Cat food for sensitive stomachs

Just like humans, cats can also suffer from diarrhea, vomiting or upset stomach. Some cats have problems with this more often than others, but what can cause a "sensitive stomach", and what to do?

My cat has a sensitive stomach - what should I do?

To begin with, there is really no diagnosis called sensitive stomach. If the cat has frequent or recurring problems with diarrhea and vomiting, the cause should always be investigated by a veterinarian. It can be due to a variety of reasons; allergies, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, parasites or hormonal diseases, among others. Occasional vomiting can sometimes also be due to the cat overeating, or needing to get rid of hairballs that are irritating.

Then to cat food for sensitive stomachs - because, as mentioned, there are many causes for the sensitive stomach, different types of food can be relevant, and your veterinarian can recommend what is best for your cat. If the underlying cause is an allergy to a protein source, an allergy food may be appropriate. If the cat needs more fiber, there are more fiber-rich foods, as well as supplements of pre- or probiotics that promote a good intestinal flora.

How does our cat food work for cats with sensitive stomachs?

Insects are a new source of protein for most cats, and can therefore be beneficial for cats with allergies to traditional protein sources such as beef, pork, chicken or fish. Our feed also does not contain any other animal protein source than insects.

In our insect-based feed, we have also chosen to use ingredients that contribute to good intestinal health and therefore can benefit cats that are more likely to become unbalanced in the intestinal flora. In recent times, more and more research has shown how important the gut's good bacterial flora is for gut health. Including ingredients that nourish the good intestinal bacteria, ie prebiotics, and contribute to intestinal motility, ie dietary fiber, promotes a healthy gastrointestinal system.

Dietary fiber

Dietary fiber is a group of indigestible nutrients and can be found in ingredients from the plant kingdom; in our feed, among other things, beetroot and potatoes contribute to soluble and insoluble dietary fiber. Dietary fiber comes with several health benefits where they include:

• Nourishes the good intestinal bacteria and thus contributes to a healthy intestinal flora

• Nourishes the cells in the lining of the intestinal wall

• Contributes to the movements of the intestinal tract and normal passage time of the feed

• Gives an increased volume and thus an increased feeling of satiety

Having a feed with dietary fiber thus contributes to a healthy intestinal system, and this has been confirmed in research. Studies show an increased health of the gastrointestinal tract and bacterial flora in cats that have been fed a diet containing dietary fiber.

Prebiotics

Another ingredient that is also included in the dietary fiber group as they are not taken up as nutrition for the cat is prebiotics. Prebiotics provide benefits by stimulating the growth of desirable bacterial species in the gastrointestinal tract. Two types of prebiotics are FOS and MOS. Both of these ingredients contribute to good intestinal health, but in slightly different ways:

FOS is an abbreviation for fruit oligosaccharides. FOS is a natural fiber that is well-liked by the good intestinal bacteria, and thus contributes to their growth. Conversely, harmful and pathogenic bacteria do not use FOS as an energy source. Studies have shown that FOS contributes to an increased amount of good intestinal bacteria and a reduced incidence of harmful intestinal bacteria in both dogs and cats. Our feed contains a natural source of FOS: inulin.

MOS is an abbreviation for mannan oligosaccharides and also contributes to a healthier intestinal flora, but through a different mechanism. MOS prevents harmful bacteria from attaching to the intestinal cell walls and colonizing, thus helping them to be excreted in the feces instead. Our cat food contains natural sources of MOS: corn and brewer's yeast.

Vitamins and stable fermentation in the colon

To further promote a healthy digestive system, metabolism and stool quality in the cat, we have also chosen to include natural ingredients that contribute to vitamins and a stable fermentation process in the colon.

B vitamins from seaweed: Seaweed is rich in B vitamins including vitamin B12 and antioxidants. B vitamins fulfill many important functions in the body, especially for the digestive system where they are important factors in metabolism and enzyme activity.

Yucca schidigera: Helps reduce stool odor via plant saponins that stabilize the fermentation of the colon and help reduce ammonia production.

To ensure the best possible nutrition for our cat friends, our chief veterinarian Nicky Sluczanowski has put great care and love into our cat recipe. We base the nutritional content of all our recipes on current recommendations from FEDIAF and the latest research.