Best Cat Food For Older Cats That Vomit In 2022 : Reviews & Guide

​We all know. The older a cat gets, the better you need to take care of them. Especially food.

You need good food that your older cat can digest and give strength inside his system.

In this article, I am going to cover some of the best cat food for older cats that vomit.

​I have already tested those. Check the table for a quick summary or if you want to ​read more, click on the table of contents section.

Don’t want to read the entire article? Here’s a quick summary with our top pick:

For older cats that frequently vomit, we recommend Halo Sensitive Stomach Cat Food as it outranked other cat foods in terms of digestibility tests. Plus it’s not very expensive. You can check the product here

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Best Cat Food for Older Cats ​That Vomit in 2022

​1. Purina Pro Focus​ Canned Cat Wet Food

With high protein and fat moderation, Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Canned Wet Food by Purina Pro Plan is a good diet you can switch your cat to.

​Its high digestibility helps to make it easy for the cat’s sensitive and inflamed digestive systems. At the same time, the rich omega fatty acids relieve other inflammation.

Packed with salmon and tuna flavor, it is high in fish protein instead of the usual chicken.

​The high-quality ingredients bring exceptional taste and balanced nutrition. It has 25 essential vitamins and minerals, plus taurine – a valuable amino acid for your cat’s overall health.

It helps encourage healthy skin and a beautiful, shiny coat while supporting a strong immune system.

​Best of all, this highly digestible food is specially formulated for older and senior cats. Not only will it reduce and lessen your cat’s vomiting issues, but it will also help relieve other issues your older cat may be experiencing due to aging.

Ingredients and Nutrition

• Crude Protein – 10%
• Crude Fat – 6%
• Crude Fiber – 1.5%
• Moisture – 78%
• Ash – 3.5%
• Made with real chicken and beef
• Specially formulated for cats 11 years and older

Recommended Feeding Amounts

• 1 can per 3-1/2 lbs of body weight daily. Adjust as needed. Divide into 2 or more meals.

​2. Royal Canin Aging ​Sauce Wet Cat Food

Royal Canin developed Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce Wet Cat Food to help relieve vomiting issues in older cats with its high digestibility and novel protein source. With pork as the main protein source, it is far different than most wet cat food.

The formula used for this wet food features the preferred ratio of energy derived from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to boost healthy aging.

It contains little extras like glucosamine and chondroitin for health, along with the omega fatty acids that help in fighting any inflammation there may be.

​The flavor satisfies even the pickiest of eaters especially that of cats aged 12 years and above.

Older cats have been shown to be able to digest Aging 12+ Loaf in Sauce Wet Cat Food properly.

​The result has been drastic with them leaving less waste in the litter box and reduced vomiting. Please note that this is not grain-free, therefore it may not work with cats who have grain intolerances.

Details

• Crude Protein – 8.5%
• Crude Fat – 2.5%
• Crude Fiber – 1.4%
• Moisture – 82%
• Glucosamine – 140 mg/kg
• Supports kidney health with controlled phosphorus levels
• Specially formulated for cats 11 years and older

​Recommended Daily Feeding Amounts

 

3. Purina Pro Prime Plus Adult 7+

Purina Pro Plan is included in its Prime Plus Adult 7+ active probiotics to aid in digestion.

​Along with it is a novel protein, salmon that helps with food particularities that could lead to vomiting.

​High in protein, it helps maintain muscle mass, while keeping reduced fat and calories to prevent excess weight gain.

Prime Plus Adult 7+ is rich in omega fatty acids not just to care for skin and coat, but to control inflammation in the cat’s digestive tract as well.

​The inclusion of probiotics, balances the digestive system, while the use of salmon as a protein source helps with digestive sensitivities.

Like Royal Canin’s Aging 12+Loaf in Sauce Wet Cat Food, this wet cat food is not grain-free, therefore it may not be a good choice for vomiting older cats with grain intolerance.

For some cat owners, this food’s greasiness can come as a turn-off, however, this formulation’s grease is due to the natural fish oil that provides the flavoring.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Details

• Crude Protein – 38%
• Crude Fat – 17%
• Crude Fiber – 2.5%
• Moisture 12%
• Omega – 3 Fatty Acids – 0.5%
• Salmon is the main ingredient
• Specially formulated improve & extend the life of cats age 7+

​Recommended Daily Feeding Amounts

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4. Royal Canin Indoor Intense Hairball 34

Cats, even the short-haired ones, struggle with hairballs. We all know how hairballs cause regurgitation in cats after a while of build-up in the stomach. While other hairballs are successfully expelled, the others require veterinary intervention.

Thus, Royal Canin formulated dry food that will aid in the cat’s digestion to lessen hairball formation.

​This preparation is focused on the nutrition of cats who are in need of extra assistance with hairball management.

