Cats can be a source of immense joy and unconditional love, but when their poop start to smell terrible, it can damper the relationship.
We’ve all been there – you’re snuggling with your cat one minute and then suddenly notice an unpleasant odor coming from their litter box the next.
If you notice an unpleasant odor from your cat’s litter box, it might be time to rethink their diet. A change in diet can help reduce the smell of their poop and improve their overall digestive health.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is our number one choice.
This premium, grain-free diet is packed with high-quality animal proteins like real chicken, turkey, and mackerel, which help promote healthy digestion and reduce the smell of your cat’s poop.
Every cat is different, so I have included other food options to help reduce smelly stools and improve your cat’s digestive health.
Let’s dive in!
Our Top 10 Picks: Best Cat Food For Less Smelly Poop
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best Overall Food)
Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food (Best Raw Food)
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Cat Food (Best Grain-Free Food)
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
Tiki Succulent Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food (Best Wet Food)
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food (Best Budget Food)
Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best For Sensitive Digestion)
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food (Best For Weight Control)
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Canned Kitten Food (Best For Kittens)
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food (Best Limited Ingredient Diet)
10 Best Cat Food for Smelly Poop Reviewed
There are many reasons why your cat’s poop may be smelly, but most often, a change of diet could be all that is needed to improve their digestion and reduce the odor coming from their litter box.
My team and I have extensively researched and reviewed the following cat food options – all of which can help reduce the smell of your cat’s poop and improve their overall digestive health. They also meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for cats.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 20% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 515 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets (Liver, Heart, Gizzard), Flounder
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, Premium
Pros:
- Premium ingredients to support healthy digestion
- Packed with quality animal proteins to mimic your cat’s natural diet
- The raw flavor of this food is appealing to picky eaters
- Grain-free formula for a highly digestible diet
- Cats of any age can enjoy this food.
Cons
- High-fat content is not suitable for overweight cats
This food contains high-quality animal proteins from chicken, turkey, and mackerel that mimic your cat’s natural diet resulting in less smelly stools.
It has a high-calorie content of 515 kcal/cup for optimal energy, especially for growing kittens. The calories are derived from a high protein and fat composition of 40% and 20%, respectively.
The grain-free formula offers a highly digestible diet and reduces the risk of allergic reactions and digestive issues. Plus, the inclusion of probiotics helps to promote a healthy digestive system.
Unfortunately, the high-fat content is not suitable for overweight cats.
Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 45% Crude Protein, 25% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture
Caloric Content: 182 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken (Ground With Bone), Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride
Type of Product: Freeze-dried raw cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural, Premium
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten-free formula for a highly digestible diet
- Premium quality chicken provides a high protein content
- Raw nutrition closely mimics a cat’s natural diet
- A limited-ingredient diet that lowers the risk of food sensitivities in cats
- You can choose from a variety of flavors
Cons
- Pricey compared to the other cat food options
- When mixed with water, it may not be appealing to a picky cat
Stella & Chewy’s Dinner Morsels features premium quality chicken as the first ingredient to provide a high protein of 45%. This ensures optimal energy levels for your cat.
It is a grain-free and gluten-free formula that offers a highly digestible diet. Plus, it is a limited-ingredient diet that lowers the risk of food sensitivities in cats.
The raw nutrition of this formula closely mimics a cat’s natural diet and helps to reduce stinky poop.
You can choose from various flavors such as turkey, salmon, rabbit, and duck if your cat does not like chicken.
However, cat parents complained that this food is pricey compared to other options.
Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 33% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 418 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Lentils, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO
Pros:
- Limited ingredient diet for easy digestion
- Grain-free formula for a highly digestible diet
- Contains turkey as the source of quality animal protein
- Complete, balanced nutrition for adult cats and kittens
- High in probiotics to promote healthy digestion
Cons
- Kibble size may be too large for some cats
This grain-free cat food contains turkey as the source of quality animal protein and is an excellent option for cats sensitive to chicken or beef.
