12 Best high fiber cat foods of 2020
Top 12 Best high fiber cat foods 2020
If your cat is prone to obesity and you want to provide overall health protection, consider high fiber dry cat food from Hills’ Science. The formula contains 29.5% of protein sourced from chicken. The recipe also caters the whole array of vitamins and minerals, including taurine and biotin. Where does all the fiber come from? The manufacturer used a lot of superfoods, including dried beet pulp, carrots, apples, cranberries, green peas, and broccoli.
This food will be perfect for cats with digestive problems but not recommended for pets with sensitivity and allergic reactions. Why? You can find grain wheat and corn gluten meal as well as soybean oil in the label – those components aren’t equally safe for each feline.
Pros:
- High in fiber (6.5%);
- Low calorie content;
- No artificial preservatives added.
Cons:
- Contains corn and wheat gluten;
- No selection of flavors.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Fiber content: 6.5%
- Calories: 327 kcal/cup
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Indoor Hairball, and Weight Control Dry Cat Food
While the above-mentioned recipe was suitable for cats with weight problems, the formula from Blue Buffalo contains a sufficient amount of protein (36%) and calories for daily nutrition of adult cats with a moderate activity level. It is made of real chicken, chicken meal, menhaden fish meal, and pea proteins. The recipe features all essential vitamins and minerals, taurine, Omega fatty acids, folic acid, and taurine.
Fiber is sourced from alfalfa meal, carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cranberries, parsley, barley grass, and peas. Besides, the manufacturer added fermentation extracts and prebiotics for healthy digestion. There are no artificial colors or preservatives used, no grains, and soy. This is an all-natural formula that can be served without safety concerns.
Pros:
- Optimal protein (36%) and fiber (7.4%) amount;
- All-natural formula.
Cons:
- Expensive;
- No selection of flavors.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Fiber content: 7.4%
- Calories: 410 kcal/cup
This high fiber canned cat food is available in four flavors and might be served to adult cats of any age and breed. The formula contains 10% crude protein sourced from farm-raised rabbit, rabbit liver, and pea protein. There’s the whole gamut of essential vitamins and minerals included, as well as Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, folic acid, and taurine. No artificial flavors or preservatives have been used.
The formula from Instinct is optimal for daily nutrition since it contains nothing extra. The amount of moisture is 76%. No soy, grains, vegetables, or fruit have been added, so this recipe would be great for cats with a sensitive stomach.
Pros:
- 100% natural formula;
- Various flavors available;
- The optimal amount of protein and fiber.
Cons:
- Some cats are allergic to pea protein;
- Bones found in turkey flavor.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Rabbit, Duck, Turkey, Salmon
- Fiber content: 1.5%
- Calories: 85 kcal/3 oz can; 156 kcal/5.5 oz can
Your kittens or adult cats need a high-protein product? Consider the recipe from Wellness CORE – it contains 45% of protein while staying high in fiber, too. The formula is based on deboned chicken and turkey, as well as turkey meal, chicken meal, and herring meal. It boasts the full gamut of vitamins and minerals, biotin, taurine, folic acid, and fermentation products. Fiber is sourced from kelp, cranberries, chicory root, tomato pomace, and ground flaxseed.
No artificial preservatives and colors have been added. The formula does not contain meat by-products, soy, or grains. This is a perfect choice for cats with sensitive stomach (if they are not allergic to tomatoes).
Pros:
- Natural formula;
- High protein content;
- Suitable for cats with a sensitive stomach.
Cons:
- High in calories and won’t be suitable for overweight cats;
- Tomato pomace is an allergy-provoking component.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Turkey & Chicken
- Fiber content: 3%
- Calories: 497 kcal/cup
The formula from Natural Balance is a nice trade-off between the quality and cost. It contains 34% of protein sourced from chicken meal, salmon meal, and chicken liver. The whole gamut of vitamins and minerals can be found in the recipe, including taurine and Omega fatty acids. 3% of fiber comes from peas, oat hulls, oat groats, blueberries, cranberries, and dried kelp. Also, there is an optimal level of DHA and EPA to sustain brain health. The manufacturer did not add any artificial colors or preservatives – the formula is organic. However, it contains brown rice and oat which might cause allergic reactions in sensitive cats. Generally, these kibbles can be served to cats of any age for as long as their digestive system is okay.