Indoor Intense Hairball 34 by Royal Canin has its exclusive blend of nutritional fibers that help to naturally stimulate the cat’s intestinal tract to easily pass the hair that they swallow. This way, they won’t feel the urge to vomit, rather the hair will pass into the litter box.

Moreover, this formulation assists in reducing inflammation which usually happens with older cats.

​The shape of the kibbles is worth mentioning, too. The triangular shape helps reduce plaque buildup.

For best results, pair Indoor Intense Hairball 34 with Hairball Care Thin Slices in Gravy wet cat food for a treat your cat will love.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Details

• Crude Protein – 32%
• Crude Fat – 13%
• Crude Fiber – 8%
• Helps manage hairballs that can lead to digestive sensitivities
• Specially formulated for cats 1 year and older prone to hairballs

​5. Halo Sensitive Stomach Cat Food

A great cat food formulation from Halo, Sensitive Stomach Cat (Holistic Seafood Medley) is best for older cats who vomit because of its natural and grain-free preparation.

​This food has “OrigiNative” –meaning, all of the animal products are derived from farms without any antibiotic use.

Their formulation does not include any artificial colors, flavors, nor preservatives. Instead, they added an ample amount of omega fatty acids for healthier skin and coat, all while helping to decrease any inflammation in the cat’s digestive tract and joints.

Cats become pickier with what they eat as they age, making it even more difficult to find food they will agree to eat.

​Good thing, Sensitive Stomach Cat (Holistic Seafood Medley) comes in different flavors so you can try each one to find which one they will like.

Sensitive Stomach Cat (Holistic Seafood Medley) may not be as high in proteins as most brands, but still is adequate enough to meet most senior cats’ dietary requirements.

​Its novel and grain-free formulation is a good try for your cat for that natural approach in addressing vomiting.

Ingredients and Nutrition

Details

• Crude Protein – 32%
• Crude Fat – 16%
• Crude Fiber – 5%
• Moisture – 10%
• Ash – 7.5%
• Made with real, whole whitefish and salmon
• The special recipe is formulated with novel proteins and refined grains that support easy digestion

Recommended Daily Feeding Amounts

Cat Weight & Cup

• For 2 to 4 kg : 1/3 – 2/3 Cup
• For 5 to 7 kg: 03/04/2001

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Our Top Pick

Halo’s tag line, “Holistic. Whole. Humane” shows in the way they make their cat food with non-GMO ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors, nor preservatives.

We picked Sensitive Stomach Cat (Holistic Seafood Medley) by Halo simply because when you are trying to find the best cat food for senior cats who experiences vomiting, you have to try to look for one that is easy to digest, easy on the tummy and healthier for them overall.

Sensitive Stomach Cat (Holistic Seafood Medley) by Halo outranked other cat foods in terms of digestibility tests.

​If you are looking to get your cat food with fewer carbs, this is the better choice. With only whole ingredients, it is made with, you can be sure your cat can digest and absorb it better.

What Causes Older Cats to Throw Up?

Although it is common for felines to vomit once in a while, you should still be on the lookout to make sure it is nothing serious. See if along with the vomiting episodes if they are running a fever or if they are suffering from diarrhea. These could be signs of something serious and that a ring at the vet’s office may be necessary.

Otherwise, here are other reasons cat throws up.

Nature:

Not all instances of your cat throwing up are bad. Sometimes, it is the only way they expel something that does not belong within their system. Cats’ digestive system, while almost the same as ours is a bit more complex.

Their digestion is backed with the ability to break down every part of the prey they eat​  from beaks, bones, to feathers. They are not fond of chewing their food. They swallow their food in large pieces, which is a big contributing factor to their vomiting issues.

This is why, when they eat something that their body doesn’t recognize, the body sends them a signal that the food doesn’t belong down there and that it needs to go. This is throwing up.

These could be houseplants, tiny objects they nibbled or even spoiled food. While they are equipped to consume raw meat, bones, and feathers, they are do not like food that gone bad any more than we do. They will eventually reject these by vomiting or diarrhea.

Hairballs:

The most common issue in cats that is, for the most part, harmless, hairballs are part of your cat’s life. As messy as they can be, they are not usually something to worry about. They get hairballs at any part of their lives because they love to clean and they spend a good amount of time cleaning themselves.

Unlike most creatures, they use their barbed tongue to clean. This characteristic of the tongue causes the cat’s fur to get trapped and in turn, digested. Over time, the digested hair will build up and since they are indigestible, the body signals the cat to expel it – by throwing up or passing through.

Food Allergies:

Throwing up can be a sign of food allergies, too. Cats’ most common allergens are chicken, beef, fish, and eggs. There have also been studies about cats being allergic to corn, soy, and gluten, although they are relatively rare.

