11 Best Cat Foods For Smelly Poop In 2023 Reviews Top Picks

As much as we love our feline friends, we don’t love when their litter boxes stink to the high heavens! When your entire house reeks every time your cat goes to the bathroom, something must be done. Fortunately, there are options to remedy this situation.

What causes smelly poop in cats? Usually, it’s intestinal parasites, bacterial infections, digestive issues, or a disagreeable diet. Before anything else, you should take your pet to the vet to ensure they aren’t ill. If they’re not, your best bet is to change the food they’re eating.

Why change their food? Your pet may have developed a food sensitivity to proteins such as chicken and fish, grains, or may just be having trouble digesting certain ingredients — all of which can lead to overly stinky poop. But which food would be most helpful?

We’ve reviewed some of the most popular cat foods for smelly poop and come up with a list that will help your house smell like home once again .

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023)

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription

High protein

Limited ingredients for easy digestion

Contains necessary vitamins and minerals

Click to Save 40% Use code: PetKeen2023

Best Value

Rachael Ray Nutrish Cat Food

Great price

Chicken as the top ingredient

Healthy fiber with prebiotics

Check Price

Blue Buffalo Protein Cat Food

High protein

Grain-free

LifeSource Bits

Check Price

Purina ONE Tender Cat Food

Great reviews

Meat as the first ingredient

Reasonably priced

Check Price

Taste of the Wild Dry Cat Food

Grain-free

Cats love the taste

Mimics the feline ancestors’ diet

Check Price

The 11 Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop

1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

Click Here & Use Code Petkeen2023 to Save 40% on Smalls + Get Free Shipping & Treats!

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 17%

Crude fat: 7.5%

Calories: 1415 kcal/kg

Small Cat Food is a subscription delivery service that brings your cat’s food right to your door. It’s made of high-quality ingredients in either freeze-dried raw or fresh food recipes. You can choose the recipe that works best for your cat and know that you’re feeding them wholesome food without any fillers. This food is ideal for cats with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or weight issues.

The limited ingredients that go into the Smalls recipes provide quality nutrition and promote easy digestion. As a result, your cat’s poop may become firmer, smaller, and less smelly. The company was started in 2017 when two guys decided to home-cook cat food in small batches and give it to friends. They claim to have cured a cat of ulcers in just a few weeks.

The recipes are low-calorie and start with the highest quality protein combined with vegetables, vitamins, and minerals that cats need. The high protein and low fat contents of the recipes along with the limited, healthy ingredients make Smalls the overall best cat food for smelly poop.

Pros

High in protein

Contains necessary vitamins and minerals

Limited ingredients for easy digestion

May reduce smelly poop

Cons

Some recipes include vegetable oil

Only available through a subscription

Recipes can’t be customized

Rachel Ray Nutrish Super Premium food for cats is our pick for the best value. Featuring farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient on the list means this food is high in protein, making it healthy for your kitty. It also contains beet pulp, a source of fiber that also includes prebiotics to help improve digestive health. Plus, this cat food is made up of small pieces making it easier for your pet to eat (which helps them avoid vomiting later).

High in protein

Contains necessary vitamins and minerals

Limited ingredients for easy digestion

May reduce smelly poop

High in protein
Contains necessary vitamins and minerals
Limited ingredients for easy digestion
May reduce smelly poop

Some recipes include vegetable oil

Only available through a subscription

Recipes can’t be customized

Some recipes include vegetable oil
Only available through a subscription
Recipes can’t be customized

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: No

Crude protein: 34%

Crude fat: 14%

Calories: 386 kcal/cup

Check Price on Chewy

Rachel Ray Nutrish Super Premium also avoids fillers, artificial flavors and preservatives, soy, and wheat.

Pros

Great price

Chicken as the top ingredient

Healthy fiber with prebiotics

Cons

Reports of cats developing urinary crystals after eating

Contains corn gluten which some cats are sensitive to

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free dry cat food is another option we recommend. It’s packed with real chicken for a high protein amount that’s sure to keep your kitty’s muscles strong and contains sweet potatoes and peas instead of grains. Plus, it offers omega fatty acids to keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy. This food also includes LifeSource Bits (minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants), specially curated by animal nutritionists and holistic vets to improve immune function.

