IAMS MY
Why Fiber Is Important for Your Cat’s Nutrition
Why Fiber Is Important for Your Cat’s Nutrition

adp_description_block90
Reasons to Include Fibre-Rich Cat Food in Your Pet’s Diet

  • Share

A cat’s diet largely includes other smaller animals as they are carnivorous. However, most cats avoid consuming the animal’s intestinal tract which contains most fibre. This can lead to a lack of fibre in the cat’s diet. But do cats need fibre? Yes. Lack of fibre can result in irregular bowel movement, digestive issues, and other similar health concerns. 

Cats often munch on green grass and leaves to ease constipation. However, they might resist including fibre in their daily meal and only rely on it when ill. But, to ensure your cat’s best physical well-being, you should choose fibre-rich food for cats.

Understanding the classification of fibre for cats

Fibre-rich cat food is essential as it helps in maintaining their digestive health. Thus, pet parents should try to include the necessary amount of fibre in their kitty’s diet. It will help maintain their digestive health and overall well-being. Cat food fibre can be classified based on its solubility.

  1. Soluble fibre: This type of fibre can easily dissolve in gastric juices and gut water. A certain type of soluble fibre also turns into a gel to make excretion easier for the cat. Fibre-rich cat food should include soluble fibre as it is necessary for their digestion and gut health. Cat food with fibre is easily available in the market and is necessary for their physical well-being.
  2. Insoluble fibre: Fibre-rich cat food should contain insoluble fibre alongside soluble fibre. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the food which ensures easy movement of food through the digestive system. This type of fibre also makes the stool consistent and reduces the chances of constipation.

While choosing cat food with fibre, you should make sure it includes both soluble and insoluble fibre. Besides, the cat’s gut bacteria can break down both soluble and insoluble fibre to produce new compound that helps in nourishing their colon cells.

Why do cats need fibre?

Fibre-rich cat food contains prebiotics, which means they also contain good bacteria that are necessary for a healthy intestine. So, as a cat parent, you should invest in high-quality cat food with fibre to keep your little fur baby’s gut health in check. However, how much fibre does a cat require??

Although fibre is essential for cats, they require it in limited quantities. Too much fibre can risk restricting absorption of nutrients in their body, whereas too little can lead to poor digestive health. The appropriate quantity of fibre for cats is between 1.4 to 3.5% of their daily calorie intake.

Good sources of fibre for cats

Planning to include cat food with fibre in your kitty’s daily diet? Consider adding the following food options to their meal to increase fibre content in your fur baby’s diet.

  1. Animal fibre: Providing fibre-rich food made using a mixture of feathers, fur, bones, tendon, cartilage, and other animal organs can help improve your kitty’s intake of fibre while still sticking to a purely carnivorous diet.
  2. Carrots: Occasionally, you can add a little piece of cooked carrot to the cat’s diet. Carrots are a good source of fibre and vitamin C. They are also non-toxic; hence, you can add a little piece of raw carrot or slightly steamed or boiled carrot along with their daily meal to turn their regular diet into a fibre-rich one.
  3. Green beans: Another fibre-rich food for cats is green beans. This low-carbohydrate food is one of the richest sources of fibre. If planning to add fibre for cats, include a small amount of green beans to their diet.
  4. Wheat bran: This byproduct of wheat is an expensive source of fibre for cats. Wheat bran’s nutty-sweet flavor intrigues cats and can easily provide them their daily fibre without much hassle.
  5. Broccoli: Like most green food, broccoli is yet another good source of fibre. You can serve a small piece of blanched broccoli to your kitty’s diet to keep indigestion and constipation at bay.
  6. Spinach: Rich in vitamins C and K, spinach is a very good plant-based fibre for cats. You can add a few leaves of cooked spinach to your kitty’s daily meal and ensure they get their daily dose of fibre for better gut health.
  7. Lettuce: Lettuce contains a good amount of fibre and water. Allowing your kitty to nibble on a lettuce leaf occasionally will ensure sufficient fibre consumption while also keeping it hydrated.

