By its very nature, cat poop doesn’t smell great; however, there are occasions in which your cat’s poop can smell, especially putrid - enough for you to consider investing in a gas mask. If this is the case, it can be because of several reasons, including diet, parasites, or a serious disease. A trip to the vet could help you figure out what to do; however, a change in diet could be just as effective in helping you stop the smelly poop. In view of this, we have a list of the best cat food for smelly poop that is not only effective against stinky poop, but will also aid your cat in getting back to normal.
The Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop
1 Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Green Peas, Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Canola Oil, Natural Flavor
- Primary Proteins: Duck, Green Pea
- Calories: 410 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Green Pea & Duck
- Life Stage: Adult
Filled to the brim with natural ingredients, the Natural Balance Dry Cat Food is an excellent meal to serve your cat that suffers from smelly poop. The food is grain-free and is very easy on your cat. Furthermore, it is made with high-quality duck that your cat will find simply delicious and will not be able to get enough of.
Additionally, the duck is an excellent source of protein that your cat needs to build muscle and maintain a shiny coat. Also, the Natural Balance dry cat food is devoid of artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors, which means that your cat will enjoy premium natural flavors with this food. Moreover, this product also aids your cat in digesting its food, and with it, you can be sure that smelly poop will no longer be a problem.
Find out more about Natural Balance Cat Food.
Green Peas, Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Salt, Choline Chloride, Dl-Methionine, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Taurine, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract.
2 Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain Grain-Free Cat Food
- Brand: Taste of the Wild
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Venison, Salmon, Ocean Fish
- Calories: 425 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Roasted Venison & Smoked Salmon
- Life Stage: Adult
Cats are creatures of the wild, and with the Taste of the Wild High Protein Dry Cat Food, you can give your pet a taste of its natural habitat that it will never forget. This premium cat food is made with roasted venison and smoked salmon, both ingredients that are rich in protein and completely healthy for your cat.
Asides from the protein, Taste of the Wild also provides your cat with the necessary vitamins and minerals that it needs to lead a healthy, active life. The infusion of fruits and vegetables aids your cat in maintaining its beautiful coat. What’s more, you do not need to worry about potentially harmful ingredients like grain, corn, wheat, and so on. Taste of the Wild is made in the USA and is family-owned by people who are passionate about cats. Taste of the Wild Rocky Mountain is one of 5 cat food recipes mentioned in our Taste of the Wild Cat Food Review.
Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Roasted Venison, Smoked Salmon, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Dl-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Manganese Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source Of Live (Viable), Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.
3 Instinct Original Pate Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
- Brand: Instinct
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Ground Flaxseed
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Turkey
- Calories: 105 kcal/3 oz can
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: All
The last two products we have taken a look at are dry foods, so if you are in the mood for a change in pace, or if your cat prefers wet food, then may we recommend the Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food? This excellent canned cat food is rich in the necessary nutrients that your cat needs to survive and thrive. As for the constitution of Instinct Origin, it is made with 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver.
Making up the rest of the food is a mix of vegetables, fruits, and other healthy ingredients. If there is anything you can be sure of, its that with Instinct Original, your cat is getting rich protein content that will help it maintain lean and healthy muscles. Also, this excellent pate is made without grains or other ingredients that your cat might be sensitive to. Instinct Original is proudly made in the USA with ingredients that the manufacturers can swear by; therefore, you can give it a chance.
Take a look at our review of Nature’s Variety Instinct Cat Food.
Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken Broth, Ground Flaxseed, Montmorillonite Clay, Egg Product, Peas, Carrots, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Minerals (Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Artichokes, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Tomato, Blueberries, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kale, Parsley.
4 ORIJEN Fit & Trim Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
- Brand: ORIJEN
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Turkey, Turkey Giblets
- Primary Proteins: Chicken & Turkey
- Calories: 444 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken
- Life Stage: Adult
The ORIJEN Fit & Trim High-Protein, Grain-Free Dry Cat Food fuses quality ingredients that deliver a rich diet from a range of free-run chicken and turkey and other animals from the wild. 90% of the ORIJEN diet is made with premium animal ingredients that provide your cat with the protein it needs to build up its muscles and help maintain its coat. Furthermore, the supply chain of ORIJEN fit is one that potential consumers can trust as it comes from trusted vendors who will never compromise on quality. This excellent food is made in the USA and is an ideal food to give to a cat that is dealing with a bout of smelly poop. ORIJEN Fit & Trim Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is one of 6 cat food recipes mentioned in our review of Orijen Cat Food.
