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The right amount of fiber can be beneficial in maintaining optimal gut health. After comparing dozens of high fiber cat foods, we found that Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly Natural Digestive Care Dry Cat Food checks all the boxes. It provides a balanced protein and fiber content that’s enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Its highly digestible formula is a must for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Fiber requirements vary from pet to pet, and a certain type of food that works for others may not work for your cat. Depending on your kitty’s needs and preferences, you’ll need to take other factors into account, such as food allergies, protein and carb content, as well as food texture.
We’ve included the 15 best high fiber cat foods that cater to every need, so you can pick the one that works best for your feline friend.
Top picks for high fiber cat food
- Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly Natural Digestive Care Dry Cat Food
- Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food Chicken and Rice
- Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care Cat Food
- Nulo Grain Free Dry Cat Food
- ORIJEN Grain Free Cat Food, Fit and Trim Recipe
- Iams ProActive Health Healthy Adult Original
- Royal Canin Feline Digestive Care
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food
- Weruva Classic Grain-Free Natural Wet Pate
- Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! for Dogs & Cats
- Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Grain Free Wet Cat Food
- Rawz Shredded Meat Canned Cat Food
- Rawz Aujou Chicken Breast & Pumpkin Cat Food
- Purina Beyond Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain Free Wet Cat Food
- Wellness CORE Digestive Health Salmon and Rice Dry Cat Food
Read on to find out more about the specific benefits of the cat foods on this list!
1.Best Overall: Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly Natural Digestive Care Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo’s Blissful Belly dry cat food naturally aids in keeping your cat’s digestive system healthy and it can be an efficient tool in fighting diarrhea and vomiting. The highly-digestible formula with prebiotic fibers is gentle on the stomach and it helps maintain stool quality, making it ideal for cats with sensitive tummies.
The recipe has balanced protein and fiber content. It contains wholesome grains, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, Vitamins E and C to boost your kitty’s immune system.
Blissful Belly cat food is formulated for adult cats, but seniors may enjoy it too, especially because of tiny pieces of kibble that are easy to munch!
- Highly-digestible formula with prebiotic fiber
- Chicken as the first ingredient
- Contains wholesome grains and fruits and veggies
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals to support skin and immune system
- Formulated for adult cats
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2. Best for sensitive stomachs: Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Dry Cat Food Chicken and Rice
Sensitive Stomach Dry cat food by Blue Buffalo is specifically made for kitties prone to stomach upset and vomiting.
Compared to other foods, this one has a dose of FOS prebiotics (instead of probiotics) to help support your cat’s digestive health and promote nutrient absorption.
It contains Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a veterinarian-recommended blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support your kitty’s immune system.
The chicken-first recipe has high-quality animal proteins, wholesome grains like brown rice, and gut-friendly fruits like cranberries and high fiber vegetables like sweet potatoes. It’s free of by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy. This recipe is formulated for adult cats, although senior cats can also benefit.
- Contains FOS prebiotic for digestive health
- Made with real chicken and wholesome grains
- Vet-recommended blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
- Contains sweet potatoes
- Formulated for adult cats
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3. Best for digestive and urinary tract health: Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome Digestive/Fiber Care Cat Food
Your cat’s microbiome contains both desirable and undesirable bacteria, so keeping it balanced is essential for supporting digestive health. Hill’s Prescription Diet GI Biome keeps their microbiome in shape thanks to its blend of prebiotics that quickly activates the good gut bacteria. This formula promotes regular healthy stool in as little as 24 hours.
The recipe contains chicken, one of the best sources of protein for our obligate carnivore kitties. It contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and keeps the urinary tract healthy by reducing the likelihood of your cat developing struvite and calcium oxalate crystals.
- Formulated with a blend of prebiotics that regulates stool within 24 hours
- Effective against vomiting
- Contains chicken and Omega-3 fatty acids
- Promotes urinary health
- Suitable for adult and senior cats
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4. Best low carb: Nulo Grain Free Dry Cat Food
Compared to Blue Buffalo’s Blissful Belly, Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Adult Trim dry cat food has a lower carb content and contains only low glycemic ingredients so it’s a great high-fiber option for overweight or diabetic cats.