Besides relying on the above-mentioned plant-based and animal-based fibre, you can also buy IAMS high-fibre cat food to ensure that your kitty gets the right amount of fibre in its meal. IAMS high-fibre cat food such as IAMS ProActive Health Adult Original with Chicken contains a moderate quantity of fermentable fibre along with the chicken. This cat food with fibre is made using fermentable fibre and chicken that your cat is sure to relish. Besides, IAMS is a popular cat food brand that is known for using best-quality ingredients, so your furry friend gets nothing but the best.

Frequently asked questions

  1. How do I get fibre into my cat?
  2. You can easily add fibre into your cat’s diet by choosing a cat food brand that offers fibre-rich cat food or by adding animal-based or plant-based fibre to their daily meal.

  3. Is high-fibre diet good for cats?
  4. Yes, cats need fibre for better gut and intestinal health. However, a cat’s fibre intake should not be more than 3.5% of its daily calorie diet.

  5. Does wet or dry food have more fibre?
  6. Dry food often has more fibre as it contains more bulk compared to wet food which contains more moisture.

  7. Do indoor cats need more fibre?
  8. Yes, all cats need fibre for better digestion and gastrointestinal health.

  9. What fibre is best for cats?
  10. Plant-based fibre such as broccoli, lettuce, carrots, wheat brans, spinach, wheatgrass, and green beans are good for cats. You can also add animal-based fibre such as animal feathers, cartilage, bone, and ligaments to your cat’s diet for encouraging fibre consumption.

  • Why Should You Consider High-Protein Cat Food?
    Why Should You Consider High-Protein Cat Food?
    adp_description_block143
    High Protein Cat Food

    • Share

    Caring for a feline friend goes beyond cuddles; it also entails paying close attention to its dietary needs. One crucial aspect of cat nutrition is the role of high-protein diets. It offers numerous benefits, including promoting overall health, energy, and a strong immune system. A protein-rich diet has many benefits for cats, like:
     

    1. Prevents obesity

      Cats being carnivores thrive on diets predominantly rich in animal-based protein. The magical twist here is that such a diet significantly reduces the risk of obesity in your feline companion. 
       

    2.  Wards off diabetes

      Obesity in cats often opens doors to diabetes. However, a high protein diet acts as a preventive measure, keeping those blood sugar levels in check and reducing the risk of diabetes.
       

    3. Aids weight loss

      If your cat needs help shedding a few pounds – high-protein cat food is your ally. Not only does it keep its weight in check, but also supports weight loss by helping your cat feel satisfied and full. 
       

    4. Builds immunity

      Protein-rich cat food goes beyond weight management. It furnishes the essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair, growth, and a robust immune system. Without ample protein, your feline friend might face muscle loss and a compromised ability to fend off illnesses.
       

    IAMS high-protein cat food buying guide
     

    1. IAMS cat food: Proactive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care

      This is a premium cat food designed to cater to the unique needs of indoor cats. This high-protein formula boasts quality ingredients like chicken by-product meal, L-carnitine, beet pulp, and natural fibre, making it an excellent choice for cat parents seeking to provide weight control and hairball care.
       

    HIGHLIGHTS

    1. Quality protein:

      With chicken by-product meal as its main protein source, this premium cat food ensures muscle maintenance and overall health in indoor cats.
       

    2. Weight control:

      The addition of L-carnitine supports the metabolising of fats, crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity.
       

    3. Hairball care:

      Natural fibre and beet pulp promote healthy digestion, reducing hairball issues, a common concern for indoor cats.
       

    THINGS TO CONSIDER

    1. Grain sensitivity: This super premium cat food contains corn, wheat, and maize gluten, which may not be suitable for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
       

    2. Individual dietary needs: As every cat is unique, consult with your vet to ensure this product aligns with your cat's specific health concerns or dietary preferences.
       

