Updated: November 30, 2023 by CanCat Eat
Best wet cat food for constipation: Constipation is a troublesome situation for your loving cat. You already know how they feels if you ever have constipation. A high-protein, moisture-rich, adequate-fiber-content cat food is recommended to feed cats with constipation.
Constipation is not a pleasant experience, not for humans or for our loving cats. It is one of the most common digestive problems in domestic cats. But how do we know when it can become a serious problem?
There are symptoms of constipation in cats that we are going to discuss below. Your cat should produce healthy stools that have enough moisture to not stick to the litter box.
If you notice your cat has not produced any stool for 2 to 3 days, then maybe she is constipated.
It is a terrible feeling to see our loving cat in trouble and pain. Healthy, high-protein, moisture-, and fiber-rich cat food can help your cat ease the constipation problem.
While doing our research, we found Blue Buffalo High Protein Cat Food to be the best cat food for constipation.
Over the last several years, we have spent many hours researching, testing, and reviewing over 200 different types of cat food. We have listed top-rated cat foods for constipation according to your cat’s needs. You can check out the table below.
Contents
The Best Cat Food for Constipation
Every cat has a different requirement. So, we have listed cat foods by category to help you find the most suitable cat food for your cat.
The best constipation cat food helps promote healthy stool and support the digestion system.
We have found the 10 best cat foods that are effective for cats with constipation. We will review each of the foods individually and look for the specific benefits provided by them.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Dry
Blue Buffalo is a popular name for cat food. This food is made with real meat as the first ingredient and contains no by-product meal. It is a completely grain free cat food.
This food is made with high protein, easily digestible ingredients, which make it best for constipation. It also contains enough fiber for healthy digestion.
Blue buffalo cat food provides essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy lifestyle and overall health.
With all the important ingredients for constipation, it contains taurine and omega fatty acids to provide extra health benefits.
This cat food provides the complete nutrients that your cat needs for constipation. It also contains life sources bit, an antioxidant blend with vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system.
It also provides small size softer kibble, which will benefit your cat that suffering from constipation. We have seen a huge improvement in our cat’s bowel movement after switching to this cat food.
Overall, it is a good cat food for constipation.
Weruva Cats in The Kitchen Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Cans
This is another good option for cats with constipation. Cats in the kitchen are made with fresh ingredients. Your cat will get the feeling of a fresh raw diet with this food.
This food has added vitamins and minerals to overall health. You will find no artificial ingredients in this food.
It is a grain free recipe, made with chicken and wholesome pumpkin as the first ingredient. Pumpkin provides natural fiber which is beneficial for cats suffering from constipation.
A high protein diet is always important in a cat’s diet to maintain healthy muscles.
Weruva Cats in The Kitchen food is made with high quality ingredients like amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and taurine for overall health, heart, and vision health.
This food is made with tasty broth and butter to make it appealing to picky cats.
Adequate hydration is important for cats with constipation. We recommend wet cat food for constipated cats. If you prefer to feed dry cat food to your cat. Then, you need to provide enough water to your cat with the cat food.
Many consumers got benefits from their cats after switching to this cat food. You can check the detailed reviews from other cat owners about this food through the button above.
Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Dry Cat Food
This is a healthy cat food for constipation. Nature balance original cat food is made with chicken and salmon meal.
This is a premium formula that contains all important nutrients and quality protein from chicken and salmon. It is made with a unique antioxidant blend of vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system and digestive health.
Nature-balanced cat food made with digestive fiber to keep a healthy digestive system in cats. It will help to avoid constipation and other problems.
The food formula provides healthy growth and brain development, digestive health, lean muscle, and many more benefits for your adult cat.
It is made with smaller kibble size, which is easy to digest for your cat without any problem.
As it comes from a brand like Natural Balance, it contains no artificial ingredients, so you can be completely doubt-free about it.
Many cat owners who bought this food, have seen effective results after transitioning to this dry food. This food has a delicious taste as it is made with both chicken and salmon. So it will keep your cat’s interest.
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
This cat food from Nulo is made with premium ingredients. It contains Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Turkey Broth, and Tuna as the first ingredients.
This canned cat food is totally grain-free. It is made with natural fiber sources like cranberries, and pumpkin to support your cat’s digestive system and help to aid constipation. Fiber-rich fruit and vegetables contained in this food encourage bowel movement in constipated cats.