Apart from being low in carbs, and an excellent source of fiber, this food is also high in protein. Made of 83 percent animal-based proteins this tasty, palatable, kibble ensures that your cat gets all their necessary amino acids.
Nulo’s Freestyle dry cat food also works to improve gut flora. It’s formulated with a patented BC30 probiotic, which aids in food digestion and metabolism regulation, and boosts immunity.
The small, disk-shaped morsels appeal even to finicky cats. This food is formulated for adult cats.
- Low carb and high protein kibble
- Formulated with probiotics for easy digestion and metabolism regulation
- Free of corn, wheat, soy, tapioca, and white potatoes
- Small, disk-shaped morsels with a crunchy texture
- Made in the USA
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5. Best high protein: ORIJEN Grain Free Cat Food, Fit and Trim Recipe
Orijen Fit and Trim dry cat food contains 85 percent animal protein thanks to ingredients like cage-free eggs, chicken liver, turkey giblets, and whole herring. The high protein content makes this kibble extremely palatable for cats of all ages.
The formula contains prebiotics such as dried chicory root and fiber from fruit and vegetables, which support digestion. The wild-caught fish is a source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain healthy skin and coat. Ingredients like dried kelp and lentils naturally increase zinc, potassium, and magnesium content, making it beneficial for heart health and immunity.
- High protein, fiber, and natural vitamins
- Formulated with prebiotics to support digestion
- Low carb
- Formulated for cats of all ages
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6. Best for weight management: Iams ProActive Health Healthy Adult Original
Iams ProActive Health is another great option for cats with stomach issues. Just like Nulo Adult Trim recipe, Iams ProActive Health is rich in fiber and low in carbs, but it has an added benefit of high potassium content, which promotes a healthy heart.
This kibble contains a mix of prebiotics and beet pulp. The prebiotics help maintain good gut bacteria, while the beet pulp is an excellent source of fiber that improves digestion.
The recipe includes high-quality chicken to help your cat maintain a strong, lean muscle mass. This also means your kitty has better chances of maintaining a healthy weight while receiving all the amino acids they need. The optimal amount of carbs helps keep obesity at bay, while also keeping your kitty’s energy levels up.
Iams ProActive Health formula is fortified with vitamins and minerals to promote strong bones, fish oils to support heart health, and added taurine to sustain a shiny coat.
This food is formulated for adult cats that are at least one year of age.
- Formulated with prebiotics and beet pulp
- High-quality chicken protein and optimal amount of carbs
- Fortified with vitamins and minerals
- Fish oils for healthy heart
- No fillers
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7. Best for preventing fast eating: Royal Canin Feline Digestive Care
Royal Canin’s Digestive Care dry cat food is made specifically for cats with sensitive stomachs that tend to gulp down their food. Eating too fast leaves little time for nutrients to be absorbed, and may result in vomiting and stinky stool.
To stop this, Royal Canin produced the ring-shaped kibble, which encourages cats to slow down and chew thoroughly. Chewing slowly helps release the nutrients from the food before it enters the digestive tract.
This formula contains a healthy blend of prebiotics and dietary fibers to improve digestion and regulate stool. This diet is proven to be effective after 10 days of exclusive use with 42 percent less stool production.
Royal Canin recommends pairing this kibble with the Digestive Care wet food line for the best results. This food is formulated for adult cats.
- Made for cats with sensitive stomachs
- Ring-shaped kibble, which slows down chewing
- Formulated with prebiotics and dietary fibers
- Proven to regulate stool
- Enhanced with vitamins and minerals
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8. Best grain-free: Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food
Merrick Purrfect Bistro’s grain-free, low-carb dry cat food formula is made with real meat and no artificial ingredients making it a great option for kitties that need overall health support. The high protein content comes from real chicken and turkey meals, which make it highly digestible and palatable.
Purrfect Bistro is formulated with probiotics and fibers to support digestive health and reduce hairballs. In addition to essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this food is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat.
This kibble is formulated for adult cats, both indoor and outdoor ones.
