8 Best Cat Food For Constipation

Problems related to stools, like constipation, are directly related to the stomach, and stomach of course, thrives on diet. In my clinical practice, I have experienced changing a cat’s diet to solve constipation issues, almost immediately. 

Less poop usually means constipation, and that can impact your cat’s health severely. So it is essential to observe the consistency of your cat’s poop (gross, I know!).

There are many cat foods available in the market that address the constipation problem in cats but, Royal Canin, Selected Protein PD is the best cat food for constipation in my opinion.

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Royal Canin - Selected Protein

• Value For Money, Highly Digestible
• Selected Protein To Avoid Food Sensitivities
• Antioxidants For Stronger Immunity

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It is a carefully selected protein that is rarely an allergen for cats, along with grain that helps with digestibility. With things moving smoothly in your cat’s intestines, constipation will be gone in no time. 

This Article Will Explain & Discuss:

• Features & Benefits of The 8 Best Cat Foods For Constipation
• Symptoms & Causes Of Constipation In Cats
• Macro Ingredients In Cat Food For Constipation
• FAQs Regarding Constipation in Cats

Our Quick Comparison On The Best Cat Food For Constipation

Image	Product	Features	Shop On
TOP PICK	Royal Canin - Selected Protein	Limited Ingredient Diet Veterinary Recommended Highly Digestible	AmazonChewy
BEST BUDGET	Natural Balance - Limited Ingredient, Chicken & Green Pea	Grain-Free Formula Selective Protein Source No Fillers	AmazonChewy
BEST PREMIUM	Stella & Chewy's - Dinner Morsels, Duck Duck Goose	High Quality Ingredients Hormone Free Added Vitamins & Minerals	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR SENIOR CATS	Purina Pro Plan - Adult 11+, Salmon & Tuna	Highly Digestible Composition  Healthy Weight  Avoids Allergies	AmazonChewy
BEST DRY	Royal Canin - Sensitive Digestion	High Fiber  Soluble And Insoluble Fibers Prebiotics And Highly Digestible Proteins	AmazonChewy
BEST NON-PRESCRIPTION	Hill's Science Diet - Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice	Prebiotic Fiber Natural Ingredients Quicker Stool Pickup	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR KITTENS	Wellness CORE - Kitten, Turkey & Chicken Liver	Supports Hydration Grain-Free High Levels of DHA	AmazonChewy
BEST FOR INDOOR CATS	Rachael Ray Nutrish, Indoor Complete - Chicken with Lentils & Salmon	Maintains Healthy Weight Natural Ingredients Superfood Blend	AmazonChewy

Our Detailed Reviews On The Best Cat Food For Constipation

There may be various reasons why your cat is facing constipation. Since these reasons and symptoms are different for every cat, the kind of cat food that will suit them will also vary.  

1. Royal Canin, Selected Protein PD

• First 5 Ingredients: Water Sufficient For Processing, Duck, Duck Liver, Pea Flour, Duck By-Product Meal
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, Veterinary Diet
• Caloric Content: 1100 kcal ME/kg; 160 kcal ME/can
• Protein Quantity: 9.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 2.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 5.3% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 77.5% max
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Loaf
• Lifestage: Adult

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

I have tried Royal Canin, Selected Protein PD wet cat food in my clinic for a number of cats, and it’s proven to be an overall beneficial choice for adult cats with digestive system issues like constipation.

Peas and duck are the main ingredients in this diet for adult cats that have food sensitivities. Peas are rich in fiber so they help in digestion which prevents constipation. Duck is rarely marked as an allergen so it will also help relieve cats facing constipation due to allergies.

This meal is a complete and balanced diet that can be given to cats whose owners are faced with their on and off constipation, with long-term nourishment. With EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. 

This wet cat food diet also promotes the health of the cat’s skin and coat through strengthening the skin barrier.

2. Natural Balance, Limited Ingredient, Chicken & Green Pea

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Ground Peas, Pea Protein
• Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Grain-Free
• Caloric Content: 1150 kcal/kg, 180 kcal/5.5-oz can
• Protein Quantity: 9% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 1.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 5.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 78.0% max
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Pate  
• Lifestage: Adults

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

By feeding your constipated cat this Natural Balance Canned Cat Food which is specially designed for cats with sensitivity like constipation, you can satisfy the nutritional needs of your cat. And this wet cat food option does not exhaust your budget (yay!).

It contains just a few carefully chosen ingredients, including a single animal protein source in the form of succulent chicken as the main ingredient. 

Chicken is easily digestible and provides the most protein percentage for cats as compared to other meats, and will support your friend in all its furry adventures.

Additionally, since actual broth is used in its preparation, it keeps your cat hydrated to support constipation. It also contains no artificial ingredients or grains to maintain your cat’s health with natural ingredients.