Nulo grain-free cat food contains probiotic that helps with constipation.
Wet food provides plenty of moisture that will keep your kitty hydrated which is an important requirement for constipated cats.
We need to take care of protein content in cat food when choosing a constipation cat food. A high-protein diet helps to maintain healthy muscle and keep your cats away from illness.
Nulo premium cat food provides all the important ingredients your cat needs in her diet. It provides all the health benefits that you will in any premium cat food.
This food is made with a delicious taste that your cat will love and purr with approval.
Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Wet Canned Cat Food Turkey & Duck
This food is made with protein rich nutrients. Wellness core grain-free cat food contains Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck, and Cranberries in the first five ingredients.
It is a moisture-rich cat food made with natural fiber and other important ingredients that can benefit constipated cats.
This food is made with delicious flavor and smooth texture that your kitten loves and is easy to chew.
Wellness Core made this food with highly digestible protein by keeping in mind your cat’s requirements.
Real broth helps your kitty to stay hydrated and adequate moisture will help cats with constipation, and benefit urinary health.
Overall, this canned food provides every important ingredient that will benefit your cat with constipation.
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care Dry Cat Food
This is a cat food for indoor cats suffering from constipation. It is ideal cat food for keeping your cat at a healthy weight and stopping gaining unhealthy weight.
IAMs Proactive cat food is made with fiber which is also good for older cats. Older cats often have digestive problems. This food is ideal for cats facing long-term health problems. This dry cat food will help to smooth the bowel movement.
With all the health support and benefits provided by this food, it is a high-protein cat food. Cats should stay on a high protein, high-quality protein ingredients will keep your cat healthy and in a healthy weight.
This cat food is good for older cats who suffer from constipation. Also, will help your cat to stay at a healthy weight and lose unhealthy weight in a controllable way.
It is a highly-rated cat food. Many cat owners noted that their cat enjoys this food. As cat parents, we know how it feels like to see your loving cat suffer from constipation.
Finding a trusted brand that actually works is an important task. We recommend this cat food for your indoor cats who suffer from constipation. You can also feed this food to your older cats with digestive problems.
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control, Chicken Recipe
Hill’s cat food is a good dry cat food for constipation. It helps to eliminate the common causes of constipation.
This food helps to fight hairball and urinary issues.
Hill’s Science made this food with an easy-to-digest formula with natural fiber, and high-quality chicken for optimal nutrient absorption. This will benefit cats suffering from constipation.
With a brand name like Hill’s Science, you don’t have to worry about artificial ingredients contained in the food.
This food is made with natural fiber, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. These ingredients are beneficial for cats with constipation.
Hill’s Science is a vet-recommended cat food, so every ingredient in the cat food is picked by a vet with care.
Hill’s Science provides money-back guarantee. So, if your cat does not like this food, you could return it back easily.
Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Gastrointestinal Fiber Response
This is a Veterinary diet cat food from Royal Canin. Royal Canin made this food adds probiotics and fiber to benefit your cat’s digestive system.
This food contains all the ingredients needed to control constipation in cats. It is a slightly higher cost than other cat food because it is a veterinary diet food.
It is the best food for any kind of digestive problem like vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite.
As we just mentioned, this food contains a perfect blend of dietary fiber to support digestive problems and maintain optimal stool quality.
This food contains oligosaccharides, which help to break complex crabs. It means it will be very easy to digest all the kibbles for your cat.
Overall, it is a very effective food for cats with constipation. But, remember to provide enough water in your cat’s diet with dry cat food.
Many cat owner has seen life-changing experience with this cat food. Not only this cat food is very effective for digestive health and constipation but also has a delicious taste. So, your kitty will love it.
You can read more about what other cat owners have to say about this food from the button above.
Raw Paws Pet Organic Pure Pumpkin for Dogs & Cat
This is not a complete food. It contains organic pure pumpkins for cats and dogs. Raw Paw made this supplement for cats who face constipation from time to time.
It will help to recover from this illness. This is made with 100% pure organically grown pumpkins and made in the USA.
You can feed this to your cat that suffering from constipation and diarrhea in the food or mix it with some water.
This also offers a money-back guarantee. So, if you don’t like it, you can return it back.