It contains lentils to provide fiber and aid digestion, while salmon oil provides essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The limited-ingredient diet is easy to digest, which helps reduce the smell of your cat’s poop.
This food contains 80 million CFU/lb of proprietary probiotics, shown to promote digestive health when included in dry cat food.
The kibble size, however, may be too large for some cats.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 443 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch, Peas
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Natural
Pros:
- High protein formula for easy digestion
- Contains healthy, digestible carbohydrates from potatoes and peas
- Grain-free formula for a highly digestible diet
- Contains probiotics to promote healthy digestion
Cons:
- Some cat parents report that the formula may have changed
- Pricey
This food is high in proteins that promote muscle growth and healthy digestion. It has a calorie content of 443 kcal/cup for optimal energy.
The calories come from 40% protein and 18% fat composition. The protein is from deboned chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, and fish meal.
Potatoes and dried chicory root contain high-quality carbohydrates that help provide dietary fibers, promoting healthy digestion.
Moreso, this formula contains probiotics that aid your cat’s digestive health and decrease unpleasant odors from their stools.
Unfortunately, some cat parents report that the formula may have changed, and their cats are not so receptive to the new formula.
Tiki Succulent Chicken Recipe Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 16% Crude Protein, 2.6% Crude Fat, 0% Crude Fiber, 80% Moisture
Caloric Content: 225 kcal/10 oz can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Calcium Lactate, Dicalcium Phosphate
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Shredded
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Low Glycemic, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Natural, Non-GMO
Pros:
- Grain-free formula and low in carbohydrates
- Low glycemic ingredients to help regulate blood sugar levels
- High in omega fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat
- Adequate moisture to help keep your cat hydrated
- Suitable for cats of all life stages
Cons
- Some cats refused to eat the shredded chicken
Tiki’s grain-free wet cat food provides your feline friend with a nutritionally balanced diet of 16% crude protein, 2.6% crude fat, and 80% moisture.
The high moisture content helps keep your cat hydrated, while protein supports healthy muscle growth and easy digestion.
This recipe is made with real chicken as the primary source of protein and contains a blend of omega fatty acids from sunflower seed oil to promote healthy skin and coat. It also has low glycemic ingredients, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Unfortunately, the shredded pieces may be too big for very small kittens and older cats to eat, so you should break them up into smaller pieces before serving.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 35% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 392 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Hake, Chicken Meal, Cassava Root Flour, Dried Egg Product, Pea Starch
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, High-Protein, Sensitive Digestion, Natural
Pros:
- High protein diet for optimal digestion
- Grain-free formula for improved digestion
- Natural probiotics help to promote a healthy digestive system
Cons
- Kibble size may be too big for cats with dental problems
This grain-free dry cat food from Purina Beyond uses high-quality proteins from hake, chicken meal, and dried egg product.
This combination of proteins helps to promote healthy digestion while reducing the smell of your cat’s poop. It also has a relatively low crude fat content of 14% to help regulate your cat’s weight.
The grain-free formula is designed for improved digestion and enhanced nutrient absorption. Moreover, the inclusion of natural probiotics helps to promote a healthy digestive system.
Your kitty’s coat and skin will also benefit from this formula’s quality omega fatty acids from sunflower oil.
However, the kibble size may be too big for cats with dental problems, making it difficult to chew.
Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 6% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 402 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Duck, Duck Meal, Pea Protein, Peas, Tapioca Starch
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Sensitive Digestion, Indoor, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Natural
Pros:
- Limited ingredient diet is great for cats with sensitive stomachs
- Grain-free formula and high protein content provide optimal nutrition
- Good source of digestible fiber to promote healthy digestion
- Contains probiotics to support a healthy digestive system
- Chicken-free recipe for cats with chicken allergies
Cons
- Some cat parents report the formula may have changed in recent batches
This limited-ingredient diet from Blue Buffalo is also grain-free which is great for cats with sensitive digestion.
