Can high fiber cat food cause diarrhea
Best Cat Food for Cats With Diarrhea
Quick answer: Try an elimination diet with a single protein source, ideally novel protein.
This can help clear up diarrhea.
Cats may have food intolerances to wheat, barley, and have difficulty digesting high fiber foods like peas. Limit for best results.
3 Best Cat Food for Cats With Diarrhea
I filtered popular cat foods to use for diarrhea. All are the best rated from my testing.
Looked for:
- No grains
- No legumes (e.g. peas)
- Less than 12% carbohydrate (dry basis)
- Low residue/fiber (less than 10% dry basis)
- Single protein source
- Wet food
Tiki Cat After Dark is the best quality overall. I recommend it for most situations.
Its hard to find a cat food that meets all criteria, but these options meet almost all of them.
1. Tiki Cat After Dark
Has single protein optionMore below in this guide to the best cat food for cats with diarrhea.
I have a background in nutrition and research and test most of the products recommended.
This article isnt a replacement for medical advice.
Seemore about us here.
What to Look For in Cat Food for Diarrhea?
Quick answers:
- Consult a Vet First: Diarrhea can be caused by medical issues like parasites in kittens or hyperthyroidism in older cats. Also consult a vet if your cat experiences weight loss, loss of appetite, or bloody stools.
- Consider an Elimination Diet: This helps identify food intolerances or allergies which up to 11% of cats suffer from. Irritants include histamines, gluten, lactose, colorings, preservatives, flavorings, and lectins. Get them out of the diet.
- Switch to Wet Food or Novel Protein Diets: Includes things like kangaroo, lamb, turkey, duck, venison, or rabbit. This helps reduce ingredient variables and may lead to remission in many cases.
- Opt for Low Carb Cat Food: Since cats are carnivores and do not need carbs, diets with less than 12% carbs (dry basis) are recommended to prevent digestive issues.
- Try a Low Fiber Diet: Especially avoid soluble fibers like gums, pectin, and legumes which can draw in water and cause runnier stools.
- Choose Complete Cat Food: Ensure the food meets AAFCO nutrition guidelines to prevent nutrient deficiencies that may cause diarrhea.
Quick actionable steps:
- Rule out health issues with a vet visit.
- Implement an elimination diet to identify food sensitivities.
- Use wet food or foods with a single novel protein source.
- Select low carb and low fiber options.
- Ensure the cat food is a complete meal per AAFCO guidelines.
Long answers:
Heres the steps to treat diarrhea in cats.
First, rule out any medical problems.
Kittens are at risk of parasites. Older cats can get diarrhea from issues like hyperthyroidism.
For kittens and senior cats, see a vet. Also see a vet if you notice weight loss, loss of appetite, or bloody poos.
If theres no other issues, its time to try switching up diet.
Heres our research backed tips:
Try an Elimination Diet
Is your cat sensitive to common ingredients?
Up to 11% of cats have food intolerances and/or allergies.
Some ingredients that cause food intolerance include:
- Histamines
- Gluten
- Lactose
- Colorings
- Preservatives
- Flavorings
- Lectins
How would a food intolerance cause diarrhea?
- Lack of digestive enzymes
- Changes to digestive system function (e.g. faster transit time)
Itchiness (pruritis) is a sign the diarrhea is food related.
So how does an elimination diet help?
It cuts down the variables. Less ingredients = less chance of problems.
49% of cats with gastrointestinal diseases including diarrhea respond to a change in diet.
Simply switching to wet food (less ingredients than dry) helps many cats to enter remission.
Vets also recommend single novel protein diets. This can help some cats find relief in less than 2 weeks.
Novel protein sources are anything your cat not exposed to.
Includes:
- Kangaroo
- Lamb
- Turkey
- Duck
- Venison
- Rabbit
Choose a cat food with one of these ingredients as a single protein source and try it.
In hard to treat cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet can help. In one study, 42% of cats went into remission with approach.
Choose Low Carb Cat Food
Cats are carnivores.
They have zero need for carbs. With fewer digestive enzymes, experts suggest limiting to less that 12% (dry basis).
Why?
Like someone with lactose intolerance drinking too much milk, cats cant tolerate much carbs (unlike humans).
One study saw 46% diarrhea improvement with a low carb cat food, compared to only 13% with a high carb food.
Although it was using prescription cat food, its quite a difference.
Read more:
Try a Low Fiber Diet
Fiber can be a problem.
Some types of fiber (mainly soluble) are fermented in the gut. This includes gums, pectin, and legumes.
The soluble fiber can draw in water, potentially causing runny poos. Insoluble fiber speeds transit of poo.
