The most common advice given to cat owners when choosing a food is to choose one that’s high in protein. What’s not heard as often is to feed one high in fiber. While we often don’t think about feeding out cats large volumes of fruit and vegetables, it’s important too. There are many good reasons to feed your cat high-fiber cat food, including regulating their bowel habits, helping with weight loss, and preventing hairballs. It can also help cats with illnesses like diabetes or anal gland disease and help to prevent colon cancer.
To help you find the best high-fiber cat food, we’ve reviewed some of the best ones available.
A Glance at Our Top Picks (2023 Update)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription
Made from high-quality ingredients
Improves skin and coat
Freeze-dried formula stores well and has a long shelf life
Click to Save 40% Use code: PetKeen2023
Best Value
Purina Beyond Chicken Canned Cat Food
Affordable price
Very high fiber content
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Wellness CORE Chicken Wet Cat Food
Variety of fiber sources
Low in fat to help prevent weight gain
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Best for Kittens
Natural Balance Original Cat Food
Suitable for all life stages
No artificial colors or flavors
The layering of multiple fiber sources
Check Price
Primal Duck Nuggets Cat Food
Raw food
All-natural fiber sources
Added Omega-3 fatty acids
Check Price
The 11 Best High Fiber Cat Foods
1. Smalls Fresh Cat Food Subscription – Best Overall
Click Here & Use Code Petkeen2023 to Save 40% on Smalls!
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, All natural
Smalls is the overall best high fiber cat food. Smalls is an independent cat food brand that claims it is made from ingredients so good that people could technically eat it. We don’t recommend eating it because it’s cat food, but Smalls contains high-quality ingredients like grocery-store quality chicken and plenty of fruits and vegetables. It comes in wet and freeze-dried formulas to replace your canned food and/or your kibble. Reviewers claim this cat food improved their cat’s coats. They also report less litter box odor and fresher breath. Because this cat food is made from quality ingredients, it’s a bit pricier than grocery store brands. You also can’t find it in your average grocery store or pet store. It’s best to order online.
Pros
Made from high-quality ingredients
Improves breath and litter box scent
Highly rated by veterinarians
Improves skin and coat
Freeze-dried formula stores well and has a long shelf life
Cons
Pricier than other cat food brands
Purina Beyond Indoor Grain-Free Chicken Recipe is available at a more affordable price than a lot of other high-fiber cat foods, making it our recommendation as to the best value for the money. It is an excellent source of protein in a mixture designed for indoor cats.
Made from high-quality ingredients
Improves breath and litter box scent
Highly rated by veterinarians
Improves skin and coat
Freeze-dried formula stores well and has a long shelf life
- Made from high-quality ingredients
- Improves breath and litter box scent
- Highly rated by veterinarians
- Improves skin and coat
- Freeze-dried formula stores well and has a long shelf life
Pricier than other cat food brands
- Pricier than other cat food brands
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Grain-free, high-protein
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The sources of fiber found in Purina Beyond are carrots, cellulose, and guar gum, adding up to a total of 11% fiber. This makes it one of the highest-fiber foods on our list. It still has 16.8% carbohydrates, so it might not be a good choice for the long-term feeding of cats prone to obesity.
Pros
Affordable price
Very high fiber content
Cons
High carbohydrate levels
The majority of cat foods that are marketed for indoor cats are manufactured on the premise that indoor cats are prone to obesity, hairballs, and constipation. This assumption means that most indoor cat foods are high in fiber.
Affordable price
Very high fiber content
- Affordable price
- Very high fiber content
High carbohydrate levels
- High carbohydrate levels
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Grain-free, gluten-free
The Wellness CORE recipe provides multiple protein sources while remaining low in carbohydrates. This food contains pea fiber, flaxseed, and a variety of gums to increase its fiber content. While they are not the most appetizing foods globally, they do a great job of improving digestion as these are rich in soluble fiber.
Prebiotic fibers are added to this food in the form of chicory root extract. This helps to support your cat’s healthy gut bacteria and supports digestive health. This food is about 9% fiber overall.
