Is a high fiber diet good for cats

Best High Fiber Cat Food

Kate Barrington / Cats.com

After studying how much fiber cats need, identifying appropriate fiber sources for cats, and researching the high-fiber cat food market, we recommend Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk Chicken in Pumpkin Consomme as the best high-fiber cat food on the market.

Most high-fiber foodsthink those marketed for indoor cats and hairball controlare bulked up with fiber and other plant ingredients your cat doesnt need. Too much fiber and too much plant matter can give your cat a smelly litter box and a troubled tummy. Thats the opposite of what you want.

The best high-fiber cat food supports your cats need for a carnivorous diet and provides just enough fiber to keep their gut healthy without weighing them down.

At a Glance: Best High-Fiber Cat Food to Buy in 2024

Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, weve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. Youll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.

Overall Best

10.0

Picked by 31 people today!

• Popular among cats with digestive issues
• Higher fiber content than most wet foods
• Low carbohydrate content

Runner Up

9.8

Picked by 31 people today!

• Primarily made from animal protein
• Contains a mix of insoluble and soluble fiber, including prebiotic fiber
• Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

Budget Pick

9.5

Picked by 25 people today!

• Rich in animal-sourced protein
• Free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
• A relatively economical buy

Premium Pick

9.4

Picked by 21 people today!

• Made with a single source of animal protein
• Pumpkin provides supplemental fiber
• Very low in carbohydrates

Best Dry Food

9.3

Picked by 18 people today!

• Formulated to support digestive health
• Multiple animal sources of protein and fat
• Supplemented with probiotics

Best Prescription

9.2

Picked by 18 people today!

• Primarily made from animal protein sources
• Contains prebiotic fiber to support digestive health
• Made with fish oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids

Why Trust Cats.com

Before selecting products to test, I performed in-depth research and consulted veterinary experts to determine what role fiber plays in feline digestion. Using that information, I selected products and tested them at home with my two cats, Wessie and Forest.

In addition to considering fiber content, I selected cat foods with essential qualities like plenty of species-appropriate animal protein, high moisture content, and minimal carbohydrate matter. Theyre made with safe, high-quality ingredients and are created by reputable companies. Some are formulated with digestive health in mind, offering additional support for a smooth move through the digestive system.

On top of testing these products, I read customer reviews to assess their overall customer satisfaction. I also researched the brands to determine their trustworthiness and history of safe, quality manufacturing.

Top 6 High-Fiber Cat Foods

The best high-fiber cat food acknowledges your cats carnivorous biology and provides just enough fiber to keep their gut healthy without weighing them down. Weve chosen Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk for its meat-centric formula and easy digestibility. But its not the ideal choice for every cat.

If your cat requires high-fiber cat food for therapeutic reasons, follow your veterinarians dietary advice. Otherwise, one of the recommendations below might be a good fit. Weve categorized them by food type, price, and other key considerations to help you narrow down the options.

Things to Consider When Buying High-Fiber Cat Food

Cats are carnivores who live on flesh, fat, and bones. The natural feline diet doesnt involve cellulose powder, dried tomato pomace, or flaxseed. In contrast to the fiber fermentation machines that are herbivores, cats have short digestive tracts and their bodies dont spend much time fermenting what they eat.

But they do need a little fiber. When cats consume prey in the wild, they ingest all sorts of indigestible matterhair, claws, teeth, and connective tissue. Though its not fiber in the traditional sense, this indigestible stuff ferments in a cats colon and aids digestion. Since most people are unable or unwilling to add back this indigestible animal matter, plant fiber works instead.

Here are some things to consider when shopping for high-fiber cat food.

There Are Two Types of Fiber

Both soluble and insoluble fiber help to promote healthy digestion. Soluble fiberderived from plant pectin and gumscan help regulate blood sugar, which may be a benefit for diabetic cats. Insoluble fiber or cellulose draws water into the stool, making it easier to pass.

