what to feed a cat who needs high fiber

The 11 Best High Fiber Cat Foods

1. Smalls Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food – Best Overall. Click Here & Use Code Petkeen2022 to Save 33% on Smalls! Smalls is...
2. Purina Beyond Grain-Free Chicken Wet Food – Best Value. Purina Beyond Indoor Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is available...
3. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken Cat Food. The majority of cat foods that are marketed for...

Full Answer

What is a good cat food with high fiber?

#3 Best Budget: Authority Chicken Entrée Adult Cat Food Paté Canned Cat Food

• Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Ocean Fish, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Guar Gum, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Taurine, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin ...
• Guaranteed Analysis. Crude Fat: 6.5% Crude Fiber: 0.8%
• Dry Matter Basis. ...
• Caloric Weight Basis. ...

What is the best weight loss food for cats?

• Purina Pro Plan FOCUS Weight Management (also available on Chewy.com !)
• Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball & Weight Control (also available on Chewy.com !)
• Solid Gold – Fit As A Fiddle (also available on Chewy.com !)
• Purina Beyond Grain Free (also available on Chewy.com !)

More items...

Why do cats need high protein diets?

Why Do Cats Need a High Protein Diet?

• Importance of Protein. Protein forms the building blocks of the body's tissues and organs, as well as skin, hair, blood, muscles and tendons.
• Protein in Cats. Although everyone needs protein, cats have a higher protein requirement than many mammals, including the family dog.
• Protein Sources. ...
• Changing Protein Needs. ...
• The Right Food for Kitty. ...

What are the best diets for cats?

• PET FOOD DRIVE: Speaking of holiday traditions, Heritage Manor Senior Living Community are again holding a pet food drive in association with the non-profit Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue through Dec 17. The drive is looking to collect dog and cat food.

How do I get my cat more fiber?

A formulated pet food or therapeutic diet is the preferred source for fiber. Commercial pet foods or veterinary therapeutic diets are the best way to provide fiber to dogs and cats because they are formulated to provide the appropriate essential nutrients.

Is a high fiber diet good for cats?

In plenty of cases, cat food includes fiber to help with digestive functions and benefit the stool quality of cats who might otherwise have digestive upset. High-fiber foods may be beneficial in cases of constipation, diarrhea, diabetes and even obesity.

Does dry or wet cat food have more fiber?

Dry cat food adds high levels of both crude protein and fiber to your cat's diet. While the calories in dry cat food and carbohydrates in dry cat food can be higher than that of wet cat food, this isn't necessarily a bad thing–It typically just means you'll need to feed less of it compared to wet food.

What is the best high fiber dry cat food?

The 11 Best High Fiber Cat FoodsNatural Balance Ultra Dry Cat Food. ... Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Dry Cat Food. ... Blue Buffalo Wilderness Hairball & Weight Dry Cat Food. ... Halo Holistic Chicken & Liver Dry Cat Food. ... American Journey Turkey & Chicken Dry Cat Food. ... Wellness Core Grain Free Chicken & Liver Dry Cat Food.More items...•

What foods are full of fiber?

High-fiber foods you should be eatingWhole-wheat pasta. Carbs get a bad rap, but whole grains are a great source of fiber and are also rich in healthy phytonutrients (believed to help prevent various diseases), Taylor says. ... Barley. ... Chickpeas. ... Edamame. ... Lentils and split peas. ... Berries. ... Pears. ... Artichokes hearts.More items...•

Is canned tuna okay for cats?

Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning.

Is Fancy Feast high in fiber?

This crunchy kibble is one of only a few dry foods offered by Fancy Feast, as it's primarily known for canned and wet foods. Containing 34% protein, 17% fat, and 3% fiber, this cat food is a nutritionally complete option for adult cats. It's fortified with all the minerals and vitamins that your cat needs to thrive.

What can I give my cat instead of pumpkin?

If your finicky cat refuses pumpkin, consult your veterinarian for alternatives. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, one to four teaspoons per meal of psyllium or one to two tablespoons of wheat bran can also be added to canned food as fiber supplements.

Can too much fiber cause diarrhea in cats?

But even cats can develop diarrhea from too quick of a diet change or from increases in fermentable fibers intake that upset the bacteria balance (things like guar gum, pectin, inulin, and carrageenan are all fermentable fibers that can be used in canned cat foods).

Do senior cats need more fiber?

