Last updated May 29, 2024
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
The best cat food for constipation promotes a healthy stool consistency. These foods are rich in hydrating moisture, made with easily digestible ingredients, and offer balanced fiber levels to ensure smooth and regular digestion.
When a cat is constipated, stool turns to stone, and bowel movements become increasingly frustrating. All the while, the digestive system continues merrily on, creating more waste to fill up the small intestine and double your cat’s discomfort.
In this guide, you’ll learn what features make a product appropriate for cats struggling with constipation. We’ve also assembled a list of our top picks for the best cat foods for constipation on the market.
At a Glance: The Best Cat Food for Constipation
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of hydration for your cat
RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Canned Cat Food
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Limited list of digestible ingredients
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Hydrating canned food
- Popular among cats with digestive issues
- Contains pumpkin
Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
- Made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration and digestion
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Turkey Pate Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
- Formulated to support digestive health
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Numerous sources of quality animal protein
- Much lowers carb content than typical dry food
- Free from artificial additives and fillers
Hill's P/D Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Cat Food
- Contains ingredients to support a healthy GI tract
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids as well as DHA and EPA
- Improves regularity and healthy stools for cats
Raised Right Turkey & Pumpkin Paté For Adult Cats
- Made with a short list of easily digestible ingredients
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Doesn’t contain carrageenan or gums
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner Canned Cat Food
- Rich source of animal protein
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
- Fairly low carbohydrate content
In this video, Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, discusses the signs of constipation in cats and how to treat it. The products recommended below were chosen with Dr. Wooten’s advice in mind.
Why Trust Cats.com
The products recommended below were carefully selected and tested by several members of our team with their own cats at home. Prior to selecting products for testing, we consulted our panel of veterinary advisors to learn more about the dietary management of constipation in cats. Relying on in-depth research and veterinary advice, we made our selections and purchased the products at full retail price.
Our in-home testing process involves a detailed analysis of each product’s nutritional makeup as well as research into the brand’s history. We also read customer reviews to gauge cat owner satisfaction with the products. Our cats provide their opinions on the food’s taste, texture, and general appeal while we make observations about the aroma, appearance, consistency, and packaging.
Our Veterinary Advisors:
- Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
- Dr. Chris Vanderhoof, DVM, MPH
- Dr. Sarah Reidenbach, DVM
- Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
- Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM
- Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM
- Dr. Elizabeth Youens, DVM
The Top 9 Best Cat Foods for Constipation
For its meat-centric formula and rich moisture content, Smalls Fresh Ground Bird is our top pick for the best cat food for constipation. But it isn’t the perfect pick for every cat. Your cat is unique and your choice should account for their individual needs and preferences.
We consider a variety of factors when evaluating and recommending cat foods. Our rankings are based on objective analysis of the product along with the results of in-house testing. To help you find the right product for your cat, we’ve categorized our picks by food type, price range, and other key markers.
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Smalls Fresh Ground Bird is a good choice for cats with constipation thanks to its concentration of easily-digestible animal protein and high moisture content. The food features chicken muscle meat as the primary ingredient with supplemental protein from chicken liver.
To help ease constipation, this food is rich in hydrating moisture and dietary fiber. Even with several vegetable ingredients, the food is still very low in carbohydrates — under 10%, measured as dry matter.
Free from hard-to-digest legumes like green peas, this food appears to be highly digestible for most cats. The food is also free from potentially irritating ingredients that might cause gastrointestinal inflammation and make constipation worse.
Ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Liver, Green Beans, Water Sufficient for Processing, Dried Yeast, Tricalcium Phosphate, Kale, Magnesium Proteinate, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Dried Kelp, Taurine, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Cod Liver Oil, Salt, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenite, Biotin.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich in animal-sourced protein
- Cod liver oil provides omega-3 fatty acids
- Good source of hydration for your cat
- Very low in carbohydrates
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only available as a subscription plan
- No phone support (text and email only)
#2 Runner Up: RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Canned Cat Food
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.25 per day
If a fresh cat food subscription isn’t the right fit, a high-moisture, species-appropriate canned food is an excellent alternative. This turkey recipe from RAWZ contains 96% turkey muscle meat and turkey liver, making it a carnivore-friendly choice. It’s a single-protein recipe as well, which could be a benefit for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
Aside from the turkey ingredients, it contains little else but supplements. Being a simple, low-residue formula, this cat food is highly digestible — there’s little besides meat for your cat to process. Measured as dry matter, the food contains over 40% crude protein and the carbohydrate content is under 20%.
