What cat food has the most fiber

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.

The Best High Fiber Cat Food in 2022

Best High Fiber Cat Food Buying Guide & FAQ

Still not sure which high fiber cat food is right for your kitty? No worries, because in this part of the buying guide, we cover everything you need to know about dietary fiber in feline nutrition, including how it can be beneficial to your kitty, reasons to switch your pet onto a diet of this kind, and we also share some cautionary words and potential drawbacks of feeding a high-fiber diet.

How Does Fiber Help Your Cat?

So, is a fiber diet for cats beneficial to your feline in the first place? Well, possibly. But before we get into the potential health benefits, let's first talk about what fiber is.

Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that does not get broken down in the body in the same way as fats and proteins do. Since it cannot be properly digested, it keeps the digestive system moving, preventing common tummy problems such as constipation and diarrhea. While sweeping the intestines clean, fiber also helps prevent the occurrence of hairballs, which is a common problem for many indoor cats. Another great thing about dietary fiber - it can help control high blood sugar.

While most outdoor felines can get this important macronutrient from their prey in the wild (through consuming feathers, fur and even some types of grass), indoor cats need to get it from the commercial cat food that they eat on a daily basis. So, if you own an indoor kitty who has diabetes, or frequently struggles with tummy problems or hairball issues, a high to moderate fiber diet may be able to improve their health.

Reasons to Feed Your Cat a High Fiber Food

• Constipation and Diarrhea

A high fiber diet for constipation and diarrhea can be useful in preventing these common stomach issues in cats. Fiber has a regulating effect, as well as ensuring that the stools arent too runny or hard. So for cats who are suffering from constipation, water is drawn from the large intestine to soften the stool, while for diarrhea-suffering felines, more water can be absorbed away from the poop. Check out our guide on cat food for constipation for more info.

One of the most common digestive blockages that cats can suffer from occur from the hair that builds up due to grooming. This is particularly common in long-haired breeds of feline. While most of the fur passes through the digestive system, some of it can sit in the stomach and congeal together. Your cat will eventually have to vomit these up in a process that both sounds and looks pretty gross! Even worse is that some cats can get hairballs lodged in their intestines, leading to symptoms such as repeated gagging, lethargy, a loss of appetite, diarrhea, and constipation. In more serious cases, you may even need to take your cat to the vet to successfully dislodge the hairball. Take a look at our article on cat food for hairballs.

High fiber diets can help to prevent the formation of hairballs. Look out for those formulas that state things like hairball formula or hairball reduction. These work in a couple of ways: they help improve coat health and reduce shedding, while allowing things to pass through the digestive tract in a smoother way.

Obesity is a growing concern for many cat owners due to the myriad of health concerns that come along with it. And since so many kitties are kept indoors these days without the access to physical exercise that their forebearers had, it is a problem that is increasingly common. 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. Of course, to really prevent obesity in your cat, you'll have to combine a high to moderate fiber diet with regular exercise. You may also like our guide on cat food for weight loss.

Different Types of Fiber 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.

First up, we have soluble fiber, which has the effect of drawing water from the intestines, moving it into the digested food. This type of dietary fiber has the overall effect of softening stools, making them easier to pass. For this reason, soluble fiber is the type to look for if your cat suffers from constipation. Common sources include grains like oats and barley, as well as peas, beans, carrots and apples.

Next, we have insoluble fiber, which works to make digested food bulkier as it moves through the digestive system. This can help to slow down digestion and alleviate any issues of diarrhea. So, this type of fiber is great for both preventing diarrhea and controlling blood sugar; as a nice bonus, it's good for increasing the feeling of satiety. 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.

Warnings Before Feeding A High Fiber Food to Your Cat

It is worth bearing in mind that a high fiber diet can also have some drawbacks. Before switching your cat onto a diet such as this one, you should consult with your vet to make sure that it is the most appropriate choice. Your vet may find that there are some other dietary sensitivities that are causing your cats digestive issues.

In some situations, the additional fiber can end up being stored as fat, perpetuating weight problems. Some of this type of commercial food can also have a high carb content, which can result in less protein being absorbed. And, as you probably know, protein is essential to the healthy functioning of your kitty.

So, when you are shopping for a high fiber food for your cat, you should choose one that also has a high protein content as cats are natural carnivores. You should also look for both soluble and insoluble fiber sources. Carbohydrate quantities should be lower as these are not as necessary for the healthy functioning of cats. You should also look for other nutrients that are beneficial such as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

In any case, whenever switching your cat from one type of diet to another, it's important to do it slowly by mixing their old kibble with the new one, gradually increasing the amount of new food as days go by. This way, digestive problems are much less likely to occur.

Our Top Pick

While we believe all recipes featured on our top list are high-quality products, our No. 1 pick has got to be Wellness Core Original Natural High Fiber Cat Food. This formula is rich in protein, which is crucial for the health and well-being of all cats, and moderately rich in fiber to help support healthy digestion without overwhelming a sensitive tummy. To maintain a nice, shiny coat and healthy skin, the recipe makes use of salmon oil and flaxseed which are packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Of course, the kibble is free from meat by-products, soy, artificial flavors and colors, so it should be well-tolerated by all cats, including sensitive kitties.