Constipation can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for cats if left untreated, so finding the proper nutrition is essential to maintain your feline friend’s health and well-being.
With so many cat foods on the market, knowing which ones are best for constipation can be difficult. Don’t worry! We have researched for you to provide an in-depth overview of the best cat foods for constipation.
Our number one choice is Hill’s Science Diet Adult Recipe Dry Cat Food.
This cat food is specifically designed for adult cats and contains high-quality ingredients to help manage constipation.
Other great options are on the list, including wet and dry foods, grain-free recipes, freeze-dried raw dishes, and more.
We will go over each food in detail so you can easily decide on what to feed your cat.
Our Top Picks: Best Cat Food For Constipation
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Recipe Dry Cat Food (Overall Best Food)
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food (Best Canned Food)
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food (Best Grain-Free Food)
- ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best Premium Food)
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food (Best for Picky Eaters)
- Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Canned Cat Food (Best for Senior Cats)
- Iams ProActive Health Care Dry Cat Food (Best for Weight Control)
- Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food (Best Tasting Food)
- Taste of the Wild Rocky Grain-Free Dry Cat Food (Best Dry Food)
- Reveal Natural Grain-Free Wet Cat Food (Best Dry Food Complement)
- Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Chicken, Grain-Free Cat Food (Best Budget Food)
Best Wet & Dry Cat Food For Constipation Reviewed
All of the cat food options for constipation we have chosen are made with high-quality ingredients and provide plenty of fiber to help your cat’s digestive system. They all follow the AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition.
Remember to talk to your veterinarian before making major changes to your cat’s diet.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Recipe Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 29% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 524 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, With Grain
Pros
- High fiber content to aid in constipation
- High-quality proteins like chicken meal for muscle health
- Added vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance
- This food is easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
- It contains prebiotic fibers to support a healthy digestive system.
Cons
- Not the best option for cats with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Recipe Dry Cat Food offers balanced nutrition and plenty of fiber to help keep your kitty regular while still being easy on the stomach.
Plus, it has high-quality proteins to ensure your cat gets the best nutrition possible. This food’s prebiotic fibers also help support a healthy digestive system and balance your cat’s gut flora.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 12% Crude Protein, 8% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 212 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Pork Liver, Turkey Broth, Duck, Cranberries
Food Texture: Pate
Type of Product: Wet cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Pea-Free, Grain-Free, Gluten Free
Pros
- It contains real turkey, pork liver, and duck for various proteins.
- Contains cranberry for a healthy digestive system and urinary tract.
- Added taurine, vitamins, and minerals for complete nutrition
- Full of omega fatty acids for healthy digestion
- Multiple flavors to choose from
Cons
- Some cats do not like the taste of this food.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Canned Cat Food is a grain-free recipe that contains natural proteins like turkey, pork liver, and duck that provide essential nutrition to support a healthy digestive system.
Plus, it has added cranberries for urinary tract health and omega fatty acids to help digestion. It is free from fillers, colors, and artificial ingredients, so you can be sure you’re giving your cat the best nutrition.
Purina Beyond Grain-Free Natural Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 35% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
Caloric Content: 394 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Natural, Gluten Free, Grain-Free, High-Protein
Pros
- Natural probiotics to support digestive health and keep your fur baby feeling her best
- High-quality ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Grain-free, gluten-free recipe for cats with sensitivities
- High in protein to keep your cat’s muscles healthy.
Cons
- Only two flavors to choose from
- Some cats may not like the smell of this food.
This dry recipe contains plenty of fiber from pea starch and cassava root flour. It also has real chicken as the first ingredient, providing your feline friend with high-quality proteins that can help maintain lean muscle mass.
The natural ingredients and antioxidants can also help boost your cat’s immune system.
ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 40% Crude Protein, 20% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 515 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Whole Mackerel, Turkey Giblets, Flounder, Chicken Liver
Type of Product: Dry cat food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, Premium
Pros
- High protein formula with real chicken and turkey as the first five ingredients
- Enhanced with omega fatty acids to help support healthy digestion
- Premium ingredients to support healthy digestion and regular bowel movements
- These freeze-dried coated recipes are perfect for a burst of raw flavor.