Ingredients
Turkey, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Fenugreek Seeds, Dandelion Greens, Taurine, Natural Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Salt, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Limited list of digestible ingredients
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Some reviewers dislike the consistency
#3 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.98 per day
While high-moisture food is preferable to kibble, especially for cats with constipation, it tends to be pricey. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality nutrition, this Nulo Freestyle formula is one to consider.
This wet food is meat-based with multiple sources of animal protein, such as turkey and tuna. Menhaden fish oil is the primary added fat, a species-appropriate source of anti-inflammatory and skin-supporting omega-3 fatty acids.
Along with several other trace amounts of fruits and vegetables, the food contains pumpkin, which can help encourage bowel movement in constipated cats. The downside of this food is that it’s thickened with guar gum. This ingredient has been known to trigger loose stools in some cats, so introduce this food slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, Tuna, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Agar Agar, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Cranberries, Pumpkin, Menhaden Fish Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Tomato, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Salt, Iron Proteinate, Sodium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Hydrating canned food
- Popular among cats with digestive issues
- Contains pumpkin
- Made with guar gum
What We Didn’t Like
- Some reviewers say their cats disliked the food
#4 Best Ethically-Sourced: Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8.1% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 27
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.46 per day
Poor-quality ingredients can not only be more difficult for your cat to digest, but they may contribute to gastrointestinal inflammation and other digestive issues. Open Farm cat foods are made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients, so you can always feel good about what you’re putting in your cat’s bowl.
This Open Farm wet cat food features humanely raised turkey as the primary ingredient. Turkey bone broth provides a flavorful source of hydrating moisture and may contain probiotics and enzymes to boost your cat’s digestion.
Overall, this is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate formula with fairly high fat content. It does, unfortunately, contain red lentils and garbanzo beans (chickpeas) which some cats may have trouble digesting. For the most part, however, customers report that their cats like the food.
Ingredients
Humanely Raised Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Pumpkin, Carrots, Spinach, Red Lentils, Agar Agar, Non-GMO Cranberries, Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas), Chicory Root, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Salt, Vitamin A Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Dried Kelp, Potassium Chloride, Dandelion Greens, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Turmeric.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Red Lentils, Garbanzo Beans
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Made with ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients
- Contains a single source of animal protein
- Rich in moisture to support hydration and digestion
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains several hard-to-digest legumes
- Fairly expensive
#5 Best Wet Wellness CORE Digestive Health Turkey Pate Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.74 per day
Made with a protein-rich blend of turkey muscle meat and chicken liver, this canned cat food is formulated to support digestive health. It’s full of hydrating moisture and is very low in carbohydrates. The food relies on animal-sourced fat from salmon oil, a rich source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
This food contains several sources of dietary fiber including apple and pumpkin powders. Cassia gum and xanthan gum act not only as thickening agents for this food but also offer prebiotic support for beneficial bacteria in the GI tract. Though gums are not inherently harmful, they contribute to some cats developing loose stools.
Overall, this appears to be an easily digestible food. The moisture and fiber content may help ease constipation in cats and the species-appropriate recipe doesn’t hurt either.
Ingredients
Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Ground Flaxseed, Potassium Chloride, Apple Powder, Cranberry Powder, Pumpkin Powder, Taurine, Salmon Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Inulin, Choline Chloride, Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Magnesium Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Blueberry Powder, Papaya Powder, Pomegranate Powder, Vitamin E Supplement, Peppermint Leaf Powder, Cinnamon, Fennel Powder, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Formulated to support digestive health
- Rich in animal-sourced protein and fat
- Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
- Good source of hydrating moisture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
- Contains several gum thickeners
#6 Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 114
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.90 per day
Though dry food isn’t ideal for cats, it’s all some cats will eat. If your cat prefers kibble, this high-protein formula from Dr. Elsey’s is a good choice. It contains numerous sources of high-quality animal protein and is much lower in carbohydrates than the typical dry food.
Not only is this food protein-packed, but it relies on animal-sourced fat which is very species-appropriate for your cat. Both chicken fat and salmon oil contribute to the food’s calorie density and provide flavor. The salmon oil is a particularly good source of omega-3 fatty acids which provide anti-inflammatory benefits and support skin and coat health.