Pros:
- Optimal protein and fiber content;
- Suitable for cats of all ages;
- No artificial components added.
Cons:
- Some cats don’t like the flavor.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & Salmon
- Fiber content: 3%
- Calories: 400 kcal/cup
This is a high-protein formula based on chicken meal, ocean fish meal, dried eggs, peas, and chicken. The recipe includes the whole range of vitamins and minerals, taurine, folic acid, ascorbic acid, and DHA. The cocktail of nutrients is added up with 10% of moisture which makes up for easier digestion. Aside from that, the recipe has fermentation products and prebiotics that improve intestinal health.
A high fiber content (3%) is sourced from chicory root, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and pumpkin. No artificial components have been added, there are no grains and soy in the recipe. Thus, it can be recommended to cats at all life stages.
Pros:
- Optimal protein and fiber content;
- Contains fermentation products and probiotics;
- No artificial components and soy.
Cons:
- No choice of flavors
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- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & Egg
- Fiber content: 3%
- Calories: 475 kcal/cup
This cat food formula is based on turkey, dried egg, and chicken meal, as well as chicken by-products. A high fiber content (3%) is sourced from beet pulp, rice, and corn. The manufacturer has put the whole range of vitamins and minerals, as well as biotin, ascorbic acid, folic acid, and taurine. The product contains natural flavor and colors only. The formula is also enriched with Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and fur.
The recipe is recommended for daily use since it contains all essential nutrients, 33% of protein, and a low-calorie level. If your cat is not allergic to eggs and gluten, it should be more than satisfied with this product.
Pros:
- Optimal content of fiber and calories;
- No artificial preservatives used;
- Contains all spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
Cons:
- No flavors can be chosen;
- Causes sickness in rare cases – should be tested before you switch to this diet.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & Turkey
- Fiber content: 3%
- Calories: 352 kcal /cup
If your cat does not require a lot of fiber in its diet but needs to have its stomach cleansed from time to time, you should consider high fiber cat treats from the Steward brand. Formulated to address the hairball issue, these crunchy low-calorie yummies lower pH level of urine and control the level of magnesium. Also, the low-sodium formula with the optimal texture removes plaque and tartar to prevent gingivitis.
The treats have 20% of protein and 12% of fiber which makes them super-delicious and super-healthy. A few pieces a day won’t have much impact on the cat’s weight but will definitely improve digestion. The manufacturer also included minerals (calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, taurine). When serving the treats, follow the veterinarian’s recommendations.
Pros:
- High fiber level;
- Controls hairballs and urine pH level;
- Contains minerals.
Cons:
- Expensive;
- Not all cats like seafood flavor.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: 12%
- Calories: 0.9 kcal per treat
If you have a picky eater, consider the variety pack of cat food high in fiber. Merrick offers a versatile solution with four flavors: chicken, turkey, duck, and salmon. The formula does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or grains. Besides, there are no gluten and eggs, so this product is perfect for cats with allergies.
Each formula is based on deboned meat and liver together with pea protein. Fiber is sourced from alfalfa meal and flaxseed. No vegetables and fruit have been used, so this recipe is suitable for cats with a sensitive stomach and digestion problems. All essential vitamins and minerals are included, feel free to serve it to your feline friend daily.
Pros:
- Variety of flavors available;
- Low calorie content;
- No allergy-provoking components were used.
Cons:
- Too much water, as some consumers claim.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Salmon
- Fiber content: 1.4%
- Calories: 131 kcal/5 oz can
Royal Canin provides a special formula that addresses gastrointestinal issues in sensitive cats. It contains 4.7% of fiber and 29% protein sourced from chicken by-product meal and egg products. The formula also contains rice and wheat gluten, so it’s a great option for cats without allergies. What else is included in the recipe? It features the whole gamut of vitamins and minerals, taurine, EPA, DHA, and ascorbic acid.
No artificial preservatives or flavors have been added. Thanks to prebiotics and enzymes, the formula is recommended to cats with digestion disorders and a tendency to diabetes. Also, it supports urinary health by preventing crystal formation in the bladder. Good news: it’s sold without prescription.
