Prebiotics for Cats: Here’s What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
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What are the Best Prebiotics for Cats?
- Best Overall Prebiotics For Cats: Honest Paws Well Pre+ Probiotics for Cats & Dogs
The great chicken flavor and ability to aid in superior digestive health make this powder the best prebiotic for overall health. - Best Liquid Prebiotics For Cats: Clear Max Prebiotics-Probiotics-Enzymes for Cats & Dogs
The safe and easy liquid dropper design makes this one of the best and easy-to-use prebiotics for gut health in cats. - Best Prebiotics For Cats for Digestion: PremoPet Probiotic Digestive Aid Plus Prebiotics for Cats
The DVMs recommend this prebiotic supplement, and it’s easily digestible for cats with food sensitivities. - Best Organic Prebiotics For Cats: FERA Pet Organics Probiotics+Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats
The organic certified and custom formulation of this high-quality product has numerous health benefits for cats’ digestive systems. - Best Advanced Prebiotics For Cats: NaturVet – Advanced Probiotics+Prebiotics & Enzymes
The unique blend of enzymes makes this product easy for the gastrointestinal system ad helps with constipation.
Pre+ Probiotics are recommended for:
- Supporting healthy digestion
- Helping support the immune system
- Helping maintain proper gut flora
What is the Difference Between Prebiotics and Probiotics for Cats?
Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates offering nutrients that selectively support the good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. From a chemical standpoint, they are sugars, but nutritionally speaking, they lack sugar-associated calories. The most common types are fructooligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, and oligosaccharides.
Probiotics are naturally occurring live microorganisms that inhabit the gut. The purpose of the intestinal microorganisms is to digest food, support the layers of the intestines to remain healthy, and help with metabolism in the cat.
Simply put, prebiotics (dietary fiber) serve as food for the probiotics (good bacteria).
Are Prebiotics Safe for Cats?
Yes, prebiotics are safe for cats. That said, the best sources of prebiotics are the products that have scientific studies behind them. Prebiotics doses have not been well determined, and every cat owner must be aware that high doses can cause diarrhea or changes in the frequency of bowel movements.
Another way to include prebiotics and probiotics is to use diets that include them. The fiber sources used should be listed in the ingredients and should say whether it is a source of FOS or inulin.
When used in adequate amounts and in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines and a veterinarian’s approval, probiotics are perfectly safe. Prebiotics offer several health benefits for pets – from a healthy GI tract to improved immune system function.
Dr. Teri Byrd says, “In veterinary medicine, one of the most important things we can do in today’s world is to use natural substances to promote health and well-being in our animal patients. Prebiotics and probiotics are great examples of natural substances that we can use to help animals with gastrointestinal distress, antibiotic therapy, and with stress.”
What are the Benefits of Prebiotics for Cats?
Prebiotics for cats support a healthy gut microbiome which affects stool quality, digestion, and immunity. Here is a closer look at the benefits of prebiotics for cats.
- Gut Microbiome: The gut microflora is easily affected and thrown out of balance by sudden diet changes, dietary indiscretions, prolonged use of certain meds (antibiotics), and intestinal parasites. In such cases, the use of pre+probiotics will help restore balance and ensure normal gastrointestinal function and overall health.
- Stool Quality: Just like kittens and cats have sensitive stomachs and often suffer from diarrhea and constipation. In both cases, nutrient absorption is compromised, leading to long-term issues. The use of pre+probiotics can improve stool consistency and can promote normal fecal formation.
- Chronic GI Diseases: Common chronic GI tract ailments in cats include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), food sensitivities, and allergies. Supplementing your cat with pre+probiotics will provide relief from inflammation and ease the associated symptoms.
- Healthy Body Weight: Obesity is a common problem in modern cats, and increases the risk of diabetes which is also widespread. Prebiotics can help with obesity by promoting normal body weight, modulating glucose metabolism, and increasing insulin sensitivity.