Both types of fiber feed good bacteria in the gut, working together to promote regular digestion. A little bit of fiber is essential to keep your cats gut happy and healthy. But while a pinch of fiber is a friend for your cats GI tract, theres no need to fill your cat up with piles of fiber.

Dont Assume More Fiber is the Solution

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 isnt the best solution to or simply cant solve. For example, although fiber helps promote fullness, your overweight cat may not need a high-fiber diet to stay satisfied and lose weight.

Neither does your hairball-prone cat need more fiber to sweep hair through their digestive tract. Fiber is not a broom and your cat doesnt need to be swept like a kitchen floor. Its normal for cats to eat hair, whether its their preys hair or their own. That hair moves through the GI tract and comes out in the stool. Frequent hairball hacking is indicative of deeper digestive problems, not a fiber deficiency.

Excessive Fiber Intake Could Cause Problems

Too much fiber could inhibit the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that digest protein, decreasing nutrient absorption and, ultimately, making your cat less healthy. Elisa Katz, DVM says that shes seen this problem in many cats fed a commercial prescription diet known to be high in fiber. Their coats become dry and flaky and their stools become huge.

If, after switching your cat to one of the above foods or something similar, your cat is still having digestive issues, more fiber isnt the answer. There are likely deeper issues at play.

Speak with your veterinarian if youre thinking about switching your cat to a high-fiber food. Your vet will consider your cats overall health and current diet to determine whether a high-fiber food might be a good fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much fiber do cats need?

Cats dont have specific nutritional requirements for fiber. A wild whole-prey diet consists of indigestible matter which, in a commercial cat food diet, is generally replaced by plant-based fibers. Dietary fiber requirements may vary depending on your cats diet health status.

Do indoor cats need more fiber?

No. In fact, most normal dry cat foodsnot even those marketed as high-fiber or indoor foodshave more fiber than a cats natural diet would ever include. A cats natural diet of fresh, whole rodents would be about 0.55% fiber. Compare that to the 4% fiber content of a standard dry food or the 9-10% fiber content of the typical indoor cat food.

How do I add fiber to my cats food?

Cats with certain health conditions may benefit from a temporary increase in fiber intake. If your veterinarian recommends it, one of the simplest methods is to add small amounts of unsweetened canned pumpkin puree to your cats normal food.

Best High Fiber Cat Food (2024): 9 Wet and Dry Fiber Foods for Cats

If your cat is having digestive issues ranging from diarrhea to constipation, problems with hairballs or even the onset of diabetes, increasing the soluble and insoluble fiber in their diet can make all the difference.

High fiber cat food can be a total game changer for cats with any of these digestive problems. Thats why this high fiber food for cats group test and guide is designed to help you find the perfect food that meets your cat's specific dietary needs.

High fiber diets are beneficial for cats because they assist in digestion, boost overall gut health and even help control feline obesity.

While some cat food with fiberis tailored for some of those specific issues, others offer a much more balanced mixture of nutrients suitable for their overall health.

We've tested and explored a variety of options, from high fiber dry cat food to wet formulas, and even those high fiber cat treats our cats love to beg for - all the time!

This article covers everything you need to know about ahigh fiber diet for cats- its benefits, who and why you should consider it, and those core factors to keep in mind while choosing the right high fiber cat food for your amazing feline friend.

Hills Science Diet High Fiber Cat Food - Urinary & Hairball

Hills Science Diet High Fiber Cat Food - Urinary & Hairball

Urinary & Hairball control version of the Hills Science is a treasure chest of high-quality fiber, sweeping away hairballs and keeping our kitties tummies working like a well-oiled machine!

But thats not all - its also a guardian angel for urinary health, making litter box visits a breeze. This Hills Science Diet high fiber recipeis full of natural fibers that transform mealtime into a delightful, nutritious carnival, making it our top choice for a best high fiber cat food.

3 Top High Fiber Cat Food Picks Best, Value & Premium

In selecting high fiber cat food that you can trust to deliver the benefits of a high fiber diet in your cat, we have implemented our standard testing process.