Raw Pay Pet Organic also helps to maintain healthy stool and support digestive health.
Many cat owner reviewed, this food is effective for their cat. After proving to their cat, there is no more constipation.
Pride by Instinct Grain Free Flaked Wet Canned Food
This is a good wet canned cat food for constipation. It is made with carrots, spinach, and cranberries. These are the ingredients that help to support a healthy digestive system.
You will find no grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, or meat by-products, arterial color, or preservatives in this food.
This is made with Lamb Broth, Lamb, Beef, Lamb Liver, Beef Liver, and peas in the top five ingredients. We recommend high-protein cat food for cats to maintain a healthy life and avoid illness.
It is made with a delicious flavor that your cat will enjoy.
It is a bit expensive option on our list. But, it is still a good price, as we are looking for cat food for constipation. There is other affordable cat food we listed above.
We recommend providing high protein, moisture-rich, fiber-content cat food to deal with constipation problems in cats.
Best Cat Food for Constipation Buyer’s Guide
Choosing the right cat food for constipation is important. We made this buying guide to help cat owners like us who face an issue like constipation in cats. There are important ingredients you should look for in constipation cat food.
We did our research to find the best cat food for constipation. Our recommendation is based on your cat’s requirements and dietary needs for better digestive health (and constipation). Before going to that, how to tell if your cat is suffering from constipation?
Is My Cat Constipated?
There are signs and symptoms of constipation in cats. A healthy stool is a good sign of a healthy digestive system.
If you noticed a hard dry stool in the litter box and too much smell from it. Then, it is a sign of constipation. You should take care of a constipated cat. Here are some signs that will help you to identify if your cat is constipated.
Symptoms of Constipation in Cats
- No defecation
- Hard, dry feces
- Straining
- Defecating outside the litterbox
- Small quantities of feces
- A small amount of liquid stool with mucus or blood
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Change in behavior (depression and anxiety)
Constipation in indoor cats is a common issue. If you have noticed any of the signs in your cat. Or any behavior cat in your cats. You should visit the vet immediately.
You may notice male cats with a blocked urinary may also strain in the litterbox. Some cat owners may think it is because of constipation. But, it can be a blocked urinary tract. Your cat might require a vet visit.
Healthy cat food for constipation might help your cat with constipation. Let’s look at what you are the important ingredient you should consider while buying cat food for constipation.
What to Look For In Cat Food For Constipation?
There are certain ingredients you should look for in cat food to help with constipation. There are many ingredients on the label. But, the following ingredients will benefit your cat’s digestive system and ease constipation in cats.
Quality protein
Your cat should be on a high-protein diet. Cats are carnivorous animals, they need high-protein cat food to keep them healthy and happy. We recommend choosing a cat food that provides high-quality protein like chicken, turkey, and salmon in the first five ingredients. A high-protein cat food generally provides all the ingredients cats need in their diet. For treating any health problem is very important to choose a healthy high protein diet for your constipated cat.
Healthy Fiber
A fiber-rich cat food is important for supporting your cat’s digestive system, and constipation, as well as a hairball. You can check the natural fiber content on the cat food label. Fresh pumpkin is one of the sources of fiber in cat food. The adequate fiber content in the cat food will benefit your cat with constipation.
Easy to digest
Your cat food formula should be made with easy-to-digestible ingredients. All the cat food we have mentioned above and easy to digest. This cat food helps to break the ingredients easily in the cat’s digestive system and absorb nutrition from the food easily.
Moisture
Moisture in cat food is very important for constipation. This is why we recommend wet cat food for constipation. Wet canned food provides enough moisture in your cat’s diet and keeps them hydrated. But, if you prefer to feed dry food to your cat. Then, you can add some warm water to your cat’s dry food. Otherwise, keep a freshwater source near your cat.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fat is good for cats. It supports your cat’s digestive system and regulates metabolism. Consider animal fat sources in your cat food. And, essential fatty acids like omega 3 and omega 6 oil provide many health benefits to your cats. So, what are the common fat sources in cat foods? You will find fat in cat food from corn, soybean, and safflower oil, fat from animals like chicken, and pork, and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils.