Great price

Chicken as the top ingredient

Healthy fiber with prebiotics

Great price
Chicken as the top ingredient
Healthy fiber with prebiotics

Reports of cats developing urinary crystals after eating

Contains corn gluten which some cats are sensitive to

Reports of cats developing urinary crystals after eating
Contains corn gluten which some cats are sensitive to

Blue Buffalo Wilderness avoids chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, wheat, and artificial preservatives or flavors.

Pros

High protein

Grain-free

LifeSource Bits

Cons

Complaints of cats throwing up after eating

Rare report of cats developing urinary crystals

Purina ONE Tender Selects Blend is another great option you can try. This food is high in protein — with salmon (or chicken) listed as the first ingredient — so if your cat isn’t sensitive to either of those, it should be gentle on their stomach. Purine ONE also includes healthy omega fatty acids to keep your kitty’s coat shiny and plenty of vitamins and minerals for balanced nutrition. Plus, it’s recommended by vets.

High protein

Grain-free

LifeSource Bits

High protein
Grain-free
LifeSource Bits

Complaints of cats throwing up after eating

Rare report of cats developing urinary crystals

Complaints of cats throwing up after eating
Rare report of cats developing urinary crystals

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: No

Crude protein: 34%

Crude fat: 15%

Calories: 370 kcal/cup

There are reviews of this cat food improving the smell of cat poop.

Pros

Great reviews

Meat as the first ingredient

Reasonably priced

Cons

Has grains which your cat could be sensitive to

Produced by a family-owned company, this brand claims their food is an “ancestrally accurate diet” that mimics what your kitty’s ancestors would have eaten. This particular recipe mimics a river diet, containing trout as the first ingredient, along with wood-smoked salmon. It also includes sweet potatoes in place of grains to help your pet more easily digest their food. Plus, Taste of the Wild has a mix of fruits and veggies full of antioxidants to help boost your pet’s immune system and maintain their overall health and well-being.

Great reviews

Meat as the first ingredient

Reasonably priced

Great reviews
Meat as the first ingredient
Reasonably priced

Has grains which your cat could be sensitive to

Has grains which your cat could be sensitive to

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 32%

Crude fat: 16%

Calories: 350 kcal/cup

Though this product is made in the U.S., they source their ingredients globally.

Pros

Mimics the feline ancestors’ diet

Grain-free

Cats love the taste

Cons

Reports of a recent recipe change making some cats ill

Food pellets may be harder than your cat is used to

If your cat prefers wet cat food to dry, then Instinct Grain-Free Pate might be the pick for you. Inspired by raw diets, it has cage-free chicken listed as the first ingredient. In fact, 95% of the product consists of chicken, chicken liver, and turkey for a huge protein boost that will keep your cat strong. It contains 0% of grains, soy, wheat, potatoes, corn, xantham gum, carrageenan, or artificial preservatives and flavors — all known food sensitivity triggers — making it a healthy choice for your pet, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.

Mimics the feline ancestors’ diet

Grain-free

Cats love the taste

Mimics the feline ancestors’ diet
Grain-free
Cats love the taste

Reports of a recent recipe change making some cats ill

Food pellets may be harder than your cat is used to

Reports of a recent recipe change making some cats ill
Food pellets may be harder than your cat is used to

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 10%

Crude fat: 5%

Calories: 193 kcal/cup

This product is made in the United States.

Pros

Inspired by raw diets

Contains 0% of known food sensitivity triggers

Packed with protein

Cons

Some reports of mold on the food

Occasional reports of bone chips in food

Contains Montmorillonite clay, a possible source of heavy metals

Another wet cat food, Tiki Cat Luau, features human-quality shreds of meat in their food. With real, hormone-free chicken listed as the first ingredient, each can of cat food is also high moisture offering your cat extra water to meet their needs. Grain-free and low in carbohydrates, Tiki Cat helps your cat maintain its weight and keep its blood sugar level. Several vets have reviewed their formulas to ensure their suitability for kitties with special diet needs such as irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes. This food does not contain ingredients such as artificial flavors, gums, or fillers.