Leveraging our substantial social media presence, with over a million followers, we've been able to engage with a range of cat owners who understand the importance of fiber in their cats' diets. Their real-world insights and hands on experience are invaluable in selecting the right products.

Based on their recommendations, and professional advice from our veterinary experts, here are our top three choices in high fiber cat foods.

These high fiber cat food options range from tasty and affordable to high-end premium formulas, all designed to support your cat's digestive health, budget and overall well-being.

Hills Science Diet High Fiber Cat Food - Urinary & Hairball

• High in protein and magnesium
• Excellent for digestion and hairballs
• Supports healthy skin and coat with vitamin E and Omega 6

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free

• No grain included
• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other extras
• Includes extra fiber and probiotics for good health

Orijen Original Cat High-Protein

• Excellent high fiber and high protein option
• Made with uncaged animals
• 90% of animal ingredients

So thats a quick chart showing our best high fiber cat food picks. Now lets take a deeper look at these top picks and some recommended alternatives.To start with, lets look at the top 3 in a little more detail.

1. Hills Science Diet High Fiber Cat Food - Urinary & Hairball - Best Overall

Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult dry cat food is our standout overall choice for cats that require a high-fiber diet.

Why is Hills cat food good? Firstly, it's specially formulated to support the health of the urinary system and to prevent the formation of hairballs.

This Hills Science high fiber food is packed with natural fiber from a variety of vegetables (which a cat would eat naturally as the stomach contents of prey), which lowers the build up of hairballs. Whilst offering this high-quality fiber, it also contains fatty acids, and antioxidants that boost healthy digestion, skin, coat, and bolster your cat's immune system.

Plus, it is specifically formulated with highly digestible, high-quality protein to maintain lean muscle.

What makes Hill's Science Diet so unique is its focus on using only natural ingredients, with chicken as the primary component, and no chicken by-product meal. No fillers!

It also includes clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C and E which also assists the immune system.

Just a word of advice, this high fiber Hills cat food is ideal for adult cats between 1 - 6 years, but not recommended for kittens and pregnant or nursing cats.

It's also worth noting that, Hill's Science Diet also offers a variety of otherhigh fiber dry cat food and high fiber canned foods in delicious flavors, ensuring there's something for every cat's taste...because we all know what fuss-pots they can be.

• High in protein and magnesium
• Excellent for digestion and hairballs
• Supports healthy skin and coat with vitamin E and Omega 6
• Vet recommended
• Natural ingredients made in the USA

• Large kibble, not ideal for smaller cats
• Can cause changes in stool, particularly if your cats dont get a lot of water

2. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free - Best Value

Finding a cat food high in fiber shouldnt mean having to compromise on quality.

The last thing you want is tons of grain and fillers in your kittys meals, bulking out what they eat.

Fortunately, the Taste of the Wild high fiber cat food doesnt suffer from this problem.

With the Taste of the Wild, you get a wide selection of fresh meats included within the food, perfect for helping your kitty to stay strong.

Along with extra fiber, you also get probiotics to support your Kitty's gut health and other useful ingredients too, such as fatty acids and antioxidants to support their heart health and support a beautiful coat.

The Taste of the Wild cat food brand stands out for its high-quality protein sources, including chicken meal, roasted venison, smoked salmon, and ocean fish meal, much like the protein-centric approach in diabetic cat foods.

It also manages digestive health through natural fiber and probiotics.

Taste of the Wild also offers ingredient quality and variety, making sure that real meat acts as the first ingredient and then complementing this with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

The balance of quality, nutritionally focussed, and affordability certainly makes Taste of the wild high fiber a strong contender in the market, It offers a budget-friendly yet high-quality option for owners seeking a high-fiber diet for their cats, especially those with sensitive digestive systems.

We did pick up on one problem with this food which is that the quality can be a little unpredictable. You might get a different style of food from one month to the next.

