The Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit In 2023 – Top 11 Picks & Reviewed

The Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit In 2023 – Top 11 Picks & Reviewed

by Farmer Jack
Updated on

As a cat parent, only a few things can be as frustrating as your cat vomiting over and again especially if they are older because they need all the strength they can get.

In that regard, you want to get them food that can help stop or reduce the constant vomiting as well as meet their nutritional needs.

Luckily, you can get the best cat food for older cats that vomit in both local stores and online platforms. Read on to find out the options available and much more.

Old Cats That Puke Food: Comparison Table

Now, you probably do not have the time to go through this entire review or you just could not be bothered. We have put together the following comparison table to help you make a quick and informed choice.

#NameFlavorPrice
1Sensitive Stomach Natural Adult Dry Cat Food by Blue BuffaloSensitive Stomach Chicken & Brown RiceCheck Price
2Feline Care Nutrition Digest Sensitive Loaf in Sauce Canned Cat Food by Royal CaninOtherCheck Price
3Ingredient Diet Grain Free, Natural Indoor Mature Dry Cat Food by Basics LimitedIndoor Turkey & Potato RecipeCheck Price
4Sensitive Skin & Stomach, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food by Purina ONETurkeyCheck Price
5Feline Health Nutrition by Royal CaninOtherCheck Price
6Dry Cat Food, Sensitive Stomach & Skin by Hill’s Science DietChicken & RiceCheck Price
7Natural Dry Cat Food, Adult Recipe by Halo Purely For PetsChicken & Chicken LiverCheck Price
8Senior Canned Wet Cat Food by Purina Pro PlanChicken & BeefCheck Price
9Best Feline Friend Grain-Free Natural Canned Wet Cat Food by WeruvaTuna & Salmon SoulmatesCheck Price
10Wilderness Grain Free Crunchy Cat Treats by Blue BuffaloChickenCheck Price
11BLUE Wilderness Kitten Grain-Free Chicken Wet Cat Food by Blue BuffaloSalmon Pate RecipeCheck Price

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit

Your cat could be vomiting for a number of reasons but it mostly has to do with their diet. That is why you need to be extremely careful when picking out their food.

Here are several factors you should look out for before picking a bag.

Food Quality

Not all cat food is the same. Some are poorly formulated and by this, we mean that a bag will contain preservatives, filler ingredients, and by-products.

Such ingredients will do nothing for your kitty’s wellbeing. In fact, they can even cause harm in the end.

As such, you want to go for food with quality ingredients such as real meat and without any synthetic flavors or preservatives. This will reduce the chances of an upset stomach and subsequent vomiting.

Type of Food

When we talk about type, we mean dry and wet cat food. While cats can eat both of them, some find either of them to be too plain or hard to digest.

To that effect, you want to observe your cat after each feeding to determine what kind of food they prefer and is easily digestible.

If your cat’s food is hard to digest, they are likely to suffer from an upset stomach and end up vomiting.

Food Safety

Whether your kitty is younger or older, they are going to suffer from food poisoning if you give them contaminated food.

As such, you want to check labels to see if the food you are about to buy is expired and whether the food has been tested for safety and approved by the FDA.

Fiber Content

As humans, we need fiber in our diets as it aids in digestion. The same applies to cats. By giving them low fiber food, you put them at risk of vomiting and diarrhea.

Read food labels to find how much fiber content a bag of food has. This will reduce the chances of your kitty vomiting or frequently visiting their litter box.

Stomach Sensitivity

Cats generally have sensitive stomachs so it would only make sense if you considered this fact when shopping for their food.

Check the information provided on the packaging and go through the ingredient list to see if there is anything that your cat could be allergic to.

This will reduce vomiting and a running tummy.

Unbiased Review of Top-Rated Cat Foods for Older Cats that Vomit

You do not have to worry if you do not know where to begin your search for food for your older cat that tends to vomit.

We have rounded up some of the top choices in the market and reviewed them below so that you can have an easier time making a choice.

Best Cat Food for Older Cats that Vomit Reviewed

1. Blue Buffalo Dry Cat Food

To begin with, we have this bag from Blue Buffalo and the thing about this brand is that they always include real meat as the first ingredient meaning that your cat will be getting quality.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Besides, the food contains vegetables, fruits, and wholesome grains to aid in digestion.

What We Liked about It

This particular bag contains a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants all carefully selected to help boost the immunity of your cat so that they can easily fight off infections.

However, what we love most about it is that it does not contain any artificial flavors yet is flavorful enough to make your cat yearn for the next meal.