Although some age-related problems respond favorably to increased fiber intake, feeding high-fiber foods is not recommended across the board for all senior cats, in part because fiber may decrease the absorption of some essential nutrients. Older cats often don't drink enough water.

What to ask before feeding a cat a fiber-rich food?

What you need to ask yourself before feeding your cat a fiber-rich food is whether this food contains crude fiber or dietary fiber. Crude fiber is indigestible carbohydrates, the kind of thing you need to keep far away from Kitty. The kind of fiber your cat needs is the dietary fiber.

What is fiber in cats?

Fiber is a kind of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest. That's not to say it isn't important! Fiber provides the bulk needed to move the food through your cat's system. Ideally, the fiber is broken down by bacteria thus creating short-chain fatty acids that provide energy to the cells in the intestinal tract.

What are the nutrients in chicken deboned?

The important nutrient taurine is included as is iron, vitamin E, folic acid, various B vitamins including biotin, calcium and zinc. VIEW LATEST PRICE →. The Pros: Deboned chicken is the first ingredient. This food is high in protein at 40% and it should be nice and moist with a moisture level of 10%.

What are some good sources of fiber?

Some of the high quality products will get the fiber from fresh vegetables like peas and potatoes, but even they can have too high of a crude fiber content. Peas, oats, potatoes and flaxseed are good, safe sources of fiber, but keep an eye on that percentage of fiber content.

Is rabbit liver good for cats?

The crude fiber content is just right at 3%. It is a wet cat food consisting of fresh rabbit and rabbit liver, a good source of protein. The fiber source is green peas, which are also rich in protein. It is also rather low in fat. Mineral supplements make this food easy to digest and absorb.

Is fiber good for cats?

High Fiber For Constipation. If kitty has been spending a lot of time in the litter box, straining or making painful yowls, she may be constipated. If Kitty is constipated, fiber may be a good short term solution. You may also want to ask yourself if she's getting enough moisture in her diet.

Do cats need meat?

This means cats absolutely must have meat to survive. The one nutrient your cat needs most is protein. She will also need taurine, which is found in meat products. However, man does not live by bread alone; neither do cats live by meat alone. A few vegetable products will not hurt your cat and may even give her a few extra vitamins, though it should no means be a meal substitute.

What is high fiber cat food?

Quality high fiber cat foods, like the ones listed below, include fiber that can be fermented and broken down by bacteria. This, in turn, creates fatty acids, which provide your kitty with energy for the cells that line their intestinal tracts.

Why is it important for cats to eat fiber?

Choose fiber foods that contain both soluble (dissolves in water) and insoluble fiber (remains intact when moving through the digestive tract) It’s important that the fiber is high-quality so that it can be digested by your kitty.

What does it mean to take care of a cat?

Keeping your cat healthy, happy, and active is a big responsibility. And taking care of a cat requires us to understand their behavior and what they need when it comes to things like high fiber cat food. Just like humans, cats can suffer from a number of illnesses and physical problems. This could mean excess weight gain, diabetes, ...

What is the fiber in a wet cat food?

The wet food contains a blend of antioxidants made up of vitamin C & E, lutein, and taurine (which supports the immune system). 4.

Why do cats need fiber?

Not only do cats need fiber for energy, but they also need fiber to ensure that food is properly digested and excreted regularly. In the end, this means your cat can gain all the benefits of their protein consumption, without missing out on essential nutrients.

Why is my cat not eating enough fiber?

Too much fiber can leave your cat going to the litter box too often, or it can cause constipation and stomach pain . Cat grass can sometimes help calm cat stomach issues. Luckily, we aren’t feeding our cats a completely fiber-based diet.

What is fiber in cats?

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that plays a significant role in the movement of food through a cat’s gastrointestinal organs. A large part of this fiber won’t get broken down – rather, it acts as a transportation means for the meats that cats have been designed to ingest.

What do cats eat?

Our cats are obligate carnivores, which means that the optimal diet for them, at least when in the wild, consists of small prey, like birds and rodents. After consuming those “delicacies,” non-digestible parts like fur, bones, and feathers, end up traveling through the whole digestive system. In the process, they help clean the intestines.

How does soluble fiber help diabetic cats?

Soluble fiber can reduce the calories and glucose absorbed by the body during digestion. Thus, it can help in two ways, reducing sugar levels in the short term, and assisting in losing weight in the long term.