Also the size of the package that you can get seems to change regularly too.

But besides that, it is a veryhigh fiber food for cats solid budget pick.

• No grain included
• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and other extras
• Includes extra fiber and probiotics for good health
• Ingredients from trusted sources
• Reasonable pricing

• Quality levels are a bit inconsistence
• Size of the bags can suddenly change

3. Orijen Original Cat High-Protein - Premium Choice

If money is no object and youre wanting to give your cat nothing but the very best, then you might want to try Orijen Original Cat High-Proteindry cat food.

In fact, most of what we detail for this specific recipe, applies to all the formulas available from Orijen, since they follow the same approach to ingredients. What makes this our favorite premium fiber cat food as a dry food also applies to their excellent wet recipes.

This Original Cat recipe high fiber dry cat food comes with everything cats need for a great diet, including fresh free-run chicken and turkey, cage-free eggs, and wild-caught fish. Sounds great already!

Thanks to these fresh and raw animal ingredients, you can rest assured that your cats getting all the nutrition that he or she needs.

The appeal of Orijen lies in its high levels of animal ingredients, with their dry foods containing up to 90% animal meat and wet foods around 95%.

All Orijen foods feature fresh or raw animal ingredients such as chicken, turkey, and eggs, along with a mix of organs, bones, and cartilage. So it's a very mixed ingredient base. And that's for a reason. Their 'whole prey' approach mimics how your cat would eat in the wild with the benefits of that level and diversity of fiber.

While the foods are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, they also include low-glycemic fruits and vegetables, along with synthetic vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Orijen offers a variety of cat food products. Their entire range is nutritionally balanced with moderate protein and fat levels, and a relatively low carbohydrate content.

Whats more, this food is completely grain-free, so you know that your kittys getting an extra dose of fiber, without unnecessary bulk.

Just keep in mind that this food can cause some pretty stinky poops, so you may need to clean out your litter box more often.

As a high fiber dry cat food this is our premium pick, but, as we have said above, you can get excellent high fiber wet cat food in the same range from Orijen. If your cat prefers wet food, then opt for those recipes or combine them both.

• Excellent high fiber and high protein option
• Made with uncaged animals
• 90% of animal ingredients
• Made in the US, in Kentucky
• Fresh regional ingredients

• Causes pretty smelly poops
• Your cat might go to the litter tray more often

High Fiber Cat Food - Alternative Options

We chose the three options above to appeal to a wide range of pet parents, but if none of those solutions appeal to your cats, there are still plenty of great alternatives out there.

Here are some other fantastic high fiber kitty picks recommended by our community that are worth considering for your furry friends.

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4. Hills Science Diet Dry Kitten Food

If your bundle of fluff is still too small to tackle the Hills Science kibble designed for bigger cats, then it might be a good idea to start them on this instead.

This kitten food comes with DHA from fish oil to help boost eye and brain development in kittens, and is formulated especially for the fiber and digestive needs of kittens.

The kibble is rich in balanced minerals for keeping your young kitten healthy, and its excellent for mixing in with wet food too.

Whats more, this vet-recommended food is made in the USA, with local ingredients that you can trust.

On the downside, this Hill's Science kitten food can smell pretty terrible, and it does contain pea protein, which might be problematic for some cats.

• High-quality ingredients
• DHA for brain and eye development
• Excellent range of balanced minerals
• Mixes well with wet foods
• Vet recommended

• Pea protein included
• Smells quite bad

5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Hairball Control & Weight Management

If youre looking for a food that will give your kitty some much-needed extra fibre, without causing him to pack on the pounds, try this high fiber Blue Buffalo kibble.

Made with real, fresh meat to support your cats carnivore side, this food is excellent for both hairball and weight control.

This grain-free weight control and hairball food from Blue Buffalo is one of the top high fiber cat foods on the market for a number of reasons.

First of all, Blue Buffalo has healthy complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes and peas that provide natural fiber and combines these with antioxidant rich berries. It also comes with exclusive lifesource bits, which are basically blends of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Whats more, you can get this product in a range of different sizes.