It has a moderate calorie content of 402 kcal/cup, which comes from 30% protein and 14% fat composition to provide optimal energy.
The grain-free formula also has a good source of digestible fiber from added pumpkin and dried chickory root to promote healthy digestion and reduce smelly stools.
A healthy digestive tract is key to reducing smelly stools, and the inclusion of probiotics helps to support the natural microbial balance in your cat’s gut.
The only downside is that some reports from other cat parents suggest that the formula may have changed recently, resulting in some cats turning up their noses at it.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 371 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Indoor, Weight Control
Pros:
- High-quality animal proteins for healthy digestion
- Ideal nutrient balance of protein, fats, and fiber for indoor cats
- Includes omega fatty acids to promote a glossy coat and healthy skin
Cons
- Not grain free
This food is designed for indoor cats that need a nutrient-balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. It offers an excellent nutrient balance of 34% crude protein, 12% crude fat, and 8% crude fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and supports weight management.
The 34% crude protein content comes from natural chicken, chicken meal, and salmon as the primary protein sources, which help promote healthy digestion.
In addition, it contains added pumpkin to promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of stinky stools. It also has added vitamins, minerals, taurine, omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids for optimal health.
Cat parents report significant improvement in their cat’s overall health, but this recipe is not grain free.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Canned Kitten Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 7.5% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 108 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Kitten
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Pea-Free, Premium
Pros:
- Grain-free and gluten-free formula
- High-quality protein in real chicken and turkey
- Made from easily digestible ingredients
- Added DHA for kitten brain development
Cons:
- Inconsistent texture
This canned kitten food from Wellness CORE is formulated for kittens. It includes DHA, which supports brain development in growing kittens. Plus, the added vitamins and minerals help provide optimal nutrition.
The grain-free formula contains easily digestible animal proteins like real chicken, turkey, and chicken liver to promote healthy digestion and reduce smelly stools.
Cats do not often drink enough water, so the high moisture content of 78% in this food helps to keep your kitty hydrated.
Some cat parents struggling with picky eaters have reported inconsistent pate texture issues with this product.
Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Mackerel & Lamb Recipe Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 44% Crude Protein, 24% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 14% Moisture
Caloric Content: 427 kcal ME/Cup
First 5 Ingredients: Whole Mackerel, Lamb, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Lung, Lamb Heart
Type of Product: Air-Dried, Dehydrated
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Limited Ingredient Diet, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, High-Protein, Natural, Premium
Pros:
- The air-dried formula is more nutrient-dense than kibble
- Highly digestible proteins like real mackerel and lamb
- Grain-free, just natural animal proteins
- Limited-ingredient diet
Cons
- An expensive product that may not be suitable for all budgets
This air-dried formula is highly digestible and provides more nutrients for cats than kibble.
The high protein content of 44% comes from real mackerel and lamb, ensuring your cat gets all the essential amino acids they need for good digestive health.
This limited-ingredient diet is grain-free, non-GMO, and free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors. This helps to minimize the risk of allergic reactions or sensitivities while promoting healthy digestion and less stinky stools.
Unfortunately, this food is more expensive than other cat food options, so it may not be suitable for some budgets.
Causes of Smelly Poop in Cats
Although it may be easy to blame the cat food when your cat’s poop starts to smell horrible, there are many other causes of smelly stools in cats. Common causes include:
Bacterial Infections
E coli and Salmonella can cause smelly stools in cats. Bacterial infections can also cause inflammation of your cat’s digestive tract, compromising the body’s ability to absorb nutrients properly.
Bacterial infections can also cause changes in the pH level of the digestive system, leading to increased levels of bacteria which produce gas and odors that make stools smell bad.
If you think your cat might have a bacterial infection, it is best to take them to a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Intestinal Parasites
Parasites, such as giardia and coccidia, can cause smelly stools. These parasites can cause inflammation and damage to your cat’s gastrointestinal tract. This, in turn, can make it difficult for your cat to digest food efficiently and cause smelly stools.