Like any dry food, this recipe’s downfall is its low moisture content. If your cat already struggles with constipation, a dry food diet is unlikely to help matters. You may be able to mitigate the problem by soaking the food in water or bone broth prior to feeding or by adding a wet food topper.
Ingredients
Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Salmon Oil, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Fructooligosaccharide, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Acetate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Cobalt Carbonate, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide), Potassium Chloride, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Taurine, Salt, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Numerous sources of quality animal protein
- Much lowers carb content than typical dry food
- Free from artificial additives and fillers
- Salmon oil provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the moisture your cat needs
#7 Best Dry Prescription: Hill’s P/D Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 37.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.95 per day
While resilient in many ways, cats can experience digestive issues or have a sensitive digestive tract. For pet parents who haven’t had much success with over-the-counter cat foods, Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome dry cat food might be a good option.
Like other foods from Hill’s Pet, Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome dry food was designed by their own nutritionists and veterinarians. It is specially designed and clinically proven to reduce digestive upsets and promote healthier stools.
In addition to proteins like chicken, corn protein meal, and pea protein, this cat food has a proprietary blend of ingredients called ActivBiome+, which works to regulate cats. While this recipe isn’t low-fat or gluten-free, the prebiotics work to promote a healthy microbiome and beneficial postbiotics. This diet also has beneficial omega-3s and omega-6, both of which support your cat’s internal health and promotes a healthy coat.
Ingredients
Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Pea Protein, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Oats, Ground Pecan Shells, Cracked Pearled Barley, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Flaxseed, Psyllium Seed Husk, Dried Citrus Pulp, Fish Oil, Lactic Acid, L-Lysine, Pumpkin, Pressed Cranberries, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), Potassium Chloride, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Dried Hydrolyzed Casein, Calcium Sulfate, L-Tryptophan, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene.
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Citrus Pulp
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Fewer calories than some other dry cat foods
- Ingredients, like flaxseed, that support digestive health
- Designed by veterinarians to provide optimal nutrition
- Resealable bag makes storage very easy
What We Didn’t Like:
- Some reviewers comment that their cats don’t like it
- Expensive compared to other choices
#8 Best for Sensitive Stomach: Raised Right Turkey & Pumpkin Paté For Adult Cats
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 21% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 44
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.05 per day
Formulated with a single source of animal protein and a limited list of easily digestible ingredients, Raised Right could be a good choice for cats with constipation. It’s not as high in moisture as some canned foods but it does contain pumpkin for a boost of dietary fiber.
This cat food features a blend of turkey muscle meat and organs with cod liver oil as an animal source of omega-3 fatty acids. The food doesn’t contain hard-to-digest beans, peas, or legumes, and it’s free from artificial additives. The carbohydrate content is very low, under 10% measured as dry matter.
Raised Right fresh foods don’t contain carrageenan or gum thickeners. Organic dried kelp is used to help bind the ingredients in the absence of added starch and other high-carbohydrate ingredients.
Ingredients
Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Pumpkin, Organic Spearmint, Cod Liver Oil, Egg Shell Powder, Flaxseed Oil, Organic Dried Kelp, Taurine, Thiamine Mononitrate.
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey Thigh, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked
- Made with a short list of easily digestible ingredients
- Relies on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Doesn’t contain carrageenan or gums
- Pumpkin provides a source of supplemental fiber
What We Didn’t Like
- Some cats don’t seem to like the texture or flavor
- Only sold in packs of 4 or 16 bags
#9 Best for Seniors: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner Canned Cat Food
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.24 per day
As your cat enters their golden years, they’re more likely to experience health challenges. Kidney disease is particularly common in senior cats but can sometimes be managed with a low-phosphorus diet. This Weruva Truluxe recipe isn’t formulated for the treatment of kidney problems, but it contains lower-than-average phosphorus for a non-prescription cat food.
In addition to its controlled phosphorus content, this formula is rich in hydrating moisture and made with a fairly short list of digestible ingredients. Beef muscle meat is the main ingredient and the only source of protein. For cats allergic or sensitive to chicken or other common proteins, this food could be a good choice.
Cats with constipation may benefit from the fiber content of this food. It contains both pumpkin and sweet potato. The potato starch is likely included as a thickening agent and may account for much of the food’s near-16% dry matter carbohydrate content.
Ingredients
Beef Broth, Beef, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Potato Starch, Carrot, Sunflower Seed Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Taurine, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, Nicotinic Acid (Vitamin B3 Supplement), Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement.