Inspired by raw diets

Contains 0% of known food sensitivity triggers

Packed with protein

Inspired by raw diets
Contains 0% of known food sensitivity triggers
Packed with protein

Some reports of mold on the food

Occasional reports of bone chips in food

Contains Montmorillonite clay, a possible source of heavy metals

Some reports of mold on the food
Occasional reports of bone chips in food
Contains Montmorillonite clay, a possible source of heavy metals

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 16%

Crude fat: 6%

Calories: 63 kcal/cup

Tiki Cat comes in a wide variety of flavors, including salmon, chicken & egg, seabass, tuna & mackerel, and tilapia.

Pros

Lots of flavors

Human quality meat

Dolphin safe

Cons

Some cats refused to eat

Bit pricier than other brands

If your cat has issues with smelly poop, it might be because they have food sensitivities or a stomach unable to digest specific ingredients. If that’s the case, trying a limited ingredient food may be your best bet. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet contains a single protein source in the form of duck and includes pumpkin and potatoes in place of grains to support digestion. Because it has no grains, it is gluten-free, making it easier for sensitive kitties to stomach. It also contains no chicken or beef — two potential food sensitivity triggers in cats.

Lots of flavors

Human quality meat

Dolphin safe

Lots of flavors
Human quality meat
Dolphin safe

Some cats refused to eat

Bit pricier than other brands

Some cats refused to eat
Bit pricier than other brands

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 30%

Crude fat: 14%

Calories: 402 kcal/cup

Also packed with LifeSource Bits (antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins) and omega fatty acids, this food isn’t just good for your pet’s stomach but their overall health as well.

Pros

Gluten-free

Chicken & beef free

Limited ingredient for sensitive stomachs

Cons

Some cats wouldn’t eat

Occasional reports of diarrhea

Dr. Elsey’s cat food aims to promote a healthy life via vet-approved ingredients that are over 90% protein. Like Taste of the Wild, this food mimics an ancestral diet that consists mostly of protein with no grains or gluten, with chicken being listed as the first ingredient. The product also includes healthy omega fatty acids to boost the shine on your cat’s coat. Dr. Elsey’s is a low oxalate food, meaning it will help keep your pet’s kidneys healthy and urinary crystal free.

Gluten-free

Chicken & beef free

Limited ingredient for sensitive stomachs

Gluten-free
Chicken & beef free
Limited ingredient for sensitive stomachs

Some cats wouldn’t eat

Occasional reports of diarrhea

Some cats wouldn’t eat
Occasional reports of diarrhea

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 59%

Crude fat: 18%

Calories: 544 kcal/cup

This product is non-GMO and contains no artificial preservatives or fillers. Though it is gluten-free, it is not made in a gluten-free facility, so keep that in mind if your cat is susceptible to gluten.

Pros

Low oxalate

Grain & gluten-free

High protein

Cons

Contains rosemary extract, which may not be good for cats

Some cats threw up after trying

Some cats refused to eat

As you know, smelly poop is often the result of food sensitivities and digestive issues, which is why Royal Canin Digestive Care can help immensely. It is specifically formulated for cats one year of age and up who have sensitive stomachs and promotes digestive health via healthy, easier-to-digest fibers and prebiotics. In fact, this product claims that after 10 days of use, it effectively improves stool quality up to 95%. Plus, the shape of the food is designed to help cats not throw up after eating.

Low oxalate

Grain & gluten-free

High protein

Low oxalate
Grain & gluten-free
High protein

Contains rosemary extract, which may not be good for cats

Some cats threw up after trying

Some cats refused to eat

Contains rosemary extract, which may not be good for cats
Some cats threw up after trying
Some cats refused to eat

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: No

Crude protein: 36%

Crude fat: 813%

Calories: 350 kcal/cup

This brand has been formulated by vets and nutritionists to meet any specific dietary needs your pet may have.

Pros

Made specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs

Promotes digestive health

Improves stool quality

Cons

Meat is not the first ingredient

Some cats wouldn’t touch it

This limited ingredient recipe is 100% free of grains, contains one source of animal protein (salmon), offers prebiotics and fiber to improve digestive health, and helps control hairballs. It’s specially formulated to keep indoor cats lean and healthy and contains omega fatty acids to help keep your kitty’s coat shiny.