If you are uncertain about your cat’s food allergies, here are symptoms you should watch out for;

• ​Hair loss
• ​Hot spots
• ​Digestive issues
• ​Vomiting
• ​Excessive grooming
• ​Bald patches
• ​Itchiness
• ​Inflamed skin
• ​Diarrhea

If you notice these symptoms, check with your vet. It is vital to rule out any causes before anything else. Once other reasons have been ruled out, the vet will recommend an elimination diet which includes removing potential allergen at a time to see if the cat’s situation improves.

Diet Change:

Cats live on routine and habit. Any changes in their surrounding, schedule and even diet will result in stress for most of them. Changes in the diet lead to an upset in the stomach resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

Physical Activity:

We have always been warned about running and playing around or swimming right after eating like humans. This same precaution applies to cats, too. Getting into rough plays or physical exertion can result in vomiting.

Poor Food Quality:

As cat owners, we all want to give our fur babies nothing but the best. However, sometimes we end up inadvertently doing the opposite. We may assume that the food we have for our cats is fine just because they eat it, or the price doesn’t break your budget. Except he’s vomiting, and you don’t know why.

Low-grade food can irritate if not damage your cat’s digestive system because of the inferior ingredients it encompasses.

Medical Issues:

The worst reason for your cat throwing up could be because of some serious medical issues. If along with what they expel are traces of blood or worms, get to the vet right away. Some of the most common medical conditions that make cats throw up are:

• ​Pancreatitis
• ​Kidney or liver disease
• ​Feline panleukopenia virus
• ​Parasites
• ​Thyroid disease
• ​Pyometra
• ​Ulcers
• ​Inflammatory bowel disease
• ​Cancer

​Cat Food Buying Guide for Senior Cats Who Throw Up:

Your cat’s diet is usually where vomiting in old cats begin. This is why we need to be conscious of the diet we put them into. Remember, proper nutrition and upkeeping will lengthen the life of your cat.

Here is a checklist you can refer to when shopping for your older cat’s cat food for vomiting.

Quality:

Poorly formulated cat food typically contains low-quality ingredients such as fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives.

​These tend to start deterioration of your cat’s well-being. Always go for cat foods that are of the highest quality of nutritional ingredients. This way, you can minimize any potential vomiting from stomach upset.

Type of Cat Food:

Wet and dry cat food is both palatable to cats. However, some feline may find one of them to be plain and easy to digest.

​Take time to monitor your cat after feeding each type and see which is the best fit. Foods that are hard to digest tend to upset the cat’s tummy and vomiting is their way of relieving themselves.

Food Safety:

Food poisoning is one of the most popular reasons for cat vomiting whether they are young or old.

​This is the reason that you need to check the labels on the food package to verify if the food brand has been tested safe and approved by FDA.

High Fiber Foods:

Same as a human’s diet, low fiber food intake tends to leave the consumer experience diarrhea and vomiting.

​Consider getting high-quality food brands that have a sufficient amount of fiber to aid in reducing the number of trips to the litterbox.

Stomach Sensitivity:

Generally, moggies have an extremely sensitive digestive system therefore you need to be careful when you are getting them food.

​Deem foods that are suitable for sensitive cats by checking the information found on the storage package. This will reduce potential stomach upset and vomiting.

What do older Cats need From Their Food?

Easy to Eat

Senior cats may have started to develop dental problems that may make chewing a challenge, therefore it is just right to get moist and soft foods that will be easy for them to devour.

Extra Palatable

As cats grow old, they lose their interest in food. Thus, it is vital that we stimulate their desire to eat.

​Warm and moist foods with a strong smell can entice your cat and point them in the direction of the food. Try to sprinkle bonito flakes or splash an ample amount of bone broth to boost their appetite.

High-Quality Protein

The foundation of every cat’s diet is protein and aging cats, they should be getting twice the recommended amount when they were in their prime. As the cat ages, its capacity to take in nutrients and metabolize energy deteriorates.

Kidney Health Support

The most common condition that affects older felines is renal failure. Hence, it is important that we feed them a diet that can help keep their kidneys in tip-top shape.

Humans rely on water as the basis of kidney health and since cats don’t habitually drink lots of water on their own, it is significant that we make sure the food we give them has adequate moisture.

​The easiest way to achieve this is by preparing raw or canned food that has at least 70% water content.

​Conclusion

There you have it. Our list of best cat food for older cats that vomit& throw up. The foods we reviewed in this article are suitable for senior cats that have trouble particularly in throwing up more than a few times. They have been proven to help in settling vomiting issues in older cats.

For this reason, keep your cats away from dietary goods that encompass ingredients that trigger them to vomit. If you are wondering whether you are supposed to feed them after vomiting, the most recommended action is to not give food until twelve hours elapse.

It is also recommended that you reach out to your veterinarian for any advice about what to do when your older cat vomits.