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Whole Herring, Turkey, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder, Eggs, Cod, Dehydrated Chicken Liver, Dehydrated Egg, Dehydrated Sardine, Dehydrated Chicken, Dehydrated Turkey, Dehydrated Herring, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Whole Peas, Whole Navy Beans, Chicken Fat, Natural Fish Flavor, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Lentil Fiber, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Chicken Heart, Pea Starch, Lentil Starch, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Whole Pumpkin, Whole Butternut Squash, Whole Apples, Whole Pear, Collard Greens, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Freeze-Dried Chicken, Freeze-Dried Turkey, Freeze-Dried Cod, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Dried Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
5 Blue Buffalo Basics Fish & Potato Indoor Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch
- Primary Proteins: Whitefish, Peas
- Calories: 402 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Fish & Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
The excellent Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Cat Food pulls out all the stops in ensuring your cat gets its dietary needs in as delicious a way as possible. Made with whitefish as its first ingredient, the Blue Buffalo cat food has a single source of protein and is infused with potatoes, peas, and pumpkin. These extra ingredients aid your cat in gentle digestion and can be an excellent solution to a smelly poop problem. What’s more, Blue Buffalo is perfect for indoor cats and is crafted with limited ingredients that meet the unique needs of house cats.
Deboned Whitefish, Menhaden Fish Meal, Pea Protein, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch, Tapioca Starch, Canola Oil, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids), Calcium Sulfate, Choline Chloride, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil (source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Taurine, Calcium Chloride, Pumpkin, Dried Chicory Root, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Calcium Carbonate, Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vegetable Juice for color, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Copper Amino Acid Chelate, L-Lysine, Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B5), Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), Dried Yeast, Dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary.
6 Wellness CORE Natural Turkey & Duck Pate Cat Food
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck, Cranberries
- Primary Proteins: Turkey, Duck
- Calories: 212 kcal/can
- Flavor: Turkey & Duck
- Life Stage: Adult
The Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food is our premium pick, and it is not only healthy, but it is also incredibly delicious for cats. Furthermore, you can rest assured that this meal is made free of grains or other substances that could trigger food sensitivities. In its commitment to deliver the best quality novel protein, Wellness Core cat food is devoid of chicken, fish, and instead relies on alternative protein sources to create this incredible pate that your cat is sure to enjoy. Besides, the food also has some health benefits as it encourages hydration, promotes healthy urinary tract function, and helps eliminate smelly poop.
Read here our detailed Wellness Cat Food Reviews.
Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck, Cranberries, Guar Gum, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dried Kelp, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
7 Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Diets Cat Food
- Brand: Natural Balance
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Ground Peas, Pea Protein
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Ground Peas
- Calories: 180 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Flavor: Chicken & Green Pea
- Life Stage: Adult
As we have already established, Natural Balance makes excellent products that cats enjoy. With the Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Cat Food, we have a wet food that your cat will go crazy over and which will deliver the necessary nutrients to keep it healthy. Natural Balance wet cat food is made with premium ingredients that have been tested and are guaranteed to be healthy for your pet. On top of that, it is also free of artificial flavors, colors, and other phony additives. This is an excellent product that every cat owner should seriously consider.
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Ground Peas, Pea Protein, Chicken Meal, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Guar Gum, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Cranberries, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Carrageenan, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
8 Ziwi Peak Beef Recipe Canned Cat Food
- Brand: Ziwi
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe
- Primary Proteins: Beef
- Calories: 231 kcal/6.5-oz can
- Flavor: Beef
- Life Stage: All
The ZIWI Peak Canned Cat Food Recipe brings all the natural flavors and ingredients found in mother nature into one exciting package for your cat. This well-crafted product is free of potentially harmful substances such as glycerins, sugar, preservatives, and BPA. Along with all the excellent ingredients, ZIWI Peak Canned Cat Food Recipe also contains 7% tripe and 3% new Zealand Green Mussels, both of which are rich in chondroitin and glucosamine which, in turn, is great for your cat’s joints. In addition, it also has a slew of health benefits, including eliminating smelly poop, allergy relief, and a healthy coat.
Beef, Water Sufficient for Processing, Beef Lung, Beef Kidney, Beef Tripe, Beef Liver, Chickpeas, New Zealand Green Mussel, Beef Bone, DL-Methionine, Dried Kelp, Minerals (Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex), Taurine, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid).
9 Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Game Bird Recipe
- Brand: Merrick
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Turkey, Peas
- Calories: 395 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken, Duck & Quail
- Life Stage: All
Since cats are predatory animals, their diet must contain protein and lots of it. This is why Merrick Backcountry Dry Cat Food is such an excellent product as it has real deboned chicken as its number one ingredient. Not only that, the flavor is impeccable as the food was made with freeze-dried poultry bits to lock in the taste. Taking it a step further, the Merrick Backcountry Dry Cat Food is free of grains and other gluten ingredients which could hamper digestion. The excellent taste of Merrick Backcountry Dry Cat Food is one that your cat will never forget and will definitely want to try. Besides, this product is made in the USA with tested and trusted ingredients and materials.
