1. Wellness Core Natural High Fiber Cat Food
Key Features
45% protein, 18% fat, 3% fiber
65% high-quality protein ingredients
Balanced mineral levels for good urinary tract health
Each kibble coated with probiotics to support healthy digestion
No artificial flavors, colors, or meat by-products
Our number one pick for the best high fiber cat food is this grain-free formula that is a combination of turkey and chicken. A whopping 65% of the ingredients come from high-quality protein sources, and there are no meat by-products, fillers, artificial flavors, or preservatives to aggravate your cat’s food sensitivities. Digestion is boosted by the naturally occurring micro-organisms, so even sensitive kitties and those struggling with tummy problems should like it.
Supporting a healthy coat and skin are omega fatty acids that come from sources such as salmon oil and flaxseed. This high protein cat food is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, offering a whole-body health formula. This all being said, the recipe is not super-high in fiber (3%); instead, it’s moderate and therefore suited to pretty much every kitty, including those just starting a high-fiber diet.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Fiber Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 26%, fat 12%, fiber 7.2%
Grain-free formulation
Contains immune system supporting LifeSource bits
Helps control weight and hairball formation
Free from artificial additives and byproducts
An entirely grain-free formulation from a leading brand, this chicken recipe is designed for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. At the same time, it helps to keep weight under control as well as manage furballs with the blend of natural fibers (psyllium seed husks, dried chicory root, pea fiber and more).
One of the signature features of Blue Buffalo food is the LifeSource Bits, which are a blend of antioxidants designed to support immune system health. There are also plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat, and L-carnitine to support a healthy weight.
3. Natural Balance Original High Fiber Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 34%, fat 17%, fiber 3%
Formulated for all breeds and life stages
Balances premium proteins and key nutrients
Unique fiber layering system encourages healthy digestion
Contains easy to digest grains, free from all additives and fillers
Another big name in cat food, Natural Balance is designed for the whole-body health of your four-legged friend. This one is a holistic formula of chicken meal and salmon meal blend that is both super-easy to digest and super-tasty for the picky eaters out there.
As you would expect from a premium cat food, the recipe contains quality proteins that support muscle development and maintenance, as well as plenty of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and thick, shiny coat. As for fiber content, with 3%, this formula should be suitable for all cats, but especially those just starting a higher-fiber diet.
4. Instinct L.I.D. Grain Free High Fiber Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 10%, fat 3%, fiber 1.5%
Grain-free, limited in ingredients recipe
Free of fillers and additives
Complete and balanced nutrition
Designed for cats with allergies and food sensitivities
If you’re looking for simple but nutritious wet cat food for your pet, we highly recommend Instinct L.I.D. Pate. This particular recipe, made with rabbit, is designed for cats with dietary sensitivities. As such, there are no eggs, grain, beef, fish, wheat, soy, artificial colors or preservatives; just a few simple, essential ingredients to help support the health of your adult kitty.
While limited in ingredients, this wet cat food is quite nutritious thanks to the high protein content and added minerals and vitamins. Because of this, you can either serve it as a whole meal on its own or as a food topper – whatever works best for you and your pet!
5. Hill’s Science Diet Hairball Control Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 28.5%, fat 15.5%, fiber 6.5%
Precise, scientifically formulated nutrition
Clinically proven antioxidants
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Aids in digestion, controls hairballs
A scientifically devised high fiber dry cat food for cats over the age of seven years, this crunchy kibble aids in digestion and helps control hairballs, making it an excellent choice for aging and senior cats.
Aside from being great for digestion, this formula is also good for your kitty’s skin and coat health as it contains vitamin E, fish oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and chicken fat rich in omega-6 fatty acids. The recipe also contains taurine, which has been shown to be positive for heart health, plus balanced minerals for a healthy bladder and kidneys. For more options, check out our detailed review of the best senior cat food
6. Diamond Naturals Indoor Cat High Fiber Food
Key Features
Protein 32%, fat 18%, fiber 8%
Specifically formulated for indoor cats
Nutrient-rich and highly digestible formula
Contains prebiotic and probiotic fiber
No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
Designed to support the lifestyles of indoor cats, this chicken and rice formula by Diamond Naturals encourages the development of lean, strong muscles while boosting the immune system and aiding the digestion. Added to the main ingredients are superfoods like kale, chia seed, blueberries, quinoa and others, which are packed with antioxidants for your kitty’s overall health and well-being.
As you would expect from a product on this list, this is a highly digestible option that contains prebiotic and probiotic fibers from natural ingredients. There are no corn, wheat or filler ingredients included, making this formula perfect for cats of sensitive health.
7. Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet High Fiber Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 8%, fat 4%, fiber 1.4%
Single protein source from duck
High levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Limited ingredients for cats with food sensitivities
No grains, additives or fillers
Grain-free, simple and delicious, this high-fiber wet cat food is a fine choice for lovers of moist meals. Made with tender duck, which is the main ingredient and only protein source, this formula supports muscle maintenance without overwhelming sensitive stomachs. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best cat food for sensitive stomachs.
Aside from delicious duck, the recipe also contains flaxseed oil, so there are high levels of omega 3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and thick, shiny fur. Of course, the food is also enhanced with all important vitamins and minerals, so it’s 100% complete and balanced.
8. Orijen Fit & Trim High-Protein Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 42%, fat 13%, fiber 8%
High-quality protein and fiber recipe
85% whole animal ingredients, contains organs, bones, and cartilage
Supports lean muscle mass and a healthy weight
Free from grains, fillers and additives
If you’re looking for the best of the best, we highly recommend Orijen Trim and Fit recipe as it’s packed with high-quality protein and fiber to help support a healthy weight and happy mind. This biologically appropriate formulation is made from fresh and regional ingredients including turkey, chicken, fish and eggs. In fact, 90% of the ingredients are animal-based!
As this is designed to mimic the kind of diet that your cat would have enjoyed in the wild, organs, cartilage, and bone are also all included in the meal. Needless to say, there are no artificial additives, fillers or grains here, so sensitive kitties will enjoy it.
9. Halo Indoor Cat Grain Free Natural Dry Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 32%, fat 13%, fiber 5%
Designed to support health of indoor cats
Reduced fat and calories
Proprietary DreamCoat supplement boosts skin and coat health
Grain-free, no artificial additives
Specifically formulated for indoor kitties, Halo Holistic chicken and chicken liver recipe is nutritious, tasty, and super-easy to digest. With reduced calories and fat, it is also designed to help support a healthy weight.
Containing a single protein source – chicken – and a few easily digestible veggies and fruits such as sweet potatoes, blueberries and chickpeas, this formula is gentle on the tummy yet packed with nourishing antioxidants to help boost your cat’s immune system. Fiber content is moderately high, so the food should be well-tolerated even by cats who are just starting to eat a fiber-rich diet.
10. Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Adult Cat Food
Key Features
Protein 38%, fats 9.1%, fiber 5.1%
Designed to reduce hairballs
Reduced fat and calories
Antioxidants for immune system support
No fillers, artificial flavors or preservatives
With quality turkey as its number one ingredient and added fiber, this easily digestible dry cat food can help to keep those hairballs under control. Ideal for indoor cats that need the taste but not the extra calories of other cat foods, Purina One is also designed to support their healthy weight. With 38% protein and 10% less fat, you also get a tailored antioxidant blend to support their immune system and boost their all-round health.
There are also no added fillers or artificial flavors and preservatives so it’s kind and gentle on more sensitive tums. And, there’s no loss of taste with this dry cat food either, with added ingredients such as carrots, spinach and rice to up the satisfaction quota.
Best High Fiber Cat Food Buying Guide & FAQ
Still not sure which high fiber cat food is right for your kitty? No worries, because in this part of the buying guide, we cover everything you need to know about dietary fiber in feline nutrition, including how it can be beneficial to your kitty, reasons to switch your pet onto a diet of this kind, and we also share some cautionary words and potential drawbacks of feeding a high-fiber diet.
How Does Fiber Help Your Cat?
So, is a fiber diet for cats beneficial to your feline in the first place? Well, possibly. But before we get into the potential health benefits, let's first talk about what fiber is.
Dietary fiber is a type of carbohydrate that does not get broken down in the body in the same way as fats and proteins do. Since it cannot be properly digested, it keeps the digestive system moving, preventing common tummy problems such as constipation and diarrhea. While sweeping the intestines clean, fiber also helps prevent the occurrence of hairballs, which is a common problem for many indoor cats. Another great thing about dietary fiber - it can help control high blood sugar.
While most outdoor felines can get this important macronutrient from their prey in the wild (through consuming feathers, fur and even some types of grass), indoor cats need to get it from the commercial cat food that they eat on a daily basis. So, if you own an indoor kitty who has diabetes, or frequently struggles with tummy problems or hairball issues, a high to moderate fiber diet may be able to improve their health.