- Grain-free, low-carb formula with moderate fat levels
- Rich in protein and highly digestible
- Formulated with probiotics and fibers for hairball control
- Chicken and sweet potato recipe
- Made in the USA
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9. Best for hydration: Weruva Classic Grain-Free Natural Wet Pate
Cats that prefer blended pate will be satisfied with Weruva’s classic wet pate recipe. The Who Wants to Be a Meowionaire flavor really feels like you’ve won the lottery (or at least your kitty has). The recipe contains cage-free chicken, sustainably sourced tuna, and high fiber pumpkin, all blended into a smooth and creamy pate.
In addition to high-quality protein, Weruva also focuses on hydration – their wet cat food contains 82 percent moisture content to keep your cat hydrated and prevent urinary tract issues.
Formulated for adult cats,this food is free of grains, gluten, and carrageenan, and it’s fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for a healthy and nutritious meal.
- Blended pate with no gravy
- Made with sustainably sourced meat and fish
- High moisture content
- No grains, gluten, and unnecessary additives
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10. Best topper for cats with food allergies: Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up! for Dogs & Cats
Weruva’s supplement Pumpkin Patch Up! contains only pumpkin puree and water, making it an ideal fiber-rich topper for cats with food allergies. Pumpkins are naturally high in soluble and insoluble fibers, so this food works to support gut flora and maintain proper stool quality.
Appropriate for cats of all ages, the pureed pumpkin recipe is free from grains, gluten, potatoes, starch, and carrageenan and comes in a convenient, BPA-free pouch.
- Pureed pumpkin recipe
- Naturally rich in fiber
- Supports digestive system and stool quality
- Free of grains, gluten, potatoes, and unnecessary additives
- Comes in an easy-to-open, BPA-free pouch
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11. Best for cats with diabetes: Tiki Cat Aloha Friends Grain Free Wet Cat Food
Tiki Cat’s Aloha Friends wet cat food is all about good vibes and nutritious premium quality ingredients. This canned food combines real chicken and duck meat with a savory chicken broth, resulting in high protein levels, moisture, and great taste.
Aloha Friends is a great moisture-rich alternative to low-carb kibble like Nulo Adult Trim or Iams ProActive Health, as it cuts down on carbs while keeping your kitty hydrated.
The low carb, calorie-friendly recipe also contains fiber-rich pumpkin to support a healthy digestive tract. The high moisture content will take care of your kitty’s urinary health and keep them hydrated.
Tiki Cat Aloha Friends wet food is free of unnecessary vegetables or starch, so you can expect low carb and low fat content. This makes it an excellent choice for cats with diabetes or who may be overweight.
- Made from real chicken and duck
- High moisture, fiber, and omega fatty acids
- Low carb and low fat formula
- No gums of artificial ingredients
- Suitable for cats of all ages
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12. Best filler-free recipe: Rawz Shredded Meat Canned Cat Food
Rawz Shredded Meat chicken and pumpkin recipe contains shredded chicken in savory broth, so it’s packed with protein. The formula is also low in carbs, making it a great option for cats that are struggling with weight. The high moisture content ensures that your kitty stays hydrated.
Pumpkin provides good fiber to aid in digestion, and the vitamins, minerals, and vegetables contribute to the highly nutritious content of this meal. Unlike many other wet foods, Rawz Chicken & Pumpkin recipe doesn’t contain carrageenan or questionable gums or thickeners.
- Shredded chicken with pumpkin in chicken broth
- High protein, high moisture, and low carb
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and vegetables
- No fillers
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13. Best for texturally sensitive cats: Rawz Aujou Chicken Breast & Pumpkin Cat Food
The sight of a Cesar Cat with a Cleopatra Kitty on Rawz Aujou Chicken Breast and Pumpkin wet cat food would melt even the coldest heart, and once you learn what hides behind it, you’ll love it even more!
RAWZ Aujou Chicken Breast and Pumpkin recipe includes hearty shredded chicken in a tasty chicken broth combined with pumpkins and carrots. Fiber-rich pumpkin supports your cat’s digestive tract and it increases the Vitamin C content, while carrots boost the immune system.
