Best Cat Food For Hairball Control In 2023
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Hairballs can often become a problem for cats. When cats groom themselves, they ingest loose fur, and sometimes this fur can accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball. Hairballs can be uncomfortable for cats, and they often try to expel them through hacking and coughing – a process that can be distressing for both cats and their owners.
I have also encountered situations where hairballs have led to digestive issues, blockages, and even required veterinary intervention.
As you can understand, when hairballs become a consistent problem, your cat may suffer discomfort or even pain. In some severe cases, hairballs may lead to other gastrointestinal issues that require medical attention.
I address hairball problems regularly and invest a significant amount of time in researching the best cat foods designed to control hairballs, to recommend to my patients’ owners.
A proper diet is one of the methods you can employ to help prevent hairballs in cats.
It’s always crucial for your cat to see a vet if you suspect hairball problems; other diseases might exhibit similar symptoms to hairballs or the hairball issue might be indicative of other underlying health issues.
This article will explain or discuss:
- What to look for when buying food specifically designed for controlling hairballs in cats.
- The differences between diets and how they aim to address the problem.
- How some ingredients can aid in minimizing hairball formation.
- Food options for cats with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Let’s get started.
Our Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control
- Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Hairball Care
- IAMS ProActive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care
- Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control
- Purina ONE Hairball Formula Adult Cat Food
- Wellness Natural Hairball Control
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Hairball Recipe
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Hairball Control
- Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Digestive Care
9 Best Cat Foods For Hairball Control Reviewed
Every cat food mentioned on this list adheres to the AAFCO nutrient criteria for cats. Before altering your cat’s food intake, always seek advice from your vet. Here is our list of products that we think can best help your cat’s hairball control.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat, Powdered Cellulose
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball control, weight management
This formula is designed to help reduce hairballs in adult cats by using natural fiber to comfortably reduce hairball formation. It also supports healthy skin and coat.
Crafted specifically to aid in the control of hairballs, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control combines high-quality chicken with whole grain wheat and other fibers. The unique fiber technology helps reduce hairball formation by moving hair through a cat’s system. Additionally, it contains Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. It also offers a weight management component, ensuring that cats maintain an optimal weight.
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Hairball Care
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Brown Rice, Rice, Wheat Gluten
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball prevention and control
This product is specially crafted with a blend of fibers to help pass ingested hair and control hairballs. It’s designed for indoor cats who may be prone to hairballs.
Royal Canin’s Hairball Care is formulated to meet the unique needs of indoor cats prone to hairballs. The specialized blend of dietary fibers helps stimulate intestinal transit and naturally limit hairball formation. Its exclusive anti-hairball complex helps hair that’s ingested pass through the system rather than building up in the stomach and being regurgitated. It also supports dental health and satisfies fussy eaters with a specific blend of aromas.
IAMS ProActive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball control, weight management
Targeted at indoor cats, this formula has tailored fiber levels to reduce hairballs and maintain a healthy weight.
IAMS ProActive Health targets hairball prevention while simultaneously managing weight in indoor cats. The blend of fibers, including beet pulp, minimizes hairball formation and supports healthy digestion. L-carnitine aids in burning fat and maintaining a healthy metabolism. It’s fortified with essential nutrients, including calcium and potassium, to keep bones strong and enhance overall health.
Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Fiber
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball control
Crafted with natural fiber sources, this product helps control hairballs and provides a balanced and nutritious meal.
Blue Buffalo’s Indoor Hairball Control offers a holistic approach to hairball management. Utilizing natural fiber sources like peas and barley, it aids in digestion and helps prevent hairballs from forming. It also includes LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
Purina ONE Hairball Formula Adult Cat Food
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball control
This formula includes a natural fiber blend to minimize hairball formation and improve digestion.
Purina ONE Hairball Formula provides a balanced diet with an emphasis on hairball control. It’s crafted with a natural fiber blend, including oatmeal, to help move hair through the digestive system and minimize hairball formation. With real chicken as the primary ingredient, it supports strong muscles and healthy energy levels. It also includes Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Wellness Natural Hairball Control
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Rice, Ground Barley, Ground Rice
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Natural hairball control
Designed with a natural approach, it includes fiber and botanicals that help prevent hairballs.
This natural recipe from Wellness focuses on a wholesome approach to hairball control. By combining premium proteins and healthy fibers, it encourages healthy digestion and helps minimize hairballs. Additionally, it’s free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and includes essential vitamins and minerals for overall well-being, including taurine for eye and heart health.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Hairball Recipe
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Potatoes
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Grain-free hairball control
Made with real whole foods, this product helps control hairballs with a grain-free approach.
Designed with the grain-free approach, Merrick’s Purrfect Bistro Hairball Recipe helps manage hairballs without relying on grains. It utilizes real deboned chicken and other whole foods to nourish your cat. Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin and reduce shedding, while antioxidants support immunity. It’s a complete and balanced option for adult cats that need a little extra fiber to prevent hairballs.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Hairball Control
- First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewer’s Rice, Pea Protein
- Type of Product: Dry food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball control, whole ingredient nutrition
Using non-GMO ingredients, this formula offers hairball control alongside overall health benefits.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials is focused on providing whole ingredient nutrition alongside hairball control. The blend of fiber, including whole brown rice and dehydrated alfalfa meal, helps reduce hairball formation, while real chicken supports lean muscle development. Its non-GMO formulation ensures that your cat gets pure and purposeful ingredients.
Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Digestive Care
- First 5 Ingredients: Whole Grain Wheat, Chicken Meal, Pork Fat, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal
- Type of Product: Dry food (Prescription Required)
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Hairball control, digestive issues
Created for cats with digestive issues, it can be used to manage hairballs as well as weight and glucose management. Requires a veterinary prescription.
Tailored to address more complex digestive issues, Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d is a multi-benefit diet often prescribed to manage hairballs, weight, and glucose. Its unique fiber matrix helps move hair through the digestive tract and prevents the formation of hairballs. Additionally, it helps metabolize fat and maintain lean muscle. Since it’s a prescription diet, it must be prescribed by a veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the best cat food for hairball control?
The best cat food for hairball control is specifically formulated to help reduce the formation and frequency of hairballs in cats. Look for cat foods that contain high amounts of fiber, such as psyllium, as well as ingredients that promote healthy digestion. Some reputable brands known for their hairball control formulas include XYZ Brand, ABC Brand, and DEF Brand.
How does cat food for hairball control work?
Cat food for hairball control typically contains specific ingredients that help minimize hairballs. These formulas often have increased fiber content, which aids in the passage of hair through the digestive system. Additionally, some cat foods may contain ingredients that support overall digestive health, such as prebiotics or probiotics, to further assist in hairball prevention.
Are there any specific nutrients or ingredients to look for in cat food for hairball control?
When selecting cat food for hairball control, prioritize formulas that include high-quality sources of fiber, such as psyllium, oat fiber, or beet pulp. These fibers help to bind and move hair through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, look for cat foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as they can help promote healthy skin and coat, reducing excessive shedding and hairball formation.
How should I transition my cat to a new cat food for hairball control?
When transitioning your cat to a new cat food for hairball control, it’s important to do so gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with your cat’s current food, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food over a period of 7-10 days. This slow transition allows your cat’s digestive system to adjust to the new formula and minimizes the risk of gastrointestinal upset. If your cat experiences any digestive issues during the transition, consult with your veterinarian for guidance.
Is wet food better for cats with hairballs?
Yes, wet cat food can be beneficial for cats with hairballs.