How to make my cat feel full after eating?

The introduction of more fiber in your cat’s food can also help you manage their diet. An increase in fiber content can help your cat feel full after eating, for longer. At least theoretically, this should lead to fewer visits to the food bowl, less food consumption, and fewer calories.

Do cats like surprises?

Cats don’t like surprises and are creatures of habit. An abrupt change in their bowl might come as a shock to them, refusing to even look at it. In a worst-case scenario, they might even have an it-wasn’t-actually-an-accident on your bed. That should show you how much they disagree with your choice of salmon-with-peas.

How Fiber Helps Your Cat

Fiber is an important carbohydrate in a cat’s diet. In the wild, cats would get fiber from their prey, but domestic cats who don’t hunt for their food have to get it in their cat food. Fiber is broken down differently than fats and proteins. Cats don’t store fiber, but it passes through their digestive tract whole from top to bottom.

Reasons to Feed a High-Fiber Food

There are many options for cat food that are formulated specifically for the needs of indoor cats. Here is a list of some specific conditions high-fiber food can help with:

Different Types of Fiber

Fiber can come from an animal-based source or a plant-based source. Cats can digest both, but they work differently.

Drawbacks of High Fiber Food

High-fiber diets for a cat aren’t without their downside. For this reason, you should always consult with your vet before switching your cat’s food. Sometimes, excess fiber can get stored as fat, making it more difficult to manage your cat’s weight.

What is the best high fiber cat food?

This Weruva food earns its position as the number one best high fiber cat food not because it has more fiber than other products, but because it’s rich in animal protein, low in carbohydrates, and is made from human-quality ingredients. The food is primarily made from beef with a little extra fiber from pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, ...

What do cats eat?

When cats consume prey in the wild, they ingest all sorts of indigestible matter—hair, claws, teeth, and connective tissue. Though it’s not fiber in the traditional sense, this indigestible stuff ferments in a cat’s colon and aids digestion.

Can cats eat gums?

Though they’re not the best things a cat could eat, these gums are rich in soluble fiber and can help to improve digestion. In addition to these fiber sources, the food contains chicory root extract, a type of prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria, supporting digestive health. Altogether, the food is about 9% fiber on ...

Do cats eat hairballs?

If he’s already eating a normal diet, your hairball-prone cat doesn’t need more fiber to sweep hair through his digestive tract. Fiber is not a broom and your cat doesn’t need to be swept like a kitchen floor. It’s normal for cats to eat hair, whether it’s their prey’s hair or their own.

Does cat food have fiber?

On top of the fact that most cat food has more fiber than cats need, cat food companies market fiber as a solution to problems that it either isn’t the best solution to or simply can’t solve. For example, your overweight cat doesn’t need a high-fiber diet to stay satisfied and lose weight.

Does Royal Canin have high fiber cat food?

Finally, if you want a prescription food that’s specially formulated for cats with gastrointestinal issues, consider this high fiber cat food from Royal Canin. With 34% fewer calories than its “High Energy” counterpart, this food is formulated for cats who need to lose weight.

Is Weruva cat food high in fiber?

This Weruva food earns its position as the number one best high fiber cat food not because it has more fiber than other products, but because it’s rich in animal protein, low in carbohydrates, and is made from human-quality ingredients.

What is the best fiber for cats?

There are several good sources of fiber for cats. First, there is an insoluble type of fiber that can be found in cellulose, wheat bran, brown rice and green beans. Then, there is soluble fiber which can be found in oats, barley, carrots and appels. Mixed fiber sources include psyllium, beet pulp, and pea fiber. All of these can be beneficial for your cat's health, but if your pet suffers from diarrhea, choose insoluble fiber sources; if they suffer from constipation, opt for soluble fiber sources.

What is the best food for a feline?

Insoluble fiber can be found in foods like brown rice, potatoes, green beans and wheat bran. Moderately Fermentable Fiber. Lastly, there is a type of fiber that has both soluble and insoluble properties, making it a good addition to any feline's diet. Sources of moderately fermentable fiber include beet pulp and bran.

What type of fiber is in cat food?

There are a few different types of fiber that are worth knowing about before selecting the right type of food for your four-legged friend. Soluble Fiber. First up, we have soluble fiber , which has the effect of drawing water from the intestines, moving it into the digested food.

What to feed a cat with constipation?