- Immune System Boost: The intestinal wall is an important pathogen barrier, and a large portion of the immune system is located in the gut. Therefore, there is a close link between a healthy gut and a strong immune response. Using pre+probiotics is critical for a balanced gut and robust immunity.
The Best Prebiotics for Cats Reviewed
There is a variety of prebiotics for cats on the market that can contribute to happy and healthy cats. Here we have reviewed our top picks.
Ingredient List: Inulin, Solarplast, DE111, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Bacillus coagulans, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium animals lactis, Isomaltooligosaccharide (IMO), Natural Roasted Chicken Flavor, Rice Extract Blend, and Rice Hull
Ingredient Analysis:
- Inulin: This helps maintain digestion and encourages healthy immune functioning.
- Solarplast (spinach leaf extract): Supports cellular restoration and repair.
- Honest Paws Probiotic Blend: This is the proprietary blend from the manufacturer that contains healthy bacteria for cats.
Flavor: Chicken
Price: $24.95
Pet: Cats and dogs
Life Stage: Cats and dogs at all life stages
Summary: Honest Paws is all about using superior ingredients in its products to ensure increased health in cats and dogs. they are NASC certified, and all of their products are made in the US. The brand’s mission is quality and health.
This cat supplement inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract. It helps reduce diarrhea, constipation, and aid in the overall digestive process. In addition, it strengthens the immune system and gives the cat’s overall health a strong boost.
- Boosts well-being
- Reduces constipation and diarrhea
- Inhibits growth of harmful gut bacteria
- Encourages healthy probiotic bacteria
- Better immune functioning
- Often out of stock on online retailers
- Some cats may experience digestive upset
Customer Review: This prebiotics for cats supplement is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers mention their cats loved the taste of this supplement and that it was able to help their digestive problems.
Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving Honest Paws Well Pre+ Probiotics for Cats & Dogs an overall 10/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): We rate this prebiotics for cats product 10/10 for pet suitability because of its ability to encourage healthy digestive functioning, protect immune systems, and lower the number of infections cats will experience while using it.
- Ingredient Quality (10/10): Honest Paws uses only the best ingredients in this product. It contains a healthy balance of both prebiotics and probiotics, as well as spinach leaf extract for promoting restoration and repair.
Cost Effectiveness (10/10): For such a good prebiotics for cats product that does so many things right, customers shouldn’t have a problem with the price tag. - Customer Feedback (10/10): Customers mention that this product was extremely helpful for their cats’ digestive problems. Some mentioned that it helped their skin, while others mentioned that it helped with their pets’ stool.
- Product Variety (7/10): This prebiotics for cats product comes in one strength and taste. However, it can be used for both cats and dogs, which adds variety.
- Taste (10/10): Cats love the chicken flavor of this prebiotics for cats product, and the majority of customers also mention this in their customer reviews.
Ingredient List: E. faecium, L. acidophilus, B. lactis, B. longum, L.casei, B. breve, Enzyme Blend (Bromelain, Papain, Peptidase), Pumpkin Seed Extract, Elderberry, Ginger, Vitamin C, Echinacea, Olive Leaf, Oregano, and Other Ingredients (Purified Water, Glycerin, Citric Acid, and Potassium Sorbate)
Ingredient Analysis:
- E. faecium: This helps to maintain a good balance of healthy bacteria in the stomach.
- L. acidophilus: This helps to balance lactobacilli and unwanted bacteria in the intestines.
- B. lactis: This can help support the digestive system and reduce constipation.
- B. longum: This can help promote a stronger immune system.
- L.casei: This will help to break down food and assist your cat in absorbing nutrients.
Flavor: No flavor
Price: $20.99
Pet: Cats and dogs
Life Stage: Cats and dogs at all life stages
Summary: ClearMax is all about manufacturing products that are safe for all pets. They focus on non-GMO ingredients that are all organic, making this a healthy product for cats and dogs of all ages. The natural composition of enzymes in this product encourages optimal absorption.