Reasons to Feed Your Cat a High Fiber Food
- Constipation and Diarrhea
A high fiber diet for constipation and diarrhea can be useful in preventing these common stomach issues in cats. Fiber has a regulating effect, as well as ensuring that the stools aren’t too runny or hard. So for cats who are suffering from constipation, water is drawn from the large intestine to soften the stool, while for diarrhea-suffering felines, more water can be absorbed away from the poop. Check out our guide on cat food for constipation for more info.
- Controlling of Hairballs
One of the most common digestive blockages that cats can suffer from occur from the hair that builds up due to grooming. This is particularly common in long-haired breeds of feline. While most of the fur passes through the digestive system, some of it can sit in the stomach and congeal together. Your cat will eventually have to vomit these up in a process that both sounds and looks pretty gross! Even worse is that some cats can get hairballs lodged in their intestines, leading to symptoms such as repeated gagging, lethargy, a loss of appetite, diarrhea, and constipation. In more serious cases, you may even need to take your cat to the vet to successfully dislodge the hairball. Take a look at our article on cat food for hairballs.
High fiber diets can help to prevent the formation of hairballs. Look out for those formulas that state things like ‘hairball formula’ or ‘hairball reduction’. These work in a couple of ways: they help improve coat health and reduce shedding, while allowing things to pass through the digestive tract in a smoother way.
- Control Weight
Obesity is a growing concern for many cat owners due to the myriad of health concerns that come along with it. And since so many kitties are kept indoors these days without the access to physical exercise that their forebearers had, it is a problem that is increasingly common. Many commercial cat food brands contribute to this issue. One of the ways of combatting the obesity problem is with a high fiber diet, which helps your cat to feel fuller after they have consumed a meal. Also, it does not contribute to calorie intake as it passes through the gut without absorption. Of course, to really prevent obesity in your cat, you'll have to combine a high to moderate fiber diet with regular exercise. You may also like our guide on cat food for weight loss.
Different Types of Fiber in Cat Food
There are a few different types of fiber that are worth knowing about before selecting the right type of food for your four-legged friend.
- Soluble Fiber
First up, we have soluble fiber, which has the effect of drawing water from the intestines, moving it into the digested food. This type of dietary fiber has the overall effect of softening stools, making them easier to pass. For this reason, soluble fiber is the type to look for if your cat suffers from constipation. Common sources include grains like oats and barley, as well as peas, beans, carrots and apples.
- Insoluble Fiber
Next, we have insoluble fiber, which works to make digested food bulkier as it moves through the digestive system. This can help to slow down digestion and alleviate any issues of diarrhea. So, this type of fiber is great for both preventing diarrhea and controlling blood sugar; as a nice bonus, it's good for increasing the feeling of satiety. Insoluble fiber can be found in foods like brown rice, potatoes, green beans and wheat bran.
- Moderately Fermentable Fiber
Lastly, there is a type of fiber that has both soluble and insoluble properties, making it a good addition to any feline's diet. Sources of moderately fermentable fiber include beet pulp and bran.
Warnings Before Feeding A High Fiber Food to Your Cat
It is worth bearing in mind that a high fiber diet can also have some drawbacks. Before switching your cat onto a diet such as this one, you should consult with your vet to make sure that it is the most appropriate choice. Your vet may find that there are some other dietary sensitivities that are causing your cat’s digestive issues.
In some situations, the additional fiber can end up being stored as fat, perpetuating weight problems. Some of this type of commercial food can also have a high carb content, which can result in less protein being absorbed. And, as you probably know, protein is essential to the healthy functioning of your kitty.
So, when you are shopping for a high fiber food for your cat, you should choose one that also has a high protein content as cats are natural carnivores. You should also look for both soluble and insoluble fiber sources. Carbohydrate quantities should be lower as these are not as necessary for the healthy functioning of cats. You should also look for other nutrients that are beneficial such as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
In any case, whenever switching your cat from one type of diet to another, it's important to do it slowly by mixing their old kibble with the new one, gradually increasing the amount of new food as days go by. This way, digestive problems are much less likely to occur.
Our Top Pick
While we believe all recipes featured on our top list are high-quality products, our No. 1 pick has got to be Wellness Core Original Natural High Fiber Cat Food. This formula is rich in protein, which is crucial for the health and well-being of all cats, and moderately rich in fiber to help support healthy digestion without overwhelming a sensitive tummy. To maintain a nice, shiny coat and healthy skin, the recipe makes use of salmon oil and flaxseed which are packed with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Of course, the kibble is free from meat by-products, soy, artificial flavors and colors, so it should be well-tolerated by all cats, including sensitive kitties.