3. Stella & Chewy’s, Dinner Morsels, Duck Duck Goose 

• First 5 Ingredients: Duck With Ground Bone, Turkey With Ground Bone, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, Limited Ingredient Diet, Raw, Pea-Free, Natural, Premium
• Caloric Content: 5,290 kcal/kg.; 224 kcal/cup
• Protein Quantity: 40.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 5.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 30.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 5.0% max
• Food Form: Freeze-Dried
• Lifestage: Adult

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

With this Stella & Chewy’s, Dinner Morsels, Duck Duck Goose freeze-dried raw cat food, you can give your cat a diet that closely resembles one in the wild.

This premium natural formula makes it simple for you to give your cat only the good stuff with few ingredients and rich animal protein. Duck is the primary protein in this food which gives your cat all of its energy and promotes the immunity of your cat

One of my weaker cats built healthy muscles with this high-protein diet, and relief from constipation was provided by its natural components.

Your cat can enjoy the health advantages of raw food nutrition like easy digestion, smaller, less smelly poops, improved dental health, healthier skin, and coats with the ease of freeze-dried preparation with this meal. 

After the adjustment phase, a better digestive tract is one of the immediate advantages of switching to this raw cat food which results in relief from constipation.

4. Purina Pro Plan, Adult 11+, Salmon & Tuna 

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Liver, Water, Meat By-Products, Fish
• Type of Product: High-Protein
• Caloric Content: 905 kcal/kg, 76 kcal/can
• Protein Quantity: 10.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 1.5% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 6.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 78.0% max
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Pate
• Lifestage: Senior

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

Support the adventures of your senior feline with the extra-care nutrition included in Purina Pro adult wet cat food.

This nutritious wet cat food pate is made specifically for senior cats aged 11 and over.  In my experience, it gave excellent nutrition in a highly digestible form, which aids in avoiding constipation.Because of how soft the pate is, it doesn’t cause intestinal obstruction in your cat by passing in the feces smoothly.

Every serving of this cat food is packed with protein like salmon, tuna, and other fish which helps your furry friend keep up a healthy weight by being energetic and playful. 

This cat food has a delicious flavor that cats adore since it is made with a combination of real salmon and tuna. These are wonderful natural supplements for your cat to support its digestive system health and constipation. Tuna is high in protein and improves overall skin and coat health and also helps to avoid allergies.

5. Royal Canin, Sensitive Digestion

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Fat, Corn Gluten Meal, Brewers Rice, Wheat
• Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Pea-Free, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 4,079 kcal/kg, 469 kcal/cup
• Protein Quantity: 33.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 3.1% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 20% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 7.5% max
• Food Form: Dry Food
• Lifestage: Adult

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

To help your constipated cat, Royal Canin Sensitive Digestion is a high fiber content cat food specifically created with a blend of soluble and insoluble fibers, which helps digest food in your furry friend’s stomach.

Prebiotics and highly digestible proteins are included in this meal to support digestive health, relieve constipation in your cat, and ensure that your cat has the best possible stool quality.

This dry cat food supports your cat’s natural grazing and is economical as well.

This cat food is specifically designed to support GI health and typical gastrointestinal sensitivities that result in constipation in your cats. It contains fish oil-derived Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which nourish your cat’s health and relieve constipation by softening the stool.

6. Hill’s Science Diet, Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Brewers Rice, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken Fat
• Type of Product: Sensitive Digestion, Pea-Free, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 524 kcal/cup
• Protein Quantity: 29.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 3.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 17.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 10.0% max
• Food Form: Dry Food
• Lifestage: Adult

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

Because your cat’s digestive system plays a crucial role in her daily life, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Recipe is s good non-prescription option for quick off-the-shelf shopping. 

This dry cat food includes prebiotic fiber content to help in proper food digestion by making stool softer and avoiding constipation in senior cats. The number one ingredient in this recipe is chicken, which is easily digestible and offers cats the highest protein proportion of any meat, supporting your friend in maintaining muscle health. 

This food also contains rice which is very beneficial in digestion as it is bland, low in fiber, and easy to digest.

The natural ingredients are good to relieve constipation as they are easy to digest. By using ingredients that are simple to digest, this recipe helps your cat’s stomach to absorb nutrients more quickly, which can improve constipation symptoms by facilitating quicker stool pickup. 

7. Wellness CORE, Kitten, Turkey & Chicken Liver

• First 5 Ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Liver, Turkey Broth, Chicken, Chicken Meal
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free, High-Protein, Premium
• Caloric Content: 1,273 kcal/kg,108 kcal/can
• Protein Quantity: 12.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 1.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 7.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 78.0% max
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Pate
• Lifestage: Kittens 

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

This pate canned wet cat food is your perfect pick if you are concerned about your cat’s constipation. A diet high in animal protein is provided by WELLNESS CORE  to provide your kitten the energy it needs to thrive.

