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10 Best Cat Foods for Constipation In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on September 24, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

side view of tabby cat eating pet food from feeding bowl on white background with copy space

10 Best Cat Foods for Constipation In 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

VET APPROVED

Dr. Ashley Darby Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Ashley Darby

Veterinarian, BVSc

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

side view of tabby cat eating pet food from feeding bowl on white background with copy space Does your kitty need help, “moving things along”? Have you noticed they haven’t passed feces for a few days or have small dry poops? If so you may be wondering what are the best foods for constipation in cats. As with many things in pet care, it is best to take the recommendation from your veterinary surgeon if your cat is suffering from constipation. This is because there is more than one cause of constipation, resulting in different approaches being appropriate and things can change over time needing a re-think of the treatment plan.

Recommendations range from adding a teaspoon or two of psyllium husk to their current food, to specialized veterinary prescription diets. Here we look at commonly used and readily available cat food for constipated cats. They are divided into high fiber and low residue options.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Wet Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Wet
  • Wet diet for hydration
  • Prebiotic fiber for gut health and stool quality
  • Good for cats with wheat intolerance 
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Management Shredded Blend Turkey Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Management Shredded Blend Turkey
  • High fiber and probiotics
  • Real meat as the first ingredient
  • Salmon and rice formula also available
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat
  • Wet and dry formulas available
  • Powerful prebiotics
  • Psyllium seed husk is listed in the ingredients
  • Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry
  • Psyllium seed husk is among the top ingredients
  • Wet and dry formulas
  • Supports urinary health
  • Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
  • Wet and dry formulas available
  • Above average fiber
  • Low calorie 
  • The 10 Best Cat Foods for Constipation

    High Fiber Options

    1. Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Wet Cat Food- Best Overall

    Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Wet Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Potatoes, Chicken Liver, Whitefish, Potato Starch, Potato Protein, Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Natural Flavor, Brown Rice, Flaxseed
    Protein Content: 5%
    Fat Content: 3%
    Calories: 86 Kcals/can

    The 3% crude fiber that Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Wet Cat Food is quite high for canned food. Being in a wet formula means your kitty will benefit from the moisture. We think this diet is quality because of the natural ingredients and real meat being the first ingredient. The fiber comes from fruits and veggies and acts as a prebiotic to support gut health. If your cat is sensitive to wheat in the diet, this food is completely wheat-free. Some reviewers did note a liquid-like consistency to this food which may not appeal to some. While it’s not perfect, it is reasonably priced for all the benefits it provides.

    Pros
    • Wet diet for hydration
    • Prebiotic fiber for gut health and stool quality
    • Good for cats with wheat intolerance 
    Cons
    • Consistency may be unappealing

    2. Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Management Shredded Blend Turkey & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food- Best Value

    Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Management Shredded Blend Turkey & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Turkey, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Meal, Rice, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Meal, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-tocopherols, Soy Protein Isolate, Dried Egg Product
    Protein Content: 36%
    Fat Content: 10%
    Calories: 357 kcal/cup

    Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Management Shredded Blend Turkey & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food provides a quality product at a decent price, but part of the price benefit is due to this being a dry food. While canned products are more pricey, they also provide much-needed moisture in the diet of your constipated kitty, so if you choose this food please encourage your cat to drink more.

    That being said, with 7% fiber, high protein, and probiotics to support gut health, this is a healthy diet for adult cats living indoors that are maybe constipated due to hairballs. It contains supplements for a shiny, nourished coat. Most cats love the shredded pieces of meat in this diet.

    Pros
    • High fiber and probiotics
    • Real meat as the first ingredient
    • Salmon and rice formula also available
    Cons
    • Dry food only

    3. Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat Food- Premium Choice

    Hill's Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Meal, Chicken Fat, Wheat Gluten, Pea Protein, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Oats
    Protein Content: 5%
    Fat Content: 9%
    Calories: 424 kcal/cup

    Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat Food incorporates Hill’s patented prebiotic ingredient, known as ActivBiome+,1 which activates healthy gut bacteria for improved gut health. Psyllium husk is listed in the ingredients of this food. You can purchase this diet in wet and dry forms, which means your feline can enjoy the best of both worlds. The added omega-3 fatty acids and natural preservatives enhance the appeal of this food. The crude fiber in the diet is technically low, but it has been proven to help with constipation in as little as 24 hours.