This might be why high fiber diets seem to perform worse when treating diarrhea.
Try lowering fiber to see if it helps and avoiding legumes.
Choose Complete Cat Food
Make sure your cat gets enough.
Nutrient deficiencies may cause diarrhea, including a zinc deficiency.
Look for cat food that meets AAFCOs nutrition guidelines as a complete meal. Usually on the back label.
Learn More:
FAQ
Quick answers:
- Wet vs. Dry Food for Diarrhea: Wet food is preferred for cats with diarrhea due to fewer ingredients and lower carbs.
- Causes of Diarrhea: High carbohydrate diets can cause diarrhea; limit carbs to less than 12% dry basis.
- Ingredients to Avoid: Histamines, gluten, lactose, colorings, preservatives, flavorings, lectins.
- Milk and Diarrhea: Limit milk intake due to cats low lactase levels, which can exacerbate diarrhea.
- Understanding Diarrhea: Diarrhea involves more water in feces, leading to liquid or partial liquid consistency.
- Diarrhea Prevalence: About 11.9% in shelter cats, with higher risks in kittens and enclosures.
- Reasons Cats Get Diarrhea: Physical or metabolic issues, infections, food allergies, intolerances affecting digestion.
- When to Call a Vet: If diarrhea persists over two days, or if theres vomiting and loss of appetite.
- Vet Treatment: Diagnostics like physical exams, ultrasounds, bloodwork followed by diet or medication.
- Older Cats and Diarrhea: Less likely than younger cats, but more severe when it occurs.
- Dry Food and Diarrhea: Not recommended due to high carbs and lack of moisture.
- Preventing Diarrhea: Opt for wet, low-fiber cat food for easier digestion.
- Firming Stool: Add 1-2 teaspoons of psyllium (soluble fiber) to wet food.
- Food Withholding: Do not withhold food; wet food helps replace lost water and electrolytes from diarrhea.
- Other Causes of Diarrhea: Includes diseases, dehydration, and stress.
- Signs of Diarrhea: Includes lack of straining, weight loss, vomiting, increased litter box use.
Long answers:
Is Wet Food or Dry Food Better for Cats With Diarrhea?
Wet food is generally a better choice.
Wet food tends to have less ingredients and is lower in carbs. These factors may help clear up diarrhea.
Can Certain Cat Foods Cause Diarrhea in Cats?
Yes.
A high carbohydrate diet may cause diarrhea in cats. I recommend limiting to less than 12% carbs (dry basis).
Diet isnt the only cause of diarrhea.
Other causes of diarrhea in cats include:
- Infectious and non-infectious diseases
- Dehydration
- Stress
If switching up diet doesnt help with diarrhea, take a trip to the vet for a workup.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid to Help My Cat With Diarrhea?
Heres things to avoid:
- Histamines
- Gluten
- Lactose
- Colorings
- Preservatives
- Flavorings
- Lectins
Its hard to avoid all of these ingredients, unless you look for high quality cat food.
Is Milk Bad for Cats With Diarrhea?
Maybe.
Cats can tolerate about 1/4 cup of milk per day. Milk contains lactose, a sugar cats have a hard time digesting.
This is due to low amounts of lactase, an enzyme used to break down milk sugar.
Learn more:
What is Cat Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a condition that causes more water is in the feces. This results in either a liquid or partial liquid consistency poo.
Other signs of diarrhea include:
- Lack of straining
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Increased litter box usage
How Common Is Diarrhea in Cats?
Research data on 1,727 cats admitted to shelters find the prevalence of diarrhea is 11.9%.
Kittens and multiple cats living in an enclosure have a higher risk of diarrhea. Cats living together pass infections more readily.
Why Do Cats Get Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is caused by any one of following problems:
- A physical problem with the digestive system (e.g. short bowel syndrome)
- Metabolic problems (e.g. hyperthyroidism)
- Infections
- Food allergy
- Food intolerance
These problems affect the digestion of food and how much water is in the feces.
They affect the following areas of digestion:
- Transit time (i.e. how fast food moves through digestion)
- Water absorption
- Gut bacteria (affects transit time)
Get a workup from the vet to find the cause of the problem.
Seek medical help for bouts of diarrhea that last more than two days and/or results in a loss of appetite.
When Should I Call a Vet if My Cat Has Diarrhea?
If diarrhea lasts more than two days, call a vet.
According to VCA Hospitals, vomiting and loss of appetite are signs your cat needs immediate medical attention.
How Do Vets Treat Diarrhea in Cats?
A vet will go through a variety of diagnostic tests to find out the cause of the problem, before providing a treatment plan.
