Best Cat Foods for Shedding in 2023

best cat foods for shedding

Every cat owner knows the struggle of dealing with excessive shedding. While it’s natural for cats to shed, sometimes the amount can be overwhelming, and it’s not just about the fur on your couch—it’s about your cat’s health and well-being. Diet plays a pivotal role in the health of your cat’s coat, and the right nutrition can significantly reduce excessive shedding.

However, with a plethora of cat food brands and varieties available in the market, pinpointing the ideal one for shedding can be a daunting task. Some cat foods are packed with fillers and lack the essential nutrients that promote a healthy coat, while others might be too rich for your feline’s digestive system.

That’s where we step in to help! We’ve meticulously researched and compiled a list of the best cat foods specifically designed to combat shedding. Dive into our comprehensive reviews, and you’re bound to find the perfect match for your furry friend’s dietary needs.

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gold medal

Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Hairball Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

  • Contains real meat as the first ingredient.
  • Features a unique blend of natural fibers to help reduce hairballs.
  • Contains wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruit.
silver medal

Royal Canin Hairball Care Dry Cat Food

  • Specially formulated for indoor cats prone to hairballs.
  • Contains a unique blend of dietary fibers to help reduce hairball formation.
  • Balanced protein and adapted fat content to maintain a healthy weight.
bronze medal

Purina Pro Plan Hairball Control Cat Food, Chicken and Rice Formula

  • Formulated with natural fiber to help control hairballs.
  • Made with 40% protein and real chicken as the first ingredient.
  • Contains essential nutrients, including antioxidants, to support a healthy immune system.

The Best Cat Foods for Shedding

1. Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Hairball Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

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The Blue Buffalo Hairball Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food is specially formulated to help control and reduce hairballs in adult cats. With real meat as its primary ingredient, this cat food ensures that your feline gets the essential proteins it needs.

The unique blend of natural fibers helps in reducing hairballs, while the inclusion of wholesome grains, garden veggies, and fruit ensures a balanced diet. As a cat owner, you can be confident in providing a nutritious meal that caters to the specific needs of your furry friend, especially if they are prone to hairballs.

Pros

  • Made with high-quality protein from real meat.
  • Formulated to help reduce hairballs in cats.
  • Contains no poultry by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
  • Features wholesome grains and nutritious vegetables and fruits.
  • Supports healthy digestion and overall well-being.

Cons

  • Might not be suitable for cats with certain food sensitivities.
  • Some cats might prefer a different flavor or texture.

2. Royal Canin Hairball Care Dry Cat Food

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Royal Canin Hairball Care Dry Cat Food is expertly crafted to address the common issue of hairballs in indoor cats. This specialized formula incorporates a distinctive blend of dietary fibers, which aids in the elimination of ingested hair, reducing hairball formation.

Additionally, it boasts a balanced protein content to support lean muscle and an adapted fat content to ensure your cat maintains a healthy weight. This cat food not only tackles hairball concerns but also promotes the overall well-being of your feline companion.

Pros

  • Specifically designed for indoor cats to reduce hairballs.
  • Contains a unique blend of fibers to minimize hairball formation.
  • Balanced protein content to support lean muscle.
  • Adapted fat content to prevent weight gain.
  • Promotes a balanced and complete nutrition for indoor cats.

Cons

  • Might be pricier than some other cat food brands.
  • Some cats might take time to adjust to the new formula.

3. Purina Pro Plan Hairball Management Chicken & Rice Formula Adult Dry Cat Food

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Purina Pro Plan Hairball Management Chicken & Rice Formula is a specialized dry cat food designed to address the common issue of hairballs in cats. With real chicken as its primary ingredient, this formula provides 40% protein to support muscle strength.

The natural fiber blend helps minimize hairball formation and promote healthy digestion. Additionally, it’s fortified with essential nutrients and antioxidants to bolster your cat’s immune system, ensuring they remain healthy and active.

Pros

  • Protein-rich with real chicken.
  • Targets hairball reduction.
  • Boosts immune health with antioxidants.
  • Suitable for adult cats.
  • Trusted brand reputation.