What Could Have Been Better

Some buyers have reported that their bags arrived with tears. We feel that the manufacturer should have used better quality packaging to avoid this.

Pros

  • Flavorful
  • Quality ingredients
  • Scented

Cons

  • Inadequately packaged

2. Royal Canin Canned Cat Food

Royal Canin is a wet cat dish that is specially formulated for cats that are a year and older with a sensitive digestive system.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It, therefore, does not come as a surprise that the food contains highly digestible proteins to help your cat absorb nutrients better.

What We Liked about It

With this cat food, you do not have to worry about your cat gaining weight because it does not contain any filler ingredients that could contribute to the same.

We love that the food is well balanced with minerals and vitamins to ensure that the kitty gets all the nutrition they require for their well-being.

What Could Have Been Better

Some cats vomited upon eating this food, which could be an allergic reaction to the ingredients contained. We feel that the manufacturer should have given contra-indications to forewarn cat owners.

Pros

  • Quality ingredients
  • Flavorful
  • Highly digestible

Cons

  • May contain allergens

3. Blue Buffalo Basics Dry Cat Food

The first ingredient in this food is real whitefish and that is a good thing because it means that your cat will be eating high quality and nutritious food.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Besides, the formula contains healthy grains like peas that do not contain gluten to aid in digestion.

What We Liked about It

As is with all pet food from Blue Buffalo, this bag contains a combination of vitamins and antioxidants that work to support the immune system of your kitty.

That said; what we found most appealing is that the food is fortified with fish oil to provide fatty acids that will enhance your cat’s coat and skin health.

What Could Have Been Better

Unfortunately, this food comes in the form of tiny pieces that could easily be stuck in your cat’s throat. We feel that the manufacturer should have made the portions bigger to avoid this.

Pros

  • Quality ingredients
  • Great for cats with sensitivities
  • Supports skin and coat health

Cons

  • Potential choking hazard

4. Purina ONE Adult Cat Food

With real turkey as the first ingredient here, you can be sure that your kitty is getting all the nutrition they need for their well-being.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This also makes the meal easily digestible especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach.

What We Liked about It

Since this is dry food, the kibble works to clean your cat’s teeth as they feed

and that is a plus. The food is also high in protein so it will help in supporting a healthy heart and strong muscles.

We love that the food is veterinarian recommended because it means that all safety standards were observed in its production.

What Could Have Been Better

Some cats have been reported to vomit after taking this food. We feel that the manufacturer should have stated that there could be possible allergens in the food that is likely to cause this.

Pros

  • Veterinarian recommended
  • Easily digestible
  • Quality ingredients

Cons

  • Causes stomach sensitivity

5. Royal Canin Canned 12+ Cat Food

As you feed your cat this bag from Royal Canin, you can be sure that they will stay hydrated because it is wet food.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Moreover, the food contains Omega-3 fatty acids that will help keep your kitty active and support their joint health.

What We Liked about It

This is one of the most nutritious foods you could ever get for your cat because it features pork as the first ingredient.

Other than that, it is highly digestible hence suitable for vomiting senior cats. The food also contains extra compounds like chondroitin and glucosamine for improved health and we love that about it.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some cat owners, their cats are unable to chew this food. We feel that the manufacturer should have made the food softer to avoid this.

Pros

  • Flavorful
  • Supports healthy joints
  • A healthy ratio of nutrients

Cons

  • Too hard

6. Hill’s Science Dry Cat Food 

Your cat needs a healthy stomach for their general well-being. This particular cat food supports digestive health while nourishing their skin and coat.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Moving on swiftly, the food contains prebiotic fiber to support your kitty’s gut health.

What We Liked about It

This food contains omega 6 fatty acids and vitamin E both of which work to improve the health and look of your cat’s skin and fur.

We love that it is made in the US with universal ingredients you can trust. Besides, it veterinarian recommended so you can rest assured that it is safe for your kitty.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some buyers, this bag’s product description is misleading and does not contain what is advertised.

The manufacturer should simply have been transparent.

Pros

  • Easily digestible
  • Natural ingredients
  • Good for skin

Cons

  • Incorrect product description

7. Halo Natural Adult Recipe Dry Cat Food 

With this food, you get real meat, not a chicken meal or meat meal. This means that you will be feeding your cat premium food that will be beneficial for their health.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It also contains non-GMO veggies and wholesome grains to aid in digestion so you are less likely to observe any stomach upsets with your cat.

