7 Best Cat Food for Constipation (Best Pick & Reviews)

Best cat food for constipation. If you own a cat and are looking for the best food to help ease constipation, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll be exploring the different types of food available, their pros and cons, and recommending some of the top picks that have been proven to help cats with constipation. So if your cat feels backed up, stick around – we may have the solution!

Read Also: Best Food for Diabetic Cat

Cat Constipation

Cat constipation refers to a condition in which a cat experiences difficulty in passing stools or feces. Several factors, including ingestion of hairballs, a low-fiber diet, dehydration, and lack of exercise, can cause it. Most cases of constipation are mild and can be cured with simple changes in the cat’s diet or lifestyle. However, more serious issues may require medical attention from your veterinarian.

When it comes to feeding cats food that is beneficial for constipation, there are certain things to keep in mind. Foods that help prevent constipation typically contain supplemental sources of fiber, such as wheat bran and psyllium husks (found in some commercial dry cat foods).

Good protein sources, such as canned tuna and chicken, also help regulate a cat’s elimination process. Low-lactose wet foods may also help cats stay regular as they’re easier to digest than other commercial food. Avoiding low-quality food is also important; highly processed foods tend to contain fewer fiber sources that can assist with digestion.

In order to treat your cat’s constipation naturally at home, offer plenty of fresh water throughout the day and add canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) into their meals, as this ingredient has been shown to help with digestive regularity.

Feed your furry friend small meals throughout the day rather than one large meal so their body can digest large amounts at once. Augmenting your animal’s diet with additional fiber is also recommended—you can also try adding small amounts of vegetables like steamed green beans into their food regimen!

Causes of Cat Constipation

Cat constipation occurs when a cat is unable to expel digestive waste, and stool accumulates in the colon. Common causes of cat constipation are inadequate fluid intake, diet changes, stress, age, overfeeding, or lack of exercise. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms, which can sometimes go unnoticed but are easily identifiable if you know what to look for. These symptoms include:

• Straining in the litter box
• Lack of appetite
• Reduced activity levels
• Frequent pawing at the litter box
• Smaller than normal stools
• Vomiting or refusing food
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Excessive thirst or licking behaviors

Understanding the cause that has led to your cat’s constipation will help you determine how to best treat and manage it. The best way to prevent constipation in cats is through diet and lifestyle changes, such as providing adequate fiber, water, and exercise. Some high fiber that may help reduce constipation include pumpkin puree, canned tomatoes, or spinach.

Additionally, incrementally increasing wet food consumption as dry food contains little moisture, which can cause dehydration and thus put your cat at risk of becoming constipated. Exercise helps stimulate movement within the body, including helping digestion move smoothly throughout your cat’s body.

Signs of Cat Constipation

In most cases, cat constipation is a temporary issue that can be treated with dietary changes and a laxative. If your cat shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment right away:

• Straining in the litter box
• Inability or difficulty in producing a stool
• Lethargy
• Abdominal discomfort or tenderness
• Reduced appetite

If your cat has been constipated for more than 24 hours, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Constipation that persists for more than two days may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that needs medical attention. In addition, make sure you are providing your cat with the best food for constipation. A diet rich in fiber and moisture can help keep stools soft and easy to pass. High-quality proteins, like those found in fish or turkey meals, are also crucial components of an effective cat constipation prevention strategy.

Best cat food for constipation

Cats’ constipation can be difficult to deal with, as they are often unable to express their discomfort easily. Constipation is defined as having very hard or dry stools that infrequently occur—knowing how to identify and which cat food to buy is key in helping your cat fight their constipation.

When choosing the best cat food for constipation, look for options high in fiber, containing prebiotics and probiotics, and having quality protein sources. Foods with more fiber will help stimulate the digestive system and facilitate regular bowel movements in your kitty.

Prebiotics and probiotics aid the digestion of proteins which helps increase stool volume, loosening it, resulting in easier passage through the digestive tract. Finally, protein sources such as fish or poultry will keep your cat full while providing the essential vitamins they need to stay healthy and happy!

Nutrition Considerations for Cats with Constipation

When dealing with constipation in cats, it is important to remember that nutrition plays a key role. Feeding your cat food that is specially formulated for cats with constipation can help keep them regular and improve overall digestive health.

It is best to choose a cat food that is high in fiber, low in fat, and moderate in carbohydrates. High-fiber foods help increase intestinal motility and may help relieve constipation. Additionally, good sources of fiber for cats include psyllium husk, wheat bran, and wet pumpkin puree (not canned).

