Constipation in cats can be a distressing experience for both pets and their owners, leading to discomfort and potential health complications. When a cat is constipated, stool hardens, making bowel movements difficult and painful. The digestive system, however, continues to produce waste, exacerbating the discomfort. Choosing the right cat food is crucial for promoting healthy digestion and ensuring regular bowel movements. The best cat food for constipation is rich in moisture, contains easily digestible ingredients, and provides balanced fiber levels to facilitate smooth passage of stool.
This guide will help you understand the key features to look for in a cat food designed to combat constipation and presents a curated list of top-tier products available on the market.
Why Trust Cats.com
At Cats.com, we are committed to providing reliable and trustworthy information for cat owners. Our product recommendations are the result of extensive research and rigorous in-home testing. We consulted with veterinary advisors to understand the dietary management of constipation in cats, and our team personally evaluated each product. We purchased all recommended foods at full retail price, ensuring an unbiased assessment based on nutritional content, brand reputation, customer satisfaction, taste, texture, aroma, appearance, consistency, and packaging.
The Top 9 Best Cat Foods for Constipation
#1 Overall Best: Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
Smalls Ground Bird Fresh Cat Food
Smalls Fresh Ground Bird stands out as an excellent choice for cats suffering from constipation due to its high concentration of easily digestible animal protein and significant moisture content. The primary ingredient is chicken muscle meat, supplemented with chicken liver for added protein. This formula is rich in hydrating moisture and dietary fiber, crucial for alleviating constipation. Despite containing some vegetable ingredients, its carbohydrate content remains impressively low, under 10% on a dry matter basis. Free from difficult-to-digest ingredients like green peas, this food is highly digestible for most cats and avoids potentially irritating components that could worsen gastrointestinal issues.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 13% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 40
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.00 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Cod Liver Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#2 Runner Up: RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Canned Cat Food
RAWZ 96% Turkey & Turkey Liver Pate Cat Food
For those who prefer not to opt for fresh food subscriptions, high-moisture canned cat food presents a viable alternative. This turkey recipe from RAWZ features 96% turkey muscle meat and liver, making it a highly species-appropriate choice. Its single-protein formulation is beneficial for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. Beyond the turkey ingredients, the food contains minimal additions, primarily supplements, contributing to a simple, low-residue formula that is highly digestible. On a dry matter basis, this food boasts over 40% crude protein and a carbohydrate content below 20%.
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 37
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.25 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Liver
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#3 Best Dry Prescription: Hill’s P/D Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome with Chicken Dry Cat Food
Cats can experience a range of digestive issues, and for those with persistent problems, Hill’s Prescription Diet Gastrointestinal Biome dry cat food may be a suitable option. Developed by Hill’s veterinarians and nutritionists, this food is clinically proven to alleviate digestive upsets and promote healthier stools. It contains a proprietary blend called ActivBiome+, designed to regulate the feline gut microbiome with prebiotics and postbiotics. Additionally, it’s rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, supporting overall internal health and promoting a healthy coat.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 37.5% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 113
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.95 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Dried Beet Pulp, Flaxseed
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Dried Citrus Pulp
#4 Best Dry: Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food
Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Formula Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
While dry food is not ideal for cats, it can be a necessary choice for some. Dr. Elsey’s cleanprotein Chicken Recipe dry cat food is a high-protein option featuring multiple sources of high-quality animal protein and significantly lower carbohydrates than typical dry foods. It relies on animal-sourced fat, including chicken fat and salmon oil, which provide omega-3 fatty acids beneficial for skin and coat health. However, the low moisture content in dry food can be a drawback for cats prone to constipation. Owners may consider soaking the kibble or adding wet food toppers to increase moisture intake.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 59% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 114
- Typical Cost Per Day: $0.90 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Chicken, Dried Egg Product, Pork Protein Isolate, Gelatin, Chicken Fat, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: None
#5 Best Ethically-Sourced: Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
Open Farm Homestead Turkey Rustic Blend Wet Food
Open Farm cat foods are distinguished by their commitment to ethically and sustainably sourced ingredients. This wet cat food features humanely raised turkey as the primary ingredient, with turkey bone broth providing a hydrating and flavorful base. It is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate formula with a moderate fat content. While it does contain red lentils and garbanzo beans, which some cats may find difficult to digest, customer reviews indicate high palatability among cats.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 8% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 27
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.46 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Red Lentils, Garbanzo Beans
#6 Best for Picky Cats: Caru Classics Turkey Stew
Caru Classics Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Caru Classics Turkey Stew is a favored choice for finicky eaters, with many owners reporting that even picky cats enjoy its stew-like texture. It features turkey as a single source of protein, making it suitable for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. This cat food is made with a short list of whole-food ingredients, excluding carrageenan and gum thickeners. Although it contains a small amount of tapioca starch as a binder, its carbohydrate content remains very low. Its palatable texture also makes it a good option as a food topper or meal mixer.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 9% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 28
- Typical Cost Per Day: $3.60 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Turkey Bone Broth, Marine Microalgae Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Tapioca Starch
#7 Best Wet: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Turkey Pate Grain-Free Wet Cat Food
Wellness CORE Digestive Health Turkey Pate Grain-Free Natural Wet Cat Food
Formulated with a protein-rich blend of turkey muscle meat and chicken liver, this Wellness CORE canned cat food is designed to support digestive health. It offers high moisture content and is very low in carbohydrates. The fat content is derived from salmon oil, a source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Dietary fiber is provided through ingredients like apple and pumpkin powders, while cassia gum and xanthan gum offer prebiotic support. While gums can sometimes lead to loose stools in sensitive cats, this food is generally considered easily digestible and beneficial for easing constipation.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 33
- Typical Cost Per Day: $4.74 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Chicken, Salmon Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Cassia Gum, Xanthan Gum
#8 Budget Pick: Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat & Kitten Food
High-moisture cat food can be expensive, but Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Chicken Recipe offers a quality, budget-friendly option. This meat-based wet food includes multiple animal protein sources like turkey and tuna, with menhaden fish oil providing omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains pumpkin, known to aid bowel movements. A potential drawback is the use of guar gum as a thickener, which may cause digestive upset in some cats; therefore, gradual introduction is recommended.