What We Liked about It

Although this food is not specially formulated for senior cats, it is highly digestible thus making it easy for your cat to absorb all nutrients.

We love that it does not contain any artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. It also has omega 6 fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.

What Could Have Been Better

Some buyers have complained that they found bugs in their food. The manufacturer should have checked on this before releasing the product to the market.

Pros

  • Highly digestible
  • Quality ingredients
  • Flavorful

Cons

  • Bugs in food

8. Purina Pro Wet Cat Food

Irrespective of whether your cat is a senior cat, adult, or kitten, they will benefit from this food as it comes with exceptional taste and optimal nutrition.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It is essentially a balanced meal that will meet all the nutrition needs of your kitty at once.

What We Liked about It

This meal features real chicken as the first ingredient. As such, you can be sure that your cat is not feeding on filler ingredients.

Of course, this also means that the food has high protein content but what we love most about it is that it has moderate fat for the healthy maintenance of weight.

What Could Have Been Better

Some buyers have reported finding glass in their bags. We feel that the manufacturer should have been more careful during packaging to avoid this.

Pros

  • Supports the immune system
  • Flavorful
  • Quality ingredients

Cons

  • Poor packaging

9. Weruva B.F.F. Wet Cat Food

If your cat enjoys tuna, they will love this meal because it contains the same as the first ingredient. This cat food is minimally processed and free of artificial additives and grains.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What We Liked about It

When you purchase this food, you will be getting a balanced diet for your kitty but that is not all. It contains Phosphorus and Magnesium for a healthy urinary tract.

Nevertheless, what we loved most about this food is that it is made from sustainably sourced ingredients and under safety measures.

What Could Have Been Better

According to some cat owners, this food has an extremely smooth consistency that their cats seem to reject. The manufacturer should have ensured that the consistency was right before launching the product.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Great packaging
  • Quality ingredients

Cons

  • Too smooth

10. Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Cat Treats

All the foods we have reviewed feature real meat as a first ingredient and that should tell you that they are all of premium quality.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

 

This one is no exception as it features chicken as the main ingredient meaning that your cat will get all the nutrition they require.

What We Liked about It

Treats do not have to be junk and this rings true with this particular one from Blue Buffalo. This does not mean that it is not tasty either because this is one of the tastiest treats your kitty will ever have.

However, what we love most about these treat is that they only contain 1.5 calories for each meaning your kitty will not put on extra weight.

What Could Have Been Better

Sometimes these treats are edible and at other times, they are not. We feel that the manufacturer should have been consistent in the production to avoid this.

Pros

  • Tasty
  • Great packaging
  • Natural and healthy ingredients

Cons

  • Inconsistent quality

11. Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Wet Cat Food

You will love this cat food as it grain-free. This means that your cat is less likely to experience any allergic reactions after eating it.

Last update on 2024-08-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Besides, it contains real salmon that we can bet your kitty will enjoy.

What We Liked about It

This food is as natural as they come so if you are worried about side effects, you may want to take a seat.

The food smells and tastes great as well, so you will also not have any issues trying to get your kitty to feed. We love that it does not contain any artificial additives either.

What Could Have Been Better

According to several buyers, this food’s quality differs when bought online and from pet stores. The manufacturer should have ensured that the quality was the same throughout.

Pros

  • Great smell
  • Tasty
  • Ingredient quality

Cons

  • Inconsistent quality

Reasons why your Cat Vomits

Now that you know what options are available to you as far as cat food for vomiting cats, it is only fair for us to give you reasons why your kitty tends to vomit.

First, you need to understand that as cats’ age, their bodies transform, and vomiting may be a way to tell you that it is happening.

That said; you should be on the lookout for other signs that signify something more serious. Here are other reasons why your kitty could be throwing up.

Diet Change

If you are fond of changing your cay’s diet often, you may want to go slow on that. This is because the cat’s system recognizes new food as a foreign substance that needs to be accustomed to.

If you feel the need to change your cat’s diet, the change should be gradual rather than immediate. This way, your cat’s system will have time to get used to the new food before they can begin solely feeding on it.

Overfeeding

We understand that as a cat parent, you may have concerns about your kitty

starving but you do not have to overfeed them either.

This usually happens when you leave more than enough food in your cat’s bowl. Perhaps you are not aware of this but most cats cannot control their eating. They will feed until their bowl is empty.

When they eat too much, discomfort is inevitable and vomiting is subsequent.

To counter this, you can use an automatic feeder to ensure that your feline friend eats the right portion of food at a given time.

