Since cats are true carnivores, the amount of fiber in their diet usually does not exceed 0.55%. This is a natural level that does not interfere with the process of digestion. However, things are different from modern processed cat foods. A lot of manufacturers add fiber because it is a cheap product and can serve as a filler. As a result, our furry friends suffer from digestion disorders.___What is the optimal amount of fiber in a cat’s diet, and does your pet need it? Let’s review the best low fiber cat food recipes, their pros and cons, and peculiarities. We will define whether your feline friend needs low-fiber products, and when such a diet will be appropriate.
Best low fiber cat foods of 2021
If your veterinarian prescribed a zero-fiber diet, the lineup from Tiki Cat is a perfect solution. Series of morsels in gravy is represented by a variety of flavors and provides quality protein sourced from deboned meat. The formula contains broth and 80% moisture for optimal digestion.
Besides, there’s the whole gamut of vitamins and minerals included as well as ascorbic acid, folic acid, and taurine. No artificial preservatives, flavors or colors have been added – it is a 100% organic product. Feel free to serve this food to cats of any age – this is pure goodness that contains nothing extra and would be great for pets with sensitive digestion.
Pros:
- Zero fiber content;
- No artificial preservatives and flavors;
- Great choice of flavors;
- Whole range of vitamins and minerals included.
Cons:
- Expensive;
- Some buyers say the formula is too juicy.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Chicken, Seabass, Salmon, Tilapia + 4 other flavors
- Fiber content: 0%
- Calories: 69 kcal/2.8 oz can, 147 kcal/6 oz can
Farmina brand offers a large lineup of low-fiber dry cat foods, and this recipe contains 44% of protein sourced from chicken meat, dried whole eggs, and herring. A low amount of fiber is obtained from pea and superfoods (pomegranate, apple, spinach, alphalpha, blueberry). There’s the whole gamut of vitamins and minerals in the recipe along with DHA, EPA, Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, and taurine.
The formula is appropriate for all life stages. No artificial preservatives and colors have been added. Also, you won’t find soy, grains, pea and lentils, plant-oils, or wheat. Hence, these kibbles can be served to cats with an allergy to grain and beans.
Pros:
- Does not contain soy, grains, peas, wheat;
- 100% natural formula;
- Appropriate for all life stages.
Cons:
- Expensive;
- No choice of flavors.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Fiber content: 1.8%
- Calories: 412 kcal/cup
Natural Balance offers a low-fiber formula with great flavors to satisfy even the pickiest cats. It is based on salmon, salmon meal, and pea protein. There is the whole gamut of vitamins and minerals to sustain pets’ health, as well as taurine and niacin. The absence of artificial flavors and preservatives topped off with a convenient pate-style texture makes this recipe excellent for cats of all life stages.
Since guar gum, cranberries and peas are the only sources of fiber in this formula, this is a true find for allergic and sensitive cats. Besides, the manufacturer used no soy, grains, and gluten. If you are in search of low fiber cat food for constipation, this brand should be considered as the primary solution.
Pros:
- Convenient consistency
- Variety of flavors available
- 100% natural formula.
Cons:
- Some batches are delivered dented;
- Costly.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Salmon, Duck, Chicken
- Fiber content: 1%
- Calories: 195 kcal/5.5-oz can
Sourced from ethically-grown New Zealand meat, the recipe from Ziwi Peak contains only 2% of fiber and as much as 9.5% protein. All-natural formula contains no grains, soy, rice, or potatoes. What’s inside? Lamb and lamb tripe (liver, kidneys, lung, heart), green mussel, and dried kelp. It features a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals together with taurine and folic acid. Thus, the recipe features nothing extra.
No hormones, artificial preservatives and colors have been added. It helps to sustain healthy weight, skin, and coat and might relieve gastrointestinal symptoms. This product is a perfect choice for daily diet, suitable for adult and senior cats of any breed. It may also be a part of kitten/nursing cat ration.
Pros:
- All-natural formula;
- Sourced from 92% organic animal meat;
- Contains vitamins and minerals.
Cons:
- A bit watery;
- Does not help with constipation issues.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Lamb, Chicken, Beef, Venison, Hoki, Mackerel, Rabbit & Lamb, Mackerel & Lamb
- Fiber content: 2%
- Calories: 113 kcal/3-oz can, 245 kcal/6.5-oz can
This recipe is formulated to address specific gastrointestinal issues in adult cats. It is based on pork liver, chicken, and potato protein. The manufacturer put the focus on the vitamin and mineral content to make this product appropriate for daily nutrition. It contains taurine, folic acid, and biotin. No sources of fiber except for beet pulp have been used. Hence, the recipe is suitable for pets with sensitive digestion.
No chemical preservatives or flavors were added. Besides, the formula features highly digestible protein and fiber – it can be served to kittens and senior cats, as well. You should consider it for relieving diarrhea or constipation in your pet.
Pros:
- Suitable for cats of all breeds and ages;
- Highly palatable and digestible formula;
- An all-natural recipe without preservatives and chemical flavors.
Cons:
- Pretty expensive;
- Available by prescription only.