This food is listed as our premium choice because it’s quite expensive compared to other high-fiber foods.
Pros
Variety of fiber sources
Low in fat to help prevent weight gain
Cons
Not the best fiber sources
Expensive
Natural Balance Original balances high-protein chicken with a good variety of fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The fiber content is listed at 3%, but it is provided through multiple sources to provide your cat with extra help with digestion. Since this food provides adequate nutrition for all life stages, you can feed it to your kitten as well.
Variety of fiber sources
Low in fat to help prevent weight gain
- Variety of fiber sources
- Low in fat to help prevent weight gain
Not the best fiber sources
Expensive
- Not the best fiber sources
- Expensive
Food type: Dry
Lifestage: All life stages
Special Diet: N/A
This food contains no artificial colors or flavors and has carefully balanced calcium and phosphorous levels to help grow and maintain strong bones and teeth.
Pros
The layering of multiple fiber sources
Suitable for all life stages
No artificial colors or flavors
Cons
Only 3% fiber content
- Primal Duck Formula Freeze-dried Nuggets Cat Food
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Food type: Freeze-dried
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Gluten-free, grain-free, all-natural
Made from freeze-dried duck meat, Primal Duck Formula Nuggets provide your kitty with all the benefits of feeding raw food without the mess and preparation. With duck as the primary protein source, these nuggets are great for sensitive stomachs. To serve, you simply add water and feed.
The layering of multiple fiber sources
Suitable for all life stages
No artificial colors or flavors
- The layering of multiple fiber sources
- Suitable for all life stages
- No artificial colors or flavors
Only 3% fiber content
- Only 3% fiber content
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Food type: Freeze-dried
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Gluten-free, grain-free, all-natural
Unlike a lot of other freeze-dried food options, this one actually promotes healthy digestion. Fibrous ingredients in these nuggets include squash, carrots, broccoli, and pumpkin seeds. The total fiber content is about 4%. If you’re looking for more natural fiber sources to feed your cat, this is a good choice, and the overall fiber content is average for high-fiber foods.
As an added bonus, Primal Duck Formula Nuggets have added Omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health and relieve inflammation that can lead to digestive issues.
Pros
All-natural fiber sources
Duck is the primary protein source
Raw food
Added Omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
Must add water and mix before feeding
Another great high fiber cat food is Weruva Cats in the Kitchen. This food is rich in animal protein, low in carbohydrates, and made from high-quality, human-grade ingredients.
All-natural fiber sources
Duck is the primary protein source
Raw food
Added Omega-3 fatty acids
- All-natural fiber sources
- Duck is the primary protein source
- Raw food
- Added Omega-3 fatty acids
Must add water and mix before feeding
- Must add water and mix before feeding
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, All natural
The extra fiber in this cat food comes from the addition of pumpkin, sweet potato, xanthan gum, and carrots. While it does contain a lot of plant matter, it still has 72% protein, making it appropriate for cats. The high-protein and high fiber content is a rare quality in cat food and makes it perfect for cats with constipation or digestive issues.
Pros
High protein and high fiber
High-quality ingredients
Cons
More plant matter than is usual for cat food
Royal Canin foods are prescription foods, and you will require a prescription from your veterinarian to buy them. For cats with serious digestion issues, it may be worth it.
High protein and high fiber
High-quality ingredients
- High protein and high fiber
- High-quality ingredients
More plant matter than is usual for cat food
- More plant matter than is usual for cat food
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Veterinary diet, Sensitive digestion
This food has 34% fewer calories than Royal Canin’s high-energy version, making it an ideal choice for cats who need to achieve weight loss. The proteins are easily digested, and it also contains prebiotic fiber to promote healthy gut bacteria and digestive function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also included to reduce inflammation.
Customer reviews for Royal Canin Gastrointestinal report significant improvement in allergies, diarrhea, pancreatitis, and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
The downside is that this food contains a significant amount of corn starch and corn flour, making it high in carbohydrates. This fact alone makes it a short-term solution and not a food you’d want to feed your cat long-term.