Ingredients We Liked: Beef Broth, Beef, Taurine
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Carrot
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Rich source of animal protein
- Short list of easily digestible main ingredients
- Fairly low carbohydrate content
- High in moisture to support digestion
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be pricey
- Relies primarily on plant-sourced fat
What to Look for in Cat Food for Constipation
When waste arrives in the small intestine, it has a sludgy consistency. As it moves further along the gastrointestinal tract (GI), the large intestine draws out water, turning the sludge into stool. Once the waste firms up, it makes its way to the rectum and out of the body.
But if anything goes wrong—if the process went too slowly, the body absorbed too much water, or there’s something blocking the way — the stool won’t move out smoothly. A change in diet may help resolve ongoing issues with constipation and prevent it from recurring.
Here’s what to look for in cat food for constipation.
High Moisture Content
Although well-hydrated cats can be constipated, dehydration is a contributing factor in feline constipation. Jean Hofve, DVM, says “In more than 18 years of experience as a feline veterinarian, I have not personally seen constipation problems in cats who do not eat dry food.”
Consider that dry food is 10-12% moisture and that your cat’s natural prey is at least 70% water. Combined with your cat’s low thirst drive, this is a recipe for chronic dehydration and all its ripple effects throughout the body, including constipation. High-moisture diets encourage water retention in the stool, making it easier to pass.
Easily Digestible Ingredients
Your cat’s body is designed to process meat, so the closer their diet is to whole prey, the easier it will be for your cat to digest. A species-appropriate diet for cats includes muscle meat, organs, and bones with plenty of hydrating moisture. Animal by-products, vaguely named meals, and high levels of carbohydrates may negatively impact a product’s digestibility.
It’s also wise to stick to a recipe that contains a short list of ingredients. The longer the ingredients list, the more opportunity there is for something in the food to trigger a reaction or cause irritation. Keep it simple to ensure optimal digestibility.
Adequate Fiber Content
You might feel that cats don’t require fiber — after all, cats are obligate carnivores that eat meat. But remember that cats consume herbivorous prey which often carry a pocket of partially digested plant matter in their own tiny GI tract.
While we think of natural prey as an ultra-efficient form of nutrition for cats, it’s not completely digestible. Prey animals have hair, skin, teeth, and claws. Commercially-sold diets include substitutes for these natural sources of fiber and indigestible matter, but raw cat food or homemade diets seldom do.
There is no magic number when it comes to the fiber content of your cat’s diet. Excessive fiber is just as likely to cause digestive issues as inadequate intake. It may be a matter of trial and error to find the right balance in your specific cat’s diet.
Supplements to Support Digestion
For cats being fed low-fiber diets, adding a fiber supplement may help ease constipation. Insoluble fiber sources — like beans, potatoes, and cellulose — help prevent constipation by adding bulk to your cat’s stool. Soluble fiber (like pumpkin puree or psyllium husks) acts as a prebiotic that helps fuel probiotic activity in your cat’s gut to promote healthy digestion.
Cat food that contains probiotics may help resolve constipation by promoting a healthier, more balanced environment in the digestive tract. Digestive enzymes in cat food and supplements may be beneficial as well, helping the body break down food more efficiently to ensure a smoother trip through the gastrointestinal tract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grain-free food help with constipation in cats?
It depends. A high-moisture diet focused on animal ingredients with low carbohydrate content is the best for constipated cats. Grain-free diets can be low in carbohydrates, but they often aren’t. These foods often include legumes like beans and peas which, though grain-free, can be difficult for cats to digest.
What does megacolon cat poop look like?
Megacolon sometimes develops in cases of severe constipation when the muscles of the colon become stretched out. Stools produced by cats with a megacolon may appear smaller than normal. The cat may pass a large amount of hard, dry stool once or several times a week instead of smaller amounts more frequently.
What is the best diet for a cat with a megacolon?
A cat with a megacolon may have trouble passing stool because the muscles of the colon have been weakened. Easily digestible diets are key. A low-residue diet will minimize the effort required to digest the food. Increasing your cat’s fiber intake may help as well by adding bulk to the stool.
What foods are natural laxatives for cats?
Fiber-rich foods like canned pumpkin may help ease difficult bowel movements. If your cat is on a dry food diet, feeding small amounts of wet food may also help. Do not give your cat fish oil or other liquid oils as a laxative. There’s no scientific evidence that oil is an effective method for relieving constipation in cats. In fact, it may cause diarrhea.