On the downside, this is quite an expensive option for some households. Additionally, your cat might go to the litter box more often, though their poops could be less smelly.

• Packed with real meat
• Hairball and weight control in one
• Exclusive Blue LifeSource bits
• Natural blend of minerals and vitamins
• Available in a range of sizes

• Quite expensive
• May cause more litterbox visits

6. Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health

While finding a high fiber cat food can be important to improving your kittys overall wellbeing, its worth noting that there are other health issues to think about too.

Your furball is still going to need plenty of high-quality proteins and other nutritional substances.

This Natural Balance Cat Food Kibble comes with plenty of extras alongside the fiber, such as protein for healthy muscles, and EPA and DHA to support an active brain.

Theres also a balanced selection of omega fatty acids to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Unfortunately, some cats dont digest this Natural Balance product as well as others since the ingredients changed, so that might be an issue for some customers.

Additionally, this is another high fiber cat food option that may make your litter boxes more smelly.

• Excellent DHA and EPA contents
• High-quality proteins for healthy muscles
• Balanced Omega acids for a healthy coat and skin
• Fiber layering system for better digestion
• Hairball protection

• Can cause sickness in some cats
• May make the litterbox more smelly

7. Hills Science Diet Dry Cat Food for Senior Cats

Weve looked at the top high fiber dry cat food for kittens, so its only fair that we consider the other end of the spectrum. Your older kitties also deserve a brilliant meal.

This Senior version of the Hills Science dry cat food is designed specifically for cats over the age of 11. It comes with extra taurine for heart health, and minerals for bladder and kidney support.

This easily-digestible Hills dry cat food comes with natural fibers to support the needs of older cats.

Additionally, the smaller kibble size means that this product is a little easier to chew for cats with teeth problems too. You can mix the kibble easily with wet food, and you know that youre getting a vet-recommended product too.

One downside is that it can be hard to find this product in many local shops.

Additionally, you may find that your cat gains a bit of extra weight on this Hills Science Diet food.

• Great for senior cats
• Excellent levels of vitamin E and omega acids
• Fiber is perfect for older stomach
• Small enough for easy chewing
• Vet recommended

• Hard to find in local stores
• Can add to your cats weight

8. NUTRO Perfect Portions Grain-Free

Dry kibble can be an excellent source of extra fiber for your cat. However, not all cats are as fond of dry foods as their wet counterparts.

Thats why were including a pate option for your fussy cats. The NUTRO Perfect Portions grain-free food comes in packs of two, so you can deliver the perfect portion to your kitty every day.

This high fiber wet cat food comes with real ingredients from fish, meats, and poultry, and its easy to chew for kittens with tooth problems too.

Theres no soy protein, corn, or chicken by-product meal in this product. Plus, the NUTRO product is 100% made in the USA, which is a nice extra.

The only notable issue with thisbest high fiber cat food wet option is that its very smelly, and it can end up going everywhere when you try to open the packaging.

Be prepared to end up with splashes on your clothes.

• Great wet food choice
• Easy to chew for all cats
• Natural ingredients throughout
• No grain or byproducts
• Made in the USA

• Smells terrible
• Very difficult to open and may splash all over

9. Raw Paws Pet Organic Pure Pumpkin for Cats

If your cat is already used to a specific kind of food and you dont want to run the risk of changing their diet, then Raw Paws could be a great alternative.

Instead of a high fiber cat food, why not use a supplement to turn every food into the perfect meal for your kitty?

This organic pumpkin powder works for both dogs and cats. The soluble fiber in pumpkin absorbs excess moisture in your cat's digestive system, so that it helps with both constipation and diarrhea. The fiber can bulk up your cat's poop if it is runny but can also ease the passage through the gut.

You can sprinkle it onto their wet or dry food as an added vitamin supplement, and the results should be a healthier gut.

