How to get a cat more fiber

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 19, 2024

Contributions sourced from

Do Cats Need Fiber in Their Diet?

Just like people, cats need to eat a nutritionally balanced diet to stay healthy. That diet should include appropriate levels of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, as well as one seemingly minor element: fiber.

The amount of fiber in a cats diet can influence how often they go to the bathroom, the consistency of their stool, and how well their colon functions.

When a cat doesnt get enough fiber in their diet, their intestinal health can be negatively impacted. Thats why its important to ensure your cats diet includes the right amount and type of fiber.

Do Cats Need Fiber in Their Diet?

Fiber is an important dietary component for cats. There are two types:

Soluble fiber. This type of fiber dissolves within the intestine water to form a gel that can slow the emptying of the stomach and improve nutrient absorption. Inulin and psyllium husk are examples of soluble fiber sources.
- Soluble fiber can help increase feelings of fullness with fewer calories, which is helpful for cats who need to lose weight. It can also firm up stools, which can be beneficial for cats experiencing diarrhea.
Insoluble fiber. This type of fiber does not dissolve, but helps increase stool volume and frequency. Cellulose and wheat bran are examples of insoluble fiber sources. Insoluble fiber can help cats with conditions like constipation and hairball issues.

Fiber can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and help cats with blood sugar issues, such as diabetes. Its also beneficial for cats with high cholesterol and high triglycerides, which can be secondary effects of diabetes, kidney disease, pancreatic disease, adrenal disease, bile duct obstruction, pregnancy, or genetic disorders that affect levels of fats in the blood.

How Much Fiber Do Cats Need?

When selecting a cat food, look for foods from companies that follow the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards for complete and balanced cat nutrition. A pet food company that follows these guidelines means that they adhere consistently to these standards through food trials and quality control testing.

A moderate level of fiber is classified as about 6%. A high-fiber diet has about 12% fiber, so most cat diets that are not specifically formulated for any health conditions include a moderate amount of fiber.

The label of most cat food packages will indicate the maximum amount of fiber present in that food. If you cant find what youre looking for, it may be helpful to reach out to the company directly.

Before selecting a food for your cat, talk with your veterinarian. The overall amount of fiber in your cats diet may need to be adjusted depending on their health and other factors.

Fiber for Cats with Constipation

As mentioned, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food is a prescription food frequently recommended by veterinarians for cats with constipation.

An over-the-counter diet that may help with constipation is Hills Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food, which contains between 6.5% and 11% fiber to help move digestive contents like stool and hairball material through the colon.

Fiber Supplements for Cats

Fiber supplements are another way to add fiber to your cats diet.

One of the best fiber supplements is Vetnique Labs Glandex Probiotic Fiber Supplement, with pumpkin seed and apple cellulose as the fiber source. Pumpkin seeds and apple cellulose are sources of insoluble fiber that help increase stool volume and frequency in cats with constipation and hairball issues.

Another product, Vets Best Hairball Control Supplement for Cats, contains apple fiber, papaya extract, psyllium seed, marshmallow root, and slippery elm. Pure psyllium powder is a fiber that contains soluble and insoluble components. This supplement contains both soluble and insoluble sources of fiber, so it can help cats who have such diverse issues as hairballs, diarrhea, constipation, and obesity by increasing the feeling of fullness.

Plain canned pumpkin and sweet potato can also be added to your cats diet as natural fiber sources. Remember to work with your veterinarian before starting any supplements for your cat.

Do Cats Need Fiber FAQs

How do you add fiber to a cats diet?

It is usually easiest to measure out a powder supplement, just follow the directions on the product label, and mix it with wet food.

For cats on all-dry-food diets, a bit of warm water or low-sodium, pet-safe chicken broth can be added to the kibble to soften it. Then you can top it with the powder and mix everything together to make it more appetizing for your cat. Always check with your veterinarian about how much to add and how often.

Will fiber help ease my cats diarrhea?

The right kind of fiber can be very helpful for cats with diarrhea. Soluble fiber sources like sweet potato, guar gum, and psyllium husk can help firm stools and slow the movement of intestinal contents through the digestive tract, relieving symptoms of diarrhea.

Always check with your veterinarian about how much fiber to add and how often to give it to your cat. If your cats diarrhea lasts more than two or three days, contact your vet for an immediate appointment.

Featured Image:Ridofranz/iStock via Getty Image

References

The importance of fibre in the diet of dogs and cats. Veterinary Practice. https://www.veterinary-practice.com/article/the-importance-of-fibre-in-the-diet-of-dogs-and-cats.

DACVIM (Nutrition) CRH VMD, MS. Fiber Frustrations. Clinical Nutrition Service at Cummings School. Published November 4, 2019.https://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2019/11/fiber-frustrations/.

WRITTEN BY

Hannah Hart, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Hart graduated from veterinary school in 2017 and began her career with USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service as a public health...

16 Easy Ways to Eat More Fiber

You can get more fiber by eating certain fruits, starchy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. There are many strategies to incorporate into your diet, and you can also take fiber supplements if needed.

