Natural Diet for Cats With IBD

A change to a natural diet is part of the regime to correct inflammatory bowel disease in cats. Diet changes include alterations in protein, fiber, fat and probiotic levels. Changes may require small adjustments over time until the symptoms of IBD are abated. IBD is not a curable disease, but with alterations in diet may become manageable.

  1. About IBD

    • IBD is a cluster of disorders affecting the gastrointestinal system. Tissue changes in the lining of the GI tract reduce a cat's ability to absorb nutrients. Dietary changes are important to help counterbalance the lack of nutrient absorption.

      Symptoms of IBD include vomiting, diarrhea and blood in the stools, which may be accompanied by weight loss, poor coats and eczema. This disease typically affects middle-age and senior cats, and is managed with corticosteroids in conjunction with dietary changes.

    Protein

    • A natural diet should include protein not typically found in the cat's diet. Taurine is an amino acid, which is crucial to the development of protein. It is especially important in the development of cells that aid in the protection of the walls of the GI tract. Taurine may be administered as oral supplements. Animal proteins, as found in chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish and egg, contain the complete proteins that cats require for GI health.

    Fiber

    • The inclusion of dietary fiber may be beneficial, according to the ASPCA. Fermentable fiber is found to be especially helpful for chronic noninflammatory IBD. Low-fermentable fiber, as found in the cellulose walls of plants and vegetables do not provide enough fiber. Moderately fermentable fiber, as in beet pulp, corn, rice and wheat, avoids the flatulence issues of highly fermentable fiber but provides enough fiber for absorption.

    Fats

    • Fats are crucial to the maintenance and protection of cells, tissues and internal organs, including the tracts and organs of the GI system. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, omega-3 and linoleic acid, need to be included in a cat's diet. Fish meat and oil are important sources of essential fatty acids.

    Probiotics

    • Probiotics are living organisms that are beneficial to the digestion and nutrient absorption process in the GI system. Lactobacillus sporogenes, Enterococcus faecium and saccharomyces boulardi are examples. Probiotics can be found as oral supplements, independently labeled or combined with other probiotics. Yogurt is also a bountiful source of probiotics.

    Adverse Reactions

    • IBD may be a result of adverse reactions to diets that do not work specifically with a cat's chemistry. Preservatives, food stabilizers and other additives, such as xanthum gum, are not commonly found in natural cat diets. Therefore, elimination of such products is an important component in managing IBD. They do not contain substances beneficial to GI health, such as fiber and protein.