Last updated Oct 20, 2026
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 Prowess Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics
- Simple recipe is easy for cats to digest
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
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
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
Caru Classics Turkey Stew
- Made with a single source of animal protein
- Rich in hydrating moisture
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
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 8 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.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
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: 9% 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.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
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 Premium Dry Food: Nulo Prowess Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 35% min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 99
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.50 per day
Formulated with a blend of animal-sourced proteins and fats, this dry cat food from Nulo’s Prowess line is designed for digestibility. It features a flavorful combination of chicken and turkey, with species-appropriate fat from chicken and salmon oil. Plus, it comes in small, easy-to-eat kibbles that should be simpler for your cat’s digestive system to handle.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Measured as dry matter, this recipe contains about 39% protein and 13% fat. It’s fairly high in carbohydrates but most of it comes from nutrient-dense grains, not starchy fillers like wheat or white rice. There’s a little pea protein in the recipe as well but plenty of functional ingredients, too, which are specifically included to boost digestion. The formula contains dietary fiber as well as probiotics to help encourage regular bowel movements and smooth digestion.
This recipe is nutritionally complete and balanced for adult cats and it tends to be popular with fussy felines who don’t like fish flavors. Cat owners generally review it favorably, and many have said that it helped with their cat’s digestive upset.
Ingredients
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sorghum, Millet, Barley, Oats, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid), Pea Protein, Natural Flavor, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Whole Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Dried Yeast, DL-Methionine, Dried Chicory Root, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Choline Chloride, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Vitamin C (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate), Iron Proteinate, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Iron Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine Mononitrate), Vitamin B5 (Calcium Pantothenate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product, Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Manganous Oxide, Vitamin B7 (Biotin), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Ethylenediamine Dihydroiodide, Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate, Rosemary Extract.
Ingredients We Liked: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Deboned Turkey, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Pea Protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Relies primarily on animal-sourced protein and fat
- Supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics
- Simple recipe is easy for cats to digest
What We Didn’t Like:
- No dry food provides the hydrating moisture cats need
- High in carbohydrates (from grains, not legumes)
#4 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.
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
Amy Brown-Towry / Cats.com
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
#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 Ethically-Sourced: Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8% 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
#7 Best for Picky Cats: Caru Classics Turkey Stew
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Price Per Ounce: $0.50 per oz
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.60 per day
Finicky felines can be difficult to please but many cat owners report that even their picky cats enjoy this turkey stew-style wet food. It’s made with turkey as a single source of protein which is novel for many cats as well, so it could also be a good choice for cats with food allergies or sensitivities.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
This cat food features a short list of whole food ingredients. It’s free from carrageenan and gum thickeners, though it does contain a little tapioca starch as a binder. The dry matter carbohydrate content remains very low, however.
Though some cat owners find this food to be a little too soupy, the texture makes it a great food topper or meal mixer. It’s packed with protein and hydrating moisture without any hard-to-digest beans, peas, or legumes.
Ingredients
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Marine Microalgae Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Single-protein recipe appropriate for cats with allergies
- Cats seem to like the flavor and texture
- High moisture content supports your cat’s hydration
- Very low carbohydrate content
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cardboard cartons can be tricky to open
- Some customers found the food too soupy
#8 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.
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
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
Best Cat Foods for Constipation: Comparison Table
| Product Name | Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food | RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Canned Cat Food | Nulo Prowess Sensitive Stomach Adult Dry Cat Food | Hill’s P/D Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Cat Food | Wellness CORE Digestive Health Turkey Pate Grain-Free Wet Cat Food | Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food | Caru Classics Turkey Stew |
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner Canned Cat Food
|
| Primary Protein | Chicken | Turkey | Chicken | Chicken | Turkey | Turkey | Turkey | Beef |
| Guaranteed Protein | 13% | 9% | 35 | 38% | 10% | 8% | 9% | 10% |
| Ash | 2.35 | 1.24 | N/A | 5.1 | 2.5 | 1.81 | N/A | 0.48 |
| Calcium | 0.52 | 0.65 | 1 | 0.75 | N/A | 0.32 | 0.25 | N/A |
| Phosphorus | 0.39 | 0.42 | 0.8 | 0.66 | 0.31 | 0.28 | 0.24 | 0.1 |
| Calories Per Ounce | 40 | 37 | 99 | 113 | 33 | 27 | 28 | 21 |
| Cost Per Day | $4.00 per day | $3.25 per day | $0.50 per day | $0.95 per day | $4.74 per day | $4.46 per day | $3.67 per day |
$5.24 per day
|
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.