Contact your vet if you suspect your cat has intestinal parasites for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Digestive Disorders
Digestive disorders such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), and pancreatic insufficiency can also lead to smelly stools in cats. The best way to determine if your cat has a digestive disorder is through diagnostic testing with a veterinarian.
Dietary Changes
Sometimes a change in diet can result in smelly stools if your cat’s digestive system is not accustomed to the new food. Slowly transition your cat from one food to another and monitor their digestion closely.
Food Allergies
Food allergies or sensitivities can cause smelly poop in cats as well. If you suspect your cat has a food allergy or sensitivity, it’s essential you talk to your veterinarian.
Spoiled Food
Spoiled food can also lead to stinky stools in cats. Check the expiration date on your cat’s food and rotate out their wet food frequently.
Drugs and Medications
Many drugs, such as antibiotics, can cause changes in your cat’s digestive system, leading to smelly stools. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about the potential side effects of any medications they are taking.
What to Look for When Buying Cat Food for Smelly Poop
You will need to pay keen attention to the presence of certain ingredients that may help reduce the smell of your cat’s poop.
High-Quality Animal Protein
As obligate carnivores, cats need quality animal proteins as their source of protein. Quality animal proteins provide a good source of essential amino acids necessary for digestion.
According to the AAFCO, adult cats need a minimum of 26% crude protein in their diet on a dry matter basis. Dry matter basis simply means the nutrient content when all the moisture is removed from the food.
Healthy Fat Content
Fat content in cat food does not automatically mean it is unhealthy, and your kitty will become overweight.
Fat content should come from healthy omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids sources to promote shiny coats and healthy skin in cats. Healthy fats are also vital sources of energy for cats.
The AAFCO recommends a minimum fat content of 9% on a dry matter basis in adult cat food formulas.
Fiber
The fiber content in cat food helps to support the health of your cat’s digestive system. Healthy sources of fiber include pumpkin and sweet potato.
Cats do not utilize fiber as an energy source, but it helps to balance the digestive system and nourishes beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy gut means less smelly stools.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that promote healthy digestion in cats by maintaining an optimal pH level in the digestive tract.
Prebiotics are dietary fiber that helps nourish beneficial bacteria in the gut and promote healthy digestion.
Digestible Carbohydrates
Digestible carbohydrates are essential when it comes to preventing smelly stools in cats. If your cat’s food contains too many indigestible carbohydrates, it can lead to stinky stools.
You want to make sure that the carbohydrates in your cat’s food are easily broken down and absorbed by your cat’s body. Grain-free options and diets low in carbohydrates are the best options for cats with smelly stools.
Other Factors to Consider
Aside from paying attention to the macronutrients, there are other factors to consider when buying cat food for smelly poop.
Limited Ingredients
A limited-ingredient diet is vital for cats with sensitive stomachs or allergies. This type of diet eliminates common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy while providing the necessary nutrients your cat needs to stay healthy and prevent smelly poop.
Ingredient Quality
It’s also important to pay attention to the quality of ingredients in your cat’s food. Avoid foods with by-products or mainly plant proteins. Quality animal proteins provide a good source of essential amino acids necessary for digestion.
Kibble Size
The size of the kibble can also affect digestion. If your cat consumes unchewed food, digestion is less efficient, which can lead to smelly stools. Smaller pieces are easier to digest for cats, especially those with dental problems.
Cat’s Preference
If your cat doesn’t eat the food, it won’t help with smelly stools. Most cats prefer wet food because of its texture and taste, but some may still prefer dry food. Try different types of foods until you find one your cat enjoys eating.
Consider Raw Food
Raw diets are an excellent choice for cats with sensitive stomachs, as they contain no grains or fillers and are full of nutrients.
You can even make your own raw cat food at home if you are comfortable doing so. You just need to ensure that you provide your cat with the essential nutrients they need for a balanced diet.