This includes the following:
- Physical workup
- Ultrasound
- Bloodwork
The treatment can involve dietary suggestions and/or medication.
If diarrhea lasts more than two days, call a vet.
Do Older Cats Have Diarrhea More Often?
No.
Older cats are less likely to experience diarrhea.Senior cats are more likely to experience constipation.
Older cats do have severe diarrhea more often than young cats, although the overall prevalence is low.
Learn more:
Does Dry Cat Food Help With Diarrhea?
No.
Dry cat food is higher in carbohydrate, which cats find harder to digest in high amounts.
High carb diets can result in diarrhea.
Dry food also lacks moisture, which is important to maintain hydration.
How Can I Prevent Cat Diarrhea?
Try a wet canned cat food that is low in fiber.
This type of cat food is easier on the gut.
How Can I Firm up My Cats Stool?
Adding fiber can help improve your cats stool. There are two types of fiber:
These types of fiber have different effects. Insoluble fiber bulks up stool, whilst soluble increases moisture.
1-2 teaspoons of psyllium (soluble fiber) added to wet cat food can help cats find relief.
Another popular remedy is pumpkin, but research suggests cooked pumpkin doesnt help with diarrhea. Your mileage may vary.
Should You Withhold Food From Cats With Diarrhea?
No.
Wet cat food is a source of water and electrolytes which help replace losses from diarrhea.
I recommend cutting out dry food from the diet and sticking to wet foods. These options are easier to digest and less likely to result in further diarrhea episodes.
Conclusion
Diarrhea in cats is a problem involving watery feces.
This can be a serious problem caused by parasites, tumors, or toxic substances.
See a vet if the problem persists for over two days.
Dietary solutions include:
- Lowering fiber
- Elimination diet
- Limiting high carb foods
- Switching to a wet food diet
- Avoid common food irritants (e.g. lectins, gluten)
Recommended: Tiki Cat After Dark.
The 11 Best Cat Foods for Diarrhea
The best cat food for diarrhea gives your cats GI tract a break, relieves inflammation, and allows the body to heal. If your cat is experiencing acute diarrhea, that might mean a few days on a bland diet.
In cases of chronic diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or long-lasting issues, more permanent dietary changes can help. For cats with chronic diarrhea, the best food is free of irritants and allergens, gentle on the GI tract, and ready to encourage healthy digestion.
I spoke to veterinary experts to determine the best cat food for diarrhea and assembled a list of our top recommendations to help you choose.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Food for Diarrhea
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rabbit is a novel protein for many cats
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Easily digestible with few main ingredients
Runner Up
9.8
Picked by 25 people today!
- Easily digestible fresh food
- Chicken is the only protein source
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Budget Pick
9.7
Picked by 31 people today!
- Contains four sources of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Relies on animal-sourced omega-3 fatty acids
Best Ethically Sourced
9.6
Picked by 31 people today!
- Single source of high-quality animal protein
- No fillers, animal by-products, or vaguely named ingredients
- Contains the moisture your cat needs for hydration
Best Dry Food
9.6
Picked by 18 people today!
- Features highly-digestible animal proteins
- Significantly lower carbohydrate content than the typical dry food
- Contains salmon oil as a source of anti-inflammatory fatty acids
Best Wet Food
9.5
Picked by 31 people today!
- Easily digestible and rich in moisture
- Top four ingredients are all animal-based
- Prebiotic fiber helps support gut health
Best For Sensitive Stomach
9.4
Picked by 31 people today!
- Species-appropriate blend of muscle meat and organs
- Contains pumpkin as a source of dietary fiber
- Rich in moisture to support your cats hydration
Best for Picky Cats
9.3
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rich in protein and hydrating moisture
- Easily digestible with low carbohydrate content
- Cardboard carton is easy to close for leftover storage
Best for Allergies
9.3
Picked by 31 people today!
- Made with turkeyan excellent option for cats who like poultry but cant eat chicken
- A limited-ingredient diet for cats with allergies and food sensitivities
- Free from common irritating ingredients
Best for Kittens
9.2
Picked by 31 people today!
- Rich in easily-digestible animal protein sources
- Free of common irritating ingredients
- Contains salmon, which is a good source of DHA for brain and eye development
Best for Senior Cats
9.1
Picked by 31 people today!
- Protein-rich recipe made with beef
- Easily digestible formula
- Rich in hydrating moisture
Acute vs. Chronic Diarrhea
If your cat has acute diarrhea due to illness or eating something they shouldnt have, you dont necessarily need to permanently change their diet. Fasting for up to 12 hours followed by feeding a bland, easily digestible food for a few days may help. After the stool returns to normal, you should be able to return to your cats usual diet.