Hairballs

Cats usually groom themselves and while that is not a bad thing, they will ingest some of the hair from their coats, which forms hairballs over time.

Of course, this can block their food tract making it hard for them to swallow food. Needless to say, this can also cause vomiting to get rid of the foreign substance.

Physical Activity

Remember how you were warned as a child not to run or play around after eating? Well, it was because the grown-ups knew that it was easy to vomit then.

The same applies to cats. If your cat engages in physical exertion or too much play right after feeding, it is likely to result in vomiting.

Low Food Quality

As a cat owner, you want the best for your pet but at times, you may end up giving them poor quality food albeit unknowingly.

Just because your cat does not reject food does not mean it is good for them. If you notice that they vomit frequently, you may want to check the ingredient list to see if they are getting what they need.

Low-quality food contains inferior ingredients that can irritate or even damage your kitty’s digestive system. As you may have guessed, this can also cause them to vomit.

Medical Issues

Perhaps your cat is vomiting because they have more serious or underlying medical issues. In that regard, you may want to check their vomit for worms or traces of blood. If you notice anything, the best course of action would be to see a vet immediately.

What do Older Cats Require from Their Food?

Perhaps you are wondering what qualities your cat food should have to prevent vomiting. The following are several factors you should look out for.

Easy to Chew-Your older cat is likely to develop dental issues that may make chewing difficult. In that regard, you want to ensure that they get soft or moist foods that will not present a challenge as far as eating.

Great Taste-Just like humans, cats begin losing their interest in food, as they grow older. It is therefore important to rouse their desire to feed.

Moist warm foods with a great smell can attract your kitty so you may want to sprinkle their food with bone broth or small pieces of meat to boost their appetite.

High Protein Content-The foundation for every cat’s diet should be protein and for senior cats, you should always think of giving them twice the recommended amount of protein because as they age, their capacity to metabolize energy and absorb nutrients deteriorates.

Moisture Content-Older cats are more susceptible to conditions like renal failure. It is therefore important to have them on a diet that will keep their kidneys in mint condition.

As humans, we rely on water to keep our kidneys healthy. Cats will not drink water on their own accord so it is important to feed them food with sufficient moisture.

Ideally, their food should have at least 70% of water content.

How to Prevent your Cat from Vomiting

There are measures you can take to reduce your cat’s vomiting or even stop it altogether.

  • Try slowing down your cat’s eating if they do it too fast. In addition, you want to give them small frequent portions throughout the day. You can get an automatic feeder if you are unsure about this.
  • Put an inedible object in your cat’s food bowl to prevent them from overfeeding. This will force them to eat around the object so they will feed slower.
  • Just ensure that the object is larger enough not to be swallowed and that it is clean.
  • Change your cat’s diet if you suspect any allergies. However, you want to do this after consulting a vet. Read the ingredient list carefully when shopping for their new food.
  • Take your kitty for regular veterinary checkups. These will unearth any concealed health issues and may be one of the best ways to know what makes your cat vomit.
  • Keep medications, toxic chemicals, and anything else that could be hazardous away from your cat. These animals are curious and can jump on anything and everything.
  • Check to see that there are no spills of anti-freeze in your garage and regularly pet-proof your home.
  • Brush your cat’s coat often to prevent them from over-grooming themselves and ultimately prevent the formation of hairballs.

A de-shedding tool or cat brush will go a long way in preventing an emergency. You can also feed them on meals that are high in fiber to reduce the formation of hairballs.

Frequently Asked Questions

You probably have several questions when it comes to best cat food for older cats that vomit. We have answered a few below that could be of help.

Why does my older cat vomit after eating?

It could be because they are eating too much too fast. Ideally, your cat should have small frequent meals throughout the day.

Another reason could be that you are giving them too much dry food. Kibble absorbs stomach fluids, which could lead to swelling and vomiting.

How do I stop my cat from vomiting?

You can brush them regularly to get rid of the hair on their coat that could form hairballs in their throat. It is also important to feed them small food portions at a time.

Our Top Pick

Having assessed all the 11 products, our top pick has to be the Blue Buffalo Dry Cat Food. Not only does the food contain real meat as the first ingredient, but it also contains wholesome grains, fruits, and vegetables to facilitate digestion.

This cat food is also rich in vitamins antioxidants, and minerals to help boost your cat’s immunity. We love that it does not contain any synthetic additives either.

Conclusion

As you can see all the foods we have reviewed are suitable for senior cats that vomit. That along with the other information we have provided should help you reduce the vomiting in your kitty or stop it altogether.

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Farmer Jack

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