    Pros
    • Wet and dry formulas available
    • Powerful prebiotics
    • Psyllium seed husk is listed in the ingredients
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Vet authorization required

    4. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Chicken Fat, Powdered Psyllium Seed Husk, Wheat Gluten, Natural Flavors, Corn Protein Meal, Dried Chicory Root
    Protein Content: 29%
    Fat Content: 13%
    Calories: 362 kcal/cup

    Royal Canin provides a high concentration of psyllium husk and prebiotics in this diet designed to improve overall digestive health. It also contains insoluble fiber to bulk up the feces. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Fiber Response Dry Cat Food has highly digestible proteins with omega-3 fatty acids. It also provides a level of protection against urinary crystals. On the downside, like other prescription diets, it is pricey and needs a vet’s approval before you can purchase it.

    Pros
    • Psyllium seed husk is among the top ingredients
    • Wet and dry formulas
    • Supports urinary health
    Cons
    • Requires vet authorization
    • Pricey

    5. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Meal, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp
    Protein Content: 5%
    Fat Content: 5%
    Calories: 323 kcal/cup

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food provides additional ingredients for a healthy coat and immune system. With no artificial ingredients, this is a premium-quality diet that doesn’t need vet authorization. The price is not exorbitant either. Being on the low-calorie end of diets on this list it’s not a bad option for felines that struggle with their weight. The 6.6% fiber in this diet is above average but could be higher. We think this is a decent choice if hairballs are the cause of your cat’s constipation.

    Pros
    • Wet and dry formulas available
    • Above average fiber
    • Low calorie 
    Cons
    • No psyllium seed husk in the ingredients list

    6. Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Cat Food

    Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Brewers Rice, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Soy Protein Isolate, Corn Gluten Meal, Natural Flavors, Wheat, Corn, Dried Chicory Root, Fish Oil
    Protein Content: 36%
    Fat Content: 13%
    Calories: 350 kcal/cup

    Royal Canin Feline Care Nutrition Digestive Care Dry Cat Food contains fiber to support healthy gut bacteria and provide roughage for fecal bulk. It contains 3.7% crude fiber, which is not a deal breaker but is on the lower end of this list. It’s specifically designed for cats that eat too fast and regurgitate, so if this sounds familiar, this could be the diet for you.

    Pros
    • Psyllium seed husk is listed in the ingredients
    • Comes in wet and dry formulas
    • Encourages slower eating
    Cons
    • Crude fiber is relatively low

    7. Wellness CORE+ Hairball Chicken Pate Natural Wet Cat Food, 2.8-oz can, case of 12

    Wellness CORE+ Hairball Chicken Pate Natural Wet Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, Tuna, Chicken Broth, Fish Broth, Water Sufficient for Processing, Ground Miscanthus Grass, Natural Flavor, Egg White Powder, Sunflower Oil
    Protein Content: 11%
    Fat Content: 6%
    Calories: 97 kcal/can

    A canned food with 2.5% fiber, Wellness CORE+ Hairball Chicken Pate Natural Wet Cat Food could help with your cat’s constipation, especially if it’s related to hairballs. It’s a wet food so boosts your cat’s hydration. Biotin and Omega-3 fatty acids work to keep your cat’s immune system and skin healthy.

    Miscanthus grass is included in the ingredients list as a fiber source. This diet is grain-free which may be necessary for pets with grain intolerances. However, there is a known link between grain-free diets and heart disease, the exact cause of which is unknown. So we urge owners to use these diets cautiously and not at all for pets with heart problems or who are prone to heart problems.

    Pros
    • High fiber
    • Wet food
    Cons
    • Grain-free diets may have links to heart disease

    8. Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food, 3-oz can

    Purina ONE Grain Free, Natural Senior Pate Wet Cat Food, Vibrant Maturity 7+ Chicken & Ocean Whitefish Recipe

    Main Ingredients: Chicken, Ocean Fish, Chicken Broth, Liver, Pork Lungs, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Guar Gum, Taurine, Salt
    Protein Content: 5%
    Fat Content: 25%
    Calories: 87 kcal/can

    A senior diet, wet food, with 3% fiber could be appropriate for older cats that struggle with dehydration and constipation. Made with high protein and no fillers, Purina ONE Indoor Advantage 7+ Chicken & Ocean Fish Recipe Pate Wet Cat Food also comes in a dry formula. This is another grain-free formula, so owners must exercise caution if this is the only food their kitty eats.