The Raw Paws pumpkin powder is packed full of soluble fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, beta carotene, magnesium, and potassium, among other things.

One problem with Raw Paws food supplement, however, is that it can go lumpy very easily, particularly when exposed to any kind of moisture. Additionally, the powder does smell pretty intense.

Nonethless, it is an excellent high fiber cat food topper to sprinkle on your cat's food to get that extra fiber into their tummy!

• Packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• Works with any kind of cat food
• Excellent taste for cats and dugs
• Supports gut and colon health
• Easy to use

• Goes lumpy very easily
• Can have a very intense smell

Best High Fiber Cat Food Buyers Guide

Fiber might not seem like a big deal for your cats. In fact, according to animal nutritionists, cats dont have a significantnutritional demand for fiber.

Cats have a shorter digestive tract than a human or even a dog which means that they can rapidly digest meat and other foods.

However, in the wild, cats are also used to eating a very different diet to what they get in their bowl at home.

As much as you might not like to think about it, your little fuzzball was designed to be eating live prey, that means that theyd be chugging down birds, mice, and other creatures, bones, fur, and all.

Though those things arent traditionally what most of us think of when we picture fiber, they are the stuff that generally helps cats to move food through their digestive tract in the wild.

Because those products are indigestible, they help to push things along and keep your cats gut healthy.

Fiber For Cats - The Benefits

Since its becoming increasingly common for kitties to spend more of their time indoors, and less time on the hunt- particularly in the US, its our job as responsible pet parents to ensure that theyre getting the nutritional extras that they dont get from live prey.

Dont worry, that doesnt mean that you need to start feeding Mr. Snowball frozen mice from the pet store.

Instead, you can use a high fiber cat food, to support your cats digestive health (the less gross way).

High Fiber cat food for constipation: If your cat has spent a lot of their time in the litterbox lately, but not much has been happening in there, they may be constipated. If thats a problem, fiber could be a good short-term solution. You may need to increase the amount of moisture that your cat is getting in their diet too.

Lower the chances of diabetes: In an ideal world, your cats diet would be packed full of protein, high in moisture, and low in carbs.

If your cat is at high risk of diabetes, then foods rich in fiber can help to prevent the metabolization of fat and glucose by slowing absorption. This can be an excellent way to help kitties lose weight and manage diabetes.

Preventing hairballs: We do a lot of gross things to look after our kitties, from sifting through litter boxes to flicking away eye boogers.

Hairballs are one of the worst tasks that we need to deal with, but theyre not much fun for your cat either. If the issue causing your cats hairballs is too much ingested hair, extra fiber could help to move things along.

Reducing other stomach problems:The right amount of fiber in your cats diet can also help with a range of other stomach problems, includingcats with diarrhea.

When everything is moving at the right pace in your cats gut, theres less of a chance that theyll end up needing to bolt to the litter tray. It is also sensible to consider high fiber cat food for constipation.

Reduces the risk of obesity: In some cases, because high fiber food helps to move things along faster in your cats stomach, it also means that they absorb less fat, allowing for reduced weight gain.

Understanding Cat Food with Fiber

One important thing to keep in mind when youre looking for a high fiber cat food, is that there are different kinds of fiber available.

Crude fiber refers to the indigestible carbohydrates that just cause stomach upsets and increase your cats chances of weight gain.

What you really need for your furry feline friend is the right kind of dietary fiber.

Insoluble fiber or crude fiber is the bad stuff the things that dont break down easily and just create mass in the intestine, leading to constipation (and bad gas). Some insoluble fiber is not too much of a problem, but it should be minimal.

Soluble fiber is the stuff that you do want the kind that can be broken down reasonably easily in the body while helping the bowel to work properly.

Often, this means checking the labels on your cat food carefully. Some low-cost options try to deliver crude fiber in the form of wheat and corn, rather than something beneficial to your kitty.

The biggest factor to consider in how valuable a certain kind of fiber is for your cat is fermentability.