Pros:
- High fiber content;
- Has all essential vitamins and minerals;
- Protects the bladder.
Cons:
- Contains gluten and by-products;
- Expensive.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Fiber content: 4.7%
- Calories: 361 kcal/cup
This is a high-fiber, all-natural formula with a high amount of protein (37%) and fiber. It’s made of duck meat and duck by-products (necks, wings, livers). Fiber is sourced from carrots, kale, squash, apples, broccoli, blueberries, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds, as well as other organic plants. There are no vitamins and minerals added – this formula is rather suggested as an addition to your cat’s regular diet.
What makes these nuggets superb is that there are no artificial preservatives, hormones, steroids, antibiotics, and grains. This is a nice choice unless your furry friend is sensitive to vegetables and fruit. The manufacturer sources organic ingredients from the USA, New Zealand, France, and Spain. You can serve the nuggets in large pieces, or smash and add water – the formula is versatile.
Pros:
- A high content of protein and fiber;
- All-natural formula;
- Suitable for cats of all ages.
Cons:
- No vitamins and minerals added;
- Costly.
- Type of food: Freeze-dried
- Flavors available: Duck
- Fiber content: 4%
- Calories: 71 kcal/oz
Formulated with deboned chicken/salmon, the dry food from Merrick contains 38% of protein and is recommended for a daily diet. It contains no by-products – only chicken meal and meat, turkey meal, dried eggs, and peas. The formula also features the whole range of vitamins and minerals required for proper nutrition, as well as taurine, biotin, and Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. A wide range of ferments and prebiotics contributes to better digestion.
This recipe is devoid of gluten, grains, soy, artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. It caters to all essential nutrient elements for intestinal health and hairball control. Merrick’s recipe is suitable for adult cats and senior ones, and there is also a separate formula for kittens.
Pros:
- Optimal protein and fiber content;
- No artificial components added;
- Great price/quality ratio.
Cons:
- A lot of dust;
- Causes allergy and diarrhea in rare cases.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken, Salmon + Formula for kittens
- Fiber content: 3.5%
- Calories: 410 kcal/cup
Best high fiber wet cat foods
Look for the following recipes:
- Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food. Natural formula with high protein content.
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Wet Cat Food. Great variety of flavors and no allergic ingredients.
- Dave’s Pet Food 95% Premium Meat Grain Free Beef Canned Cat Food. 6.5% of fiber and quality protein sources.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Calorie Control CC High Fiber Formula. Low-calorie formula with a well-balanced pH level.
Best high fiber dry cat foods
The best kibbles with high fiber content are:
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control. Low-calorie and rich in superfoods.
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Indoor Hairball, and Weight Control Dry Cat Food. All-natural formula with quality protein sources.
- Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food. Formulated especially for cats with gastrointestinal issues.
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain Free Healthy Kitten Dry Food. An excellent choice for daily nutrition, appropriate for any breed and age.
Best high fiber cat treats
Introduce the following treats to reduce digestion and hairball problems:
- Stewart Fiber Formula Cat Treats. Contain 12% of fiber and stabilize urine pH level.
- Feline Greenies Smartbites Cat Treats. Contain fiber to reduce hairball formation and are made of 100% natural ingredients.
How to choose a quality high fiber cat food?
Not all high-fiber foods are created equal. Before rushing to change your cat’s diet and making a switch to another product, you should read the label carefully and check the list of its ingredients. Here’s how you can figure out the best option.
1. Check the fiber content
This is the primary thing to do. Determine the amount of crude fiber. It should be around 1.5-3% in dry cat food, and at least 1% in wet food. Also, when you are in search of kibbles, watch the moisture level: ideally, it should be at least 10%.
2. Avoid foods with non-fermentable fiber sources only
The formulas based on corn and wheat products won’t be efficient – these products won’t make any positive difference with digestion. If you see ‘powdered cellulose’, seek for an alternative option.
3. Search for high-quality sources of fiber
These include fresh vegetables, for example, peas and potatoes, flaxseed, and oats. Also, watch the percentage of fiber content because the above-mentioned products might have too much of it.
