Review of food for cats with sensitive digestion and gastrointestinal diseases

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• 5 best medicated cat foods

Cats with sensitive digestion cause a lot of trouble for their owners. Finding the right food for them can be very difficult. The slightest errors in the menu result in constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. It is possible that blood may even appear in the stool. Since the problem is quite common, many food manufacturers offer their own versions of diets for cats with sensitive digestion. But no matter how good the food is, it will suit one pet, but will cause a negative reaction in another. Therefore, the selection of food is a purely individual matter, but only diets from specialized lines should be considered. And to simplify your choice, we suggest you carefully study the rating of the best food for cats with sensitive digestion.

What are medicinal (veterinary) food for cats?

Medicinal, or veterinary, cat food is a special food that is used for certain diseases. To better understand what medicinal food is, you can compare it with a special diet that a doctor prescribes to a person for diabetes, gastritis and other diseases.

The difference between medicinal food and everyday food is, of course, the composition. It is enriched with those vitamins and microelements that are necessary for a specific disease. Also, components that are contraindicated for sick cats have been removed from the veterinary food.

The owner must remember that healthy animals do not need medicated food. If your cat is prone to any disease, then you should choose preventative food after consulting with your veterinarian.

Medicinal food should only be used as directed by a veterinarian.

Of course, medicated food is not a product that you should choose on your own. The very first step when your cat becomes ill is to visit a qualified veterinarian. Only a specialist will be able to prescribe the treatment and product that is suitable for your pet.

Medicinal food is not a panacea. It is effective only in combination with prescribed medications and only meets the needs of the sick body, accelerating the healing process.

When using medicated food, you need to remember the following:

• it should not be a permanent diet for the cat - only for the duration of treatment, but for some cats (for example, allergy sufferers and diabetics), the food can be used throughout its life;
• if the medicinal food is dry, then it is necessary to give the cat as much water as possible, or better yet, soak the product itself a little;
• Before using food for cats with allergies, you must wash your hands thoroughly;
• The cat is transferred to medicinal food gradually, over 7–10 days, adding it to the daily diet and increasing its amount by 10–15% daily;

  The cat is gradually transferred to a new diet, increasing the volume of new food by about 10% per day.

• medicinal food cannot be used by mixing with normal food (except for the period of transfer to medicinal food) or with other veterinary food;
• Veterinary nutrition should not be used without first consulting a physician.

Veterinary feeds are not divided into classes; rather, they themselves represent a separate class of animal feeds. There are varieties for both adult cats and older cats, and kittens. Some manufacturers make separate foods for females and males.

The nuances of feeding a cat with a sick stomach

Vomiting is often one of the most obvious symptoms of illness in a pet. It is dangerous because the cat, along with the vomit, loses not only proteins and carbohydrates, but also electrolytes, as well as the fluid necessary for the functioning of the body. Its reserves need to be replenished. For this purpose, the cat must be given special rehydrants (rehydron is the most popular). When vomiting can be stopped, the cat is given nutritious liquid food - chicken broth, mashed boiled meat puree or ready-made medicinal food.

Stomach diseases in cats are often accompanied by loose stools. If your cat is prone to this type of disorder, never feed him milk or raw chicken eggs. For diarrhea, the cat is given special medications, and its diet should consist of protein-rich, easily digestible food - boiled poultry, hard-boiled eggs, low-fat cottage cheese mixed with boiled rice, or ready-made food.

Follow the recommendations of the veterinarian under whose supervision your furry pet is, and then he will be healthy and live a long and happy life in your home.

The most famous brands

One of the market leaders is Royal Canin. Interestingly, this brand of cat food originally appeared 50 years ago as food for shepherd dogs. The composition of the feed was developed by the French veterinarian J. Katari, and soon Royal Canin gained worldwide fame and also entered the elite of animal feeds.

Literally a few years after the company was registered, its owners began expanding production, and this is how a separate line of cat food appeared. Today, the French offer a whole series of medicinal foods for furry and hairless pets.

