated egg are the first 13 ingredients, making it one of the most animal protein dense foods for kittens. It also contains great sources of fiber including butternut squash, collard greens, apples, lentils, and navy beans. This is a premium-priced food, so it may be out of some budgets.

    Pros
    • 40% protein and 20% fat
    • 3% fiber
    • Calcium content is within recommended range
    • First 13 ingredients are animal proteins
    • Multiple sources of insoluble fiber for digestive health

    Cons
    • Premium price


    5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Cat Food

    Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Formula Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

    Protein content: 50%
    Fat content: 20.5%
    Fiber content: 5%
    Primary protein: Whitefish

    The Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Formula contains 50% protein and 20.5% fat on a dry matter basis, which are within recommended ranges for kittens. The 4.5% fiber content supports healthy stools, thanks to ingredients like carrots and flaxseeds. This food contains 1.88% calcium, which is higher than recommended, so it should not be fed once your kitten is old enough to switch to adult food. This food is a great source of omega fatty acids, which support brain, eye, skin, coat, and digestive health. It is pate-style and smooth, making it easy for kittens to eat, even when weaning. This is a budget-friendly canned food pick.

    Pros
    • 50% protein and 20.5% fat
    • 5% fiber
    • High-quality sources of insoluble fiber for digestive health
    • Great source of omega fatty acids
    • Smooth texture is easy for kittens to eat
    • Budget friendly

    Cons
    • Calcium level is slightly elevated
    • Not recommended for feeding into adulthood


    6. ACANA First Feast High-Protein Dry Cat Food

    ACANA First Feast High-Protein Kitten Dry Cat Food

    Protein content: 36%
    Fat content: 18%
    Fiber content: 4%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    ACANA First Feast High-Protein Kitten Dry Cat Food is another kitten food for diarrhea for kittens who don’t need a prescription diet. This food contains 36% protein and 18% fat, putting it within the recommended ranges for kittens. It also contains 4% fiber, which will help add bulk and form to your kitten’s stool. It contains 1.7% calcium, which is barely above the recommended range for kittens and is too high for adult cats, so it should be switched when your kitten is old enough to advance to adult food. This food includes animal proteins as the first three ingredients and multiple sources of insoluble fiber, like chickpeas, oatmeal, lentils, and dried kelp. It also contains multiple sources of probiotics to support gut health and immunity. Most people who try this product report it being highly palatable to their kittens.

    Pros
    • 36% protein and 18% fat
    • 4% fiber
    • Animal proteins are the first three ingredients
    • Multiple sources of insoluble fiber
    • Probiotics support digestive health
    • High palatability

    Cons
    • Calcium level is slightly elevated


    7. Grandma Lucy’s Simple Replacement Freeze-Dried Cat Food

    Grandma Lucy's Simple Replacement Anti-Diarrhea Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Meal Replacement

    Protein content: 37%
    Fat content: 7%
    Fiber content: 1%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    Grandma Lucy’s Simple Replacement Anti-Diarrhea Freeze-Dried Meal Replacement is a good option for short-term diarrhea relief. This food contains freeze-dried chicken and rice with no other additives, so it is not intended to be fed as a permanent dietary option.

    This bland formula contains 37% protein and 7% fat, so it is out of the ideal nutritional range of a growing kitten’s diet; as mentioned this is not a diet but an easy-to-digest remedy that has been formulated to give the digestive system some relief. While this product is not intended to remain as a primary diet, it’s very beneficial in aiding the recovery of upset stomachs and diarrhea, making it a great option to feed a kitten with diarrhea for a day or two. The low fiber content may not be high enough to help form healthy stools, but this food is highly digestible and palatable. This food should be reconstituted before feeding, which means you can add as much moisture as needed to support hydration for your kitten. Once reconstituted, this food is only good in the refrigerator for up to 72 hours.

    Pros
    • Short-term diarrhea relief option
    • 37% protein and 7% fat
    • Two ingredients
    • Highly digestible and palatable
    • Can be reconstituted with varying amounts of liquid to match your kitten’s needs

    Cons
    • Not a permanent diet
    • Only good for 72 hours in the refrigerator once reconstituted


    8. Blue Buffalo Basics LID Kitten Turkey & Potato Wet Cat Food

    Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Indoor Kitten Turkey & Potato Entree Canned Cat Food

    Protein content: 40.9%
    Fat content: 31.8%
    Fiber content: 6.8%
    Primary protein: Turkey

    Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Indoor Kitten Turkey & Potato Entrée contains 40.9% protein and 31.8% fat, within the kitten food range. Turkey, turkey broth, and turkey liver are the first three ingredients and it’s a good source of omega fatty acids. At 6.8% fiber, this food is higher fiber than most, and it contains good sources of high-quality fiber like pumpkin and blueberries. The calcium content of this food is not listed and it sells for a premium price. The smooth texture is easy for the smallest kittens to eat and since it’s a limited-ingredient food, most kittens with food sensitivities will not have difficulties with this food.