Chronic diarrhea that occurs intermittently or consistently for more than three weeks may demand significant dietary changes. It could stem from allergies, food intolerances, IBD, or other issues and may manifest as part of an issue generally referred to as a sensitive stomach.
If your cat has chronic diarrhea, a trip to the veterinarian is a good idea. The vet can run diagnostic tests, including bloodwork, to determine the cause of your cats endless loose stool. On top of treating the underlying cause of your cats issues, long-term dietary modification may be required.
Why Trust Cats.com
Several members of our team, each with countless hours of cat food research and testing under their belts, selected the products recommended below and tested them with their own cats at home. Our recommendations were informed by careful research and veterinary advice related to the dietary management of diarrhea in cats.
In testing, our team members analyze the products nutritional information, research the brand, read customer reviews, and offer the products to our own cats. We made observations about the products packaging, appearance, aroma, and texture while our cats provided their opinion on the foods taste and general appeal.
Our Top 11 Picks for the Best Cat Food for Diarrhea
Weve chosen Stella & Chewys Freeze-Dried Raw Absolutely Rabbit Dinner Morsels as the overall best cat food for diarrhea. These raw morsels are packed with easily digestible meat and organs, plus sources of fiber and probiotics for digestive health. But its not the right choice for every cat.
Every cat is unique and the best diet to resolve diarrhea will depend on the underlying cause of your cats issues. Your veterinarian can help you obtain a diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. If dietary modification is likely to help, one of the foods weve recommended may be a good fit.
What to Look for in Cat Food to Stop Diarrhea
If your veterinarian recommends dietary changes to stop diarrhea, they may suggest an elimination diet. This stripped-down diet eliminates those familiar ingredients that may have triggered your cats diarrhea and replaces them with novel proteins.
If your cats diarrhea vanishes while on the elimination diet, you can re-incorporate ingredients one by one to determine which one caused the symptoms. Here are some features to look for in cat food for diarrhea.
Species-Appropriate Formulation
Minimize inflammation by giving your cat a species-appropriate diet centering around fresh muscle meat and organs. Ingredients that arent species-appropriate arent efficiently utilized by your cats body and may contribute to digestive issues like diarrhea, constipation, or flatulence.
Look for a recipe that, when measured as dry matter, contains at least 40% crude protein and around 20% crude fat. High-moisture diets are the most appropriate choice for cats. Cats get most of their hydration from the moisture in food, so if you feed kibble or another low-moisture diet, be sure to supplement your cats water intake elsewhere.
Short List of Easily Digestible Ingredients
The shorter the ingredient list, the better. A long list of ingredients means there are more potential triggers for irritation, inflammation, or allergic reactions. By providing a high-quality, meat-based cat food with minimal carbohydrates, plant protein, and irritating additives, you lessen the burden on your cats GI tract.
Look for a source of animal protein as the first ingredient followed by supplemental proteins and animal-sourced fats. While the carbohydrate content should be kept low ideally below 10% when measured as dry matter cats have a limited ability to digest nutritious plant ingredients like whole grains, low-starch veggies, and fruits. Legumes and processed grains like corn, wheat, and soy may be harder to digest.
Supplements to Support Digestive Health
Gut dysbiosisan imbalance of good and bad microorganisms in the gut microbiomeis a major factor in chronic diarrhea. To manage your cats diarrhea, fortify those good populations by administering probiotics. While most probiotics can help, the S. boulardii strain is the gold standard for cats with diarrhea.
Cat foods and supplements that contain slippery elm bark may benefit your cats digestion as well. Pumpkin is another option. It contains soluble fiber which may help bulk up your cats stool. Just be sure to use cooked fresh pumpkin or canned pumpkin free from added spice or sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food to feed a cat with diarrhea?
In some cases, the best food is no food at all. For cases of acute diarrhea, many vets recommend withholding food for 12 to 24 hours (give plenty of water during this time) to give the cats stomach a chance to settle. From there, a bland diet for a few days is recommended, followed by a high-moisture, meat-centric recipe formulated for complete nutrition.
How can I firm up my cats poop?
Increasing your cats intake of dietary fiber may help. Try canned pumpkin (unsweetened), which is rich in soluble fiber and gentle on your cats stomach. Other bland foods like cooked white rice may help as well.
Is dry food better for a cat with diarrhea?
No. A high-moisture diet is best because its more digestible and helps prevent dehydration. That said, a high-quality dry diet with plenty of supplemental moisture may be better than a cheap wet food loaded with by-products, fillers, and irritating additives.
