Certain conditions do require extra fiber — but a well-balanced diet is enough for most cats.

What comes to mind when you hear the word “fiber?” Whole wheat bread? Salad? A hemp rope? Fiber, because it is derived from plant material, is all of these and more. Dietary fiber — also known as roughage or bulk — is a type of carbohydrate that plays a vital role in the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Unlike other nutrients, fiber is not digested by gastrointestinal enzymes. Instead, some fiber is broken down or “fermented” by bacteria in the intestines (fermentable fiber). Dietary fiber also helps the contractions that move food through the intestines (non-fermentable fiber). …

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