Fat content should be moderate because too much fat can also cause digestive issues. Look for foods containing healthy fats like salmon oil or flaxseed oil, which are beneficial for overall health but not high enough levels to cause digestive upset.

Low-carb diets have been beneficial for some cats with gastrointestinal issues, including constipation, so if your cat has been diagnosed with chronic constipation, then you may want to switch to a low-carbohydrate diet plan as prescribed by your veterinarian.

Lastly, the moisture content is key because dry food can lead to dehydration, making constipation worse. When switching brands or kinds of food, look for those that contain more moisture or increase the amount of wet food you feed your cat every day if needed. Always consult your veterinarian before making any changes to a constipated cat’s diet–they can make specific recommendations tailored specifically towards their individual needs!

Our list of Best Cat Food for Constipation

1. Best royal canin cat food for constipation (Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response)

2. Best hill’s cat food for constipation (Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control)

3. Best high-fiber wet cat food for constipation (Wellness CORE Grain-Free Wet Cat Food, Natural Canned Food for Cats)

4. Best dry cat food to prevent constipation (Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food)

5. Best wet cat food to prevent constipation (Weruva Cats in The Kitchen, Funk in The Trunk with Chicken in Pumpkin Consomme Cat Food)

6. Best for a kitten with constipation (Instinct Original Grain Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food)

7. Our pick of best cat food for constipation (ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free)

Best Cat Food for Constipation

We have summarized the most highly recommended products for constipation in cat food, such as food for older cats, canned food for younger cats, and food for cats on any budget. Select one that’s best for you, or read our tips to learn more about factors to consider when choosing a product.

Best royal canin cat food for constipation 

Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response

Specially developed to accommodate digestion difficulties concerning gastrointestinal ailments, the Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Fiber Response supplies cats with exceptional nutrients and helps their digestion for optimal stool quality.

The veterinary diet is intended to assist your cat in efficiently eliminating feces. The meals featured in this recipe are overflowing with easily digestible nutrients, including fiber and rice-derived meals such as chicken and brewers rice, corn, psyllium seed husk, and chicory.

By using egg products, chicken fat, and fish oil, the abundant proteins and glycerin content in dog food help improve the nutritional complement and help address diarrhea and constipation. This dry cat food is a good match for various belly ailments, such as cat constipation.

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Best hill’s cat food for constipation 

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control

Hills cat food for constipated kitties eliminates some of the most typical sources of constipation, including hairballs and urinary issues. With no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives but a healthy dose of vitamins C and E, and natural fiber, it is a healthy naturally-sourced option for kitties that are inclined to bouts of constipation.

Following the typical procedure, vets and animal dietitians examine Hill Science Diet ingredients to see whether or not they aid with maintaining the appropriate urinary system and healthy digestive tract for older cats and cats.

Hills are confident that they can win your heart, just as Stuart is so confident that you will be delighted with your kitty. They’re offering you a money-back guarantee if you refuse to be satisfied for any reason.

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Best high-fiber wet cat food for constipation

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Wet Cat Food, Natural Canned Food for Cats

This Wellness CORE recipe has several sources of muscle meat and internal organs and includes a variety of low-carbohydrate ingredients. It contains pea fiber, ground flaxseed, and various other kinds of gum. It provides guar gum, cassia gum, and xanthan gum as thickeners.

While not the best stuff a cat could eat, these gums are a rich source of soluble fiber and may help to improve digestion. In addition to these fiber sources, the food contains chicory root extract, a type of prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria, supporting digestive health. Altogether, the food is nine fiber on a dry matter basis.

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Best dry cat food to prevent constipation 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

Our choice for the best dry food for constipation is Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Dry Cat Food. Blue Buffalo is known for retaining its foods as close to the diet of those within the animal kingdom as possible. For this dry cat food, they have chosen to emulate that of the lynx.

Blue Buffalo, makers of the Puppy Green formula, designed this food with real chicken to lay the foundation for your cat’s lean muscle and prevent weight gain. Green beans and sweet potatoes form part of this formula to support your kitty’s breast milk absorption. Comparable to other Blue Buffalo foods, LifeSource Bits are also made available to give the proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your cat needs.