There are no chemical additives, and this high-potency product is easy to give to your pets. Cats using this product will have improved appetites, reduced vomiting, and better stool consistency. You can administer this product with your cat’s food or directly into its mouth.
- Reduces vomiting and diarrhea
- Organic ingredients
- Great absorption
- Both cats and dogs can use it
- Maintains gut health
- Some cats may dislike the taste
- The scent is too strong for some owners
Customer Review: This prebiotics for cats supplement is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers highly rate it for how easy it is to give their cats and that they noticed differences in symptoms quickly.
Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving Clear Max Prebiotics-Probiotics-Enzymes for Cats & Dogs an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): This prebiotics for cats product is perfectly safe for small animals – dogs and cats and is efficient and of superior quality.
- Ingredient Quality (10/10): Where this product shines most is its ingredient quality. Everything is organic and non-GMO, and that means it’ll be safe for your cats. There is also no sugar or hormones included in this product.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): This prebiotics for cats product is quite affordable for how good it is. Because it’s in liquid drop form, the potency is strong, and you don’t require too much of it to see results.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): The majority of customers find this product to be exceptionally easy to administer to their cats. Customers like how it’s much more straightforward than power, but there are a few customers who mention the smell isn’t the best.
- Product Variety (7/10): This prebiotics for cats supplement comes in one strength and taste. However, it can be used for both cats and dogs, which adds variety.
- Taste (8/10): While most cats won’t mind the taste, some customers did mention their cats didn’t like the taste of this product.
Ingredient List: B. animalis, L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, L. salivarius, L. plantarum, L. reuteri, Inulin (FOS, prebiotic)
Ingredient Analysis:
- B. animalis: This can help with improving digestion and increasing immunity.
- L. acidophilus: This will ensure a good balance of gastrointestinal microflora in cats.
- L. rhamnosus: This will encourage immune defense.
- L. salivarius: This can help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis in cats.
- L. plantarum: This can ensure overall intestine health.
Flavor: Unflavored
Price: $29.97
Pet: Cats
Life Stage: Cats of all life stages
Summary: Premo Pet focuses on using the best ingredients in its products. They don’t include any chemicals, flavors, fillers, dairy, soy, corn, or wheat. Because of this, the majority of cats won’t develop an allergic reaction to this product. This product helps to ease digestive upset, promote regular bowel habits, help with loose stools, and relieve itching in cats.
Because of the 100% pure natural ingredients, it’s safe to use for all cats. The powder format also makes this product easy to administer for your cat. While many other manufacturers develop these types of products for all pets, this one focuses on only cats. It’s veterinarian recommended and very effective.
- Veterinarian recommended
- Helps with vomiting and diarrhea
- Encourages a healthy balance of bacteria
- Powder format
- Promotes a healthy immune system
- Some customers report not much in the container
- One customer reported it didn’t work
Customer Review: This prebiotics for cats supplement is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The majority of customers highly recommend this product because it helped their cats’ digestive issues, promoted healthier stool consistency and that it was easy to use.
Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving PremoPet Probiotic Digestive Aid Plus Prebiotics for Cats an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): Because of the 100% natural ingredients in this product, it’s safe and suitable for many types of cats. Even cats with allergens will find this product to work for them without any issues.
- Ingredient Quality (10/10): Ingredient quality is where this product really shines. There are no chemicals or common allergens in this product, and it’s manufactured in the United States.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): At under $30, you’re getting a budget-friendly product that is safe and effective for the majority of cats. You won’t have to feel any concern when administering this product because of its high-quality materials.
- Customer Feedback (9/10): Most customers find this product to be highly effective. Some customers mentioned that their cat vomited every day of its life until finding this product, and IBS cat owners found their troubles to be alleviated.
- Product Variety (5/10): The prebiotics for cats product comes in one strength and flavor.
- Taste (8/10): This prebiotics for cats supplement is unflavored, but users say their cats accept it and have no issues administering it.