- Type of food: Wet
- Flavors available: Chicken
- Fiber content: 1%
- Calories: 161 kcal/5.5 oz can
This formula contains 3% of fiber sourced from corn, oat, and brewers rice. It does not feature components that trigger stomach upset and digestion disorders. The manufacturer put the whole range of vitamins and minerals together with taurine and folic acid. No artificial components and preservatives have been added – natural flavors only.
This recipe is appropriate for the daily nutrition of adult cats. Yet, I would recommend it as a temporary solution that should be chosen only when prescribed by a vet, and only in cases of high sensitivity. The quality of components leaves a lot to be desired: the formula is based on corn gluten meal and brewers rice taking first spots in the contents list. It also contains pork meal and eggs, not the best sources of protein and amino acids.
Pros:
- Suitable for cats with a very sensitive stomach;
- Contains all vitamins and minerals;
- Prevents gas, constipation, and bloating.
Cons:
- Sources of protein are low-quality.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & Rice: Salmon & Yellow pea
- Fiber content: 3%
- Calories: 524 kcal/cup
If you have a healthy adult cat with sensitive digestion, consider the formula from Solid Gold. It contains 30% of protein and 3% fiber – an optimal combination for daily nutrition. The recipe is based on quail, turkey meal, chicken meal, chickpeas, ocean meal, dried eggs, and peas. It contains the whole spectrum of vitamins and minerals, taurine, folic acid, and Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Fiber is sourced from various superfoods, including carrots, dried eggs, blueberries, cranberries, chicory root, and pumpkin. Besides, the manufacturer added prebiotics and fermentation products to boost digestibility. This option can be recommended for cats without allergy to plant-based components.
Pros:
- Affordable price;
- All vitamins and minerals included.
Cons:
- No choice of flavors;
- Mediocre quality of protein-rich ingredients.
- Type of food: Dry
- Flavors available: Chicken & turkey
- Fiber content: 3%
- Calories: 385 kcal/cup
Is low fiber cat food a panacea?
Although intestinal health problems might be caused by a variety of factors, fiber is usually one of the main reasons for constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fibers are carbs that are not digested by the cat’s body. There are two types of carbohydrates: soluble and insoluble. Manufacturers use both types with the second one prevailing. That might be the cause of problems.
Low-fiber cat food might be a great solution when a cat has:
- Hairball issues;
- Constipation or diarrhea;
- Excessive weight.
Before switching to such a diet, you should consult a veterinarian – only a doctor can define the cat’s nutritional needs appropriately. Also please, not, there’s a number of situations when high-fiber cat food is even better for your cat.
How to transition to low fiber cat food?
No matter which low fiber cat food brands and types of recipes you select, the process of transition is pretty much the same in all cases.
Start with serving new food along with old in 20/80 ratio, then gradually change it into 40/60, 50/50, and further. Add a minor quantity of low-fiber food to the old diet or offer separate meals at a certain time (for example, in breakfast or dinner). Watch your cat’s reaction. It might experience diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. If it gets too serious, do not hurry with the process of transition.
FAQ’s
What to look for in a low fiber cat food?
When you select low-fiber food, look at the quantity of fiber (it should be 0-3%) and the quality of ingredients it is sourced from. Grains, wheat, and soy are not good in large amounts. Vegetables, berries, and fruits are more quality sources of fiber.
What cat food is considered low in fibers?
There is no exact definition as “low-fiber cat food” – most manufacturers label it as the food for digestion problems. In dry foods, 3% of fiber may be appropriate. Yet, we consider recipes with 0.5-2% as low in fiber.
What brand has a low fiber canned cat food?
The lowest amount of fiber can be found in the Tiki Cat lineup – it has 0% protein. Weruva wet food series has 0.5% of fiber, and Wellness Core wet food recipes have 1% of fiber.
In a word
Although fiber is an essential nutrient for any mammal, cats’ digestive system is not suited to process it in large amounts. If your furry friend experiences problems with stool, gas, and bloating, or its poop is too smelly there might be too much fiber served. Reconsider your pet’s diet and consult a veterinarian.
Related reading: Best cat food for smelly poop
If a doctor prescribes making a switch, choose low-fiber foods carefully. Pay attention to the quality of components and avoid recipes with too many grains, rice, and potatoes. A product with 0.5-2% of fiber would be the best solution. If your pet prefers dry cat food, a formula with 3% fiber might also be appropriate if it contains non-allergic components.
When figuring out the suitable foods for your cat, watch its reaction, and define which components cause sensitivity and trigger intestinal problems. Sometimes, diarrhea or constipation is caused by one particular product (grain, vegetable, or fruit). With a properly chosen formula, you and your four-legged pal will forget about intestinal symptoms for good.
Contents
- The pro’s of low fiber cat food
- Best low fiber cat foods of 2021
- Tiki Cat Luau Grain-Free, Low-Carbohydrate Wet Food with Poultry or Fish in Consomme for Adult Cats & Kittens
- Farmina Natural And Delicious Chicken And Pomegranate Grain-Free Formula Dry Cat Food
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Wet Cat Food
- Ziwi Peak Lamb Recipe Canned Cat Food
- HILL’S PRESCRIPTION DIET i/d Digestive Care with Chicken Canned Cat Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Solid Gold – Winged Tiger – Real Quail & Pumpkin – Grain-Free & Gluten-Free
- Is low fiber cat food a panacea?
- How to transition to low fiber cat food?
- FAQ’s
- In a word
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