Pros
Great for digestive issues
Added prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids
Low-calorie
Cons
High in carbohydrates
It contains corn starch and cornflour
8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Dry Formula Cat Food
This kibble from Wellness CORE has 38% protein and 5% fiber. It contains only natural sources of fiber and is designed for indoor cats with less active lifestyles. The protein sources are high-quality deboned chicken and turkey.
Great for digestive issues
Added prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids
Low-calorie
- Great for digestive issues
- Added prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids
- Low-calorie
High in carbohydrates
It contains corn starch and cornflour
- High in carbohydrates
- It contains corn starch and cornflour
Food type: Dry
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Grain-free, Gluten-free, high-protein
What’s great about this food is that it contains no fillers, grains, byproducts, or artificial additives. It contains 20% less fat than standard commercial cat food, which is great for cats with weight issues.
Pros
High-protein
Natural fiber sources
Low-calorie
Cons
Only 5% fiber
Designed for indoor cats only
This dry cat food from Blue Buffalo has based on a wild Lynx diet. The fiber content is 7.4%, and it’s 100% grain-free. Deboned chicken, chicken, and fish meals are the primary protein sources, with carbohydrates coming from peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
High-protein
Natural fiber sources
Low-calorie
- High-protein
- Natural fiber sources
- Low-calorie
Only 5% fiber
Designed for indoor cats only
- Only 5% fiber
- Designed for indoor cats only
Food type: Dry
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Weight control, high-protein, grain-free
This food is specially formulated by veterinarians to combat weight gain and hairball formation. Added cellulose and psyllium seeds accomplish this task well, along with plenty of vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
Pros
Weight control food
All-natural fiber and carbohydrate sources
Also combats hairballs
Cons
For indoor cats only
Merrick Limited Ingredient food is available in duck, chicken, and salmon flavors. This food’s ingredients are very limited, making it easy to control exactly what your cat is eating. If you’re dealing with sensitive stomach or gastrointestinal issues, this is a great feature.
Weight control food
All-natural fiber and carbohydrate sources
Also combats hairballs
- Weight control food
- All-natural fiber and carbohydrate sources
- Also combats hairballs
For indoor cats only
- For indoor cats only
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Limited ingredient, grain-free, gluten-free
This wet food is easy to digest and has a good amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.
Pros
Limited ingredient food
Suitable for cats with food sensitivities
Cons
Expensive
- Nature’s Variety Instinct LID Rabbit Canned Cat Food
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Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Sensitive digestion, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Limited Ingredient
Nature’s Variety Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Rabbit Formula is made with high-quality ingredients and a single source of animal protein. This particular variety contains rabbit as its protein source. This is a novel protein source for cats, but it’s what makes this food great. If you are dealing with food allergies, sensitivities, or complex digestive issues, a novel source of protein may be exactly what you need.
Limited ingredient food
Suitable for cats with food sensitivities
- Limited ingredient food
- Suitable for cats with food sensitivities
Expensive
- Expensive
Food type: Wet
Lifestage: Adult
Special Diet: Sensitive digestion, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Limited Ingredient
This food contains about 45% protein and 14% fiber content. This is an extremely high level of fiber compared to most cat foods.
The only real downside to this food is the flavor. Since it’s primarily composed of rabbit protein, some cats may not like it.
Pros
High-protein
High-fiber
Limited ingredient food
Novel protein source
Cons
Some cats may not like it
High-protein
High-fiber
Limited ingredient food
Novel protein source
- High-protein
- High-fiber
- Limited ingredient food
- Novel protein source
Some cats may not like it
- Some cats may not like it
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best High Fiber Cat Food
How Fiber Helps Your Cat
Fiber is an important carbohydrate in a cat’s diet. In the wild, cats would get fiber from their prey, but domestic cats who don’t hunt for their food have to get it in their cat food. Fiber is broken down differently than fats and proteins. Cats don’t store fiber, but it passes through their digestive tract whole from top to bottom.