    Pros
    • 40.9% protein and 31.8% fat
    • First three ingredients are animal protein sources
    • Good source of omega fatty acids
    • 6.8% fiber
    • Good option for kittens with food sensitivities

    Cons
    • Calcium content is not listed
    • Premium price


    9. Royal Canin Vet Diet Gastrointestinal Kitten Mousse Cat Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Kitten Ultra Soft Mousse

    Protein content: 48.8%
    Fat content: 19.5%
    Fiber content: 11.2%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    The Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Kitten Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce contains 48.8% protein and 19.5% fat, as well as 11.2% fiber, making it one of the highest fiber options for kitten foods. It also contains 1.2% calcium, which is in range for kitten food. The ultra-soft mousse texture is easy for the smallest kittens to eat, and the high moisture content and sauce make it palatable and good for maintaining hydration. It contains prebiotics to support digestion and aid kittens who are weaning. This is a prescription food, so your veterinarian will have to sign off on it before you buy it, and it sells for a premium price.

    Pros
    • 48.8% protein and 19.5% fat
    • 11.2% fiber
    • Calcium content is within the recommended range
    • Ultra-soft mousse texture
    • Prebiotics support digestion

    Cons
    • Prescription only
    • Premium price


    10. Solid Gold Touch of Heaven Chicken & Sweet Potato Kitten Food

    Solid Gold Touch of Heaven Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Kitten Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

    Protein content: 36%
    Fat content: 18%
    Fiber content: 3%
    Primary protein: Chicken

    The Solid Gold Touch of Heaven Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe for Kittens contains 36% protein and 18% fat, putting it in range for kitten food. The 3% fiber content ensures healthy stools, thanks to the high fiber foods it contains, like sweet potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. It’s also a good source of probiotics that support digestive health. The first three ingredients are animal proteins and this food is a good source of omega fatty acids. The calcium content of this food is not listed. Some people report finding the smell of this food unappealing and it may not be palatable to all kittens, especially picky kittens.

    Pros
    • 36% protein and 18% fat
    • 3% fiber
    • Contains probiotics to support digestive health
    • First three ingredients are animal protein sources
    • Good source of omega fatty acids

    Cons
    • Calcium content is not listed
    • Smell may be unappealing
    • May not be palatable to picky kittens


    11. Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Cat Food

    Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Diet Dry Cat Food

    Protein content: 29%
    Fat content: 10.5%
    Fiber content: 6%
    Primary protein: Anchovy

    The Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Diet is a good option for some older kittens with diarrhea, although it is not a kitten food. The protein content is 29% and the fat content is 10.5%, which are lower than generally recommended for kittens. However, the 6% fiber content, thanks to ingredients like psyllium seed husk and dried rosehips, will support healthy stools in kittens with diarrhea. This is not a good long-term solution for a kitten with diarrhea, though. The calcium content for this food is not listed and sells for a premium price. It’s a limited-ingredient diet with a single protein source, making it a good option for kittens with food sensitivities. It also contains probiotics to support digestive health.

    Pros
    • 6% fiber
    • High-quality fiber sources like psyllium seed husk
    • Limited ingredient diet with single-source protein
    • Probiotics support digestive health

    Cons
    • Not specifically designed for kittens
    • Protein and fat contents are lower than recommended
    • Calcium content is not listed
    • Premium price

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Kitten Food for Diarrhea

    Choosing the right food for a kitten with diarrhea can be difficult if you don’t know what’s causing the issue. Determining the cause is essential to selecting the best food to help your kitten’s digestive tract heal. Diarrhea related to difficulty adjusting to solid food during weaning often clears up on its own or with some extra fiber and hydration. However, diarrhea that’s caused by a medical condition, like parasites, may require further interventions and treatments. If your kitten develops diarrhea, it’s a good idea to at least call your vet to determine if your kitten should be seen or not.

    What to Look for in Kitten Food

    Protein Content

    The dry matter basis protein content of kitten food should be between 35–50%. Ideally, at least 9% of that protein content should be from animal protein. Protein supports overall growth and development and is especially important during the weaning phase.

    Fat Content

    The dry matter basis fat content of kitten food should be 18–35%. Fat is calorie-dense and great for supporting growth and development, but too much fat can result in obesity and pain or malformations of the joints.

    Calcium Content

    On a dry matter basis, kitten food should contain 0.8–1.6% calcium. Calcium aids in the development of many parts of the body, primarily the bones, and is also important for the development and function of the brain and heart.

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    Conclusion

    Did you find these reviews useful in narrowing down foods that may be appropriate for your kitten with diarrhea? To recap, the best overall pick is the Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Pulled Bird, which is a great source of animal proteins and fiber. The most budget-friendly option is the Purina Pro Plan Kitten Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice, which is palatable and nutrient-dense.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: MaraZe, Shutterstock

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