How to Add Extra Fiber to Cat Food
Fiber is an insoluble carbohydrate, meaning it resists enzymatic digestion in the small intestine. It also absorbs water, which makes stools looser, bulkier and, thus, easier to pass through the small intestine. Fiber improves your cat's colon health, helping to prevent diarrhea and constipation. It is also believed to prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the colon, reducing colon cancer risk.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 Tbsp wheat bran or 1 tsp Metamucil (psyllium) or 1 tsp rice bran or 2 tsp canned pumpkin
- Measuring spoon
- Wet cat food
- Spoon
Instructions
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Add 1/8 Tbsp wheat bran or 1/8 tsp Metamucil (psyllium) or 1/8 tsp rice bran or 1/8 tsp canned pumpkin (twice daily) to wet cat food. Commercial wet cat food is typically low in fiber but high in water, which does help with digestion and colon cleansing. Adding the extra fiber source aids the digestive process that much more.
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Mix the fiber supplement thoroughly with the food.
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Increase the amount of fiber added to the food the second day. For example, you would add 1/4 Tbsp wheat bran or 1/4 tsp Metamucil (psyllium) or 1/4 tsp rice bran or 1/4 tsp canned pumpkin (twice daily) to wet cat food. Gradually increase the amount of fiber added to the cat food over a five- to seven-day period.
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Add 1 Tbsp wheat bran or 1 tsp Metamucil (psyllium) or 1 tsp rice bran or 2 tsp canned pumpkin to the wet cat food by the fifth or seventh day, and stay with this amount daily unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian. Fiber will not only help your cat's digestion but it will also help fat cats lose weight. Fiber helps make your cat feel full without adding extra calories.
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Tips & Warnings
Along with the suggested fiber sources above, you can use cooked oatmeal, sweet peas (canned or cooked) or cooked carrots (in moderation) as well.
You should add fiber supplements gradually and in reduced quantity. If you don't, your cat could potentially develop diarrhea or bloating.