Fiber is essential because it keeps other food moving through your cat’s intestines at a reasonable rate. It helps form stool that’s not too hard and not too soft, making bathroom trips more comfortable for your kitty. By doing this, fiber prevents both constipation and diarrhea, which is why high-fiber foods are used to fix these problems.
Weight management issues often arise in domestic cats because they are less active than their outdoor and wild counterparts. They sleep longer, groom themselves more, and don’t have to expend energy finding their food. So, while outdoor cats probably don’t need extra fiber in their diet, your indoor cats are likely to benefit from it.
- Want to know how various cat foods stack up against one an other? Read the Best Cat Foods (Updated)
Reasons to Feed a High-Fiber Food
There are many options for cat food that are formulated specifically for the needs of indoor cats. Here is a list of some specific conditions high-fiber food can help with:
Hairball control
Domestic cats tend to groom themselves a lot because they have more time on their hands to do so. As they lick their fur, they inevitably ingest some of the hair. Most of it gets passed through the intestines in the same way as food, but sometimes it can clump up in the stomach like a hairball.
Ridding themselves of hairballs is nasty business. Cats will heave until they vomit it up. Then you’re left with picking it up off the floor. Hairballs are more common in older cats and cats with long hair.
If your cat is able to vomit up the hairball, all will be well. In some cases, however, these hairballs can become lodged and cause issues. High-fiber diets can help prevent these problems by reducing the number of hairballs your cat forms. Special hairball formula foods cut down on shedding and help the hair they do ingest move efficiently through the intestine.
Giving your pet the highest quality nutrition is a top priority, so why not give them a food and water dish to match? We think the Hepper Nom Nom Bowl is too good not to share.
Made from food-safe stainless steel, you can ensure that your pet is consuming the best nutrition out of the finest bowls on the market. Click here to get yours. At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Made from food-safe stainless steel, you can ensure that your pet is consuming the best nutrition out of the finest bowls on the market. Click here to get yours.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Obesity
Indoor cats are prone to weight issues and obesity simply because they take in more calories than they burn. In the wild, cats can go for several days without a meal, and they put on a lot of miles during that time. Our house cats get multiple meals a day and spend a good chunk of time laying around or sleeping. These factors lead to weight gain.
A high-fiber diet can aid in weight loss and weight management because it helps your cat to feel fuller for longer. They eat less food and need to eat less often. Because fiber passes through your cat’s digestive tract unabsorbed, it doesn’t increase their overall caloric intake.
Constipation and diarrhea
Both of these conditions are uncomfortable for your kitty. With the first, the stool is too dry and moves too slowly to be comfortable to pass. With the latter, it moves too fast and comes out runny. Both are signs that your cat’s digestive tract isn’t running smoothly.
Fiber plays a significant role in forming a healthy stool. It draws water into the intestines to soften hard stool and slows down the passage of runny stool by taking water out of it. Beet pulp and pumpkin are two excellent fiber sources that do a good job of fixing stool problems in cats.
Different Types of Fiber
Fiber can come from an animal-based source or a plant-based source. Cats can digest both, but they work differently.
Here are the types of fiber available in cat food and the properties of each.
Soluble fiber – These fibers will be listed on the ingredient list as pectin or gums. Soluble fiber is excellent at relieving constipation as it draws water into the intestine.
Insoluble fiber – Cellulose and peanut hulls are examples of insoluble fibers. These fibers make stool bulkier as it travels through the intestine and are great at relieving diarrhea.
Moderately fermentable fiber – Some fiber sources have both soluble and insoluble properties. These are often the best choice for digestive issues as they create balance in your cat’s digestive system. Typical examples of moderately fermentable fibers are pumpkin, beet pulp, or bran pulp.
Drawbacks of High Fiber Food
High-fiber diets for a cat aren’t without their downside. For this reason, you should always consult with your vet before switching your cat’s food. Sometimes, excess fiber can get stored as fat, making it more difficult to manage your cat’s weight. It’s also important to pay attention to the ratio of proteins and carbohydrates that your cat is eating. Without enough protein, cats will lose muscle mass that’s important for their overall health.