This refers to how well the fiber can be broken down by the bacteria in the intestine.

Fermentable products like pectin and beet pulp are usually more appropriate for keeping your kitty healthy.

These tools give your cat the bulk they need, without unwanted side effects

Are There Any Problems with High Fiber Cat Foods?

Giving your cat plenty of fiber does have benefits.

However, its worth remembering that plant-based fibers arent the best option for your cat as its not what they would get in nature in any great volume. It's worth remembering that a cat would get a small amount of plant fiber when eating live prey from the contents of the stomachs of its small herbivore prey.

So, a small amount of vegetable or fruit in a recipe can be good for soluble fiber and other nutrients, but too much (especially if it's insoluble) will outweigh the benefits.

Sure, you cant really give them a daily dose of fur, ligaments and bones. However, if possible, its often a good idea to solve the fiber issue without too much of a diet change.

A spoonful of canned pumpkin, or the powder option we discussed above might be better than switching out your cats food entirely. Some foods can:

• Cause additional weight gain: The wrong kind of fiber wont move things along in your cats digestive tract. This means that theyll store the food for longer and gain more weight. Weight gain can also be a problem if your kitty starts eating extra food because the fiber in their meal comes at the expense of other nutrients.
• Reduce protein intake: If the fiber does work in your cats diet, then theres a risk that it will move things through the digestive tract too quickly. Just as a healthy gut helps to reduce the risk of fat absorption, it can also reduce absorption of essential proteins too. Thats why its so important to follow your vets direction when choosing cat food.
• May reduce moisture intake: If you switch your cat to a high fiber cat food thats kibble based, its important to ensure that they get plenty of moisture elsewhere. Remember that your cat still needs water to keep their insides working properly. Kibble doesnt offer this. Using high fiber cat food for diarrhea is also worth considering but if symptoms persist you must go to your vets.

Choosing the Best High Fiber Cat Food

If Mr Mittens has issues with constipation, or even hairballs, then it might be worth switching him to a high fiber diet. Fiber really can make a difference to a cats nutrition particularly if your kitty spends most of his time indoors.

However, you should always get your vets insight on the kind of food to offer. My favourite choice has to be the Hills Science Diet and Urinary Hairball control. I use this product for my Maine Coon, and Ive seen a huge reduction in his hairballs, and less crying in the litter tray too. He also absolutely adores the taste, to the point where I have to keep the bag locked away or hell chew through it.

Hills Science is also recommended by vets (including my vet), so you know that its filled with nutritious content.

FAQs

What types of fibers are commonly found in high-fiber cat foods?

High-fiber cat foods generally contain soluble fibers like carrots beans, oats and peas, whilst also including insoluble fibers like wheat bran and potatoes. Different fibers have various benefits, such as supporting digestive health, reducing constipation and helping with hairball control.

What are the benefits of high-fiber cat foods?

High-fiber cat foods can help manage hairballs, boost digestive health, and are particularly beneficial for older and indoor cats who might not be as active.

How do I choose the best high-fiber cat food?

Look for cat foods that list a high-quality source of protein as the first ingredient, and ensure that the fiber content is at least 3% or higher.

Best High Fiber Cat Food: The Verdict

Weve talked a lot in this article about the different high fiber cat foods that you can choose for your cat.

If your kitty has a tendency to become constipated or has a problem with hairballs then a high fiber cat food diet is very likely to help.

This high fiber approach can really improve your kittys nutrition, especially if they arent getting much other variety in their usual diet - something that is particularly relevant in indoor only cats.

As well as this advice in this article we always recommend that you get the advice of your vet on your cats specific dietary needs as your cat might have additional needs.

But, our pick for most cats isHills Science Diet and Urinary Hairball control. Especially if you have a long-haired kitty who gets a lot of hairballs.

Weve also found that most cats really take to the Hills formulas taste and so you get a happy and healthy cat.

However, if you want some other top drawer options for your cat then our budgetandpremium picks are where it's at for best high fiber cat foods.