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Best wet cat food to prevent constipation 

Weruva Cats in The Kitchen, Funk in The Trunk with Chicken in Pumpkin Consomme Cat Food

Weruva is unknown in the world of cat food. Most brands produce food for felines with similar tastes. The recipe this company develops contains elements that your cat requires, slightly different from what cats are familiar with—Kitchen Punk in The Trunk Tomato Chicken Pudding.

There is no grain or wheat in this formula, unlike traditional ones. It is made with lean chicken breast and contains pumpkin as a primary ingredient. Each bite offers your feline high protein from the chicken and fiber from the pumpkin.

This well-balanced formula contains nutrients to keep your feline in tip-top shape. It also includes taurine, which should be a vital ingredient in cat food to maintain cardiovascular health. It can be served as a whole meal in itself or served as a tasty topper on kibble. There are zero starches in it, nor GMOs or ingredients with MSG.

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Best for a kitten with constipation 

Instinct Original Grain Free Real Chicken Recipe Natural Wet Canned Cat Food

Pate is one of the most beneficial food choices for cats with fiber-content problems. Grain-free cat food pate is suitable for helping them get the protein and moisture they require. Unlike dry cat foods, pate is overflowing with moisture, so your kitty can generally go to the toilet. Eating is also simple if your cat isn’t feeling particularly hungry or well.

This chicken recipe consists of 95 chicken, turkey, and chicken liver, so you can know that your kitty is getting the quality protein they require to be as healthy as possible. No unnecessary grains or fillers are added to the food to create stomach bulk.

This canned cat food also contains vitamins and nutrients to ensure your fur-ball will get the positive benefits provided by eating raw food. In addition, it provides you with peace of mind in the knowledge that your meal was made in the U.S.A.

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Our pick of best cat food for constipation 

ZIWI Peak Canned Wet Cat Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free

If you are looking for not just tasty but nutritious food for relieving constipation in your cat, then you should check out Ziwi Peak Wet Lamb Recipe. Made using quality ingredients, including free-range and grass-fed lamb, plus supporting supplements, this wet cat food supports healthy digestion and urinary system health while also helping to reduce food sensitivities.

The main ingredient is naturally-reared and grass-fed lamb, so you will know that you’re getting top-quality protein. Lamb organs are also there, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, and tripe, all of which boast a diverse range of vitamins, including A, D, and E. There is also NZ green mussel included, chickpeas, and dried kelp that boost the essential fatty acid and fiber content.

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Homemade cat food to relieve constipation

For cats with constipation, cook up some nutritionally complete, homemade cat food as an alternative to store-bought. Homemade cat food is easy to make and provides superior nutrition as compared to store-bought varieties. Here are some potential recipes:

Grains and vegetables: Cook quinoa or brown rice in chicken or beef broth with vegetables such as squash, sweet potatoes, or carrots. You can also use boiled lentils and mashed green peas. You can then mix this cooked grain and vegetable mixture with some cooked white fish such as cod or perch.

Cooked meat: If your cat eats it, cook lean meats (like chicken breast) in water or a low-sodium store-bought broth. You can add chopped vegetables like kale or spinach at the end of cooking for extra fiber. Mix this cooked lean meat with a small amount of yogurt for added probiotics that help alleviate constipation symptoms.

Fruits: Cats love the natural sweetness of fruits! Don’t go overboard—only give them about one teaspoon per 1 pound of body weight per day since too much fruit can lead to GI issues like diarrhea. Good fruit choices for cats include banana (canned), melon, papaya, diced apples and pears, pineapple, mangoes (dried), blueberries, and strawberries (dried). For flavor variety, you can also blend up other types of canned food, like evaporated milk mixed with canned tuna or salmon. More moisture in your cat’s diet—make sure it doesn’t contain garlic, onions, or any other spices that may be toxic to cats!

You can also try adding raw pumpkin puree to wet food dishes; it has plenty of fiber which helps get things moving again if your kitty has been a little stopped lately!

Home Remedies for Cat Constipation

Aside from switching your cat’s diet to a more fiber-rich one, many home remedies can help alleviate constipation in cats. With any home remedy, it is best to consult your veterinarian first if possible.

1. Increase Water Intake:

Ensuring that your cat can access plenty of water is essential in preventing and treating constipation. Dehydration can aggravate constipation, so ensure your kitty has plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times and encourage drinking by adding wet food as part of their diet or providing a floating platform in their water bowl. If necessary, you can even give them chicken or beef broth diluted with water as a special treat since they may find it more appealing than plain water.