Getting enough fiber is important for your health.

For one, it can reduce constipation and help with weight loss and maintaining that weight loss (1, 2).

It may also lower cholesterol levels, as well as your risk of diabetes and heart disease (3, 4).

Furthermore, some types of fiber are prebiotic meaning they promote healthy gut bacteria and may be beneficial for digestive health (5).

Yet most people arent getting enough fiber.

Its recommended that women aim for 25 grams daily and men 38 grams (6).

Americans average only around 16 grams of fiber per day, which is less than the recommended amount (1).

Here are 16 ways you can add more fiber to your diet.

1. Eat whole-food carb sources

Fiber is a type of carb found in plant-based foods.

While most carbs break down into sugar, fiber stays intact as it passes through your digestive system. This contributes to helping you feel fuller for longer when eating fiber along with other carbs (7).

It also slows the time it takes digestible carbs to be absorbed into your bloodstream, helping to regulate your blood sugar levels (8).

Whole-food carb sources all naturally contain fiber. These include fruits, starchy vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

Summary
Choosing whole foods ensures you get carbs that have fiber. Select a variety of beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Include veggies in meals, and eat them first

For a number of reasons, you should eat lots of vegetables. For one thing, they can lower your risk of several chronic diseases (9).

Non-starchy vegetables are particularly low in calories and high in nutrients, including fiber.

Eating your vegetables before a meal is a good strategy for eating more of them.

In one study, women given salad 20 minutes before a meal ate 23% more vegetables than those served salad at the meal itself (10).

Eating salad or vegetable soup before a meal has also been linked to eating fewer calories during a meal (3).

Summary
Eating vegetables before a meal can increase your fiber consumption. Non-starchy vegetables are a low calorie, high fiber choice.

Popcorn is one of the best snack foods around.

Thats because its actually a whole grain, delivering 4 grams of fiber per ounce (28 grams). Thats 3 cups of air-popped popcorn (11).

For the lowest calorie popcorn, air pop it either in a brown paper bag in the microwave or in an air popper. For added flavor without added fat or calories, sprinkle it with cinnamon, and if you like things spicy, a little cayenne pepper.

Summary
Air-popped popcorn delivers over a gram of fiber per cup. Its a delicious snack food thats also a healthy whole grain.

Individual pieces of fruit, such as an apple or pear, make great snacks because theyre tasty and portable.

All fruit delivers fiber, although some have significantly more than others.

For instance, one small pear has almost 5 grams of fiber, whereas a cup of watermelon has less than 1 gram (12, 13).

Berries and apples are other high fiber fruits (14, 15).

The fiber from fruit can improve fullness, especially when paired with food that contains fat and protein, such as nut butter or cheese.

Summary
Fruit is an excellent snack food. High fiber fruits include pears, apples, and berries.

5. Choose whole grains over refined grains

Whole grains are minimally processed, leaving the whole grain intact.

In contrast, refined grains have been stripped of their vitamin-containing germ and fiber-rich bran.

This makes the grain last longer but also takes away the most nutritious parts, leaving only a fast-absorbing carb.

Try replacing at least half of the refined grains in your diet with whole grain versions. In addition to oatmeal or brown rice, try (16):

Summary
Whole grains have the germ and bran intact, making them more nutritious than refined grains.

6. Take a fiber supplement

Its best to get your nutrition including fiber from food. But if your fiber intake is low, you might consider taking a supplement.

A few types of supplements have research to back them up:

Guar fiber: As a supplement, guar fiber may improve fullness and lower your overall calorie intake. Its also used in processed foods to improve texture (17).
Psyllium: This is the key ingredient in Metamucil, a popular fiber supplement used for constipation. In one study, psyllium was also shown to decrease hunger between meals (18).
Glucomannan: This fiber is added to some low fat dairy products to improve texture, and its the main ingredient in no-calorie shirataki noodles. As a supplement, it increases fullness and reduces appetite (19).
-glucans: This type of fiber is found in oats and barley. Its fermented in the gut and acts as a prebiotic to support the healthy microorganisms that live there (20).

However, supplements have two main drawbacks.

First, they can cause stomach discomfort and bloating. To reduce this, introduce a fiber supplement gradually and drink plenty of water.

Second, these supplements can interfere with the absorption of certain medications. So, if youre currently taking any medications, speak to a healthcare professional before taking a fiber supplement.

Summary
There are several promising fiber supplements on the market. However, you probably dont need a supplement if you eat a range of whole plant foods.

Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses.

They provide omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals, as well about 10 grams of fiber per ounce (21).

These small seeds gel in water and are up to 93% insoluble fiber (22).

Insoluble fiber helps keep your digestive tract moving and is important for colon health. Its also linked to a lower risk of diabetes (23, 24).

Flax seeds are another high fiber choice, providing 2 grams per tablespoon.

Summary
Chia seeds deliver insoluble fiber, which promotes normal digestion and may lower your risk of diabetes.

