7 Best Cat Food for Less Smelly Poop (Complete Buying Guide)

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All cat poop smell bad, but in some kitties, it might stink more than usual. This can be due to a lot of things, including the cat’s diet. To fix it, a change in cat food product is needed. Take note that this change should be guided by the vet to prevent stomach upset and other symptoms on your cat’s part. Most of all, you should purchase the best cat food for less smelly poop to replace your pet’s old diet.

Below are seven of my top picks that will help reduce the bad smell of your cat’s poop. This will also make litter box cleanup much easier while saving your nose from the stink.

CAT FOOD	BRAND	EXPERT RATING	CHECK PRICE
	Our Top Pick!  Wellness CORE Pate Wet Cat Food		Check Price
	Purina Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food		Check Price
	Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Wet Cat Food		Check Price
	Hill's Science Dry Cat Food		Check Price
	Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Cat Food		Check Price
	Blue Buffalo Basics Cat Food		Check Price
	Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food		Check Price

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Why does my cat’s poop smell so bad?

Cat stools have an unpleasant smell. However, when it suddenly becomes too strong, there might be something wrong. Foul-smelling cat poop may indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate treatment. If your cat’s poop smell is enough to knock you out, here are the possible reasons:

🐱Diet

One of the common causes of stinky stool is the diet of the cat. Some cats develop a sensitivity to grains, which can lead to excessive gas and smell on their poop. Cat food with high vitamin and mineral content will also cause a strong odor on the feces of your kitty.

If your cat is on a supplement, expect that its poop will have a foul smell. The only way to solve this is to cut back on the said supplement unless your pet badly needs it.

🐱Parasites

Cats are very susceptible to parasitic infestations. Tapeworms, ringworms, hookworms, and roundworms are just some of the parasites that may proliferate in your kitty’s digestive system.

These parasites produce a bad smell and will even make your cat’s poop loose. You will also notice the presence of worms if the infestation is already progressing. Your cat’s tummy will also appear bloated, and it will suffer from unexplained weight loss.

🐱Bacterial infection/contamination

Cats explore the world through their mouths and noses. They can snack on birds, rodents, and whatnots. All of these may contain bacteria like E.coli or Salmonella that will wreak havoc on the cat’s stomach.

Bacterial contamination will lead to explosive and foul-smelling diarrhea. It will also cause vomiting and the onset of dehydration if not treated right away.

🐱Digestive disorders

If the vet ruled out the diet and potential infections, you should have your cat’s digestive system checked. It’s possible that your feline isn’t absorbing or digesting food optimally. This leads to pungent odors on its feces. The bad part is that your cat is not getting ample nutrition since most of the nutrients will just pass through.

Digestive disorders are best addressed by veterinarians for immediate diagnosis and proper cure.

🐱Medication

Medication will cause a strong smell on your cat’s stool. Antibiotics are notorious for giving the fecal matter a chemical smell. Hormonal changes may also occur if your cat is taking medication. Both of these will result in a foul smell, which can waft all over your house.

🐱Anal gland problems

Sometimes, the foul smell on your cat’s poop isn’t due to an internal problem. It could also be due to unexpressed anal glands.

Anal glands are the bean-sized sacs at the sides of your cat’s anal opening. These sacs will be filled with dirt and poop remnants as your cat eliminates. It will have a repulsive smell that can pass through the stool that comes out of your cat.

Most cat owners pay professional groomers to deal with anal gland expression. It’s a gross and smelly process, which most owners can’t handle.

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Best Cat Food For Less Smelly Poop – My 8 Picks

Switching to a new cat food that helps reduce bad smell will help a lot. While this will not cure your cat’s health problem, it’s still helpful in combatting foul odors. The following are my best picks:

OUR #1 CHOICE

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RUNNERS-UP

Purina Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food

Another cat food I swear by is the Purina Fancy Feast Wet Cat Food. Like the Wellness CORE, this is a canned wet food packed with delicious and nourishing ingredients. It’s a moist pate with a savory gravy at the center, which is like a surprise for your cat.

This comes in two boxes of 12 cans containing different flavors. Each meal would be something to look forward to your cat.

Aside from its palatable formula, this cat food is made with real salmon, chicken, tuna, and beef. It’s also infused with vitamins and minerals to nourish your cat.

This cat food also has a dual texture that every cat will love. It’s 100% complete and balanced, so your cat receives the best nutrition on every bite. You can also mix some kibble on this food if you want to add a crunch to your cat’s meal.