Wet Food
You can add cat food to your cat’s current diet. Wet cat food content is 70% to 80% water. The water content will help to ease constipation in your cat. Wet cat food is generally the best option for cats suffering from constipation. You can also add some water to your dry cat food.
Beneficial supplements
A perfect blend of vitamins and minerals benefits your cat’s overall health and well-being. You will find quality cat food provides the right blend of vitamins and minerals.
Causes of Constipation in Cats
There are common causes of constipation in indoor cats.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the factors contributing to constipation in cats. Cats require 3.5–4.5 ounces of water per five pounds of body weight per day. Cats need adequate water to stay healthy. Dry cat food only provides 10% moisture.
In the wild, cat survives on eating their prey that contains at least 70% water.
To provide enough water in the cat’s diet, you can introduce wet cat food in your cat’s diet. You can mix cat food with dry cat food. If you prefer feeding only dry food to your cat, then you can add water to the food or keep a freshwater source near your cat.
Inadequate Fiber Intake
Fiber is required in a cat’s diet. Cats are obligate carnivorous animals. We already know fiber plays an important role in reducing constipation, digestive problems, and hairballs in cats. Most cat food contains natural sources of fiber from fruit and vegetables. But, if your cat is on a homemade diet or raw food, then she might be missing fiber in her diet.
Fibers are important ingredients for the cat’s healthy digestive system.
There are two types of fibers you will find, insoluble and soluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps to treat constipation in cats. Soluble fiber helps to fuel probiotic activity in the gut of your cat.
Lack of Exercise
If your cat is inactive and obese, this is one of the causes of constipation. Playtime is required to keep your cat healthy and active. We recommend spending some time with you and using a cat toy to play with her.
Obstruction in Colon
The solid object can block the cat’s digestive tract. This can be the cause of a tumor, hernia, blockage from hairball, or ingested foreign bodies. These can contribute to causing constipation.
Megacolon
Megacolon becomes worse over time. It damages the muscles along with the color. So, it is very important to check the vet immediately.
Tumors
As we already talked about it, constipation can be the cause of blocking inside the cat’s system. A tumor can be the cause of constipation. So, we recommend a vet visit, if you notice your cat is constipated.
Litter Box
Your cat might hold in her bowel movement in protest of dirty litter or a new uncomfortable litter. This protest could cause a real health issue. The remaining stool in the intestine for too long can constipation.
Never Damage
Never damage can cause unable to poop. A long term never damage from an accident can cause never damage.
Arthritic
It can cause joint pain and make it upset when your cat jumps or squats. Cats with arthritic will avoid sitting in the toilet. It will cause dry feces, will cause constipation, and a more painful situation.
Some Durgs
There is some medicine that can be the cause of constipation in your cat and other issues with bowel movements. Your vet can easily identify the problem by looking at the side effects.
Constipation is not an illness by itself, it is a symptom of a larger problem.
So, it is recommended to take care of your cat by providing her with good quality food, enough water, and playtime. But, still, you don’t see any positive results. We advise you to take your cat to a vet immediately.
FAQs
Does Raw Feeding Cause Constipation In Cats?
Cats are predators. They evolve in the wild by eating their prey. Eating raw food is perfect for cats. This will them will receive important ingredients they require to fulfill their dietary need.
Normally cooking the meat will degrade the nutrient content, causing a loss of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Raw meat is used in high-quality cat food.
Normally meat used in cat food is processed at high temperatures. It loses important nutrients. The raw feeling will benefit cats in any way. It will improve digestion, reduce stool odor and volume, provide a healthy coat, fewer hairballs, increase energy, and weight control, and better dental and urinary health.
As cats are obligate carnivores. Their primary food is meat. They are adapted to eating a meat-based diet. So, raw food is appropriate and highly effective for cats. And, cats have a natural resistance to food poisoning. Because they are evolved to eat raw meat, so, there is nothing to worry about raw feeding, even if it is good for improving digestion.
If your cat has a digestive tract, then it can cause constipation. There are some supplements available that can benefit your cat and bring smoothness to the stool.
Does Grain Free Cat Food Cause Constipation?
Basically, less moisture and lack of fiber content food will cause constipation in cats. High moisture fiber-rich food made without grain and filler ingredients is good for cats with constipation. We have listed them in the above list.
How Many Days Can a Cat Go Without Pooping?
