Last updated Oct 13, 2024
Tired of litter box odor? You’ll be glad to know you can change the smell of your cat’s litter box by changing what you put in his bowl. After hours of studying the relationship between feline food and feces, we’ve identified the qualities of the best cat food for a healthier gut and less odor.
The best cat food for smelly poop is easy to digest and free of ingredients that could trigger a food allergy or cause digestive upset. Its ingredients are high-quality and species-appropriate, with items like muscle meat, organs, and animal-derived fat making up most of the recipe.
At a Glance: Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Species-appropriate fresh cat food recipes
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Very low carbohydrate content, under 10%
- Made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Cat Food
- Contains over 45% dry matter protein
- Free from hard-to-digest peas and legumes
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Canned Cat Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Very short list of ingredients, highly digestible
Farmina N&D Prime Boar & Apple Recipe Adult Cat Dry Food
- Made with a single source of animal protein and fat
- Limited list of ingredients improves digestibility and reduces reactivity
- Completely free from artificial preservatives, dyes, and flavors
Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- Short list of simple, digestible ingredients
- Very low in carbohydrates
- May be a good option for overweight cats
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Rabbit Mini Patties Entree Cat Food
- Made with a single source of novel animal protein
- Species-appropriate blend of muscle meat, organs, and bone
- Herring oil provides animal-sourced omega-3s
Raised Right Turkey & Pumpkin Pate for Adult Cats
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Made with human-grade ingredients
Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Soft texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Why Should You Trust Us?
We’ve reviewed over 200 of the world’s most popular cat food brands and hundreds of different formulas. We’ve spent hours researching, contacting pet food companies, analyzing labels, and reading customer reviews. With the help of our cats, we also got hands-on experience with most of these foods.
Finally, we consulted 7 veterinarians to get their professional opinion on what makes a great cat food.
Our Veterinary Advisors
- Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Albert Ahn, DVM
- Elizabeth Youens, DVM
How We Tested
We personally purchased and tested the products on this list. The entire testing process was funded by Cats.com without direct input or influence from the companies involved.
When researching cat food, we analyze the information on the label including the guaranteed analysis, list of ingredients, and life stage designation. We also consult customer reviews for insight regarding reformulations or issues with product quality and check for product recalls.
During our in-depth testing, we make observations about the product’s appearance, texture, consistency, smell, and packaging. We also feed the food to our cats to get their opinion regarding palatability and general appeal.
What Are the Qualities of the Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop?
Changes inside the litter box are often a first-line indicator of underlying health issues. If your cat’s feces has changed in odor, appearance, frequency, or volume, it’s best to consult your veterinarian to rule out infections and other health problems.
Once you and your veterinarian have established that diet is the solution to your cat’s smelly poop, prioritize two things: simplicity and efficiency.
All poop smells, but it smells worse when there’s more to it—more sulfur, more bacteria, and more digestive by-products. Time also plays a part. Foods that take longer to digest spend more time in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, giving digestive gases more time to build up and make your cat’s litter box session all the smellier.
By keeping things simple, the best cat food for smelly poop minimizes the amount of work your cat’s body does to process his food, making digestion more efficient.
The best cat food for smelly poop exhibits the following qualities:
It is rich in species-appropriate animal protein.
Cats are obligate carnivores which means they’ve evolved to follow a meat-based diet. Their digestive tracts are very short because they’re designed to process highly-digestible raw prey – there’s little need for the fermenting bacteria required to digest plant matter.
Species-appropriate food for cats is formulated around animal products like poultry, meat, and fish. Animal-based protein should top the ingredient list, ideally balanced with animal-sourced fat.
The lower the carbohydrate content of your cat’s food, the better. A whole-prey diet for cats contains less than 10% dry matter carbohydrate.
It contains a short list of highly digestible ingredients.
The more ingredients a cat food contains, the more work it is for your cat’s body to digest. A short list of species-appropriate ingredients ensures optimal digestion with less waste, and therefore less odor.
Again, animal ingredients are the most digestible for your cat. Avoid starchy carbohydrates that add bulk to the product without supplying much nutritional value. Peas, lentils, and other legumes should be avoided as well because they contain high levels of lectins and phytates.
Lectins are plant proteins which, when consumed in large quantities, can contribute to gastrointestinal distress. Phytates play a role in leeching essential minerals like calcium and iron from your cat’s body.
It contains plenty of hydrating moisture.
Wild cats get most of their water from prey, so they don’t have high thirst drives. Unfortunately, domestic cats have inherited this trait and many cats don’t get the water they need for proper hydration.