    IAMS cat food: Proactive Health Mother and Kitten

    IAMS Proactive Health cat food for Mother and Kitten is a premium kitten food designed to nurture your young feline's growth and development. Packed with high-quality ingredients, including chicken by-product meal, Omega-3, and chicken, IAMS kitten food formula offers essential nutrients for your kitten's well-being. Notably, it contains Colostrum and DHA, supporting eye and brain development during those crucial early stages of life. 
     

    HIGHLIGHTS

    1. Quality protein:

      With chicken by-product meal as a primary protein source, IAMS cat food provides essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health.
       

    2. Omega-3:

      The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil in IAMS kitten food ensures healthy skin and a shiny coat, enhancing your kitten's appearance.
       

    3. Colostrum and DHA:

      Colostrum supports a strong immune system, and DHA aids in cognitive development, making IAMS kitten food ideal for nurturing young kittens.
       

    THINGS TO CONSIDER

    1. Grain content:

      IAMS cat food contains ingredients like corn and wheat, which may not be suitable for kittens with grain sensitivities or allergies. Consider your kitten's dietary needs.
       

    2. Transition:

      When switching to this food, it is essential to gradually introduce it to your kitten's diet to prevent digestive issues.
       

    3. Consultation:

      For personalised recommendations and to ensure this high-protein kitten food aligns with your kitten's specific health requirements, consult with your veterinarian.
       

    How much protein does your cat need?

    When it comes to your cat's nutrition, protein is the name of the game for keeping your furry friend in the best shape. But navigating pet food labels can sometimes feel like cracking a secret code. What is the trick to figuring out how much protein your cat needs?
     

    Well, it all boils down to moisture. Pet food labels come in two flavours: 'dry matter basis' and 'as-fed basis.' Most labels use the 'as-fed' basis, including water content, which can be a tad confusing. 
     

    Here is a simple guide:

    Locate the Moisture and Crude Protein values in the Guaranteed Analysis section. Subtract the Moisture percentage from 100 to find the per cent dry matter. Divide Crude Protein by the per cent dry matter, then multiply by 100. 
     

    What qualifies as cat food with high protein content?

    When wondering how to choose cat food with high protein content, you will want to consider a few key factors:
     

    1. Crude protein percentage: High-protein cat food typically contains 25-30% or more protein on a dry matter basis, excluding moisture content, for accurate comparisons.
       

    2. Animal-based protein sources: Look for cat foods that primarily source protein from animals like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, ensuring they get essential amino acids.
       

    3. Limited fillers: Avoid cat foods with excessive grains and starches, as they can dilute the overall protein concentration in the food.
       

    4. Avoid plant-based proteins: Check the ingredient list for plant-based proteins like soy or pea protein concentrate, which should not be the primary protein source in high-protein cat food.
       

    5. Premium cat food: Choose well-known, reputable cat food brands with a history of producing high-quality, high-protein premium cat food options.
       

    NOTE: Consult your vet to determine the ideal protein content based on your cat's age, activity level, and health, as individual needs may vary.
     

    The pros and cons of high-protein cat food
     

    PROS

    1. Muscle health: High-protein cat food supports the development and maintenance of strong, lean muscles in your furry companion.
       

    2. Energy: Protein provides the energy needed for your cat's playful and active lifestyle.
       

    3. Healthy coat and skin: Protein-packed diets contribute to a glossy, healthy coat and skin.
       

    4. Weight management: High-protein cat food helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by keeping it feeling full on fewer calories.
       

    CONS

    1. Cost: Quality ingredients come at a price, but investing in your cat's health is worth it.
       

    2. Kidney health: Some discussions suggest high-protein diets might strain the kidneys, but it is a topic of debate and does not apply to all cats.
       

    3. Allergies and sensitivities: Keep an eye on your cat's reactions to different protein sources as they can develop allergies or sensitivities.
       

    When transitioning your cat to a high-protein diet or introducing new foods, do it gradually to prevent digestive issues. For guidance on the right protein level for your cat's specific needs, especially if they have underlying health concerns, consult with your veterinarian. IAMS cat food provides your feline friend with the perfect balance of protein and nutrients, ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life. 

Close modal