Proponents of juicing say juice especially cold-pressed veggie juice is a good way to incorporate a lot of vegetables into your diet.

Indeed, juice can have high amounts of micronutrients.

Yet even unpasteurized, cold-pressed juices have been stripped of fiber, leaving only a concentration of carbs, specifically in the form of sugar.

While vegetable juices have less sugar than fruit juices, they have far less fiber than you get from eating whole vegetables. Though you can enjoy drinking 100% fruit and vegetable juices in moderation, eating the whole fruit allows you to reap the most benefits.

Summary
Eating fruits and vegetables in whole form, rather than juice, ensures that you get more fiber and less sugar.

Avocados are incredibly nutritious fruits.

The creamy, green flesh is not only rich in healthy, monounsaturated fatty acids its also packed with fiber.

In fact, half an avocado delivers 5 grams of fiber (12).

Avocados have been linked to a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases your chances of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes (13).

You can use an avocado instead of butter, or use it to top salads and other dishes.

Summary
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats and fiber. Theyre a healthy alternative to many other types of fat.

Nuts and seeds provide protein, fat, and fiber.

An ounce of almonds has close to 4 grams of fiber. Theyre also high in unsaturated fats, magnesium, and vitamin E (14).

Whats more, nuts and seeds are versatile foods. Theyre shelf-stable and nutrient-dense, making them ideal snacks to have on hand.

You can also use them in recipes to add extra nutrition and fiber to your meals.

Summary
Seeds and nuts provide protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Theyre ideal for snacking or adding to recipes.

When baking, choose a flour that will add extra nutrition to muffins, breads, and other baked goods.

You can easily replace white flour with whole wheat pastry flour. This fine-textured flour has more than 5 times as much fiber as white flour (15, 16).

Some alternative flours are even richer in fiber.

For example, an ounce of coconut flour has 10 grams of fiber, while the same amount of soy flour has 7 grams (17, 18).

Several other non-wheat flours have about 3 grams of fiber per ounce the same as whole wheat flour. These include almond, hazelnut, chickpea, buckwheat, and barley flours (19, 20, 21, 22).

Summary
Replace all-purpose flour with alternatives. These include whole wheat flour and flours made from nuts, coconut, and other whole grains.

Berries with seeds are among the most fiber-rich fruits.

For the most fiber, choose raspberries or blackberries at 8 grams per cup. Other good choices are strawberries (3 grams) and blueberries (4 grams) (23, 24, 25, 26).

Berries also tend to have less sugar than other fruits.

Add berries to cereal and salads, or pair them with yogurt for a healthy snack. Frozen and fresh berries are equally healthy.

Summary
Berries are among the most high fiber, low sugar fruits. Use them fresh or frozen.

Legumes that is, beans, dried peas, and lentils are an important part of many traditional diets.

Theyre very rich in fiber, as well as protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

In fact, a cup of cooked beans can deliver up to about 50% of your daily fiber needs (27).

Replacing meat with legumes in a few meals per week is linked to an increased life span and a decreased risk of several chronic diseases. Their positive impact on the gut microbiome may be partially responsible for these benefits (28, 29).

There are several ways to increase legume consumption:

Use hummus and other bean dips.
Add mashed or whole beans to ground beef dishes.
Top salads with cooked beans or lentils.

Summary
Beans are highly nutritious foods that may reduce the risk of chronic disease. They provide protein and high amounts of fiber.

When you peel fruits and vegetables, you often remove half the fiber.

For instance, one small apple has 3.5 grams of fiber, but a peeled apple has less than 2 grams (30, 31).

Similarly, a small potato has 3 grams of fiber, one of which is from the skin (32, 33).

The kind of fiber found in the peel of fruits and vegetables is generally insoluble fiber.

Summary
Fruit and vegetable peels are rich in fiber. Peels provide roughage needed for healthy digestion and preventing constipation.

Whole plant foods are the ideal way to get fiber. However, if youre going to eat processed foods, you may as well choose products that are rich in fiber.

Some foods including yogurt, granola bars, cereals, and soups may have functional fibers added to them.

These are extracted from natural sources and then added to foods as a supplement.

Common names you can look for on food labels are inulin and polydextrose.

Also, read the nutrition label to see how many grams of fiber are in a serving. Over 2.5 grams per serving is considered a good source, and 5 grams or more is excellent (34).

Summary
When shopping processed foods, check the ingredient list for fiber. Also, check the nutrition label for the grams of fiber per serving.

Spread your fiber intake throughout the day. Focus on eating high fiber foods at each meal, including snacks.

Heres an example of how to make high fiber choices throughout the day:

Breakfast: Choose a high fiber cereal or oatmeal, and add berries and seeds.
Snack: Pair raw vegetables with bean dip, or raw fruit with nut butter.
Lunch: Have a salad. If you make a sandwich, choose 100% whole grain bread.
Dinner: Add beans and other vegetables to casseroles and stews. Try a variety of cooked whole grains.