Aside from being high in protein, this food is also high in moisture so it provides sufficient hydration to your cat. It’s also low in carbs, so it’s a healthy choice for overweight or diabetic cats.
Compared to Weruva Classic pates, Rawz Aujou recipe has a thicker and meatier texture, so it’s perfect for cats who aren’t fans of mushy pates, but still need to stay hydrated.
- Shredded chicken with pumpkin and carrots in chicken broth
- High protein, high moisture, and low carb
- Thick and meaty texture
- No fillers
- Suitable for cats of all ages
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14. Best vegetable-infused recipe: Purina Beyond Chicken & Sweet Potato Grain Free Wet Cat Food
Purina Beyond Chicken and Sweet Potato wet cat food contains flavorful chunks of chicken in a smooth gravy, making it very palatable and hydrating. The recipe includes healthy ingredients like sweet potato and carrots. Sweet potato is rich in fibers to support digestion, while carrots contain vitamins and minerals to strengthen your cat’s immune system.
This food is also formulated with prebiotic fiber, so it’s a great choice for cats with sensitive tummies. The formula naturally bumps up the levels of potassium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and supporting nerve and muscle functions.
Purina Beyond is a great wet cat food alternative to our dry cat food kibble picks like Iams ProActive Health and Orijen Fit and Trim. It’s equally rich in fiber and potassium, but it also provides more moisture.
- Tasty chicken chunks in smooth gravy
- Contains healthy vegetables like sweet potato and carrots
- High moisture
- Free of grains, by-product meals, and artificial ingredients
- Suitable for adult cats
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15. Best blend of prebiotics and probiotics for digestion: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Salmon and Rice Dry Cat Food
Wellness Core Digestive Health was made for cats with sensitive stomachs and picky appetites. The formula contains digestive enzymes, a blend of prebiotic fibers, and probiotics to support gut health. Fiber-rich ingredients like pumpkin and papaya ensure nutrient absorption and support stool quality.
In addition to containing high-quality protein and wholesome grains, this food also features flaxseed with Omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and coat. The lack of potatoes and starchy ingredients makes the carb content relatively low. The formula is also fortified with vitamins and minerals to boost immunity.
- Probiotic-coated kibble
- A blend of prebiotic fibers and digestive enzymes
- High-quality protein and wholesome grains
- Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Suitable for cats of all ages
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High fiber cat food buyers guide
Cats are obligate carnivores and they do best when eating animal proteins and fat. Their natural diet doesn’t include fiber, as a cat’s digestive tract is fairly short and not equipped for food fermentation.
However, felines still need a certain amount of fiber in their diet. In the wild, cats eat prey, which contains hard-to-digest matter like teeth, claws, and fur. Since much of it goes undigested, it has the same function as fiber.
Fiber is a type of plant-based carbohydrate that the body can’t break down and digest. Instead of breaking down, fiber helps food move through the digestive system and can help maintain stool quality and gut health.
Commercial cat foods contain different types and amounts of fiber, and the best option for your kitty will depend on their individual needs.
The following tips will guide you in the right direction during your search, but be sure to consult the vet before any purchase.
Your vet will be able to provide more details on the right type of dietary treatment for your cat.
Here are some things to bear in mind while looking for high fiber cat food.
Types of fiber
There are two types of plant-based fibers – soluble and insoluble.
- Soluble fiber: is rapidly fermentable and it dissolves in water. This type of fiber is found in pectins and gums and it can help with constipation.
- Insoluble fiber: is slowly fermentable and it doesn’t dissolve in water. It makes the food move slower through the intestine, resulting in a bulkier stool. Insoluble fiber includes cellulose and peanut hulls and it can relieve diarrhea.
Both soluble and insoluble fibers can be beneficial for your cat’s digestive system, depending on their needs. There is not enough research to offer conclusive evidence about the full effect of fiber on a cat’s body.
Some experts suggest that insoluble fibers like cellulose slow down the movement of food through the intestine. But a 2016 study showed that cellulose reduces the gastrointestinal transit time and may push the food through the digestive tract too quickly, not giving enough time for nutrients to be properly absorbed.