For a full list of our favorite options, see our round-up of Merrick Cat Food.
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Natural Flavor, Salmon Meal (source of Omega-3 fatty acids), Potato Protein, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Deboned Duck, Deboned Quail, Chicken Liver, Dried Yeast Culture, Salt, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Complex, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Potassium Iodide, Cobalt Proteinate, Cobalt Carbonate), Phosphoric Acid, Taurine, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Gelatin, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract.
Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop Buying Guide
What to Look for in a Cat Food for Smelly Poop
Ingredients
If you have a cat with smelly poop, more often than not, it’s a dietary problem, and it is probably just reacting to something in its food. This is why it is necessary to get food that is packed full of great ingredients and nutrients for your cat. Many of the products above are rich in protein, which is possibly the most essential nutrient your cat can take in as it is responsible for helping your pet build muscle. Therefore, when buying food for your cat, ensure that you check what the meal contains to be sure it is safe for your cat to eat.
Cat preferences
Cats are individuals, which means that just like humans, each one is different. So, if an old cat you once had loved wet food, it is possible that your new cat might not. It is for reasons like this that there are so many varieties of cat food with each appealing to different types of cats. Consequently, as a cat owner, you need to determine which foods and meals that your cat reacts favorably to and ensure that you buy those meals. You can also experiment to find new things that your cat might like and also broaden its palate.
Brand
Some brands are well known for their overwhelming quality, and these are the vendors you should patronize. Brands are built on the back of trust, and the truly great ones have a reliable supply line. Therefore, research on trusted brands as they are more likely than not to have sourced their ingredients from trustworthy sources that are well-known for their integrity. If your cat falls in love with a particular brand and it causes no problem to its health, then you have yourself a keeper that you should continually patronize.
Supplements
While cats need protein more than any other food nutrient, they also need vitamins, vegetables, minerals, and so on. Therefore, when next you go and purchase food for your cat, ensure that it is rich in protein, but also in other supplements that help your cat grow and stay healthy.
You may also like our review of Vitamins For Cats.
Benefits of Cat Food for Smelly Poop
Digestion
More often than not, the meals that cause your cat to have smelly poop are meals that haven’t been digested well, and sometimes this dietary anomaly causes your cat’s feces to smell really bad. This is one of the many advantages of buying food that combats smelly poop. Many of these products are made with ingredients that are easy to digest and are kind to your cat’s stomach. If your pet can easily digest a meal, then it is more likely to have regular smelling poop. Therefore, try to get one of the products listed above to reduce instances of smelling poop in your cat.
Allergies
Many of the products reviewed above are made free of grain, preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Apart from that, some are also made without corn, wheat, and so on. This is important because some cats are picky eaters and are allergic to a lot of substances, and it is possible that ingesting these substances is why there is an issue with smelly poop in the first place. So, to avoid situations where you might inadvertently be buying your cat food that is harmful to it, sticking to cat food recommended for smelly poop is the best bet. They are usually made with only necessary ingredients from which your cat can get all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and active.
Take a look at our article on the Best Hypoallergenic Cat Food.
Balanced diet
Your cat needs a variety of nutrients to be able to function properly, including proteins, fat, vitamins, minerals, and so on. The advantage of cat food made specifically to battle smelly poop is that they are rich in all the necessary nutrients that your cats need making it something of a one-stop shop for all your cat’s dietary cravings. So, products like the ones reviewed above are made with natural ingredients that are rich in protein, and they are also chock full of supplements to ensure that your cat has all it needs to thrive.
Why Does My Cat’s Poop Smell so Bad?
If you notice that your cat’s poop smells particularly rotten, there are several causes that you might need to look into. The most common one is dietary in nature, and it is also easily rectified. If your cat eats food, it’s allergic to, or contains some harmful substances, it may have smelly poop. A change of diet is an excellent way to put a stop to this. Apart from that, it could also be a problem with bacteria or parasites, which could cause your cat to have diarrhea and gas, both of which could result in smelly poop.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is the Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Cat Food, which has our highest recommendation. It is filled with protein derived from a delicious duck that provides your cat with glorious protein that helps it build muscle. Beyond that, it is devoid of preservatives, ensuring that there is no instance of cat allergies.
Sources:
- The Scoop on Cat Poop, WebMD
- Jennifer Coates, DVM, Causes of Bad Odors in Cats, PetMD