4. Avoid products with an excessive amount of fiber
In fact, it’s easier to find high-fiber foods than recipes that are low in fiber. Unless indicated so by a veterinarian, serve cat food with no more than 3% of fiber. This amount is enough for the proper functioning of the cat’s digestive system. Generally, wet food is better but fiber should be obtained from proper sources.
What are the types of fiber in cat food?
All carnivores consume some sort of fiber – this is an essential part of any diet that helps the digestive process. It can be of animal or plant origin. In their natural wildlife diet, cats obtain fiber from prey: they eat rodents and birds whole, which means fur, feathers, bones, and cartilage are also devoured. Cat’s digestive system cannot break such components, so they function as animal-based fiber.
When it comes to plant-based fiber, it can be divided into three basic categories:
- Soluble fiber is often denoted in the ingredients list as ‘gum’ or ‘pectin’. After reaching the colon, it draws water from the bloodstream into the food. Intestinal bacteria can ferment such fiber by emitting enzymes and after doing so, they produce fatty acids that are useful for the colon. Such fiber makes poop softer and relieves constipation.
- Insoluble fiber. In cat food, it can often be found in the form of peanut hulls and cellulose. It makes food bulky and reduces its speed of traveling through the intestine. Such components help to reduce diarrhea. Too much of such fiber causes constipation and pain in cats, so it’s better to avoid it.
- Moderately fermentable fiber has the properties of both. It’s found in beet pulp and bran.
Thus, optimal levels of soluble fiber provide energy to the intestine without undesirable side effects, excessive colon movements, or flatulence. When selecting products for a cat’s diet, you should seek for such products as beet, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, apples, flaxseed, and oats.
How to transition your cat to a high fiber diet?
Before you decide to make a switch, you should consult a diet. Does your cat need a high-fiber food at all? If yes, you should start transitioning it slowly. Add a small amount of new food to your cat’s regular diet: you can begin with 15/85 ratio and gradually change it.
The transition might take a week or even more. Watch your cat’s health and well-being during this time. If your pet exhibits some gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or bloating, consult a veterinarian and don’t hurry with the switch.
The potential dangers of high-fiber food
A high-fiber cat diet can also be risky for your feline child. Sometimes, extra fiber might be collected as fat and complicate weight management. Besides, too many carbohydrates can result in less protein absorbed – this isn’t healthy for cats. Cat’s primary nutritive is protein since it helps to build and sustain lean muscle mass and boosts metabolism. Some vets claim that cats don’t need carbohydrate fiber in their diet at all.
Besides, plant-based fiber isn’t good for cats because not all felines are equally tolerant of it. In some pets, it causes digestion disorders like diarrhea and nausea. Thus, if your pet has a sensitive stomach and allergy to some plant-based food, a high-fiber diet might take an adverse effect on it.
FAQ’s
What to look for in a high fiber cat food?
The quantity of fiber matters (it should be around 1.5-3%) but first and foremost, look at its quality. Avoid corn and wheat-sourced fiber and prefer such superfoods as apples, carrots, flaxseed, sweet potato, beet, and broccoli.
What cat food is considered high in fibers?
Dry food with 3% fiber is the most optimal solution while options with 4% and more fiber are usually prescribed by vets in special occasions. When it comes to wet foods, 1.5-3% of the fiber is more than enough.
Does high fiber food help cats with constipation?
Yes, such recipes can take a positive toll on the cat’s digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. However, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian because such a digestion issue might be caused by various factors (not connected with a diet at all).
Is too much fiber bad for cats?
Yes, because it might cause digestive disorders, such as diarrhea and bloating. Too much fiber meddles with protein digestion and overall metabolism. Besides, the prevalence of carbs in a cat’s diet provokes problems with weight.
In a word
The meals of indoor cats are so much different from what they used to be in ancient times, hence, you should take care of its digestion. However, like in anything else, you should maintain balance in your cat’s diet. By introducing high-fiber foods without consulting a veterinarian, you can do more harm than good. Thus, it’s important to visit a specialist and define your cat’s nutritional needs beforehand.
When picking fiber-rich products, pay particular attention to its source. Avoid foods with corn gluten, wheat, and powdered cellulose. Choose recipes with vegetables, peas, and fruit instead.