Water is a key ingredient in both urine and feces, and it’s necessary to remove waste products from the body. When your cat isn’t properly hydrated, it can lead to constipation and other health issues. High-moisture cat food helps support your cat’s digestion and may reduce litter box odor.
It is free from allergenic and irritating ingredients.
In addition to other symptoms, food allergies may cause flatulence and smelly stool. The most common food allergies in cats are caused by proteins, primarily chicken, fish, or beef. Other less common cat food allergies include wheat, corn, and soy.
True food allergies are fairly uncommon in cats, and they often manifest with skin-related symptoms like itchy skin and hair loss. If your cat is diagnosed with a food allergy, it’s imperative that you identify the allergen and adjust your cat’s diet to avoid it.
In many cases, switching to a limited ingredient diet made with a single, novel source of protein does the trick. A novel protein is simply one your cat hasn’t eaten before.
Most adult cats are lactose-intolerant, so it’s wise to avoid cat foods that contain dairy as well. Dairy products have the potential to cause digestive distress, flatulence, and smelly poop. Avoid giving your cat cow’s milk as a treat and pass up foods that contain it.
The Best Cat Foods for Smelly Poop: Our Top Picks
The following foods emphasize the qualities that we look for in the best cat food for smelly poop.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Formulated with carnivorous feline needs in mind, Smalls fresh cat food is meat-centric and rich in hydrating moisture. Each formula features a single source of animal protein—chicken, turkey, beef, or fish—with cod liver oil as a species-appropriate source of omega-3 fatty acids. Smalls food comes in several textures including classic pate and minced or ground.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Featuring chicken and chicken liver as the top ingredients, this fresh food is packed with species-appropriate animal protein. Its high moisture content and low carb concentration add to its digestibility. Measured as dry matter, the food contains about 48% protein and over 31% fat.
Multiple customers mention a change in fecal odor after switching to this food, with reviewers saying that their cats’ poop “no longer stinks!” and that it’s “not stinky like with wet food.”
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Species-appropriate fresh cat food recipes
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Good source of hydrating moisture
- High digestibility may reduce fecal odor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Premium Pick: Open Farm Harvest Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 47% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 149
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.75 per day
Raw cat food is an excellent option, but it isn’t always the most convenient choice for cat owners. Freeze-dried cat food offers similar nutritional value but, because the moisture has been removed, it can be safely stored at room temperature. That being said, the food should be rehydrated before offering it to your cat, so they get the moisture they need.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This freeze-dried formula from Open Farm features chicken as a single source of protein. Open Farm uses only ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients which, in this case, includes 98% humanely raised, cage-free chicken, chicken liver, chicken necks, and chicken bone.
Though this recipe contains some added carbohydrate in the form of organic dandelion greens, the dry matter carbohydrate content of the food is very low, under 10%.
Ingredients
Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Montmorillonite Clay, Organic Dandelion Greens, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pantothenic Acid, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin) Taurine, Organic Cranberries, Minerals (Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite) Salt, Salmon Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Magnesium Sulfate, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken with Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Neck, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Very low carbohydrate content, under 10%
- Made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- Needs to be rehydrated before feeding
#3 Budget Pick: Dave’s Pet Food Naturally Healthy Grain-Free Turkey Formula Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.85 per day
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly wet cat food, Dave’s Healthy & Delicious canned foods average around $0.25 per ounce when you buy the 12.5-ounce cans in a case of 12. They’re a little higher in carbohydrate than the other foods on this list, but they don’t contain peas, legumes, or starchy fillers like many inexpensive cat foods do.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This recipe features fresh turkey as the primary ingredient with supplemental protein from chicken liver and chicken muscle meat. The only added carbohydrates are sweet potatoes and carrots which contribute to the food’s dry matter carb content of just over 16%.
In addition to being a high-moisture canned food, this recipe contains about 45% dry matter protein and nearly 23% fat. The short list of ingredients makes it highly digestible, though some cats experience loose stools after eating foods thickened with guar gum.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Guar Gum, Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Agar-Agar, 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), Cranberries, Blueberries, Taurine, Dried Squash, Zucchini, Sodium Carbonate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains over 45% dry matter protein
- Free from hard-to-digest peas and legumes
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
What We Didn’t Like:
- Guar gum gives some cats loose stools
- Contains over 10% dry matter carbohydrate
#4 Best Wet Food: RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Canned Cat Food
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.90 per day
Packed with species-appropriate animal protein and hydrating moisture, RAWZ wet food is a highly digestible option. This recipe is comprised of 96% turkey muscle meat and turkey liver. The dry matter protein content is nearly 41% while the carb content is low, about 8.5% dry matter.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Aside from the turkey and turkey liver, the only other ingredients in this food are the turkey broth which supplies moisture, fenugreek seed as an alternative to gum thickeners, and dandelion greens as a source of calcium and potassium.