Made specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs

Promotes digestive health

Improves stool quality

Made specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs
Promotes digestive health
Improves stool quality

Meat is not the first ingredient

Some cats wouldn’t touch it

Meat is not the first ingredient
Some cats wouldn’t touch it

High protein: Yes

Grain-free: Yes

Crude protein: 30%

Crude fat: 8%

Calories: 329 kcal/cup

Owners of cats with sensitive stomachs and illnesses such as colitis have said this product helped them immensely. All of Natural Balance’s recipes are tested for safety before being released, so there shouldn’t be any problems in that regard.

Pros

Limited ingredient

Grain-free

Made to improve digestive health

Cons

Contains rosemary extract, which may not be good for cats

Rare reports of mold on food

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop

After you’ve ruled out any health issues that could be causing your cat’s poop to smell worse than usual and decided to try switching up their diet, there are some things to consider. Since a lot of the time digestive issues will be caused by sensitivity to a particular ingredient in foods, that should be your primary focus. Once you’ve decided upon a brand, we recommend trying it with your cat for at least 3 months so you can see how it affects them (unless, of course, there’s an immediate negative effect — in that case, always stop using the product as soon as you notice a problem).

Limited ingredient

Grain-free

Made to improve digestive health

Limited ingredient
Grain-free
Made to improve digestive health

Contains rosemary extract, which may not be good for cats

Rare reports of mold on food

Contains rosemary extract, which may not be good for cats
Rare reports of mold on food

Look For This in Cat Food For Smelly Poop

What ingredients are in a cat food should, by far, be what you look for when it comes to choosing a new food for your cat. Ingredients you want to be sure a food contains include:

Ingredients to look for:

Good animal protein source – Cats are carnivores, so a good bit of their nutritional needs should be met with protein. In fact, the minimum amount of protein in their diet should be no lower than 26% (though more is better). This protein should come from a good quality animal source such as fish, chicken, turkey, etc., and should be the first ingredient in the food.

Limited number of ingredients – When cats have food sensitivities or digestive issues, the fewer ingredients they’re consuming, the better off they’ll be. Limited ingredient cat foods will have fewer ingredients than most, with most unused ingredients being those that are common food sensitivity triggers.

Healthy fats – Along with high amounts of protein, cats also need a diet rich in healthy fats (approximately 20-24%). You may think that higher fat contents will pack on the pounds, but in actuality, if a food doesn’t meet your pet’s fat needs, they’ll overeat in an attempt to meet them. Fats should also come from animal sources such as salmon oil or chicken fat, and the like (although they can be supplemented with plant fats).

Increased moisture – Cats sometimes don’t drink the amount of water they should. Some think this goes back to ancient instincts when felines would get most of their needed water content from prey. Sometimes, though, it’s as simple as your cat preferring to knock the water dish over so you have to clean up the mess. But, like us, a good portion of a cat’s body is made of water, so it’s crucial they get what they need. Foods with increased moisture content will help them reach their goal, plus more water will help improve digestion.

Good fibers – Fiber content doesn’t need to be extremely high in a cat food, but it should come from a good source such as beet pulp. Much like with humans, fiber can help your kitty’s stomach work better, causing less smelly poop.

Easy to digest carbs – When it comes to clearing up smelly poop, part of the issue will usually be with digestion. Having food your cat can digest easily will go a long way. While some cats will have no problems digesting whole grains, other cats will have a lot of trouble with them, so pick a food that has carbohydrates coming from places other than whole grains.