This formula is grain-free, as grain free cat food is easier to digest especially for cats with sensitive stomach.

This cat food contains healthy ingredients like calcium, vitamin D3 supplements and natural ingredients which promotes bone health, that helped with constipation, in many cats that I have treated.

Chicken is the protein source used in this diet which supports lean muscles of your cat. High levels of DHA are added in this food to help your cat’s healthy brain and eye development in the growing years.

You can give this wet cat food to your furry friend without any hesitation, as each recipe is created without the use of carrageenan, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These ingredients can also cause stomach sensitivities which can lead to cat constipation. 

8. Rachael Ray Nutrish, Indoor Complete, Chicken with Lentils & Salmon

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Brewers Rice, Corn Protein Concentrate
• Type of Product: Indoor, Weight Control
• Caloric Content: 3499 kcal/kg; 371 kcal/cup
• Protein Quantity: 34.0% min (Crude Protein)
• Fiber Quantity: 8.0% max (Crude Fiber)
• Fat Quantity: 12.0% min (Crude Fat)
• Moisture Content: 9.0% max
• Food Form: Dry Food
• Lifestage: Adult

Why Is It Good For Cats With Constipation?

Your cat will purr happily as she eats some of this Rachael Ray Natural Dry Cat Food!

If your cat is suffering from constipation then this meal is perfect for your cat as it has a high fiber content to help your cat to avoid constipation. 

This meal helps to maintain a healthy weight as indoor cats tend to gain weight as they have less room to move around and play so this is good for weight balance.

This dish was made specifically for indoor cats and contains real chicken as its very first ingredient. 

Real or natural ingredients are better as they are of higher quality as compared to meal by-products and help proper digestion to prevent constipation.

 Chicken supports lean muscles and helps in the promotion of lean muscle mass.

A special superfood blend, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in this food help with all of your cat’s nutritional needs. Because this natural dry cat food is free of fillers, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives, wheat, soy, and chicken by-product meal, you can feel good about feeding it to your furry friend.

Guide To Buying The Best Cat Food For Constipation

If you are unsure of how to go for cat food shopping, we have compiled a list of macros which you should look for in the ingredients. 

Macros: Ingredients Required In The Best Cat Food For Constipation

Cats with constipation require some specific macros in their food to prevent their condition.  

Moisture

The main components to change when treating mild to moderate cases of constipation in cats are increased dietary fiber and moisture. Many constipated cats get dehydrated, which causes the colon to absorb more water and produce dry, hard stools. Consequently, it is crucial to managing the moisture content of a cat’s food.

For cat undergoing dehydration in its stomach, try giving it wet food to increase the hydration.

Fiber

Fiber-rich cat food benefits cats with GI conditions that affect the large intestine. Fiber is added to cat food to help digestion and improve the consistency of cats’ stools who could otherwise experience digestive discomfort such as constipation. In case of constipation high-fiber diets are helpful. When you increase dietary fiber in your cat’s food, always remember to hydrate your cat properly.

For natural fiber, find cat food that contains wheat bran, apples, carrots, green beans, spinach or other sources of high fiber.

Probiotics

Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” or microorganisms that live in the digestive tract. They encourage a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which is necessary for thorough digestion and nutritional absorption.

Probiotics improve gastrointestinal health and successfully treat cat constipation. Give your cat the typical probiotic dose that your veterinarian has advised when it’s constipated. You can also switch to foods that have natural probiotics added to them for better digestive health. This will support regulating your cat’s stools and boosting digestive health.

Whole Food Ingredients

Your cat can absorb whole foods more easily. By picking highly digestible diets, you can balance stool production and help them in easy digestion. Easy digestion means that things will move better in the GI tract which aids in reducing stomach discomfort. 

Constipated cats should eat cat food with a high proportion of whole foods. That is why you should always look for cat foods that list natural, real or whole ingredients to keep your cat safe from constipation.

Allergens

Your cat’s digestive tract will have a harder time functioning properly if it is intolerant to the food that enters it. To keep your cat healthy you will need to identify which food or ingredient is causing allergies and eliminate it from the cat’s diet. It also may be possible that your cat has developed an intolerance to something that it was fine with before. An elimination diet can help with identifying the allergens. 

You may need to switch your cat to limited ingredients, or grain-free foods for elimination. 

Enough Protein & Calories

The diet that is most similar to a cat’s diet in the wild is one with high protein and low carbohydrate content. This improves the food’s digestibility and decreases the risk of cat constipation, much like high-quality ingredients do. 

The best sources of protein for cats are animal-based, such as meat and fish. 

High-protein food ingredints include chicken, and salmon.

For cats who don’t have protein sensitivities, a variety of animal protein sources can be used in a single meal. You should look wisely for these things before selecting cat food for your cat.

Dry Cat Food or Wet?