Ingredient List: FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), Organic Inulin from Agave, Organic Acacia, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Saccharomyces boulardii, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium longum, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Streptococcus thermophilus
Ingredient Analysis:
- FOS (Fructooligosaccharides): This will help your cat absorb minerals easier while lowering serum cholesterol levels
- Organic Inulin from Agave: Inulin will promote better gastrointestinal health and regularity. It can help with constipation, weight loss, and diabetes.
- Organic Acacia: Acacia is a natural source of fiber and will help digestion.
- Lactobacillus acidophilus: This will improve intestinal health and promote better bowel movements.
- Lactobacillus casei: This will help get rid of harmful bacteria in your cat’s stomach.
Flavor: No taste
Price: $24.95
Pet: Cats and dogs
Life Stage: Cats and dogs of all life stages
Summary: Fera uses only the best ingredients in its products. They are focused on 100% customer satisfaction, and there are no additives or preservatives in this product. This company is run by a veterinarian, and all products are made in the USA. The company created this line of products because they believe the pet’s quality of life should always be as good as it possibly can be.
12 hand-selected strains with organic prebiotics were chosen for the manufacturing of this product. Cats with wheat, corn, gluten, soy, or dairy allergies won’t have to worry because this product doesn’t contain any of that. This product has a number of health benefits, including a healthier coat, better digestion, increased immunity, and more energy.
- Better gastrointestinal functioning
- Reduced diarrhea
- Better breath
- Better gut bacteria
- Healthier skin
- One customer mentioned it upset their pet’s stomach
- One customer mentioned it caused diarrhea
Customer Review: This prebiotics for cats supplement is rated 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Customers mention their cats’ poop being much better in consistency after using this product. It helped many customers’ cats have reduced diarrhea, and some mention that it worked when nothing else would.
Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving FERA Pet Organics Probiotics+Prebiotics for Dogs & Cats an overall 9/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability – 10/10: Because there are no additives in this product, we give it 10/10. We like that the majority of cats can use this without concern.
- Ingredient Quality – 10/10: This company focuses on nothing but the best ingredients in its products, and that quality is reflected when cats are using it and not feeling sick after.
- Cost Effectiveness – 10/10: This prebiotics for cats product is affordably priced at only $24.95, and it’s a small price to pay for the longevity of your cat.
- Customer Feedback – 9/10: This product is rated 4.4/5 stars on Amazon. The majority of customers mention that it helped their cats go to the bathroom on a consistent basis again. Most customers mention that it’s affordably priced and that they noticed their cat’s health improved after using it.
- Product Variety (7/10): This prebiotics for cats supplement comes in one strength and taste. However, it can be used for both cats and dogs, which adds variety.
- Taste (10/10): The prebiotics for cats supplement is unflavored, but users say their cats accept it and have no issues administering it.
Ingredient List: Brewers Dried Yeast, Glycerin, Dried Potato Product, Flaxseed, Lecithin, Canola Oil, Calcium Sulfate, Dried Aspergillus oryzae, Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus niger Fermentation Solubles, Dried Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Fermentation Product, Papaya, Dried Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Fructooligosaccharides, Natural Flavoring, Water, Maltodextrin, Tapioca Starch, Sorbic Acid, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Mixed Tocopherols, Vegetable Oil
Ingredient Analysis:
- Brewers Dried Yeast: An extremely rich source of B-complex vitamins.
- Probiotics: Boost the natural gut flora and support balance in the intestinal tract.
- Fructooligosaccharides: One of the most commonly used prebiotics in supplements.
Flavor: Unflavored
Price: $28.99
Pet: Cats and dogs
Life Stage: Cats and dogs at all life stages
Summary: NaturVet creates high-quality and vet-formulated products in its cGMP facility in the USA. Their manufacturing facility is audited to comply with health standards. That means you can trust that the product is safe for your cats. They have been in the manufacturing business for over 25 years, and they believe pets deserve only the best products for their health.
This flavorful health supplement contains a unique combination of enzymes, prebiotics, and PB6 probiotics. This mixture makes it ideal for cats with sensitive stomachs. Cats with digestive problems will find this product to restore gastrointestinal health in a safe and effective way. In addition to being available in powder format, you can also purchase it as soft chews. The soft chews are wheat-free.