Cons
- Not a great option for picky eaters
This high-protein recipe features real chicken and turkey as the first five ingredients, which provide plenty of amino acids for muscle growth and repair. It has added omega fatty acids to aid the maintenance of digestion, healthy skin, and coat.
Additionally, its grain-free formula makes it great for cats with allergies or sensitivities while still providing them with all the essential vitamins and minerals they need.
Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 44% Crude Protein, 30% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 5% Moisture
Caloric Content: 196 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Rabbit With Ground Bone, Rabbit Liver, Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride
Type of Product: Freeze-Dried cat food
Life Stage: Adult and kittens
Key Feature: Gluten Free, Grain-Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural, Premium
Pros
- Grain-free recipe made without fillers, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Enhanced with omega fatty acids to help support healthy digestion
- It contains a variety of vegetables for added vitamins and minerals to support gut health.
- Made for cats of all ages. Picky eaters will love it too.
- This cat food is also suitable for kittens.
Cons
- Food pieces may be too large for cats.
This high-protein formula is easily digestible and packed with essential nutrients. Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Food is all-natural and minimally processed, with limited ingredients to provide the best overall nutrition to support your cat’s digestive health. The freeze-dried coating ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Canned Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 10% Crude Protein, 6% Crude Fat, 1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
Caloric Content: 95 kcal/can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Liver, Water, Meat By-Products, Beef
Type of Product: Wet Food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Senior cats
Key Feature: High-Protein
Pros
- Packed with a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for the best overall nutrition
- Delicious, highly digestible pate to help your feline friend stay healthy
- A real chicken and beef combo can please your cat’s taste buds.
- Made in the USA with premium quality ingredients
Cons
- It contains meat by-products
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult 11+ Canned Cat Food contains real chicken as the first ingredient, a high-quality source of protein that’s easy to digest.
This recipe also has plenty of essential fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat while providing your cat with all the vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need.
Iams ProActive Health Care Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 13.5% Crude Fat, 8.3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 302 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn
Type of Product: Dry Cat Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Indoor, Weight Control, Pea-Free, High Fiber, With Grain
Pros
- It contains high fiber to support healthy digestion.
- Formulated to support healthy weight and hairball control
- It contains L-carnitine to help burn fat.
- Provides balanced nutrition for adult cats
- Made in the USA with quality ingredients
Cons
- Only two flavors are available to choose from
Iams ProActive Health Care Dry Cat Food offers high-fiber, balanced nutrition to help support healthy digestion and weight management in adult cats.
Fabricated with only quality ingredients from the USA. It also contains L-carnitine, which helps promote a healthy metabolism and burn fat.
This cat food is an excellent choice for adult indoor cats needing extra weight management or hairball control support.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Natural Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 8% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
Caloric Content: 371 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate
Type of Product: Dry Cat Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Indoor, Weight Control, High Fiber
Pros
- It contains Omega fatty acids, essential for your cat’s health.
- High in fiber content to promote better digestion.
- Made with deboned chicken as the main ingredient for the best overall nutritional value
Cons
- It may not be suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs.
The high fiber content in this food helps promote better digestion. Its omega fatty acids provide the best overall nutritional value for your feline friend. It also contains chicken as the main ingredient, making it an excellent choice for adult cats.
Taste of the Wild Rocky Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 42% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
Caloric Content: 425 kcal/cup
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes, Chicken Fat, Pea Protein
Type of Product: Dry Cat Food
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, High-Protein
Pros
- Free of grains, which can make digestion difficult in some cats
- It contains Omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.
- This protein-filled recipe helps maintain your bones, joints, and general health.
- It contains antioxidant-rich ingredients that support a healthy immune system.
Cons
- Pricey compared to other dry cat foods.