Cats eat raw in the wild, so a raw diet may benefit cats with smelly stools. However, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before switching to an all-raw diet.
Things to Avoid in Your Cat’s Food
There are a few things you should avoid in your cat’s food to prevent smelly stools:
Artificial Flavors or Preservatives
Artificial flavors and preservatives can irritate sensitive stomachs and lead to smelly stools. Choose foods made with natural ingredients and without added chemicals or fillers.
Dairy Products
Dairy can be difficult to digest and cause digestive issues in cats, leading to smelly stools. Adult cats are lactose intolerant, so avoiding dairy in cat food formulas is best.
Food Allergy Triggers
Some cats are sensitive to certain ingredients in cat food leading to smelly poop. Common allergens that can cause smelly cat stools include wheat, corn, and soy. You can help identify and avoid food allergy triggers with a limited-ingredient diet.
Cat Litter Odor Control
In addition to providing your cat with the best diet, there are some steps you can take to reduce smelly stools and litter box odors.
- Scoop the litter box daily: Scooping the litter box daily is essential to help keep it clean and reduce odor. This will also help identify any changes in your cat’s stool that could indicate a health issue. Use a good clumping, unscented litter for your cat’s litter box.
We recommend World’s Best Cat Litter which is made from all-natural ingredients and has a dust-free formula with no chemical fragrances.
- Use baking soda: Baking soda can reduce odors and keep the litter box smelling fresh. Add a small amount of unscented baking soda to the litter to help neutralize odors. Even though baking soda is safe for cats, regular cleaning of the litter box is still important.
- Use litter deodorizers: Many litter deodorizers are available on the market to help reduce odors in the litter box. Most of these products contain natural ingredients like essential oils that are not only non-toxic to cats but also help to neutralize odor and make your home smell fresh.
We recommend Roco & Roxie litter box odor eliminator. This product effectively neutralizes even the most pungent odors leaving your litter box smelling fresh and clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Smelly Poop a Problem?
Smelly stools can lead to litter box odor, discouraging cats from using the litter box, and can be a source of stress and discomfort for you and your cat.
Not only can the smell be unpleasant, but it can also indicate an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed.
Why does Cat Feces Smell so Bad?
There are several reasons why cat feces may smell bad. Poor nutrition, digestive issues, and even intestinal parasites can cause smelly stools in cats.
If your cat’s poop smells especially foul, it could be a sign that they have an underlying health issue. Consult with your vet if you’re concerned about any changes in your cat’s stool.
Does Wet Cat Food Cause Smelly Poop?
Wet cat food can sometimes cause smelly stools, especially if it’s low-quality or contains many artificial flavors and fillers.
It is essential to read labels carefully when choosing wet cat food, as some brands may contain ingredients that can cause digestive issues in cats.
How Long does Cat Poop Smell Last?
Healthy cat poop does have an odor but should not last very long and typically fades away after a few minutes. If the odor is persistent or particularly strong, it could indicate a health issue with your cat.
Does Kitten Food Make Poop Stink?
Kitten food is higher in protein than adult cat food, so it can make poop smell stronger. However, if the odor is foul, it could indicate a health issue.
How Often Should I Change Cat Litter?
You should change your cat’s litter once the litter texture changes or starts to smell. I like to change it every 2-3 weeks, but it can depend on how many cats you have in your home and how often you scoop the litter box- the key is good litter.
Our Verdict
The best cat food for smelly poop has limited ingredients, higher quality animal proteins, digestible carbohydrates, probiotics/prebiotics, and natural fibers.
Cat poop can be smelly, but if you find the odor is particularly strong and persistent, it could be a sign that she may need a diet change.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice to help with stinky poop.
This grain-free diet contains real chicken, turkey, and mackerel, high-quality animal proteins. It can help promote healthy digestion and decrease the odor of your cat’s feces.
Every cat is different. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice any persistent foul smell in your cat’s stool.