As cat owners, we want to make sure our feline friends stay happy and healthy. One important part of a cat’s health is making sure they get enough fiber in their diet. Fiber can help with digestion, weight management, and more. But with so many cat food and supplement options out there, what are the best sources of fiber you can give your cat?
Why cats need fiber
Fiber is an important nutrient for cats for several reasons:
- Aids digestion – Fiber helps move food through the digestive tract and prevents constipation.
- Supports weight loss – High fiber foods help cats feel full faster and stay satisfied longer.
- Manages hairballs – Fiber helps move hair that’s shed and swallowed through the digestive system.
- Balances blood sugar – Soluble fiber can help slow glucose absorption and regulate blood sugar levels.
- Boosts immunity – Some types of fiber provide prebiotics that feed healthy gut bacteria.
Cats need a mix of both soluble and insoluble fiber in their diet. Soluble fiber dissolves in water while insoluble does not. Each type provides different health benefits. Generally, cats should get 5-10% of their daily calories from fiber.
Best sources of fiber for cats
There are many sources of natural fiber you can incorporate into your cat’s diet. Here are some of the top options:
1. Whole grains
Whole grain carbohydrates like brown rice, oats, and barley are great sources of plant-based fiber. Look for cat foods featuring whole grains as top ingredients. Soluble fiber in grains can also help manage blood sugar and weight.
2. Fruits and vegetables
Fresh, canned, or freeze-dried fruits and veggies are excellent fiber sources. Some good options for cats include pumpkin, peas, sweet potatoes, carrots, and berries. Mix small amounts in with their regular food.
3. Legumes
Beans, lentils, and peas are protein-packed legumes rich in fiber. Green beans and peas add vitamins along with insoluble fiber. Look for cat foods with legume ingredients like chickpeas or lentils.
4. Seeds and nuts
Flax, chia and hemp seeds are filled with soluble and insoluble fiber. Sprinkle just a small pinch over food as too much fat from nuts can cause issues. Never give macadamia nuts as they are toxic for cats.
5. Bran
Wheat or oat bran can be an additive to boost fiber content. Just a teaspoon or so sprinkled on or mixed into wet food can work. Too much bran may reduce nutrient absorption.
Vet recommended cat foods high in fiber
Looking for commercial cat foods already high in natural fiber? Here are some great veterinarian recommended options:
| Brand | Product | Primary Fiber Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Wellness CORE | Grain-Free Indoor Cat Food | Peas, potatoes, carrots |
| Blue Buffalo | Wilderness Indoor Hairball Control | Peas, pumpkin, cabbage |
| Purina ONE | Urinary Tract Health Formula | Rice, oats, barley |
| Hill’s Science Diet | Adult Indoor Cat Food | Brewers rice, corn, peas |
| Iams ProActive Health | Indoor Weight & Hairball Care | Whole grains, vegetable fiber |
High fiber cat treats
Treats and snacks are another way to add more fiber to your cat’s diet. Here are some great high fiber cat treat options:
- PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken and Pumpkin
- Greenies Feline Dental Treats
- Purina Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats
- Temptations MixUps Cat Treats
- Meow Mix Irresistibles Cat Treats
Check the guaranteed analysis on any treat bag to make sure fiber is at least 5% or more. And limit treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.
Fiber supplements for cats
If your cat needs an extra boost of fiber beyond food, you can try a powdered supplement. Some options that are safe for cats include:
| Supplement | Primary fiber source |
|---|---|
| Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel | Psyllium husk |
| Tomlyn Prebiotic Fiber Supplement | FOS, inulin |
| Proviable-DC for Cats | Inulin, cellulose |
| Vet’s Best Healthy Digestion | Pumpkin, psyllium, probiotics |
Follow package dosing instructions and check with your vet before starting any new supplements.
Homemade high fiber cat food recipes
You can also make your own homemade cat foods with boosted fiber content. Here are a couple recipes to try:
High fiber cat food with chicken and oats
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup cooked oatmeal
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked peas
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cat-safe multivitamin
Cook chicken until no longer pink. Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Portion into 1/4 cup servings and refrigerate up to 4 days.
Quinoa, sweet potato, and salmon cat food
- 1 pound cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup cooked sweet potato
- 1/2 cup green beans
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon taurine supplement
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Portion into 1/4 cup servings. Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
How to transition to a high fiber diet
When increasing fiber in your cat’s diet, do so gradually over the course of 1-2 weeks. This gives their digestive system time to adjust.
Try these tips for an easy transition:
- Mix a little of the new high fiber food in with your cat’s usual food, starting with 25% new food.
- Gradually increase the ratio of new food over the transition period.
- Make sure your cat has easy access to fresh water at all times.
- Monitor your cat for signs of digestive upset like vomiting or diarrhea.
- Give digestive enzymes or probiotics to support healthy digestion.
Going slowly allows the good bacteria in your cat’s gut to adapt as fiber intake increases. If issues come up, slow the transition or talk to your vet.
Signs your cat may need more fiber
Here are some signs that your cat may benefit from more fiber in their diet:
- Constipation or straining to pass stools
- Long, stringy poop
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Vomiting or coughing up hairballs
- Increased begging behavior between meals
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
A lack of fiber can leave cats feeling hungry, full of hairballs, or backed up. Boosting soluble and insoluble fiber sources can help get their digestive system moving again.
Potential risks of too much fiber
While fiber is great for cats in moderation, too much can cause some adverse effects. Here are some risks to watch for:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Decreased absorption of nutrients
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Abdominal cramping or bloating
- Low appetite or refusal to eat
- Vomiting
Senior cats and kittens may be more sensitive to the effects of excess fiber. Start conservatively with the lowest recommended amounts when increasing fiber.
When to see your vet about fiber issues
Monitor your cat closely when making any diet changes involving fiber. See your vet promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Dehydration – dry gums, weakness, lethargy
- Significant weight loss in a short period
- Bloated or distended abdomen
- Inability to pass stools or gas
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Straining or crying when trying to use litter box
These signs could indicate a more serious health issue. Your vet can pinpoint the cause and recommend adjustments to your cat’s fiber intake.
Conclusion
Fiber is an integral part of your cat’s diet and provides many beneficial effects. Whole food sources like grains, fruits, veggies, and legumes give the best mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. When transitioning your cat to a higher fiber diet, do so slowly over 1-2 weeks while monitoring for digestive upset. Supplements and homemade recipes can help you customize fiber intake for your cat’s needs. With some careful planning, fiber can help your cat’s digestion, weight, hairballs, and overall health.