Cons

  • May not suit cats with specific allergies.
  • Not tailored for kittens or senior cats.
  • Premium price point.

4. Natural Balance L.I.D. High Protein Salmon Formula Adult Dry Cat Food

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Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets High Protein Dry Cat Food is a premium choice for cat owners who prioritize high-quality protein sources for their feline friends. This grain-free formula ensures that your cat gets the best nutrition without any unnecessary fillers.

With 35% protein content, it’s designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult cats, providing them with the energy and vitality they require. Whether you have an active kitty or a laid-back lounge cat, this food is tailored to support their overall well-being.

Pros

  • High protein content (35%) to support muscle growth and maintenance.
  • Grain-free and free from common fillers, ensuring pure nutrition.
  • Suitable for adult cats of all breeds and sizes.
  • Made with premium quality ingredients.
  • Designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition.

Cons

  • Might be pricier than other brands due to its premium ingredients.
  • Some cats might need an adjustment period if switching from a different brand.
  • Limited flavor variety compared to other brands.

5. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, Adult, Urinary & Hairball Control, Chicken Recipe

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Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food, specifically designed for adult cats, addresses both urinary health and hairball control. This formula uses natural fibers to comfortably and effectively reduce hairball formation.

Made with high-quality protein, it ensures your feline maintains lean muscle. The recipe also promotes a healthy urinary system by providing the right balance of vital nutrients. With its veterinarian-recommended ingredients, it’s a reliable choice for cat owners looking to enhance their pet’s overall health.

Pros

  • Addresses both urinary health and hairball control.
  • Made with veterinarian-recommended ingredients.
  • Uses natural fibers for effective hairball reduction.
  • Contains high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance.
  • Supports overall health of adult cats.

Cons

  • Might be pricier than other brands.
  • Specific to adult cats, not suitable for kittens or senior cats.
  • Some cats might be picky and not prefer the taste.

6. Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food, Indoor Health Salmon & Herring Meal Recipe

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Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Dry Cat Food is a meticulously crafted formula designed for indoor cats. With salmon and herring meal as its primary ingredients, this cat food ensures a protein-rich diet that supports muscle growth and overall health.

Being grain-free, it reduces the chances of allergies and sensitivities, making it an excellent choice for cats with sensitive stomachs. The blend is further enhanced with essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring that your feline friend gets a balanced and nutritious meal every time.

Pros

  • Grain-free formula reduces potential allergens.
  • Salmon and herring meal provide a rich source of protein.
  • Contains essential vitamins and minerals for a balanced diet.
  • Specifically formulated for the unique needs of indoor cats.
  • Promotes healthy skin and coat with omega fatty acids.

Cons

  • Might be pricier than some other brands.
  • Some cats might take time to adjust to the new flavor.
  • Limited protein variety (mainly fish-based).

7. IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Healthy Dry Cat Food with Chicken

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IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Healthy Dry Cat Food is crafted with real chicken as its primary ingredient. This nutritious formula is designed to support the overall health of adult cats, ensuring they have a strong heart and robust muscles.

Enriched with essential nutrients like calcium and potassium, this cat food not only provides a delicious meal but also ensures your feline friend gets the nutrition they need to lead a healthy and active life.

Pros

  • Real chicken is the primary ingredient, ensuring high-quality protein.
  • Supports heart health and muscle strength.
  • Contains no artificial preservatives or flavors.
  • Formulated with essential nutrients for overall health.
  • Suitable for all adult cats, regardless of breed.

Cons

  • Specific to adult cats, not suitable for kittens or senior cats.
  • Some cats might prefer wet food over dry kibble.
  • Limited flavor variety compared to other brands.

8. ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Cat Food – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free & Limited Ingredient with Superfoods

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ZIWI Peak offers a high-protein, grain-free cat food made with venison and other natural ingredients. It’s crafted to mirror a whole-prey diet, ensuring your cat receives essential nutrients.

Ethically sourced from New Zealand, the ingredients include free-range meats and wild-caught seafood. The air-dried process ensures a ready-to-serve raw alternative, providing both nutrition and convenience.