For cats that are not fond of drinking water, this moist canned food would be an excellent choice. I have a picky cat, but she seems to love this food, thanks to the variety of each can.

Overall, this is super soft, and cats with no teeth will not have any trouble eating this food. I originally purchased this for my one cat, but my other cats at home can’t get enough of it as well.

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Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Wet Cat Food

For cats that can’t get enough of fishes, the Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Wet Cat Food would be a topnotch option. It’s made with yummy shrimp and mackerel to entice the appetite of the pickiest cat. This is starch-free and doesn’t have carrageenan, gluten, or grains. This ‘clean’ ingredients list help reduce the odor of your cat’s poop.

Aside from that, this cat good is complete and balanced for adult maintenance. It has added minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help strengthen a cat’s body. It’s also moist and a good source of hydration for your cat.

This au jus recipe has real fish chunks that will spice up your cat’s meals. It doesn’t have artificial coloring or preservatives, either, so it’s safe to eat.

What I like the most about the Weruva Cats in the Kitchen is its ethically made products. Its ingredients came from wild-caught tuna, free-range chicken, and grass-fed cows. This offers the best nutrient profile on every bite.

Each can of this wet cat food contains 10% protein, 1.6% fat, and 0.5% fiber. It also contains small amounts of calcium, taurine, and magnesium.

For this specific bundle, you will get 24 cans to ensure that your cat will not run out of tasty meals. This is also available in different flavors like La Isla Bonita, Kitty Gone Wild, Goldie Lox, Splash Dance, Two Tu Tango, and more!

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Hill's Science Dry Cat Food

If your kitty thrives on dry food, you should consider the Hill’s Science Dry Cat Food instead. This is made for cats with sensitive stomachs and skin. It’s guaranteed to reduce the odor of your pet’s poop while delivering ample nourishment every single time.

This dry cat food is also a good source of prebiotic fiber that boosts the good bacteria in your cat’s intestines. It also controls a negative microbiome’s growth on your kitty’s tummy to reduce the foul smell.

Moreover, this dry cat food has Vitamin E and Omega-6 fatty acids that improve your cat’s skin and coat. It also promotes heart health.

The Hill’s Science Dry Cat Food is made of real chicken, brewers rice, chicken liver, and more. However, you should also note that this cat food contains corn and grains that may cause allergic reactions to some cats.

Aside from that, this cat food is highly digestible and has easy-to-absorb nutrients. It will make your cat’s stool firmer and less stinky. This cat food doesn’t have artificial colors or flavors, either, that could irritate a cat’s tummy.

If you have a cat that vomits all the time, this cat food would be a great choice. It’s easy on the tummy while offering optimal nutrition. It also works well for cats with skin allergies. Aside from that, this cat food surprisingly helps with hairballs, too!

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Castor & Pollux Organix Dry Cat Food

Another dry cat food you can consider is the Castor & Pollux Organix. This is an all-organic cat food guaranteed to reduce the cat’s poop smell while offering excellent nourishment. It’s a chicken and brown rice formula that’s easy on the tummy but not short of nutrients.

Moreover, free-range chicken is the main ingredient of this cat food. It’s also blended with flaxseed, organic cranberries, coconut oil, and more. This cat food also contains organic oatmeal, barley, peas, and chicken liver.

As an organic cat food, this product doesn’t have any synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides. This is also organically certified by the USDA, so it’s guaranteed to be free of any fillers. It doesn’t have crabs, corn, or soy that may trigger allergies.

This cat food contains 32% protein, 14% fat, and 3.5% moisture. It also contains small amounts of taurine and Omega fatty acids to boost a cat’s coat.

Overall, this dry cat food has high-quality ingredients for a very decent price. It doesn’t cause allergic reactions or irritation, which is everything you’d wish for a cat food. Above all, it seems to reduce the strong smell of cats’ poop.

This cat food is also highly palatable and would attract picky eaters. It works like a charm and much healthier than other cheap brands in the market.

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Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Cat Food

Limited ingredient diets (L.I.D.) are an excellent way to combat the foul smell of your cat’s poop. For this, I highly recommend the Blue Buffalo Basics. This is made with limited ingredients to prevent potential irritations or allergic reactions.

Its main ingredient is real whitefish, which makes dry food delicious and attractive for cats. This is paired with peas, potatoes, and pumpkin to help with your cat’s digestion. It will also help lessen the odor of your cat’s poop.

Moreover, this is free from corn, soy, wheat, and dairy that will mess with your cat’s tummy.