Royal Canin Sensible

The product with this label is intended for pets over 12 months of age who have digestive problems, particularly loose stools. The formula of the product allows it to be well absorbed by the digestive system even with intestinal hypersensitivity. This effect is achieved due to the LIP protein. In addition to all the benefits that such food brings to a sick pet, it also restores the natural intestinal microflora.

Royal Canin Light

This product is offered to those cats who have problems with extra pounds. The secret of the dietary composition lies in the fiber content, primarily plantain. So, with a sufficiently high nutritional value, the food contains almost a fifth less calories. At the same time, an increased proportion of protein ingredients has a beneficial effect on the muscle structure of the animal. And L-carnitine will allow the cat’s body to break down excess fats.

Sensitivity Control

A product with this name is intended for cats with one of several pathologies. It can be used for diarrhea, inflamed intestines, and intolerance to certain components usually added to animal feed. But the main purpose of the product is cases of allergies in cats. The complex is based on the following principles:

• improving the protective properties of the skin;
• preventing the development of urinary tract diseases;
• sufficient intake of proteins into the body;
• saturation of mucous areas with nutrients.

In addition to being intended for sick cats, Royal Canin's Sensitivity Control is also great for kittens thanks to its combination of ingredients.

Another well-known brand of dietary food for cats is Hill's. As in most similar cases, the idea of ​​​​creating a product belongs to a veterinarian. In particular, Hill's was founded by M. Morris, who at that time, in the 1920s, worked at the animal hospital he founded in Edison, New Jersey.

During his practice, the veterinarian became convinced that most diseases in cats develop due to poor quality and improper nutrition. Trying to help his patients, Morris developed several formulas of therapeutic nutrition, which he gave to his patients until they recovered.

Today, Hill's is one of the world leaders in cat food sales. A special line of their products is designed for sick pets.

Diet Feline

This food is given to obese cats or animals with diabetes. The special formula minimizes the content of sugars and carbohydrates, which are contraindicated for cats suffering from these diseases.

The composition of the feed contains:

• proteins;
• chicken meat;
• turkey;
• rice.

This formula reduces the symptoms of diabetes and allows the body to accept insulin less painfully. Another additional effect of consuming Diet Feline is the improvement of the animal’s immunity.

PD Feline

This food is recommended by veterinarians as a restorative measure after an illness of internal organs. The beneficial effect is achieved due to the composition of the product:

• fatty acids;
• amino acids;
• antioxidants;
• lean chicken varieties;
• chicken eggs;
• beets, rice and other easily digestible grains and vegetables.

Therapeutic food not only strengthens the condition of the recovering body, but also removes toxins.

Prescription Diet Feline

This food is given to cats with liver diseases. Dry granular elements in the composition improve the functioning of a vital organ. Moreover, the formula does not contain sodium and protein ingredients, which again has a good effect on the condition of the liver. Additionally, vitamins and antioxidants improve the health of the entire body.

Feline Adult for sensitive skin

This product is intended for cats with sore or sensitive skin. It is also recommended for cats with long hair, as antioxidants and fatty acids, as well as oils and vitamin-containing additives in the composition, have a beneficial effect on the animal’s hair. A distinctive feature of the composition is the presence of exclusively natural ingredients: 40% of the feed is meat and 50% is by-products.

One of the three most prominent luxury cat food brands is undoubtedly Purina. The company was first registered at the end of the 19th century in the United States of America, and even then it specialized in medicinal feed.

Veterinarians recommend Purina brand products if your cat suffers from kidney and pen infections, as well as urolithiasis. The beneficial effect of the food is based on a precisely selected dosage of the necessary microelements for dietary nutrition:

• proteins;
• vitamins, especially C and D;
• colostrum;
• amino acids;
• docosahexaenoic acid and so on.

The form in which beneficial substances are offered to a sick cat is chosen so that the animal spends a minimum of energy on the breakdown of these microelements and the digestion process itself does not injure the affected organs.

Eukanuba

Everyday and veterinary cat food Eukanuba is produced by Mars at a factory in Russia and belongs to the super-premium class.

The company pays great attention to quality control of the ingredients used and claims that all components are suitable for human consumption. Manufacturers make serious demands on suppliers of raw materials for their products, severing ties with them if these requirements do not meet.

