High fiber cat food may help with various health conditions, such as hairballs, weight management and digestive troubles. But before making the switch, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first.
Domestic cats spend more time sleeping and grooming than their wild counterparts, thus resulting in weight gain (read about the best diet for obesity). This can also cause digestive issues.
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Prevents Hairballs
Hairballs can be a major nuisance for pet parents. Not only are they gross and inconvenient, but they may also make your cat feel unwell.
However, they can be prevented with the right cat food. In particular, opt for a food that’s high in protein and helps promote digestive health.
Additionally, look for a food with high levels of natural fiber which can assist in moving fur and other substances through your cat’s digestive tract safely.
Thankfully, there are many effective options available that help prevent or control hairballs in cats. Plus, these foods contain essential nutrients that promote your cat’s overall health and wellbeing.
Helps with Digestion
High fiber wet cat food can be beneficial to your cat’s digestion system, as it encourages a balanced microbiome and healthy stool.
Bacteria found in cats’ intestines help break down indigestible materials and produce beneficial substances such as vitamins. Furthermore, these beneficial bacteria help keep a cat’s intestinal tract free of impurities and contaminants.
These kinds of toxins can lead to health issues for your cat and are the reason why feeding it a diet with plenty of fiber is recommended.
However, be mindful not to overfeed your cat with fiber. Excess fiber can interfere with normal digestion and prevent the absorption of important nutrients like protein and fats.
Primal Duck Formula Nuggets and Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Canned Food are two high fiber wet cat food options. The former helps relieve constipation by providing both soluble and insoluble fiber, while the latter is packed with prebiotics to nourish gut bacteria.
Helps with Weight Management
High fiber wet cat food is designed to help your feline feel full and maintain a healthy weight, especially for overweight cats.
Additionally, high-fiber diets can help your cat avoid overeating. A high-fiber diet will suppress their appetite and make them feel satiated for longer.
If your cat is overweight, switching them to a weight control formula is the best way to help them shed some pounds. These formulas have lower calories, less fat, and high protein levels so they can reach a healthier weight for their size.
High-fiber wet cat food contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. Soluble fibers like carrots, oats, and peas absorb water to facilitate easy passage through your cat’s digestive tract; while insoluble fibers like bran, psyllium, and nuts do not absorb water which makes them great for controlling hairballs as well as being an excellent source of essential nutrients and prebiotics.
Helps with Skin and Coat
If your cat is prone to skin allergies, high fiber wet cat food can help keep their coat and skin healthy. These meals contain Omega 3s and 6s that promote a soft, shiny coat.
Soluble fibers absorb water to make stools bulky as they pass through the digestive tract, aiding with diarrhea and constipation. Common sources for such fibers include oats, cellulose, and peanut hulls.
Hill’s Science Diet gastrointestinal cat food is specially formulated with active fibers to aid in your cat’s digestion and bowel movements. Plus, it includes prebiotics for optimal gut health benefits.