For constipated cats, wet food is preferable because it is rich in moisture but stick with dry if your cat absolutely hates wet food. 

Dry cat food lacks the moisture that cats require, even though it lasts longer and is less expensive. However, if your cat is not dehydrated then dry cat food will work just fine. Just make sure that your cat has access to plenty of water at all times. 

You can also try a combination of dry and wet foods by using the wet food as a topper. 

Symptoms of Constipation in Cats

The below-mentioned signs would help you recognize constipation in your cats sooner so you can get them help immediately.

Passing Less or No Stool: Observe Litter Box

If your cat is a little more private about using the bathroom, you may need to monitor their mood and watch for any changes, or you may pay attention to their litter box. The most typical signs of cat constipation are firm stools in the litter tray, and passing less or no stools.

Straining During Defecation: Noise

A colon or rectum problem can be a common symptom of constipation. Bright red blood in the stools, difficult or painful defecation, and straining during defecation is another symptom of constipation in your cat. 

The condition could be a temporary issue that goes away on its own, or after changing the diet. However, if it persists, take your cat to the vet.

Lack of Appetite

In addition to frequently straining in the litter box, cats with constipation may also commonly experience appetite loss, vomiting, and depression. A cat with constipation may experience irregular or infrequent bowel movements in addition to feeling lethargic which results in a lack of appetite.

Tensed Abdomen

One of the most typical signs of cat constipation is a tense abdomen. Cats with constipation will strain to pass stool, which will hurt their stomachs. Some constipated cats may pass very small volumes of liquid stools or blood which can make the abdomen tensed and strained. 

Causes of Constipation In Cat

There my be many reasons why a cat may be experiencing constipation. 

Dehydration

A balanced water intake and maintaining hydration helps avoid constipation because dehydration is a cause of cat constipation. Digestion becomes harder when cats are dehydrated which results in constipation.

The greatest strategy to enhance a cat’s water intake and keep them hydrated is to serve them wet food because cats don’t do well with standing water. As a result, they are better hydrated and are far less likely to experience constipation.

A good choice for wet cat food to get rid of dehydration is Natural Balance, Limited Ingredient. 

Lesser Fiber Intake

One of the primary reasons for constipation in cats is consuming less fiber. The food in the intestines can move normally as a result of good fiber intake. Additionally, it can help in maintaining more water in the intestines, which treats and prevents constipation.

There are several types of fiber, therefore every cat will respond differently to them. Psyllium husks (Metamucil), and wheat bran are two typical sources of fiber. Check your cat food for the fiber that suits your cat’s condition best. 

For a higher in fiber diet, Royal Canin, Selected Protein is a good pick.  

Avoiding Litter Box

When it comes to their litter boxes, cats may be very picky. They may use a litter box less frequently if they dislike the location or even the kind of box or litter, which can result in constipation. 

Every floor of your home should have at least one litter box, and you should have at least one litter box more than the number of  cats. To discover what your cat prefers, you might need to try with several boxes and types of litter. 

Inactivity & Obesity

Cat constipation can also be caused by inactivity and obesity. Constipation can be treated and prevented by engaging your cat in exercise, which helps to encourage proper digestion. 

Cat toys, cat trees, window perches, and more playtime with you, can all help your cat become more active. Additionally, exercise will help with enjoyment, stress reduction, and weight loss for your cat.

High protein diets such as Purina Pro Plan, Adult 11+, provides cats with the essential protein and energy for a good weight balance. 

Intestinal Obstructions

Constipation in cats is a common symptom of intestinal obstruction, which happens when the stomach or intestines are partially or totally blocked. For your cat, the condition is usually very painful. In general, cats who have constipation due to intestinal obstruction will feel sick all the time.

The majority of cats recover fully, although the outcome can change depending on what caused the intestinal blockage. In order to avoid a repeatitive intestinal obstruction in your cat, you must take precautions. It is necessary to restrict access of your cat to trash, hair ties, string, and other items. Obstructions due to hairballs can be prevented by feeding you cat hairball formula. 

A very smooth pate like the one provided by Purina Pro Plan, Adult 11+ supports easy digestion and plenty of hydration for cats suffering from intestinal blockages. 

FAQs: What, When, Why About Constipation In Cats!

Our Verdict

There may be many reasons why your cat is facing constipation, which can range from not drinking enough water to hairballs. Since constipation is directly linked with the stomach, food can have a significant impact on relieving it. I never recommend one cat food for all my clients rather there are many different cat foods that work for different cats according to their particular situation. 

However, one cat food that works for most cats facing constipation and is a quick winner is Royal Canin, Selected Protein PD.

TOP PICK

Royal Canin - Selected Protein

• Value For Money, Highly Digestible
• Selected Protein To Avoid Food Sensitivities
• Antioxidants For Stronger Immunity

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