Taste of the Wild Rocky Grain-Free Dry Cat Food is grain-free, making digestion easier on your cat’s system. Its omega fatty acid content helps improve skin and coat health, while additional fiber helps promote healthy digestion. This recipe is also fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to help support your cat’s body.
Reveal Natural Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 15% Crude Protein, 1% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 40 kcal ME/can
First 5 Ingredients: Tuna Fillet, Fish Broth
Type of Product: Wet Cat Food
Food Texture: Bits in Broth
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Natural
Pros
- High-quality protein from tuna and fish broth
- Natural, limited-ingredient diet for optimal nutrition and easier digestion
- No grains, artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors
- Perfect for cats with food sensitivities
- High moisture content to support cat’s need for hydration and prevent constipation
Cons
- Use as a complement to any dry cat food for a complete, balanced diet.
- No additional ingredients that boost digestive health
Reveal Natural Grain-Free Wet Cat Food features a natural, limited-ingredient diet free of grains and artificial ingredients.
This wet cat food is packed with high-quality protein from tuna and fish broth to keep your feline friend healthy and well-nourished without overloading them with unnecessary calories.
Plus, its high moisture content helps cats stay hydrated while supporting their need for hydration, which can help prevent constipation in cats.
However, this wet cat food is used to complement any dry cat food for a complete balanced diet.
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Chicken, Grain-Free Cat Food
Guaranteed Analysis: 15% Crude Protein, 1% Crude Fat, 0.5% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
Caloric Content: 40 kcal ME/can
First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Water, Natural Flavors, Tapioca Starch
Type of Product: Wet Cat Food
Food Texture: Pate
Life Stage: Adult
Key Feature: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Pea-Free
Pros
- Highly palatable wet cat food with a strong aroma and texture
- It contains chicken as the first ingredient for protein and amino acid needs.
- Grain-free, gluten-free, and pea-free formula helps support healthy digestion.
- Quick and easy mealtime is possible with single-serve pouches.
Cons
- Picky eaters may not like this food.
Wellness CORE Tiny Tasters Chicken, Grain-Free Cat Food is an excellent option for cat owners looking for wet cat food that supports healthy digestion and is free of grains, gluten, and peas.
This single-serve pouch contains high-quality chicken as the first ingredient and provides essential proteins and amino acids your feline friend needs. Plus, it has a delicious taste that cats love!
What to Look for When Buying Cat Food for Constipation
If your cat has constipation, certain ingredients in cat food can help to relieve their symptoms.
Here is what to look for when choosing the best cat food for constipation.
- High Fiber Content: Look for a formula that contains high levels of insoluble and soluble fiber. These fibers help keep your cat’s digestive system running smoothly. They can help alleviate constipation and improve overall digestion.
- Moisture: Dehydration can cause constipation in cats, so choose cat food with high moisture content. Canned foods are best as they contain around 75-80% water, while dry foods usually have approximately 10-12%.
- Probiotics: Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help to keep your cat’s digestive system running smoothly. They can help to reduce constipation, improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.
- Premium Quality Protein: Protein is an essential nutrient for cats and helps maintain muscle mass and provide energy. High-quality proteins from animal sources are best for the best overall nutrition.
Other Factors to Consider
- Cat’s Age: Different cat foods are best for different age groups. Kittens have higher nutritional needs than adult cats, so choose a food designed for their age group.
- Cat’s Health Condition: Some cats may have special dietary needs such as weight loss or a sensitive stomach. Choose a food that is best suited to your cat’s health condition.
- The Texture or Flavor of Food: Some cats may not be fond of a particular type of food due to the texture or flavor, so make sure to choose a flavor and texture your cat likes best.
What Causes Constipation in Cats?
Common causes of constipation in cats include dehydration, lack of physical activity, insufficient fiber intake, hairballs, stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions.
If your cat is suffering from constipation, it is best to speak with your vet as they can help to diagnose the cause and provide the best treatment option.
How Serious is Constipation in Cats?