- Made In: United States
- Guaranteed Protein: 11% Min
- Age Range: All Life Stages
- Calories Per Ounce: 35
- Typical Cost Per Day: $1.98 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Turkey, Chicken, Turkey Liver, Tuna, Menhaden Fish Oil
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Guar Gum
#9 Best for Seniors: Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner Canned Cat Food
Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner Canned Cat Food
As cats age, they may develop health issues like kidney disease, which can sometimes be managed with a low-phosphorus diet. While not specifically formulated for kidney disease, Weruva Truluxe Steak Frites Dinner contains lower-than-average phosphorus levels for a non-prescription cat food. This formula is rich in moisture and features a concise list of digestible ingredients, with beef muscle meat as the sole protein source, suitable for cats with sensitivities. The fiber content from pumpkin and sweet potato may also benefit cats experiencing constipation.
- Made In: Thailand
- Guaranteed Protein: 10% Min
- Age Range: Adult
- Calories Per Ounce: 21
- Typical Cost Per Day: $5.24 per day
Ingredients We Liked: Beef Broth, Beef, Taurine
Ingredients We Didn’t Like: Potato Starch, Carrot
What to Look for in Cat Food for Constipation
High Moisture Content
Dehydration is a significant contributing factor to constipation in cats. Unlike their natural prey, which has a moisture content of at least 70%, dry cat food typically contains only 10-12% moisture. Cats also have a low thirst drive. Consequently, a high-moisture diet is essential for encouraging water retention in the stool, making it easier to pass.
Easily Digestible Ingredients
A cat’s digestive system is best suited to processing meat. Therefore, diets that closely mimic whole prey—consisting of muscle meat, organs, and bones—are the easiest to digest. Ingredients such as animal by-products, vaguely named meals, and high carbohydrate levels can negatively impact digestibility. Opting for recipes with a short ingredient list also minimizes the risk of triggering adverse reactions or irritation.
Adequate Fiber Content
While cats are obligate carnivores, they do consume prey that contains plant matter. Commercially sold cat foods often include fiber substitutes. An excess or deficiency of fiber can lead to digestive issues. Finding the right balance through trial and error is key, as excessive fiber can cause problems just as readily as inadequate intake.
Supplements to Support Digestion
For cats on low-fiber diets, fiber supplements can help ease constipation. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool, while soluble fiber, like psyllium husks, acts as a prebiotic to promote gut health. Cat foods containing probiotics can foster a balanced digestive environment, and digestive enzymes may assist in more efficient food breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does grain-free food help with constipation in cats?
Grain-free diets can be beneficial if they are high in moisture and animal-based ingredients with low carbohydrate content. However, some grain-free foods contain legumes like beans and peas, which can be hard for cats to digest and may not alleviate constipation.
What does megacolon cat poop look like?
Megacolon, a condition often resulting from severe constipation, occurs when the colon muscles stretch. Stools from cats with megacolon may appear smaller than normal. They might pass a large amount of hard, dry stool infrequently, rather than smaller amounts more regularly.
What is the best diet for a cat with a megacolon?
For cats with megacolon, easily digestible, low-residue diets are crucial to minimize digestive effort. Increasing fiber intake can add bulk to the stool, potentially aiding in passage.
What foods are natural laxatives for cats?
Fiber-rich foods like canned pumpkin can help ease bowel movements. If your cat eats dry food, incorporating small amounts of wet food may also be beneficial. Avoid fish oil or other liquid oils as laxatives, as there is no scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for feline constipation, and they may cause diarrhea.