Specialized veterinary nutrition from Eukanuba is suitable for overweight animals with kidney disease. Cats that have experienced stress, suffer from digestive system disorders, and oxalate-type urolithiasis will also benefit from this product.

Advantages: only natural products are used. Sufficient amount of carbohydrates, thanks to cereals: wheat, barley, rice. A large number of useful additives. The daily amount a cat needs to eat is relatively small because the food is nutritious. This saves you money. Has a healing effect on animal fur.

Disadvantages: relatively high price, which clearly does not correspond to the quality of the composition. Not too varied assortment. There is no specification regarding the preservative used.

What is the difference between diet food and regular food?

Each food has its own characteristics: both in composition and in the set of microelements. Thus, dietary foods have special compositions in accordance with different animal health issues.

Dry

The main difference between dietary dry food and regular food is its structure and composition. Animals with digestive problems often have difficulty digesting dense food textures, but they still need to sharpen their teeth (chew hard things) and maintain nutritional balance. Therefore, dietary dry food has a structure that allows the granules to quickly soften when entering the stomach and not create heaviness and lumps. For the same purpose, the granules are made a little smaller.

The second nuance is the composition, which harmoniously combines an increased amount of protein and fiber. This necessarily includes vitamins, microelements, and sometimes medications that improve digestion.

Dry food is the most affordable, plus it is convenient to store and does not need to be prepared. The maximum that is required is to soak the granules if the animal has problems with its teeth or jaw.

Wet

Dietary wet food differs from regular food in its higher water content. This is a very important feature, since the main condition of the diet for cats with weak or problematic digestion is the consumption of large amounts of liquid. The cat must actively drink, but it cannot always be forced to do so.

Wet food allows the animal to replenish its water balance. In addition to more liquid, the food may contain special medications or additives similar in principle to human dietary supplements. Dietary meats and soft foods are also used.

Wet food usually comes in two forms:

• pate (in a tin);
• pouch (in a bag).

The main disadvantage of wet food is that it cannot be stored open. If the animal does not eat the entire portion, the leftovers will have to be thrown away. For cats who eat little due to poor health, it is better to choose small jars or bags.

Dietary food for cats with gastrointestinal diseases

Cats with diseases of the digestive system require special nutrition. The therapeutic diet must be selected taking into account the nutritional needs of the animal. Nutrition should provide the body with the necessary nutrients and energy.

A range of dietary diets have been developed for kittens and adult cats with special nutritional needs. Specialized nutrition series are offered by such manufacturers as HILL'S, SANIMED, Pro Plan Veterinary Diets and others.

Solving Digestive Problems

Adapted food for cats with sensitive digestion helps improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract:

• stabilize digestive processes;
• normalize the balance of intestinal microflora and stool;
• reduce the severity of inflammation symptoms;
• increase local immunity and reduce urine pH;
• improve nutrient circulation and peristalsis.

The diets have high nutritional value, but at the same time they have a laconic composition, which reduces the risk of developing allergic reactions. They contain a large amount of easily digestible protein and amino acids necessary for building cells and maintaining the normal well-being of the pet. Healthy carbohydrates in diets provide the energy necessary for a full life and development.

The absence of cereals and coarse plant fibers prevents damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The inclusion of fatty acids promotes the regeneration of mucous membranes and protects the intestinal walls from damage.

The components of the diet are carefully processed. Such food is better digested and puts less strain on the digestive tract. The composition of ready-made adapted feeds includes natural ingredients: proteins, animal fats, minerals, vitamins, as well as special additives.

Some foods are supplemented with plant extracts that have regenerating, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Dietary rations for cats

High-quality dietary food for pets with gastrointestinal diseases can be purchased in the Beethoven online store. In the catalog you will find products in large and small packages, intended for permanent or course use. The product recipe does not contain flavor enhancers, flavors, dyes or other substances harmful to the cat's body.

The cost of food depends on the brand and weight of the package. We are reducing prices on a number of products as part of special offers. Follow the promotions on the website or subscribe to the newsletter.

You can order products online, choose courier delivery or use the pick-up service.