11 Best Kitten Foods For Diarrhea In 2023 Reviews Top Picks

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

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

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.

A Glance at Our Favorites in 2023

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Cat Food Subscription

High-quality ingredients

USDA-certified and free from preservatives and fillers

High-protein, low-carb diet

Click to Save 40% Use code: PetKeen2023

Best Value

Purina Pro Plan Chicken Kitten Food

Chicken is the first ingredient

Calcium content is within recommended range

Easy to digest

Check Price

Royal Canin Mother & Baby Mousse Food

Calcium content is within recommended range

Calorie dense food supports kitten growth

High palatability

Check Price

ORIJEN Kitten Dry Food

Calcium content is within recommended range

Multiple sources of insoluble fiber for digestive health

First 13 ingredients are animal proteins

Check Price

Wellness Complete Health Kitten Food

Great source of omega fatty acids

Smooth texture is easy for kittens to eat

Budget friendly

Check Price

The 11 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea

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

Save 40% on Smalls - Click Here & Use Code Petkeen2023

Protein content: 20%

Fat content: 10%

Fiber content: 0.5%

Primary protein: Chicken breast

There’s little not to love about the Smalls Human-Grade Fresh Pulled Bird recipe, and that’s why they’re 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 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.

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

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

Subscription-based service only

Don’t ship worldwide

Pricier than commercial food

Subscription-based service only
Don’t ship worldwide
Pricier than commercial food

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 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 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’s 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.

Protein content: 42%

Fat content: 19%

Fiber content: 5%

Primary protein: Chicken

Check Price on Chewy

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

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

Corn gluten meal is the second ingredient

Corn gluten meal is the second ingredient

Regardless of whether you feed your cat dry or wet food, you need a bowl that is sure to keep the mess contained—you can do just that with the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl.

This product is designed with your cat’s comfort in mind. The whisker-friendly bowls are low and wide to prevent whisker fatigue, and the wide catch tray ensures that all food stays exactly where it should—inside the bowl.

At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

The premium pick for 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.

Protein content: 47.4%

Fat content: 21.1%

Fiber content: 10%

Primary protein: Chicken

4% protein and 21.1%

10% fiber

Calcium content is within recommended range

Calorie dense food supports kitten growth

High palatability

Ultra-soft texture and easy to digest

4% protein and 21.1%
10% fiber
Calcium content is within recommended range
Calorie dense food supports kitten growth
High palatability
Ultra-soft texture and easy to digest

Not recommended as the primary food beyond 4 months of age

Premium price

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

The ORIJEN Kitten Dry Food contains 40% protein and 20% fat, putting it in the recommended ranges. 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 as 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.

Protein content: 40%

Fat content: 20%

Fiber content: 3%

Primary protein: Chicken

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

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

Premium price

Premium price

5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Cat Food

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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’s pate-style and smooth, making it easy for kittens to eat, even when weaning. This is a budget-friendly canned food pick.

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

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

Calcium level is slightly elevated

Not recommended for feeding into adulthood

Calcium level is slightly elevated
Not recommended for feeding into adulthood

ACANA First Feast High-Protein Kitten Dry Cat Food is another kitten food for diarrhea for kittens that 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.

Protein content: 36%

Fat content: 18%

Fiber content: 4%

Primary protein: Chicken

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

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

Calcium level is slightly elevated

Calcium level is slightly elevated

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

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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.

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

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

Not a permanent diet

Only good for 72 hours in the refrigerator once reconstituted

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

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Indoor Kitten Turkey & Potato Entrée contains 40.9% protein and 31.8% fat, which is within 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.

Protein content: 40.9%

Fat content: 31.8%

Fiber content: 6.8%

Primary protein: Turkey

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

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

Calcium content is not listed

Premium price

Calcium content is not listed
Premium price

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.

Protein content: 48.8%

Fat content: 19.5%

Fiber content: 11.2%

Primary protein: Chicken

48.8% protein and 19.5% fat

11.2% fiber

Calcium content is within the recommended range

Ultra-soft mousse texture

Prebiotics support digestion

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

Prescription only

Premium price

Prescription only
Premium price

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.

Protein content: 36%

Fat content: 18%

Fiber content: 3%

Primary protein: Chicken

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

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

Calcium content is not listed

Smell may be unappealing

May not be palatable to picky kittens

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

11. Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Cat Food

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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.

6% fiber

High-quality fiber sources like psyllium seed husk

Limited ingredient diet with single-source protein

Probiotics support digestive health

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

Not specifically designed for kittens

Protein and fat contents are lower than recommended

Calcium content is not listed

Premium price

Not specifically designed for kittens
Protein and fat contents are lower than recommended
Calcium content is not listed
Premium price
Related read: 7 Best Kitten Foods for Sensitive Stomachs – Reviews & Top Picks in 2022

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 development of many parts of the body, primarily the bones, and is also important for development and function of the brain and heart.

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. If your budget is more flexible, then another great pick is the Royal Canin Mother & Baby cat Ultra-Soft Mousse in Sauce, which is highly palatable and nutritionally appropriate for kittens and pregnant or nursing queens.

A Glance at Our Favorites in 2023#

The 11 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea#

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

5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Cat Food#

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

11. Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Cat Food#

#

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

What to Look for in Kitten Food#

Protein Content#

Fat Content#

Calcium Content#

Conclusion#

A Glance at Our Favorites in 2023

The 11 Best Kitten Foods for Diarrhea

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

5. Wellness Complete Health Kitten Whitefish & Tuna Cat Food

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

11. Forza10 Nutraceutic Active Intestinal Support Cat Food

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

What to Look for in Kitten Food

Protein Content

Fat Content

Calcium Content

Conclusion