This totally depends on a cat to a cat. As a cat owner, you could tell better, what is normal for your cat. It depends on many factors like feeding, how they are fed etc.
Generally, if your cat goes more than 48 hours without a bowel movement. Then, you should take your cat to a vet.
There are certain things you can look for with constipation in the cat. If you noticed your cat straining to defecate and nothing coming out. Normally, every cat should have a bowel movement daily. But, there can be some variation depending on the GI transit time and their diet.
There is some sign, you can monitor, like straining, vomiting, lethargy, and lack of appetite. They are sign of constipation in cats. If you notice something wrong with your cat’s digestive health. It is best to consult with a vet or make an appointment immediately.
Can Cats Die From Constipation?
If constipation is untreated, then it will lead to obstipation. This is a condition that is difficult to defecate with the passage of hard or dry bowel movements.
It is a complete blockage in the digestive tract that can cause tremendous strain to the other internal organs in your cat. The blockage should be treated as soon as possible. This is why it is important to visit a vet if you notice any symptoms of obstipation in your cat.
Some Common Symptoms
- Straining to defecate with small or no feces volume
- Hard, dry bowel movement
- Vomiting occasionally
- Depression
- Lack of appetite
- A small quantity of stool with mucus in it
- Large intestine colon filled with feces material
How to Relieve Cat Constipation?
The easiest way to relieve constipation in cats is to feed them the appropriate diet. Cats should never be fed on dry crunch food. It is a bad idea. The cat needs a high-quality grain-free canned food or raw cat food diet.
This kind of diet will help your system in a healthy way. Keep their system and digest food properly. Generally, the easiest thing you can do is add a little fiber to your cat’s diet. Either from a supplement or add it a little in cat food. You can also get it fiber-sourced from fresh pumpkins.
We recommend staying away from mineral oil or other types, as they can cause other problems.
If your cat’s constipation becomes a chronic issue for your cat. Then, you should take your cat to a vet to figure out the cause of not passing the stool properly.
What Is The Best Wet Cat Food For Cats with Constipation?
There are many healthy wet cat foods you can choose from. We recommend Weruva Cats in The Kitchen Grain-Free Wet Cat Food Cans best for constipation. It is a grain-free food that contains high-quality meat sources in the first five ingredients. Also, it provides enough fiber and moisture to ease constipation.
What The Best Dry Cat Food for Constipation?
Cats may get constipated even when they drink plenty of water, but dehydration is a major reason. We recommend adding enough water to your cat’s diet if she is on dry cat food. Blue Buffalo High Protein dry cat for constipation contains all the ingredients your cat requires in their diet for constipation except enough moisture. Make sure to provide fresh water sources with dry cat food.
How Can You Help A Constipated Cat?
A constipated cat is a painful issue. It is hard to see your fur baby in a painful situation. Sometimes constipation can become life threatening if not treated. You could visit a vet if you notice your cat is constipated. Generally, your vet may suggest adding high-fiber food or canned pumpkin to your cat’s diet. You need to change to cat food that is easy to digest for your cat.
High fiber wet cat food
If you are looking for high-fiber wet cat food, it is important to choose a diet that is nutritionally balanced and appropriate for your cat’s age, weight, and overall health. High fiber diets are often recommended for cats with certain digestive issues or weight management concerns.
When selecting high-fiber wet cat food, look for products that have a high percentage of fiber in their ingredients. Typically, a fiber content of 3-5% or higher is considered high fiber for cat food.
You can check the nutrition label on the cat food packaging to find the fiber content. Ingredients such as pumpkin, peas, and other vegetables are often added to cat food to increase fiber content.
It is important to choose a high-quality wet cat food that contains animal-based protein, as well as vitamins and minerals that are essential for your cat’s health. You should also look for wet cat food that is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
It’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your cat’s diet, including switching to high fiber wet cat food. Your veterinarian can help you determine the appropriate diet for your cat’s individual needs and can provide guidance on how to make a smooth transition to a new food.
Kristen is a cat parent. Love to keep my cats happy always and playful. Also, It became my passion to help another cat owner with caring tips for their cats and kittens. Stay tuned with my personal blog to know more caring tips, review of cat food and feeding guides. I’d love to know about your cat. If you something to share with about your cat. I will be happy to read.