Cat Fiber Supplements

Fiber is a form of a carbohydrate, which is very important for cats.



It does not get digested by the gastrointestinal tract of the cat. Fiber provides the bulk required to move food through. There are some types of fiber that could be fermented or broken down by bacteria present in the cat’s system.



This leads to the creation of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which is a vital source of energy for the cells that line the intestinal tract. Fiber can also control obesity and manage other health concerns like diarrhea or constipation in the cat. Earlier, fiber was overlooked as a nutrient in cat food.



However, pet owners as well as a few cat food manufacturers have begun to realize the importance and the benefits of fiber, in the diet of the cat, which is why high fiber cat food are available in supermarkets or can easily be prepared at home.

Human beings can increase their intake of fiber, through various foods, but for cats, fiber is mostly derived from the cell walls of grains and plants. Cats can derive fiber from foods like – rice, soy, peas, barley, peanuts, beet pulp, hulls of corn, etc. However, since cats are mainly carnivorous and prefer meat to plant matter, it may not be easy for a pet owner to ensure that the cat gets the amount of fiber it requires. Fortunately, there are cat fiber supplements that can be used to provide additional fiber, to the cat’s diet. Canned cat food may be low in fiber, but high in water and other nutrients. Therefore, to get the best of both worlds, you could add a fiber supplements for cat to a can of their food. You could mix a teaspoon of wheat bran once each day, into a can or a serving of homemade cat food, or you could use the same quantity of rice bran. Canned pumpkin is another fiber supplement that can be added to the cat’s food. The recommended quantity is 1 teaspoon of pumpkin, added twice a day to the cat’s food. However, the entire amount of supplement should not be added to the cat’s diet immediately. You can start by adding just a little and slowly increase the amounts, over a period of five to seven days, to reach the recommended quantity.  However, before making any alterations to your cat’s diet, it is best to consult a veterinarian.