A Brief Overview
Food that is low in residue is completely digested by cats within a very short span. Cats experiencing digestive system disorders face immense problems in digesting food that has insoluble fibers and a few animal-derived ingredients that require a long time to digest. Low-residue food refers to the processed ingredients that are derived from organic sources. They are rich in minerals and vitamins. Food that is considered unhealthy for ill cats includes small pieces of corn grains or corn grits, and chicken by-products. Corn grits are low in nutrition and are very difficult to digest. Similarly, low-quality brands adulterated with waste parts of chicken cause considerable constipation. Inflammation of the colon is caused and severe diarrhea might be one of the reverse effects. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is also a painful condition experienced by felines due to lack of essential nutrients in the diet.
Benefits
Low-residue cat food is high in soluble fibers and low in insoluble fibers. A low-fiber diet is preferred if your cat is experiencing excretory problems and colon infection. In such cases, a fiber-rich diet is resumed once the problems are eliminated. Cats are able to digest animal protein very easily. A formulation containing low fat and low fiber makes for an ideal diet for maintaining good cat health. Food prepared from fresh animal parts is easily absorbed by their digestive system. Stool softening agents are also present in premium brands of cat foods. The most commonly used stool softener is Docusate Sodium (Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate DSS). Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are considered as its key ingredients. Low-residue dry cat food made from organic extracts works extremely well on cats having digestive system disorders. Psyllium husks and slippery balm extracts are essential ingredients of the best dry cat food brands. Dried soybeans and milk-based products are healthy for cats. Chicken liver, chicken breast, turkey breast, boneless turkey, pumpkin seeds, salmon, alfalfa, dried kelp, etc. are highly nutritious. The advantage of dry cat food is that it is easy to feed. A nutritious low-residue cat food also contains essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin E, and co-factors like niacin, biotin, and folic acid. High-protein foods help to clear problems related to the digestive system. You should also know the ingredients that are detrimental to the health of your cat. Such ingredients include low-quality artificial sweeteners, synthetic preservatives, and coloring agents. Chemical elements like Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate (gallic acid), and Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) are extremely harmful for its digestive system.
Brands
Knowing the ingredients of the low-residue food will help you make a choice between the various brands available in the market. Some of the premium-quality brands are mentioned below.
- Innova Evo Dry Cat Food
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Dry Cat Food
- Wellness Complete Health Salmon Dry Cat Food
- Nature’s Variety Instinct Dry Cat Food
- Natural Balance Ultra Formula
- Wellness Chicken Formula
- Newman’s Own Organics Chicken and Brown Rice
- Iams Veterinary Formulas Intestinal Low Residue
- Eukanuba Low-Residue™
- Purina Veterinary Diets EN GastroENteric
Check the ingredients and purchase the right brand for your pet. However, its diet will be planned by a vet in case it is affected by any ailments.
