The importance of fibre – Cat diet advice

Nutrients are the fuel that keep our cats’ bodies purring.

Protein, carbs, fats, vitamins and minerals all have huge roles to play in maintaining good cat health.

So where does fibre fit in?

Fibre is a complex carbohydrate. 

While carbs are generally a body’s main source of energy, this carb has a slightly different function.

Fibre is not broken down during digestion. Instead, it ensures a cat’s digestive system is in the best possible condition by promoting healthy bowel movements and keeping the colon clean.

If your cat is suffering with a sensitive stomach, high-fibre foods can actually be used to relieve constipation and diarrhoea.

It can also help to keep your cat feeling fuller for longer, which is why many pet parents see it as a valuable nutrient in dealing with weight issues. 

Medically speaking, vets may also sometimes recommend a high-fibre diet for cats who are suffering from diabetes, in order to help regulate blood sugar levels.

As an essential nutrient, fibre should always be part of a complete and well-balanced diet that includes high-quality animal protein, fats, vitamins and minerals. 

Fibre’s main role when we’re talking about cat health is to take care of the digestive system.

You’ll have heard how fibre helps keep things “moving along” for humans, it’s the same for our felines.  

But just how does it work? 

Most carbohydrates that pass through our cats’ bodies are broken down into sugar molecules to be used as energy.

Fibre, on the other hand, isn’t broken down. It remains intact as it passes through the body. This helps move other food along, too.

In doing so it increases the size of the stool and makes them softer, improving the regularity of your feline’s toilet trips.

That extra bulk is also what keeps your cat’s hunger in check, preventing unhealthy over-eating and the weight problems that can come with it. 

Fibre for cats is not actually a dietary necessity, whilst it has the benefits already highlighted they can survive happily without it. 

One thing you may begin to notice is their toilet routine becoming disrupted. 

A cat who hasn’t produced a stool for more than 24 hours is likely to be suffering from constipation

Constipation can lead to bloating and extreme discomfort, and is typically remedied by introducing more fibre into a diet. 

However, too much can also cause digestive distress so it’s vital you get the quantities right. 

If you’re unsure how much you should be feeding your cat, contact your vet who will be able to devise a suitable diet plan.  

Fibre is extremely important, but it’s only one piece of the nutritional jigsaw.

Cats thrive on a combination of wet and dry food, through recipes that contain high-quality ingredients. 

The proteins, vitamins and minerals found in animal meat give our felines energy. They promote muscle growth, bone strength, heart health and a fully functioning immune system. 

Cat food should contain natural sources of essential amino acids, such as taurine, and be free from artificial flavours or additives.

Encore cat food is made with 100% natural ingredients and up to 75% real meat.

Our Chicken Dry Food and Chicken with Salmon Dry Food are made with high quality protein from real meat and are complete and balanced, so you know their health is being taken care of.

Cats love kibble, even more so when it’s complemented by a variety of succulent wet dishes.

All those different flavours, textures and, of course, smells; the second you open a tin, pot or pouch your cat will be purring with satisfaction.  

Encore’s delicious recipes – from the Tuna Fillet with Whitebait in Broth to the Chicken Breast in Broth – mean happiness and healthiness are always on the menu.

Each recipe is also wheat and gluten-free, making it easier to digest and perfect for cats with allergies or sensitivities. 

If you would like to read more about cats and their diets, take a look at our What is the best diet for cats? article.