2. Add Fiber-Rich Foods:

Though not advisable for cats in general due to potential fur-blocking issues, psyllium husk, oat bran, or wheat bran may help reduce litter box discomfort by increasing dietary fiber levels without overloading the diet with too much fat or sugar. Many veterinarians recommend adding plant-based ingredients found in some cat food brands, such as pumpkin puree or oat bran, instead of using supplements like psyllium husk capsules for kitties on the heavier side who cannot absorb extra fructans generally found in plants. Adding small amounts (1/4 teaspoon per day) can help reduce fur blockage from wheat bran while still providing the necessary fiber intake for their health needs.

3. Exercise:

Staying active helps keep both cats and humans from becoming backed up; try getting kitty involved in some low-impact exercises such as playing fetch with a lightweight toy to provide movement throughout the day for them and also give relief from anxiety which may be contributing to constipation issues associated with litter box distress!

4. Massage & Compression:

Giving kitty regular massages on their lower abdomen around the bladder area will help encourage motion through the muscle groups responsible for digestion and urination while helping eliminate waste materials faster – remember not to press down too hard when working around sensitive areas especially since they don’t enjoy being stressed out like us humans do!

Additionally, wearing an elastic waist belt provides gentle compression, which helps promote healthy digestion & comfort during elimination processes within cats prone to chronic bowel issues related to pain or spasticity-related complications following GI toileting surgeries such as neuterings & declawing, etc., giving them added relief from extended bathroom trips every time they go number two!

How to Treat Constipation in Cats

Constipation in cats can often be the result of a dietary issue, dehydration, health issues, or environmental stressors. Incorporating fiber-rich foods and special diets into your cat’s daily routine can help relieve constipation quickly and naturally.

Foods That Help With Constipation: Diet plays an important role in helping your cat to manage and prevent constipation. High-fiber wet food is often a recommended option. Foods containing psyllium, an herbal fiber supplement, are helpful for reducing episodes of feline constipation if you feed them as part of your pet’s diet for an extended period of time.

Increasing the amount of wet food your cat eats each day may also help with the symptoms associated with mild feline constipation, as it helps keep your pet hydrated and stimulates bowel movements. Adding canned pumpkin or mixing water-rich vegetables like cooked green beans into your cat’s diet will also increase hydration levels and provide the essential fiber that can keep their digestive system running properly.

Other Ways to Treat Constipation: Once you have taken steps to ensure that your cat receives enough fiber through their diet, there are other options you can consider if they are still experiencing problems with its bowel movements. If maintaining a healthy diet is not enough, occasional use of an over-the-counter stool softener or laxative may be necessary; ask your veterinarian which type may be best suited to helping manage symptoms and preventing future occurrences.

For cats who suffer from recurrent bouts of constipation due to long-term illness or nervous system damage resulting from aging, homeopathic remedies have been known to aid in restoring proper digestive functioning by providing both short-term relief and ongoing support for more chronic issues affecting their bowels’ general health. Talk to your vet about all options available for helping treat and prevent constipation in cats before instituting any treatment plan at home through natural supplements or medications.

Buyer’s Tips for Choosing the Best Cat Food for Constipation

When it comes to choosing the best cat food for constipation, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to look for food that contains lots of fiber. Fiber is naturally occurring in ingredients like peas, sweet potatoes, and whole grains like brown rice. These ingredients help bulk up your cat’s stool and provide lasting relief from constipation.

In addition to providing ample fiber, you also want to look for cat food that is low in fat and calories so as not to overburden your pet’s digestive system. Too much fat can lead to an unhappy stomach and make matters worse. Lean proteins from sources like fish, chicken, or turkey are ideal for cats with constipation as they provide the necessary amino acids without the added fat content.

Finally, ensure that the cat food you choose offers a good source of moisture to keep things moving smoothly through your pet’s digestive tract. Dry kibble can be beneficial if combined with wet food or canned options—this will help increase moisture intake while still providing essential nutrients required by cats of all life stages.

Conclusion

The best cat food for constipation depends on your pet’s health needs. Generally speaking, high-fiber foods are the best option for cats suffering from constipation, as they help move waste through the digestive system more quickly and easily. Look for foods rich in insoluble fibers like wheat bran, rice hulls, and psyllium husk powder, as well as high-moisture content to help hydrate your cat correctly. Additionally, be sure to consult your veterinarian if constipation persists or is persistent over time to rule out any underlying medical issues. Feeding a healthy diet with quality ingredients can help keep your cat’s digestive system running smoothly and reduce constipation and long-term problems.