The downside of this food is the price tag – it costs about $0.60 per ounce. At 37 calories per ounce, however, it’s a calorie-dense food, so your cat may need less of it than other foods. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from sales of this food go to the RAWZ foundation which helps provide service dogs to individuals recovering from spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Very short list of ingredients, highly digestible
- Contains less than 10% carbohydrate as dry matter
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive, about $0.60 per ounce
#5 Premium Dry: Farmina N&D Prime Boar & Apple Recipe Adult Cat Dry Food
- Made In: Serbia
- Guaranteed Protein: 44% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Pound: 1316
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.97 per day
Each of Farmina’s N&D Prime formulas starts with a high-quality source of animal protein. In this case, wild boar is used as the main protein source, featuring whole proteins that provide a concentrated source of nutrition. The inclusion of apple adds antioxidants, offering additional health benefits.
This dry food formula delivers 42% crude protein on a dry matter basis, making it an excellent choice for protein-focused diets. The dry matter fat content is around 20%, derived from chicken fat, which supports cats’ energy needs and maintains a balanced profile for cats sensitive to fish-based fats.
Pumpkin serves as a natural fiber source, aiding in digestion, while the carbohydrate content is kept at a moderate level (around 25%). As with most dry cat foods, this recipe is also low in moisture, so providing fresh water is essential to keep your cat hydrated.
Ingredients
Wild Boar, Dehydrated Wild Boar, Sweet Potatoes, Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs, Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Herring Oil, Pea Fiber, Dried Carrot, Suncured Alfalfa Meal, Inulin, Fructooligosaccharide, Yeast Extract, Dried Apple, Dried Pomegranate, Dried Sweet Orange, Dried Spinach, Psyllium Seed Husk, Dried Blueberry, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Turmeric, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Choline Chloride, Beta-Carotene, Zinc Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Manganese Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Ferrous Glycine, Copper Methionine Hydroxy Analogue Chelate, Dl-Methionine, Taurine, Aloe Vera Gel Concentrate, Green Tea Extract, Rosemary Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (A Preservative).
Ingredients We Liked: Boneless Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Chicken Fat, Dried Whole Eggs, Herring, Dehydrated Herring, Herring Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sweet Potatoes, Dried Carrot, Suncured Alfalfa Meal
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein and fat
- Limited list of ingredients improves digestibility and reduces reactivity
- Completely free from artificial preservatives, dyes, and flavors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Price is above the market average
#6 Best For Weight Loss: Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau Succulent Chicken in Chicken Consomme
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 16% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 24
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.29 per day
If your cat needs to lose weight, a lean, high-protein, moisture-rich diet like this food from Tiki Cat may be able to help.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This wet food contains nothing but shredded chicken in a fortified broth, with sunflower seed oil as its main fat source. The food’s straightforward recipe, which features natural ingredients, minimizes your cat’s exposure to irritants while keeping calorie content low. It’s also an extremely low-carbohydrate, low-fiber food.
We should note that the low fiber content of this food may not be ideal for cats struggling with diarrhea. In that case, you might want to supplement this food with a probiotic and an added source of fiber. A bowl of cat grass can make a big difference to your cat’s digestive system. Talk with your veterinarian before supplementing your cat’s diet.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin E Supplement, Ascorbic Acid, Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Niacin (Vitamin B3), Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium Iodate, Calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin K3 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Sunflower Seed Oil
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in species-appropriate animal protein
- A simple diet that minimizes strain on the GI tract
- Low in carbohydrates
- Cats love this food’s taste and texture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low fiber content isn’t ideal for every cat
- Low fat content isn’t right for every cat
#7 Best Novel Protein: Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Rabbit Mini Patties Entree Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 60% min.
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 108
- Typical Cost Per Day: $6.42 per day
Freeze-dried raw foods are among the best options for cats with smelly poop. For those who also have digestive sensitivities, those diets are all the better when they have limited ingredient lists and single protein sources.
This food from Vital Essentials features rabbit as its only protein source. With whole rabbit, heart, liver, lungs, kidney, trachea, and blood among its main ingredients, the food manages to deliver the nutrition your cat needs without using a lot of additives that might irritate his digestion.
In addition to its single protein source, the food contains a couple of ingredients with potential health benefits. Herring oil is a well-respected source of omega-3 fatty acids and may help to ease inflammation, while raw goat’s milk has a less-established but promising history of supporting healthy digestion.