Ingredients you don’t want your cat food to have include:

Good animal protein source – Cats are carnivores, so a good bit of their nutritional needs should be met with protein. In fact, the minimum amount of protein in their diet should be no lower than 26% (though more is better). This protein should come from a good quality animal source such as fish, chicken, turkey, etc., and should be the first ingredient in the food.
Limited number of ingredients – When cats have food sensitivities or digestive issues, the fewer ingredients they’re consuming, the better off they’ll be. Limited ingredient cat foods will have fewer ingredients than most, with most unused ingredients being those that are common food sensitivity triggers.
Healthy fats – Along with high amounts of protein, cats also need a diet rich in healthy fats (approximately 20-24%). You may think that higher fat contents will pack on the pounds, but in actuality, if a food doesn’t meet your pet’s fat needs, they’ll overeat in an attempt to meet them. Fats should also come from animal sources such as salmon oil or chicken fat, and the like (although they can be supplemented with plant fats).
Increased moisture – Cats sometimes don’t drink the amount of water they should. Some think this goes back to ancient instincts when felines would get most of their needed water content from prey. Sometimes, though, it’s as simple as your cat preferring to knock the water dish over so you have to clean up the mess. But, like us, a good portion of a cat’s body is made of water, so it’s crucial they get what they need. Foods with increased moisture content will help them reach their goal, plus more water will help improve digestion.
Good fibers – Fiber content doesn’t need to be extremely high in a cat food, but it should come from a good source such as beet pulp. Much like with humans, fiber can help your kitty’s stomach work better, causing less smelly poop.
Easy to digest carbs – When it comes to clearing up smelly poop, part of the issue will usually be with digestion. Having food your cat can digest easily will go a long way. While some cats will have no problems digesting whole grains, other cats will have a lot of trouble with them, so pick a food that has carbohydrates coming from places other than whole grains.

Ingredients to avoid:

Food sensitivity triggers – Cats can develop sensitivities to food just like us, resulting in gas and smelly poop. One of the biggest triggers is common proteins such as beef, seafood, and chicken. Luckily, plenty of cat foods these days contain other animal proteins such as duck and turkey. Wheat, soy, and corn are other culprits. With a limited ingredient diet, you can test and see if any particular ingredients make your cat’s poop worse.

Dairy – Contrary to popular belief, milk and milk products aren’t good for your kitty since cats are usually lactose-intolerant.

Artificial ingredients – Artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors may upset your pet’s stomach.

What Your Cat Prefers

Cats are individuals, so they will have different preferences regarding what they want to eat. Of course, if your cat adores chicken, but it makes them sick, don’t feed it to them. But if your cat prefers wet food to dry, then try to get them a good wet food brand they’ll love.

Dairy – Contrary to popular belief, milk and milk products aren’t good for your kitty since cats are usually lactose-intolerant.

Artificial ingredients – Artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors may upset your pet’s stomach.

Food sensitivity triggers – Cats can develop sensitivities to food just like us, resulting in gas and smelly poop. One of the biggest triggers is common proteins such as beef, seafood, and chicken. Luckily, plenty of cat foods these days contain other animal proteins such as duck and turkey. Wheat, soy, and corn are other culprits. With a limited ingredient diet, you can test and see if any particular ingredients make your cat’s poop worse.
Dairy – Contrary to popular belief, milk and milk products aren’t good for your kitty since cats are usually lactose-intolerant.
Artificial ingredients – Artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors may upset your pet’s stomach.

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Brand Reputation

Not all brands of pet food are created equal. Seek out trustworthy brands with plenty of third-party reviews from other cat owners before buying so you know what you’re getting into. Also, research the ingredients the brand uses and where they come from to ensure they’re quality. Finally, look at recent news of the brand. You may find a brand people love, only to find out there’s been a change at the top in recent years that affected the quality of the food.

Conclusion

When it comes to clearing up your kitty’s stinky poop, changing their diet could work wonders. We recommend Smalls Cat Food as the best overall cat food for this due to the limited and fresh ingredient list. Offering good ingredients for the best value, our pick is the Rachael Ray Nutrish Super Premium. Finally, if you’re looking for a food that’s a bit more premium, we’d go with Blue Buffalo Wilderness due to its use of real chicken and LifeSource Bits, plus the absence of grains.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023)#

The 11 Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop#

1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall#

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop#

#

Look For This in Cat Food For Smelly Poop#

What Your Cat Prefers#

Brand Reputation#

Conclusion#

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023)

The 11 Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop

1. Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop

Look For This in Cat Food For Smelly Poop

What Your Cat Prefers

Brand Reputation

Conclusion