Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

Your cat might be constipated if she poops fewer than once every 24 hours or if she is straining while going. In some cases, the right diet can help ease a blocked-up kitty, but you’ll need to talk to your vet first to determine if there’s an underlying problem.

The following guidelines can help you get started finding the right food for a constipated cat.

1) Choose a diet that uses insoluble fiber sources

One type of fiber, called “insoluble fiber”, will help keep things moving in the gut. It increases fecal bulk and speeds up movement of food through the gut.

Examples of insoluble fiber sources include pea fiber, soybean hulls, beet pulp, and rice hulls. You can inquire with the manufacturer to check about insoluble fiber sources in the food you are considering. In general, the amount of this fiber in the diet should be greater than 7%, on a dry matter basis. In rare cases, your cat’s medical condition will require a low-fiber diet. Check with your veterinarian first to ensure a high-fiber diet will be okay.

(Note: The nutrient value listed on your food label will most likely be given on an “as fed” basis. You can learn how to convert these values to dry matter basis here.)

2) Choose a diet that contains prebiotic ingredients

Prebiotics are ingredients in the diet which feed the healthy bacteria of the gut. These “gut critters” produce compounds which have been linked with better gastrointestinal health.

Examples of prebiotic-containing ingredients include cranberries, apples, and carrots. You can ask the manufacturer to confirm which probiotic sources they have included in the food. Remember that these ingredients are incorporated into the diet in a balanced way. You should check with your veterinarian before adding these as fresh ingredients to the diet on their own.

3) Consider a diet with a high water content

Diets with a high moisture content, such as a canned diet, can help keep things moving in the gut. Cats don’t naturally have a high thirst drive, so a food that is high in water will help ensure proper hydration. Another advantage to high-water diets is that they can be easily warmed up and made more enticing to a kitty who is off her food.

In addition, you should always consider your cat’s energy requirements

Obesity is common in cats with constipation. If your vet advises that your cat is overweight, you might want to find a less ‘calorie dense’ diet to help her slim down. Your veterinarian can help you determine how much to feed each day for your cat to meet her ideal bodyweight. You should measure out your cat’s daily portion using a scale, as cups are inaccurate.

What is the Best Cat Food for Constipation?

Author:
Last updated March 29, 2021
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Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 32%
Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care Dry Cat Food
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  • Calories: 498 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 35%
Iams Proactive Health Dry Cat Food
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  • Calories: 352 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 33%
Hill’s Prescription Diet Digestive Care Wet Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%
Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Wet Cat Food
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 60 kcal/can
  • Protein: 38.7%

Food for Cat Constipation Reviews

Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food

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  1. Deboned Chicken
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 422 kcal/cup
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Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe is a gentle, nutritious formula that is specifically designed to help with your cat’s constipation. It contains FOS prebiotics, which support your cat’s gut health on an ongoing basis. Prebiotics also increase nutrient absorption. This formula contains a rich blend of vital antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to promote overall health.

Some of the nutrients in this cat food include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help keep your cat’s fur and skin soft. This formula is also full of essential fruits and vegetables, which are full of fiber to keep your cat regular. Real deboned chicken adds plenty of protein as well as a rich flavor. If you’re looking for some of the best food for cat constipation, this formula from Blue Buffalo is a nutritious choice.

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food

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  • Type: Dry food
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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken Flavor Dry Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Cat Food is specifically formulated to keep your cat’s digestive system regular and healthy. It’s made with a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers that are easy for your cat to digest without constipation. It is also enhanced with prebiotic fibers to support a healthy gut on an ongoing basis.

This cat food is also fortified with antioxidants, which boost your cat’s immune response to help them stay healthy. It also contains the brand’s S+OXSHIELD, which helps prevent struvite and calcium oxalate crystals that can form kidney stones. This Hill’s Prescription Diet formula is one of the best dry cat foods for constipation on the market.

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Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food for Constipation

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  1. Turkey
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 352 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Fat
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Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food for Constipation Review

The Iams Proactive Health Sensitive Digestion Dry Cat Food is a nutritious cat food that’s easy on the stomach. It’s made with a unique fiber blend, which helps prevent constipation and improve nutrient absorption. This blend includes healthy prebiotics and beet pulp.

The formula is made with turkey, which adds protein for healthy muscles and creates a tasty flavor for your cat. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help keep your cat’s coat looking shiny and feeling soft. This cat food from Iams is easy for your cat to digest, but still contains the protein and other nutrients that your cat needs to stay healthy.

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food

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  1. Water
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Fat
23.2%
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Protein
37.9%
37.9%
Fiber
2.7%
2.7%
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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Wet Cat Food is both nutritious and gentle on your cat’s digestive system. It has a very high water content to help keep the digestive system regular. It’s also made with carrots and insoluble natural fibers, which are also very helpful for digestion.

This wet food has an appealing chicken and vegetable flavor. It also has a soft, wet texture that cats like. It’s fortified with antioxidants to boost your cat’s immune system. Because it’s so gentle, this formula is safe for growing kittens. The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care wet food is an option to consider if you’re looking for the best wet cat food for constipation.

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Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Wet Cat Food for Constipation

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  1. Water Sufficient For Processing
  2. Chicken Liver
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 60 kcal/can
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Fat
9.68%
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Protein
38.7%
38.7%
Fiber
12.9%
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Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Wet Cat Food for Constipation Review

The Royal Canin Veterinary Gastrointestinal Wet Cat Food is made specifically to prevent constipation. It is enhanced with prebiotics, which keep the gut balanced and healthy, as well as a blend of dietary fibers to make digestion easier. Every ingredient is easily digestible for optimal stool quality.

This formula is low in calories, so it’s a good option for cats that need to lose weight. It contains essential omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat, and it also helps prevent bladder and kidney issues. Each can contains thin slices in a moist gravy, with a soft texture that’s easy for your cat to digest. This is one of the best wet cat foods for constipation and can help your cat with their digestive issues.

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