    Pros
    • High fiber and protein
    • Senior diet
    • Real chicken is the number one ingredient
    Cons
    • Grain-free diets may have links to heart disease
    • No psyllium seed husk in the ingredients list

    divider 3 paws

    Low Residue Options

    9. Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Wet Cat Food

    Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Vegetable Stew Canned Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Carrots, Wheat Gluten, Rice Starch, Rice, Chicken Fat, Hydrolyzed Chicken Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Potassium Alginate, Calcium Chloride
    Protein Content: 5%
    Fat Content: 3%
    Calories: 78 kcal/can

    Hill’s provides a good low-residue option for cats unable to cope with bulky feces. Nutritious and gentle ingredients make this diet gentle on the digestive system. Added antioxidants will also help keep your cat healthy. This prescription diet will need your vet’s approval and is on the more expensive side.

    Pros
    • Highly digestible ingredients
    • Psyllium seed husk in the ingredients list
    • Suitable for adults and kittens
    Cons
    • Needs vet approval
    • Pricey

    10. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Loaf in Sauce Canned Cat Food

    Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Loaf in Sauce Canned Cat Food

    Main Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Chicken By-Products, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Corn Flour, Brewers Rice Flour, Pork Plasma, Fish Oil, Powdered Cellulose
    Protein Content: 5%
    Fat Content: 8%
    Calories: 163 kcal/can

    Highly digestible ingredients and probiotics help keep a cat’s digestive system healthy. Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Adult Gastrointestinal Loaf in Sauce Canned Cat Food also contains omega-3 fatty acids which provide health benefits for the gut and other systems. It provides a level of protection against urinary stones. It’s high in calories which could be a good or bad thing depending on your cat’s weight. Like other veterinary diets, this needs vet approval before you buy it. It’s also expensive.

    Pros
    • Highly digestible ingredients
    • Probiotics
    Cons
    • Requires vet authorization
    • Pricey
    • High-calorie, not the best for overweight cats

    divider 3 paws

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Food for Constipation

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    Wet vs Dry Food

    When comparing wet foods to dry foods there are some important factors to consider. Most of the time wet food will be more expensive than dry food, regardless of the brand. It’s also unfair to compare nutrient profiles based on the percentages alone. You will need to convert the wet food percentage into a percentage on a dry matter basis (DM). This is complicated but you can use this calculator to do this if you’re interested in comparing protein, fat, or other nutrients.

    Whether you choose a wet or dry food will depend on a few factors:

    • Your cat’s preference
    • Budget
    • Whether your cat is prone to getting dehydrated

    If you’re unsure, talk to your vet. You don’t have to choose one or the other either, you can do both! Just remember to change diets gradually to avoid an upset stomach.

    Crude Fiber

    While crude fiber gives you some indication of the fiber in the diet, it is not the be-all and end-all. It doesn’t tell you the type or quality of the fiber which is why some higher fiber diets are less effective than lower fiber diets for constipated cats. It doesn’t take into account soluble and insoluble fiber either.

    Individual Factors

    Your cat may have individual dietary needs like wheat intolerance, or needing a diet that prevents urinary crystals. Their weight and calorie requirements will also influence your choice of food. If your cat sits on the heavier side, weight control is an important part of their treatment plan, and you should opt for low-calorie options.

    A diet is never based on one factor alone, so you need to take into account your cat as a whole. This is why a vet is a great resource for nutritional advice tailored to your cat.

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    How We Selected Our List of Cat Foods for Constipation

    Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat foods. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

    Why Trust Catster?

    A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat foods. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

    divider 2 cats

    Conclusion

    There are two main strategies for feeding constipated cats, high fiber or low residue diets depending on the cause of the constipation. Giving too much dietary fiber to a cat that is unable to cope with bulky feces will lead to worse constipation. That is one of the reasons why you should run any of these diets past your vet before using them. Having said that, if a high-fiber diet is the goal Blue Buffalo True Solutions Blissful Belly Digestive Care Formula Wet Cat Food offers great ingredients at a lower price. Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Management Shredded Blend Turkey & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food provides great value for money, being the least expensive product on the list on a per-pound of food basis. Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat Food has proven benefits with an exciting new prebiotic technology for gut health.

    At the end of the day, you need to choose a product that is right for you and your cat. We encourage you to decide which features are important for you and look carefully at all the options.


    Featured Image Credit: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock

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