Author TB Thompson DVM has been a licensed, practicing veterinarian since 2000.
The right food can make a big difference for constipated cats but there are too many choices!
I’m a veterinarian and a cat caretaker. I know the frustration of dealing with cat constipation and I understand how hard it is to choose cat food to resolve it. I’m going to give you clear guidance on selecting the best cat food for constipation management.
This guide will give you practical advice on selecting the right cat food for constipation. You’ll learn how dietary fiber and hypoallergenic foods impact your choices.
My Cat Food Recommendations
Unfortunately, there is no single diet that works for every constipated cat. Below is a list of cat foods to consider, each addressing different dietary needs and preferences.
You should discuss these options with your vet before making any changes to your cat’s diet.
Top 10 Cat Foods for Constipation
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| Category & Type | Product Name |
|---|---|
| 1. High-Fiber Wet Food | BLUE True Solutions™ Blissful Belly Adult Wet Cat Food |
| 2. High-Fiber Dry Food | BLUE Wilderness™ Adult Cat Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food |
| 3. Low-Fiber Wet Food | IAMS® Perfect Portions Healthy Adult Grain Free Wet Cat Food Paté, Chicken Recipe |
| 4. Low-Fiber Dry Food | Purina® ONE Sensitive Systems Adult Dry Cat Food |
| 5. Low-Carb Wet Food | Weruva® Classic Cat Food, Paw Lickin’ Chicken with Chicken Breast in Gravy |
| 6. Low-Carb Wet Food | Purina® Fancy Feast Classic Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pate |
| 7. Hypoallergenic Wet Food | Natural Balance® L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck and Green Peas Wet Cat Food |
| 8. Hypoallergenic Dry Food | Natural Balance® L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck and Green Peas Dry Cat Food |
| 9. Treats | Cat-Man-Doo™ Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes Treats for Dogs & Cats |
| 10. Treats | Whole Life® Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats |
Evaluation Criteria & Trustworthy Promise
I evaluate cat foods based on nutrition, taste, ease of use, cost, and how well they help with constipation. You’ll find options for dry and wet foods, both high and low in fiber, and even special protein types.
My recommendations are based on expert advice and personal experience. I only suggest products I trust. Rest assured, my suggestions aren’t influenced by commissions.
Why Cats Get Constipated
Cat constipation has a few basic causes:
- The poop is too dry (common).
- The large intestine is not working normally (somewhat common).
- Something is blocking normal passage of stool (less common).
Some of the underlying diseases your vet will check for include:
- Food sensitivity
- Stress
- Obesity/overweight condition
- Kidney disease (2)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Cancer
What Kind of Cat Food Relieves Constipation?
To find the right cat food for constipation relief, experiment with different types for a couple of weeks each.
Start with high-fiber wet food. And, yes, you can use high-fiber dry food if your cat insists on it!
If you see no improvement, try low-fiber food, then low-carb. Lastly, use hypoallergenic prescription food if necessary. Each type should be tried for about two weeks before switching to another.
High-Fiber Cat Food for Constipation
A higher fiber content in cat food increases the bulk and moisture of a cat’s stools, making them easier to pass. Soluble fiber also feeds the gut micro-organisms which can improve intestinal function.
1. High-Fiber Wet Cat Food
BLUE True Solutions™ Blissful Belly Adult Wet Cat Food
You’ll find this gem from Blue in most grocery stores. It’s formulated for easy digestion while having a high fiber level for normal poops. It must taste great because my cats always go crazy for it.
Pros:
- Available in many grocery stores.
- Cats love it.
- High in fiber from potatoes, beets and flax seed.
- Less costly than prescription high-fiber cat food.
Cons:
- More expensive than standard cat food.
- High-fiber cat food can make constipation worse for some cats.
2. High-Fiber Dry Cat Food
BLUE Wilderness™ Adult Cat Indoor Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Blue offers this popular grain-free dry cat food in many retail locations. It is formulated for indoor cats and has a high fiber level to promote normal digestion.
Pros:
- Low in carbs for dry cat food.
- High in fiber.
- Grain-free.
- Economical and easily accessible at pet and grocery stores.
Cons:
- The lower cost might reflect differences in ingredient quality compared to higher-priced options.
- High in calories–make sure you feed the right amount.
- High-fiber cat food can make diarrhea worse for some cats.
Low-Fiber Cat Food
Although high fiber food helps many cats with occasional constipation, it doesn’t work for every situation. Low-fiber food produces better results for some kitties.
