Best Cat Treats for Sensitive Stomachs (Plus an Easy DIY Recipe)
Published On:2/25/2026
Last Updated On: 2/25/2026
By Callie, Seymour, Yebba, and Mama and our Hooman Ashley!
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We need to talk about something delicate.
No, not our feelings.
Our stomachs.
Because if you live with a cat who has a sensitive stomach, you know the signs.
The slow sniff.
The hopeful nibble.
The dramatic pause.
And then… regret.
Sometimes in the form of gurgles.
Sometimes in the form of “why is this happening on the rug.”
So today, from four rescue cats who have strong opinions and one hooman who reads ingredient labels like it’s her full time job — we’re sharing the best cat treats for sensitive stomachs, plus a simple DIY treat recipe you can make at home.
Because sensitive cats deserve snacks too.
And peace in your household is priceless.
What Makes a Cat Treat Sensitive Stomach Friendly?
Before we name names, let’s define terms.
Cats with delicate digestion usually do best with:
• Single-ingredient treats
• Limited protein sources
• No fillers, grains, artificial colors, or preservatives
• Freeze-dried or minimally processed options
Sensitive stomach cats often react to:
• Artificial additives
• Mystery meat blends
• Grain fillers
• Heavy dairy
• Highly processed crunchy treats
And here’s something important:
Every cat is different.
One of us can eat salmon like royalty.
Another prefers chicken.
One thrives on shrimp.
One judges all of it.
That’s why we rotate proteins and introduce new treats slowly.
1. Whole Life “Just One” Salmon Freeze-Dried Treats
Whole Life Cat Just One Salmon Freeze Dried Cat Treats
Single ingredient: 100% salmon.
Human grade.
Made in the USA.
And we love that “Just One” part. Because when it says one ingredient, it actually means one.
Why this is excellent for sensitive stomach cats:
✔ Only salmon — no fillers
✔ Freeze-dried to preserve nutrients
✔ High protein, easy to crumble
✔ Can double as a food topper
For cats who tolerate fish well, salmon is often gentle and digestible. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can also support skin health (which matters for some of us who shed like it’s our job).
We like to:
• Eat them whole as training treats
• Crush them over wet food
• Use them as high-value rewards
Sensitive stomach tip:
If your cat has never had salmon before, start with half a piece and monitor for 24 hours.
Yes, we know that sounds dramatic.
But stomach drama is worse.
2. Northwest Naturals Raw Freeze-Dried Shrimp
Northwest Naturals Raw Rewards Freeze-Dried Shrimp Treats
Single ingredient: shrimp.
Human grade.
Made in the USA.
Shrimp is one of those under-appreciated proteins in the cat world.
It’s light.
It’s simple.
It’s usually well tolerated.
And for sensitive cats who don’t do well with chicken or beef, shrimp can be an excellent alternative.
Why we approve:
✔ 1 ingredient
✔ Bite-sized pieces
✔ High protein
✔ No grains, fillers, or additives
These are especially good for:
• Cats with limited ingredient diets
• Cats avoiding common proteins
• Cats who love seafood but need something simple
Pro tip:
Shrimp treats are often slightly crunchier than salmon, so they’re excellent for cats who prefer texture.
One of us hears the bag open from three rooms away…
We’re not naming names!!
3. Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Treats
Vital Essentials Chicken Breast Cat Treats
Single ingredient: chicken breast.
Freeze-dried raw.
Grain-free, gluten-free, filler-free.
Chicken is one of the most common proteins in cat diets. But that doesn’t make it bad — it just makes quality important.
What we like about this one:
✔ Pure chicken breast
✔ No mystery ingredients
✔ Easy to break into small pieces
✔ Great for training
If your cat tolerates chicken well, this is often the safest starting point for sensitive stomach treat trials.
Because it’s so clean and simple.
Sensitive stomach tip:
Avoid heavily processed chicken treats with by-products or added flavor enhancers. They’re much harder to digest.
What Treats to Avoid for Sensitive Stomachs
Let’s be blunt.
Not all cat treats are created equal.
Be cautious with:
• Multi-ingredient crunchy treats
• Artificial colors
• “Meat flavor” labels
• Dairy-heavy treats
• Cheap bulk treats with vague protein sources
And for safety reasons (even beyond digestion):
Avoid treats with long strings, dangling feathers, or parts that can be chewed off and swallowed.
We know they look fun.
But emergency vet visits are not fun.
Easy DIY Cat Treat Recipe (Sensitive Stomach Friendly)
Sometimes the best treat is one you make yourself.
Here’s our favorite simple recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 can plain tuna in water (no salt added) OR cooked plain chicken
• 1 egg
• 1–2 tablespoons oat flour or all purpose flour (or finely ground oats)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Blend tuna or chicken with egg until smooth.
Mix in oat flour until slightly thick.
Spoon into tiny dots on parchment paper.
Bake 8–10 minutes until firm.
Cool completely before serving.
Store in fridge up to 3 days.
These are:
✔ Limited ingredient
✔ Easy to digest
✔ Portion controlled
✔ Customizable by protein
Sensitive stomach tip:
Only introduce homemade treats in very small amounts at first. Even simple ingredients can cause upset if introduced too quickly.
How to Transition to New Treats Safely
We can’t stress this enough.
When introducing new treats to sensitive cats:
Offer a very small piece.
Wait 24 hours.
Monitor stool consistency and behavior.
Gradually increase if tolerated.
Sudden protein changes can cause:
• Loose stool
• Vomiting
• Gassiness
• Lethargy
And we are dramatic enough without that.
Every Cat Is Different
This matters.
One of us thrives on salmon.
One prefers chicken.
One thinks shrimp is life.
One refuses anything that is not served with ceremony.
Sensitive stomachs are not one-size-fits-all.
That’s why we rotate single-ingredient proteins and watch carefully.
The goal is not to find a trendy treat.
The goal is to find what works for your individual cat.
Sensitive stomach cats deserve snacks that don’t cause regret.
They deserve:
• Gentle proteins
• Clean ingredients
• Slow introductions
• Thoughtful hoomans
If your cat struggles with digestion, start simple.
Single-ingredient freeze-dried options like:
• Whole Life Salmon
• Northwest Naturals Shrimp
• Vital Essentials Chicken
are excellent foundations.
And if you prefer full control, the DIY route works beautifully too.
Sensitive doesn’t mean fragile.
It means thoughtful.
And thoughtful is something we believe in deeply.
If this helped you, save it. Share it. Send it to a fellow cat parent navigating tummy troubles.
And if you want more practical, rescue-cat-approved guidance on food, enrichment, and real-life feline care…
Subscribe to Stray Cat News below.
We test it.
We live it.
We digest it.
Sometimes literally.