Another highlight of this cat food is the LifeSource Bits that are unique to the Blue Buffalo brand. This is a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants that will boost your kitty’s health. It’s made to boost the immune system while preventing oxidative stress.

Aside from that, this has highly digestible carbohydrates that will be an instant energy source for your pooch. It’s also rich in Omega fatty acids from fish oil.

This cat food contains 30% protein, 14% fat, and 6% fiber. It’s also packed with Vitamin E, magnesium, taurine, and other nutrients.

So far, all of my friend’s cats love this dry food. However, very picky eaters may not touch the LifeSource Bits. Other than that, this is an excellent formula to reduce the poop smell of your cat and giving an added kick of nutrition.

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Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food

My last recommendation for this roundup is the Royal Canin Digestive Care Dry Cat Food. It guarantees 95% healthier stools with less stink.

Aside from that, this Royal Canin dry food is made for adult and older cats with sensitive tummies. It’s blended with prebiotics and dietary fiber that will help cats pass stool faster.

I also like the ring-shaped kibble that encourages cats to slow down their eating. This allows them to chew food better to aid their digestion. You can also sprinkle this into your cat’s wet food for added crunch and nutrition.

This cat food contains 36% protein, 13% fat, and 3.7% fiber. It’s also complete and balanced based on the nutritional levels defined by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for Maintenance.

Aside from that, this cat food is packed with nutrients like Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E. It’s also a good source of taurine, manganese, copper, biotin, and a ton of other nutrients.

A friend of mine worked on a cat shelter where he used to take care of a cat with poop that stunk so badly. They start giving him this food, and the smell started to become milder. It also stops fast-eaters from puking, which is a plus point.

For its lower price, I can say that this cat food is already a steal for cat owners dealing with stinky poop.

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How to choose cat food to reduce poop smell

Choosing a cat food can be challenging, especially for first-time owners. Nevertheless, you can always ask for the vet’s advice so you can pick the best one for your kitty. The following tips will also help you find the right one.

✔️Wet vs. dry cat food

The first thing you should consider is whether your cat will thrive on wet or dry food. Both are excellent options, depending on what your cat needs.

Wet food is great for cats that require extra hydration. It’s also advisable for picky felines since it’s flavorful, smelly, and easy to consume. And if your cat has no teeth, wet food is the leading choice. Depending on its formula, wet food can or can’t help with the smell of your cat’s poop. 

On the other hand, dry food is popular for cat owners who want a more convenient option. Kibble is easy to store and serve. It also provides a dental health benefit of reducing tartar buildup. But just like wet food, its effect on your cat’s poop depends on the formula.

✔️Whole protein

Your cat’s food should always have an animal-based protein source. It should be whole, meaning it contains all the amino acids that the body needs.

Whole protein offers more nourishment without the frills. You can choose from fish, chicken, lamb, turkey, duck, and other real meat sources. Beef isn’t a popular option for cats since it’s a notorious allergen to many domesticated animals.

Real meat is always best instead of meat meals or plant-based protein sources. Remember that cats are obligate carnivores, so they thrive on meat protein and not plant protein. In the end, plant protein may only worsen your cat’s smelly poop.

✔️Digestible carbs

Another component you should check is the carb content of the cat food. What your cat needs are digestible carbohydrates that are easy to break down and absorb. Whole-grain carbs like brown rice are easy on the tummy, but you should still limit this since carb sources are also rich in calories.

✔️Fiber content

Next, consider the fiber content of the cat food. Fiber helps your cat pass stool easier. It can also help neutralize the cat’s gut microbiome to reduce the awful smell of its poop. The fiber content will also help your cat suffering from constipation.

✔️Limited ingredients

One of the major culprits for the foul smell of your cat’s poop is the excessive ingredients used on the food. With this, a limited ingredient diet may help reduce the stink of the cat’s stool. You can ask the vet about the switch so you can transition your cat without causing stomach upset.

Limited ingredients are also ideal for cats suffering from allergies and sensitivities. The minimal ingredients make the food unlikely to cause irritation. It would also be easier for the vet to determine the allergen if your kitty exhibits any adverse symptoms under the new diet.

✔️Potential allergens

Speaking of allergens, it’s important to watch out for some of the ingredients that cause allergic reactions to many cats. The following are some of those notorious food items:

• Corn
• Soy
• Wheat
• Gluten
• Artificial flavoring
• Artificial coloring
• Dairy
• Beef

These are just some of the ingredients that may potentially trigger allergies. Remember that it still boils down to the unique sensitivities of your cat.