3. Low-Fiber Wet Cat Food
IAMS® Perfect Portions Healthy Adult Grain Free Wet Cat Food Paté, Chicken Recipe
Here is a simple, high-quality low-fiber cat food that most cats love. The serving size is perfect for small meals, leaving no stale leftovers!
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Lower fiber level
- Low carb
- Non-prescription
- Simple ingredients–mostly chicken
- Wet food
Cons:
- Higher cost than standard cat food
- Not a good option if your kitty has issues with chicken
4. Low-Fiber Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE Sensitive Systems Adult Dry Cat Food
Purina ONE® +Plus Sensitive Skin & Stomach Dry Cat Food is a low-fiber cat food with high-quality protein from turkey and chicken.
Pros:
- Affordable and convenient as a dry food.
- Low to average fiber content (2% crude fiber).
- Moderate fat level.
- No prescription is needed and widely available.
- Cats like it.
Cons:
- Highly processed.
- Not good if you’re avoiding grains.
- Higher in carbohydrates.
- High in calories–make sure you feed the right amount.
Low-Carbohydrate Cat Food
Lower carb diets help some cats with constipation. But it is tricky to Identify low-carb cat foods from the label.
Generally, dry foods are high in carbs. Some but not all wet cat food is lower in carbs. And grain-free doesn’t always mean low-carb as they often contain starches.
Low-carb dry cat food is rare and the few available don’t meet the standards I want to see before recommending them. Therefore, I will share two options for low-carb wet food.
Low-Carb Wet Cat Food
5. Weruva Grain-Free Natural Canned, Classic Recipes Cat Food
This wet food from Weruva contains mostly chicken, chicken broth, vitamins and minerals. Picky cats seem to love the shredded meat in gravy style of this food.
Pros:
- High in protein.
- Low carb and fiber levels.
- Moderate fat level.
- No prescription is needed.
Cons:
- Expensive compared to standard cat food.
- May be harder to find in stores. Try ordering it online.
6. Purina® Fancy Feast® Classic Grain Free Wet Cat Food Pate
This low-carb wet food from Fancy Feast is a classic favorite. You can find it at your neighborhood grocery store and you can’t beat the price.
Pros:
- High in protein.
- Low carb and fiber levels.
- Grain-free
- Inexpensive
- Widely available.
- Cats like it.
Cons:
- Contains multiple protein sources and artificial flavors.
- Low price may reflect lower quality ingredients.
More from NPHQ Veterinarian
Hypoallergenic Cat Food
Cats can develop sensitivities to certain foods. Proteins are the most likely to cause a problem.
Removing irritating proteins from a cat’s diet will allow their digestive tract to heal. Constipation is less likely to occur when the intestines are happy.
Non-prescription hypoallergenic cat food can work in cases of mild food sensitivity. Look for limited ingredient diets with protein from novel sources such as rabbit, duck, or pheasant.
7. Hypoallergenic Wet Cat Food for Constipation
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck and Green Peas Wet Cat Food
This food from Natural Balance uses duck as a protein source and is also grain-free. I’ve seen many cats with digestive issues respond well to it.
Pros:
- Contains no grains.
- Low carb and fiber levels.
- Novel protein source.
- Widely available in pet food stores.
- More affordable than prescription diets.
Cons:
- High in fat–may not agree with all cats.
- Some cats don’t like unusual proteins.
- May not be suitable for cats with true food allergies.
8. Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Duck and Green Peas Dry Cat Food
Another hypoallergenic food with a unique protein source from duck but in a dry kibble form. Although dry food might not help cats with constipation as much as wet food might, this one is still a decent option.
Pros:
- Grain-free
- Good for dry food addicts
- Novel protein source.
- Widely available in pet food stores.
- More affordable than prescription diets.
Cons:
- High in carbohydrates.
- Some cats don’t like unusual proteins.
- May not work for cats with true food allergies.
Treats for Constipated Cats
Unless your vet has prescribed a very strict elimination/food allergy diet, it’s OK to give your kitty a few small treats each day. Avoid high carbohydrate treats and treats with toxic ingredients. Opt instead for high-protein natural treats.
9. Cat-Man-Doo™ Extra Large Dried Bonito Flakes Treats for Dogs & Cats
Some people call bonito flakes “kitty crack” because cats go crazy for them. These are simply dehydrated fish flakes. They’re small and have a low calorie count.
10. Whole Life® Pet Freeze Dried Chicken Cat Treats
Dehydrated chicken hearts are a great option for cats who don’t like or can’t tolerate fish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last update on 2025-01-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