Ingredients
Rabbit, Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Kidney, Rabbit Lung, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex.
Ingredients We Liked: Rabbit, Rabbit Liver, Rabbit Heart, Rabbit Kidney, Rabbit Lung, Herring Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- A minimally-processed food that relies heavily on the nutritional value of fresh meat, organs, and bones
- Contains herring oil, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Doesn’t contain any commonly-irritating ingredients
- A single-protein food ideal for cats with digestive sensitivities
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some cats don’t like the taste or texture of this food
#8 Best For Sensitive Stomachs: Raised Right Turkey & Pumpkin Pate For Adult Cats
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 21% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 48
- Typical Cost Per Day: $2.90 per day
Raised Right Turkey & Pumpkin Pâté for Adult Cats is free of ingredients and additives that might worsen or cause smelly poop. It doesn’t contain any animal by-products or rendered meals. Instead, it’s primarily made from readily digestible animal ingredients like turkey thigh, heart, and liver.
While this cat food is formulated for easy digestibility, some cats dislike the flavor or texture of it. It’s also worth noting that you can only purchase it in two quantities – a four-pack or 16-pack of 1-pound bags.
Each batch of cat food is made-to-order in the company’s own kitchen. Because it’s fresh, moisture-rich, and full of species-appropriate animal protein, this food is an easily digestible option for many cats and could be a good choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Pumpkin, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support your cat’s hydration
- Made with human-grade ingredients
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can’t be purchased in small quantities
- Some cats dislike the flavor or texture
#9 Best For Kittens: Wellness CORE Kitten Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 12% min.
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 68
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.6 per day
Smelly stool is a frequent problem for kittens. Intestinal parasites are common, especially in kittens who’ve spent time in a shelter, and the transition from their mother’s milk to commercial cat food can contribute to digestive distress. Feeding your kitten a high-moisture wet food made primarily with animal-sourced ingredients may help minimize odor.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This Wellness CORE formula contains over 54% protein and 34% fat, measured as dry matter. The first six ingredients are animal-based and the formula relies on animal-sourced fat from menhaden fish oil. It’s a calorie-dense food rich to help support growth with plenty of DHA for brain and eye development.
Overall, this recipe is highly digestible for most cats, and it contains less than 10% dry matter carbohydrate. Keep in mind, however, that some cats experience loose stools when eating foods that contain gum thickeners like guar gum.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Herring, Chicken Hearts, Natural Flavor, Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Ground Flaxseed, Dried Chicory Root, Tricalcium Phosphate, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Sunflower Oil, Choline Chloride, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, 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.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Chicken Meal, Herring, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Soft texture is easy for kittens to eat
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Free from peas, lentils, and other legumes
What We Didn’t Like:
- Gum thickeners may cause loose stools in some cats
Remember—food isn’t always the solution. Sometimes more serious issues are at play.
Many times, simply changing out what your cat is eating can be enough to fix the smelly poop problem. But it’s a good idea to talk to your vet first to see if the problem is more severe than just a poor diet.
Other, more dangerous factors can contribute to seriously smelly poop:
- Spoiled food. If your cat eats something rotten—maybe something straight from the garbage—his poop might temporarily smell worse than usual.
- Tapeworms and other parasites. Intestinal parasites cause a variety of digestive issues, including severe fecal odor. Giardia, for example, is an intestinal parasite that causes a foul fecal odor.
- Digestive disorders. If your cat has a digestive disorder that impedes nutrient absorption, it can cause your cat’s poop to smell foul.
- Drugs. Antibiotics and certain other drugs can contribute to severe fecal odor.
- Infections. Certain types of infections can cause similar digestive issues, including smelly poop.
Bacterial infections from E.coli and Salmonella cause inflammation, leading to diarrhea and gas, both of which can have an unusually intense odor.
If increased litter box odor is a new problem and you haven’t recently made any changes to your cat’s diet, talk to your veterinarian to determine whether an underlying health problem might be at play.
Ask a Question
Your vet can help you determine what the cause of the smelly poop is and what you need to do to fix the problem. If your cat has had this issue for only a day or two, then it may not be something you need to concern yourself with, but if it persists or keeps coming back, then you will need to take action.
Often, a change of diet is all your cat needs to start feeling better and having better-smelling poop. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about any major changes you are making to your cat’s lifestyle and diet, especially if your cat is being treated for a medical condition.
We hope that you can use the information here to get your cat healthy once more and to get rid of that foul poop smell.