When in doubt, you can always pick food withmoderately fermentable fibers- they have both types and include bran, soy fibers, and beet pulp.
The amount of fiber
The natural diet of cats, consisting of animals like birds and rodents, contains approximately 0.55 percent fiber.
The amount of fibers in some commercial cat foods can be much higher, even going up to 10 percent. The reason for this could be the lower cost of plant-based ingredients compared to other types of ingredients.
Pet food labels can be misleading when it comes to fiber content. The labels show the amount of crude fiber, but this only measures the amount of insoluble fibers.
Depending on the type of food, the total amount of fibers can be much higher, especially if the food also contains sources of soluble fiber. Be sure to ask your vet for advice on optimal fiber intake for your kitty.
Protein content
The amount of fiber used in cat food shouldn’t replace protein content.
Cats are obligate carnivores and they require animal-based protein in their diet. Be sure to pick foods that are rich in meat and animal proteins.
Carbs and calories
High fiber cat food is often intended for cats with diabetes or obesity problems, so it may have low carb and low calorie content. But you need to take your cat’s specific needs into account.
For example, if your kitty is underweight and has diabetes, they may struggle to eat enough low calorie, high protein food to achieve optimal weight.
The amount of carbs and calories in a particular food are also important factors to consider before you make a purchase.
Omega fatty acids
If your cat has hairball issues, be sure to pick food rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids. They support healthy skin and coat and reduce shedding, consequently reducing the risks of hairballs forming.
Why should you feed your cat high fiber food?
Cats with digestive health issues benefit most from a high fiber diet. Some common digestive issues are:
Constipation and diarrhea
As we’ve already mentioned, soluble and insoluble fibers can help your cat combat constipation and diarrhea, respectively.
Soluble fibers add moisture to your cat’s stool, making it softer.
Insoluble fibers have the opposite effect – they slow down the food transit, which results in a bulkier stool.
Hairballs
Cats often have hairball issues, and they can cause intestinal obstruction.
Research has shown that fiber can be effective in reducing the production of hairballs. A study involving 21 adult cats found that psyllium (a soluble fiber) minimizes hairball formation in 14 days and between shedding periods.
Weight loss
Although there is a popular belief that high fiber diets can help obese cats lose weight, there is still no scientific evidence to support this claim.
High fiber foods often have low carb and low caloric content, but the effect of fiber itself on weight loss still hasn’t been researched.
Diabetes
Dietary fiber can keep blood glucose levels steady to a degree, minimizing the effect of frequent highs and lows.
Research suggests that commercially available high fiber food can lower glucose levels in cats with naturally acquired diabetes mellitus.
How can I add fiber to my cat’s diet?
It’s important to consult your vet on the best way to add fiber to your cat’s diet. Based on your cat’s needs, your vet will be able to prescribe a therapeutic diet with higher amounts of specific types of fiber.
What is good fiber for a cat?
Soluble, insoluble or moderately fermentable fibers can be beneficial for your cat’s digestive health, depending on their individual needs.
Be sure to work with your vet to determine both the type and the amount of fiber your kitty needs.
Is a high fiber diet good for cats?
While cats with digestive issues can benefit from increased fiber intake, incorporating large amounts of fiber in your cat’s diet for no reason can be harmful for your pet.
Too much fiber can reduce the secretion of pancreatic enzymes necessary to digest protein.
Compared to other mammals, cats already have a lower number of such enzymes, and large amounts of fiber could prevent proper nutrient absorption and endanger your cat’s overall health.
Key takeaways on high fiber cat food
Cats need small amounts of fiber to support digestive health.
Certain felines may require increased amounts to combat health issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and hairballs. For cats with chronic illnesses like diabetes, fiber may also help lower their glucose levels.
Blue Buffalo Blissful Belly Natural Digestive Care Dry Cat Food is at the top of our list – it provides your kitty with high-quality protein and hydration, while including prebiotic fiber that’s gentle on the stomach. It’s a perfect option for cats with sensitive tummies that need help with regulating stool.
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