Soluble fiber – These fibers will be listed on the ingredient list as pectin or gums. Soluble fiber is excellent at relieving constipation as it draws water into the intestine.
Insoluble fiber – Cellulose and peanut hulls are examples of insoluble fibers. These fibers make stool bulkier as it travels through the intestine and are great at relieving diarrhea.
Moderately fermentable fiber – Some fiber sources have both soluble and insoluble properties. These are often the best choice for digestive issues as they create balance in your cat’s digestive system. Typical examples of moderately fermentable fibers are pumpkin, beet pulp, or bran pulp.
- Soluble fiber – These fibers will be listed on the ingredient list as pectin or gums. Soluble fiber is excellent at relieving constipation as it draws water into the intestine.
- Insoluble fiber – Cellulose and peanut hulls are examples of insoluble fibers. These fibers make stool bulkier as it travels through the intestine and are great at relieving diarrhea.
- Moderately fermentable fiber – Some fiber sources have both soluble and insoluble properties. These are often the best choice for digestive issues as they create balance in your cat’s digestive system. Typical examples of moderately fermentable fibers are pumpkin, beet pulp, or bran pulp.
Here are a few things to watch for when buying cat food to avoid any potential problems:
High protein – Fiber content in cat food should never be increased at the expense of protein content. Cats are carnivores who require a lot of meat in their diet. Replacing this with excess carbohydrates will never be beneficial for feline health.
Allergens – Cats can have intestinal problems from allergies or food sensitivities. Grains and artificial additives are common food sensitivities.
Type of fiber – Cats should receive both soluble and non-soluble fiber.
Moderately fermentable fiber – This type of fiber is most beneficial for cats because it does the job of both other types.
Protein to carbohydrate ratio – For weight management, you should look for a food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Nutrients for skin and coat health – Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids will help keep your cat’s coat and skin in the best condition. They also reduce shedding and keep hairballs at bay.
High protein – Fiber content in cat food should never be increased at the expense of protein content. Cats are carnivores who require a lot of meat in their diet. Replacing this with excess carbohydrates will never be beneficial for feline health.
Allergens – Cats can have intestinal problems from allergies or food sensitivities. Grains and artificial additives are common food sensitivities.
Type of fiber – Cats should receive both soluble and non-soluble fiber.
Moderately fermentable fiber – This type of fiber is most beneficial for cats because it does the job of both other types.
Protein to carbohydrate ratio – For weight management, you should look for a food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Nutrients for skin and coat health – Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids will help keep your cat’s coat and skin in the best condition. They also reduce shedding and keep hairballs at bay.
- High protein – Fiber content in cat food should never be increased at the expense of protein content. Cats are carnivores who require a lot of meat in their diet. Replacing this with excess carbohydrates will never be beneficial for feline health.
- Allergens – Cats can have intestinal problems from allergies or food sensitivities. Grains and artificial additives are common food sensitivities.
- Type of fiber – Cats should receive both soluble and non-soluble fiber.
- Moderately fermentable fiber – This type of fiber is most beneficial for cats because it does the job of both other types.
- Protein to carbohydrate ratio – For weight management, you should look for a food that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
- Nutrients for skin and coat health – Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids will help keep your cat’s coat and skin in the best condition. They also reduce shedding and keep hairballs at bay.
Conclusion
Choosing a high-fiber cat food doesn’t have to be hard. We recommend Smalls Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food as the best overall high-fiber cat food. For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend Purina Beyond as the best value for the money. With a good variety of wet and dry food options, these reviews are sure to help you find the best high-fiber food for your cat. The features in our buyer’s guide will help you know what to look for when you shop, so you can get your kitty back to feeling their best.
- What to read next: 6 Great Sources Of Fiber For Cats (& How Much They Need Daily)
Featured Image Credit: aleg baranau, Shutterstock