Common sources include grains like oats and barley, as well as peas, beans, carrots and apples. Insoluble Fiber.

What is natural balance cat food?

Another big name in cat food, Natural Balance is designed for the whole-body health of your four-legged friend. This one is a holistic formula of chicken meal and salmon meal blend that is both super-easy to digest and super-tasty for the picky eaters out there.

Does cat food help with obesity?

Many commercial cat food brands contribute to this issue. One of the ways of combatting the obesity problem is with a high fiber diet, which helps your cat to feel fuller after they have consumed a meal. Also, it does not contribute to calorie intake as it passes through the gut without absorption.

Is cat food high in fiber?

This high protein cat food is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, offering a whole-body health formula. This all being said, the recipe is not super-high in fiber (3%); instead, it’s moderate and therefore suited to pretty much every kitty, including those just starting a high-fiber diet. 2.

Why is it important to feed indoor cats high fiber?

High fiber cat foods can be useful for weight management because the fiber will help your cat feel full, without adding extra calories to their diet. Your cat has diarrhea or constipation.

What are the different types of fiber in cat food?

Types of fiber in cat food. There are two different types of fiber that you’ll see in cat food: insoluble and soluble. Insoluble fibers help lubricate your cat’s intestines and can include whole grains, corn, peas, and tomatoes.

What is the best dry cat food for cats?

The lean chicken is used to provide protein and control your kitty’s calorie consumption. As the best value high fiber cat food, we suggest the Iams ProActive Health Dry Cat Food. This contains a blend of healthy fibers and prebiotics, all designed to help your cat’s digestive system function at its best.

What is the best food for a cat?

Earthborn Holistic Primitive Feline Gran-Free Cat Food is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a dry kibble that provides high protein and fiber and is inspired by your cat’s needs as an obligate carnivore. Turkey and chicken meal are used to provide most of the protein, while the fiber comes from a blend of spinach, blueberries, cranberries, and apples.

What do cats eat?

A wild cat’s meat-based diet does contain some fiber: bones, cartilage, and fur or feathers. A cat in the wild will eat at least a few of these items each time they catch food. Cat’s digestive systems aren’t designed to digest this fiber, but it does travel through their intestines to be expelled at the other end.

What is the protein content of chicken kibble?

With a protein content of 38% , this kibble uses real chicken as the first ingredient and includes salmon.

Is Royal Canin dry cat food good for cats?

As a premium choice product, the Royal Canin Fiber Response Dry Cat Food is great. This kibble has been carefully designed to help support your cat’s digestive system and is particularly useful if your cat has been suffering from appetite loss, vomiting, or diarrhea. It contains a blend of fibers designed to stimulate the movement of the intestines, including psyllium seed husks, chicory root, and corn.

How to add fiber to cat diet?

If your cat is overweight, supplements containing inulin or psyllium might be the answer. Wheat bran or purified cellulose offers safe solutions for cats needing more bulk to make a trip to the litter box easier.

Why add fiber to cat food?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to add fiber to your cat's diet. If your cat is having difficulty defecating , fiber can help move things along . Obese kitties can also benefit ...

Why does my cat have trouble with fiber?

Your vet will examine your cat to make sure that fiber is what is needed. Especially in the case of constipation, your cat could be experiencing trouble for myriad other reasons, suggests The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, such as. dehydration. inappropriate diet. injury.

What is the fiber content of dry cat food?

Instead, they get their nutrition solely from hunting prey. A cat's natural diet consists of less than 0.55% fiber according to the Feline Nutrition Foundation.

What is the difference between human food and pet food?

Unlike human food that consists of the words "total dietary fiber," pet food uses the words "crude fiber," which is the insoluble fiber type. The difference is that human food breaks down the ingredients into its two types: soluble and insoluble. Since pet chow's guaranteed analysis includes only "crude fiber," your pet's food could contain more ...

Why do cats get constipated?

Dehydration is a leading cause of constipation in cats. They evolved to eat a strictly carnivorous diet according to Lisa A. Pierson, DVM, on Cat Food Info, which delivers a moisture content of 75 percent or more. Advertisement.

How much moisture does dry food give cats?

Dry food delivers just 5 to 10 percent moisture, according to Pierson —and cats don't make up the difference at the water bowl. Cats don't have a high thirst drive and those on dry food tend to consume less than half the moisture of those on canned food. Pierson also notes that cats are obligate carnivores.