- Ideal for cats that have sensitive stomachs
- Comes in powder or soft chew format
- Vet formulated and recommended
- Very easy to dose and use
- Free from common allergens
- Often out of stock on online retailers
- Contains canola oil and tapioca starch
Customer Review: Customers give this prebiotics for cats supplement 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. They say it helps keeps allergies and bays, and some even state they cannot live without it. They also note it offers great quality at a good price.
Onevet.ai Review: Our team at onevet.ai is giving NaturVet – Advanced Probiotics+Prebiotics & Enzymes an overall 8/10 star rating. A breakdown of our rating is listed below:
- Pet Suitability (10/10): Cats with sensitive stomachs have difficulty eating certain things, and we rate this 10/10 because cats won’t have a problem digesting i.
- Ingredient Quality (10/10): The ingredient quality in this prebiotics for cats product will help to reduce flatulence while supporting your cat in a healthy and safe way.
- Cost Effectiveness (10/10): Most customers don’t even mention the price of this product because it works so well.
- Customer Feedback (10/10): Customers mention a night and day difference after getting their cats started on this product. Customers mention it is very helpful for digestive issues and that it helps with pancreatitis.
- Product Variety (10/10): This product comes as a powder and as soft chews.
- Taste (10/10): Based on experience and feedback, we give this prebiotics for cats supplement, we give it 10/10.
What Should I Look for in Prebiotics for Cats?
When shopping for prebiotics for cats, there are several things to consider:
- Prebiotic Type: First of all, you need to pay attention to the type of prebiotic in the product and the amount per dose.
- Active Ingredients: Many prebiotic supplements feature added ingredients such as species-specific cat probiotics and digestive enzymes. If you are not sure which active ingredients would be helpful to your cat, talk to the vet.
- Form & Flavor: Prebiotic cat supplements come in different forms (chews, powders, liquids) and flavors (bacon, chicken, salmon). Choose the combo that suits you and your cat best.
- Brand: Consider the brand you are purchasing. Always read reviews from other customers and pay attention to factors such as money-back or satisfaction guarantees. Also, a reliable brand will be open and transparent.
Why are Prebiotics Added to Cat Food?
Prebiotics for cats is added to pet food to utilize their health benefits. For example:
- Support Beneficial Bacteria: As explained, prebiotics nurtures the good bacteria in the gut, thus promoting balance and a healthy environment.
- Healthy Digestive Tract: A balanced gut means healthy digestion – nutrient absorption and utilization. This prevents digestion issues like diarrhea and constipation.
- Strong Immunity: There is a strong connection between a healthy gut and potent immunity. Prebiotics strengthen immune responses and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
Can Prebiotics Cause Diarrhea in Cats?
Yes, prebiotics for cats can sometimes cause diarrhea and loose stool in cats and a change in the frequency of defecation.
Giving your cat too many prebiotics may result in stomach upset, and issues such as loose stool, diarrhea, and constipation. However, these side effects are mild and transient.
Since doses have not been well established in prebiotics, one recommendation is to start low doses and increase up “to effect.” A consistent dose for each meal is a good idea. Start low – no more than 1/8 – 1/4 tsp per meal in the beginning.
How Often Should You Give a Cat Prebiotics?
Usually, cats are supplemented with prebiotics when dealing with certain conditions – such as antibiotic therapy, before surgery, when stressed- car rides, moving to a new home, viral illnesses, etc. However, many vets recommend making prebiotics a daily supplement.
According to Animal Wellness Magazine, “Prebiotics for cats can be used on a regular basis as part of your pet’s wellness routine.“
How Long Does it Take for Prebiotics to Work in Cats?
Prebiotics in cats starts working as soon as they reach the intestines.
However, to see an improvement in your cat’s health, you will have to wait for the probiotics to start working, which can vary from several days in cases of managing diarrhea to several weeks in cases of boosting immune system issues.