✔️Flavor

The flavor is everything when it comes to cat food. Even if you have highly nutritious food, it will not appeal to your kitty without the attractive taste and smell.

Nevertheless, the flavor of the cat food should be all-natural. While artificial flavoring could be appealing, it will only do more harm than good to your kitty.

✔️Price

Lastly, consider the price that you can shell out for the cat food. It’s easy to opt for the cheapest find, but most of them are packed with fillers and unhealthy ingredients.

The key here is finding a cat food from a reputable brand with a decent price range. Personally, I consider the price of cat food as the last criteria. As long as it provides my cat’s needs, I’m willing to spend a few more bucks.

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How to manage cat poop smell

Aside from giving your cat the best cat food for less poop smell, you can also do the following steps to manage the stink from the litter box:

✔️Scoop and change

The first thing you should keep in mind is that cat litter doesn’t last forever. You have to scoop after your cat to remove the source of the bad odor. This way, the foul scent will not waft all over your home and cause a stinking mess.

Aside from that, you should also replace the litter once a week. It’s important to refill the litter at an optimal level so the moisture will not reach the bottom of the litter box.

✔️Use deodorizers

An effective way to combat the awful smell of litter boxes is by using deodorizers beside the litter box. One simple solution I use is baking soda placed on a cup. You don’t have to place it inside the litter box; just put it right next to the entrance so it will neutralize any smell emanating from it.

Nevertheless, some pet owners swear by sprinkling baking soda directly into the litter. This will help fight bad odor while adding an absorbent effect.

✔️Be smart with the litter box location

The location of the litter box also affects how well you can avoid the bad smell from spreading. Make sure that you place it somewhere with excellent ventilation. Avoid spots near your air vents because it’s a guaranteed way to spread the stink all over your home.

I personally recommend a spot near a window or the bathroom. This will help contain and diffuse the smell even before it gets into your nose.

✔️Replace the litter box annually

Yes, litter boxes should be replaced every year. But my cat’s litter box is still in good shape! It sure does, but what you don’t see are the tiny scratches where poop and pee traces are stuck. This is the reason why the litter box smells awful even after you’ve cleaned it well.

If you don’t want to throw away the litter box, you can donate it to a local shelter. They know how to clean it properly, and it will give another kitty a new potty spot.

✔️Ask the vet

Vet checks are necessary once in a while. If your cat’s poop suddenly becomes putrid-smelling, something is amiss with its overall health. Only the vet can diagnose it properly and provide the necessary treatment. Remember that in this case, being proactive can save the life of the kitty.

Moreover, the veterinarian can help a lot in determining which cat food suits your pet. The vet can also run tests to identify potential allergies and sensitivities.

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Frequently Asked Questions           

Q: How do I stop my cat’s poop from smelling?

A: One way to stop the cat poop smell from wafting all over your house is scooping the litter every day. You should also consider switching the kitty to a diet that will reduce the smell of the cat’s stool. If the repulsive poop smell lingers, you should have your cat checked by the vet to rule out health problems.

Q: Can I put baking soda in my cat’s litter box?

A: Baking soda is an excellent way to combat the bad smell of your cat poop. A small amount shouldn’t hurt your cat, but you should also address the reason behind the awfully stinky stool. Aside from that, you should clean the litter box regularly to prevent odor buildup.

Q: Why is my cat constipated?

A: Constipation occurs when cats don’t get enough fiber and moisture from their diet. It’s important to give the kitty a complete and balanced meal blended with dietary fiber. This will help them pass stool easier while reducing bad bacteria’s growth, which is responsible for the bad smell.

Q: Is smelling cat poop bad for you?

 A: Cat poop will not ruin your lungs, but inhaling it thoroughly will surely cause irritation. Cat poop contains ammonia, which can cause breathing issues. If you don’t want to suffer from the odor, you should get the best cat food for less smell poop. This will reduce the cat poop odor efficiently.

Q: Why does my cat always have running poop?

A: Diarrhea occurs to cats from time to time, but it shouldn’t linger for too long. If your cat’s runny poop doesn’t go away for two to three days, you must bring the kitty to the vet. It might indicate a serious digestive disorder or intestinal parasites.

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Final words

The best cat food for less smelly poop will help you in managing your kitty’s stinky stool. Just remember that you should always ask the vet before making any changes in your cat’s diet. This way, you can prevent adverse side effects and save your kitty from the discomfort.

What do you think of these cat food products? Let us know!