Constipation can be a serious problem for cats, leading to other problems if not treated. A severe case of constipation may lead to megacolon or obstipation.
This means the cat’s colon will stop working and may need surgery to prevent bacteria from getting into the blood and making the cat sick.
How Do I Know if My Cat has Constipation?
Constipation can be difficult to spot in cats, but there are some signs that you should look out for. Common symptoms of constipation include
- Straining or difficulty when trying to use the litter box
- Decreased appetite
- Reduced activity levels
- Vomiting
- Dry stools
If your cat is showing any of these symptoms, it may be best to contact your vet for advice.
How can I Treat my Cat’s Constipation at Home?
When your beloved feline companion is suffering from constipation, simple lifestyle changes can help. Here are a few home remedies for constipation in cats:
- Increase your cat’s water intake. Make sure to have a dish of fresh, clean water available at all times, and consider adding wet food to their diet for extra hydration. A cat fountain can also encourage more frequent drinking, as cats may find it interesting.
- Encourage exercise by playing with toys such as laser pointers, feathers on strings, or balls.
- Increase fiber in your cat’s food. Common sources of fiber, such as psyllium, chia seeds, flaxseeds, green beans, and pumpkin, are excellent sources of soluble fiber that will help keep things moving in the digestive system.
- Try Probiotics. Probiotics are supplements that contain beneficial bacteria which can help to improve overall digestive health and reduce constipation.
- Monitor your cat’s weight. Overweight cats are more prone to constipation than healthy ones, so keep their calories in check. Your vet can help you determine if your kitty is at a healthy weight.
Is Pumpkin Good for Constipation in Cats?
Yes, pumpkins can be an excellent remedy for constipation in cats. Pumpkin is high in fiber, which helps keep your cat regular and adds moisture to their diet, which can help alleviate constipation.
We recommend Weruva Pumpkin Patch Up Food Supplement as it contains no gluten with BPA-free ingredients and can be added to your cat’s wet food for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Give my Cat a Laxative?
You should consult with your veterinarian before giving your cat a laxative. Depending on the cause of your cat’s constipation, it may be best to switch to a diet that is higher in fiber or administer other treatments as directed by your vet.
Can Wet Food Make Cats Constipated?
No. In general, wet food can help to alleviate constipation in cats. Wet food is easier to digest and contains more moisture, so it helps to keep your cat’s digestive system running smoothly.
Can Changing Cat Food Cause Constipation?
In some instances, changing cat food can lead to constipation. When cats switch from one diet to another, their digestive systems may require time to adjust to the new food.
This can result in constipation and other digestive issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea. When changing your cat’s food, always do so gradually to help your cat’s digestive system adjust to the new diet without causing any health problems.
Is Cat Constipation an Emergency?
In most cases, constipation in cats is not an emergency. Constipation can typically be treated by making dietary changes or increasing your cat’s water intake.
However, if your cat has been constipated for more than two days or seems to be in pain when trying to defecate, it’s best to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Can I Give my Cat Milk for Constipation?
No. Many cats are lactose intolerant, so consuming dairy products such as milk may cause digestive upset and worsen constipation.
How Long can a Cat go Without Pooping?
The length of time a cat can go without pooping is variable and depends on the individual cat’s health and diet.
Generally, a healthy adult cat should have one or two daily bowel movements. If your cat hasn’t had a bowel movement in more than 48 hours, consult your veterinarian, as this could indicate constipation or other medical conditions.
Final Verdict
Constipation is a common problem among cats. It can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, lack of physical activity, insufficient fiber intake, hairballs, stress, anxiety, and certain medical conditions.
You should talk with your vet to help determine the cause of your cat’s constipation and the best treatment.
But in the meantime, we highly recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Recipe Dry Cat Food as the best cat food for constipation.
This dry food combines fiber, moisture, and nutrients to help your cat return to regular bathroom habits.
The other cat food options discussed in this post are also excellent choices if your cat has specific needs and preferences-like only eating canned cat food or wet food, grain-free recipes, or particular ingredients.