Pros

  • High meat content, ideal for carnivorous cats.
  • Contains essential taurine and omega fatty acids for reduced shedding.
  • No added carbohydrates, fillers, grains, or sugars.
  • Single protein options available, catering to specific dietary needs.
  • Convenient scoop and serve format.

Cons

  • Might be on the pricier side due to high-quality ingredients.
  • Some cats might need time to adjust to the new flavor or texture.
  • Limited moisture content due to air-drying process, so additional hydration might be needed.

9. Meow Mix Grain Free Dry Cat Food

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Meow Mix Grain Free Dry Cat Food is a meticulously crafted formula designed to cater to the nutritional needs of cats across all age groups. With real U.S. chicken as its primary ingredient, this food ensures that your feline gets the high-quality protein it deserves.

The grain-free composition means no grain, corn, or wheat, making it a suitable choice for cats with grain sensitivities. Moreover, the absence of fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives ensures a natural and wholesome meal for your cat. With the added benefit of essential vitamins and minerals, this food promises a balanced diet for your beloved pet.

Pros

  • Real U.S. chicken as the primary ingredient ensures high-quality protein
  • Grain-free and devoid of corn and wheat, ideal for cats with sensitivities.
  • Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals for comprehensive nutrition.
  • Contains no artificial flavors or preservatives, ensuring a natural meal.
  • Suitable for cats of all ages, offering flexibility for multi-cat households.

Cons

  • Transitioning from another food might require an adjustment period for some cats.
  • Contains artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 2.
  • Some cat owners might prefer a product without by-product meals.

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting Cat Food to Combat Shedding & Hair Loss

Hair loss, medically termed as alopecia, is a prevalent issue in cats. While some hair loss is natural, excessive shedding can be a sign of underlying health problems. Let’s delve deeper into the causes and how the right diet can help.

What Are Hairballs?

Hairballs, or trichobezoars, are clumps of undigested hair that accumulate in a cat’s stomach. When cats groom, they swallow hair, which can either pass through the digestive tract or be regurgitated. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent occurrences can indicate a dietary or health issue.

Factors Contributing to Excessive Hair Loss

  • Congenital Alopecia: Some cats, especially certain breeds, might be born with little to no hair due to genetic factors.
  • Acquired Alopecia: This occurs in cats born with normal hair but lose it due to reasons like infections (mites, ringworm), allergies (fleas, food), metabolic diseases (hyperthyroidism), or even stress.
  • Over-Grooming: Anxiety or compulsive behaviors can lead cats to groom excessively, causing hair loss.
  • Underlying Diseases: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can manifest symptoms like brittle hair and hair loss.

Choosing the Right Diet

  • High-Protein Content: Hair is primarily protein. Opt for cat food with around 45% protein content to support healthy hair growth.
  • Complete Nutrition: The cat food should comply with AAFCO’s nutrition guidelines, ensuring all essential nutrients are present.
  • Micronutrient Balance: Elements such as zinc, iron, and biotin play a crucial role in hair health. Ensure these are adequately present in the cat food.
  • Elimination Diet: If you suspect food allergies, consult a vet about an elimination diet to pinpoint the allergens.

Additional Considerations

  • Regular Vet Check-ups: Regular vet visits can help identify and address any underlying health issues causing excessive shedding.
  • Flea Prevention: Ensure your cat is on a flea prevention regimen, as flea allergies can cause hair loss.
  • Environmental Factors: Stressors like changes in the living environment can lead to hair loss. Ensure your cat has a stable and stress-free environment.

Conclusion

Selecting the right cat food is a pivotal decision for your feline’s health and happiness. Our top pick, Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Hairball Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food, offers a harmonious blend of nutrition and taste.

For specialized care, Royal Canin Hairball Care Dry Cat Food is unmatched, while Purina Pro Plan Hairball Management Chicken & Rice Formula strikes a balance between quality and affordability.

Always consult with your vet for tailored advice. After all, a well-fed cat is a happy cat. Cheers to a purr-fect mealtime!

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