The Best Cat Food for Shedding (Review) in 2021

While our interference in breeding kitties has led to various coat types, including hairless Sphinx and curly-haired Rex cats, most pet cats are of domestic short or long-haired. A coat generally consists of two layers: the undercoat (soft and delicate) is necessary to keep warm, while the longer guard hairs protect from water, dirt, and dust. It’s entirely natural for cats to lose their hair in a process known as molting. Essentially, the old, dead hairs are replaced with new ones; continually shedding hair ensures that the coat is evenly updated and always clean, well-kept, and warm. Growth and hair loss occur continuously, but once or twice a year, it may be lost rapidly, leaving kitty’ glitter’ all over the house.

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Our TOP-3 Cat Food to Help With Shedding

We’ve compiled some of our favorite cat foods to help support healthy skin and reduce abnormal shedding.

Products	Benefits	Links
Our TOP-1 Choice	Purina ONE Hairball Adult Formula Dry Cat Food Contains 4.5% fiber to help improve hair transit through the digestive system and reduce hairballs. 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats. Purina ONE is veterinarian recommended. Real chicken is the #1 ingredient. Includes added vitamins.	Check Price
#1 Pick for Mature Cats	Blue Buffalo Blue Indoor Hairball Control No by-product meals. Brown rice for added fiber. Supported by essential vitamins and minerals. Healthy muscle maintenance. Has omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.	Check Price
#1 Pick for Sensitive Stomach	Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Chicken Canned Cat Food Free from grain, gluten and soy. 98% chicken & liver wet food for cats. Cats love the taste and texture.	Check Price

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

The Best Cat Food to Reduce Shedding (All Reviews)

1. Purina ONE Hairball Adult Formula Dry Cat Food

Our TOP-1 Choice

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Product Info:

• Protein: 34.0% min
• Fat: 14.0% min
• Fiber: 4.5% max
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA

Purina ONE molt control food is a unique blend of natural fibers to help control cat hairballs. This food contains vitamins and trace elements to provide a 100% balanced diet.

Real chicken is the #1 ingredient in this easy-to-digest, high-protein dry food formula. The antioxidant blend helps support a healthy immune system, and the crunchy texture helps clean your kitty’s teeth.
Veterinarians recommend this brand. The natural formula with vitamins, minerals and nutrients is the perfect choice for fighting cat hairballs.

Key benefits:

• High fiber to reduce hairballs.
• Contains vitamins and minerals for optimal skin and coat health.
• Fiber-rich, high-protein formula.
• 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats.

2. Blue Buffalo Blue Indoor Hairball Control

#1 Pick for Mature Cats

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Product Info:

• Product Info:
• Protein: 28.0 % Min
• Fat: 13.0 % Min
• Fiber: 6.0 % Max
• Life stages: Senior
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA   

Blue Buffalo hairball control formula is a portion of natural, holistic cat food. This formula provides pets with essential amino acids and vital nutrients to meet your cat’s needs every day.

The food contains healthy whole grains, including brown rice, barley and oats. These ingredients provide your pet with the complex carbohydrates needed for energy.

Natural vegetables and fruits, such as whole carrots, sweet potatoes, parsley, and cranberries, contain phytonutrients and fiber necessary for health.

Key benefits:

• Supported by essential vitamins and minerals.
• Wholesome whole grains and veggies.
• Contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.

3. Hound & Gatos Grain-Free Chicken Canned Cat Food

#1 Pick for Sensitive Stomach

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Product Info:

• Protein: 10.0% min
• Fat: 9.0% min
• Fiber: 1.00% max
• Life stages: All ages 
• Type: Wet
• Made In: USA  

Hound & Gatos is high in meat, vitamins, minerals and amino acids that make every meal complete. It contains no soy, cereals, preservatives, colorants or artificial flavors.

With a minimal carbohydrate content and a radically healthy list of ingredients, Hound & Gatos will appeal to your cat.

Key benefits:

• Complete and balanced for all ages and breeds.
• 98% chicken & liver wet food.
• Made in the USA with the world’s the graetest ingredients.

4. Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Chicken Turkey & Chicken Liver Pate Canned Cat Food

#1 Canned Pick

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Product Info:

• Protein: 12.0% min
• Fat: 7.0% min
• Fiber: 0.5% max
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Wet
• Made In: USA   

The protein-rich Wellness CORE cat food does not contain grains – it consists primarily of chicken and turkey. This nutritious, grain-free recipe includes all of protein your pet needs to maintain muscle mass and energy.

The feed formula also contains omega from flaxseed and salmon oil to maintain healthy skin and coat. Antioxidants, taurine, vitamins and minerals help to support immunity and well-being.

Key benefits:

• 100% grain-free adult recipe is made of chicken and turkey.
• Loaded with antioxidant-rich cranberries.
• Helps keep your cat hydrated and supports urinary health.
• Grain-free.
• Omega fatty acids from flaxseeds and salmon oil help support healthy skin and fur.

5. Royal Canin Indoor Intense Hairball Dry Cat Food

#1 Balanced Diet

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Product Info:

• Protein: 34%
• Fat: 15%
• Fiber: 6,9%
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA 

Royal Canin cat food improves the health of the coat and reduces the number of hairballs produced. Containing an exclusive blend of fatty acids that nourishes skin and ensures the coat’s smoothness and health. The mix of dietary fiber moves the fur through digestive system to prevent it from causing blockages or vomiting.

Royal Canin formula is designed with the perfect granule size for cats’ mouths. Pet owners who bought this food did indicate that it positively affects the pet’s coat and health.

Key benefits:

• Controls hairball development with a specific blend of dietary fibers.
• Contains a blend of fatty acids for coat and skin health.
• Contains everything your cat needs for a balanced diet.

6. Natures Variety Instinct ORIGINAL Grain-Free Duck Kibble for Cats

Premium Choice

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Product Info:

• Protein: 41%
• Fat: 21.5%
• Fiber: 3.5%
• Life stages: All ages
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA   

The original grain-free recipe with a duck will satisfy your pet’s need for real food.

The formulation is carefully balanced and includes beneficial ingredients such as real duck and vegetables. Added probiotics, natural omega fatty acids and antioxidants support healthy digestion. Nature’s Variety Instinct is delicious and high in quality protein, which promotes maximum digestibility, healthy hair and skin, as well as immune system benefits.

Key benefits:

• Omegas and antioxidants for digestive health, healthy skin & coat and immune health.
• Guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotic.
• 81% real animal ingredients and nutritious oils.
• High-quality animal protein, grain-free recipe.
• 3.5% crude fiber to help with hairball control.

7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food

#1 Dry Pick

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Product Info:

• Product Info:
• Protein: 40.0 %
• Fat: 18.0 %
• Fiber: 4.0 %
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA   

This food does not include cereals or gluten. Also, this formula is suitable for all ages and breeds of cats. Blue Wilderness cat food is made from natural ingredients. This diet contains all the necessary vitamins and antioxidants to support your kitty’s health.

The product does not contain anything artificial. It is also made from high-quality protein sources and natural fibers. This formula is designed to support healthy immune system.

Key benefits:

• Supports a healthy immune system.
• Helps indoor cats maintain a healthy weight.
• A precise blend of antioxidants and vitamins.
• Grain-free.
• Minimum of 4% crude fiber.

8. Nutro Wholesome Essentials Hairball Control Chicken & Brown Rice – Adult Cat

#1 Affordable Pick

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Product Info:

• Protein: 21%
• Fat: 13%
• Fiber: 6.50% 
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA   

This all-natural cat food contains a blend of fibers that help to minimize the formation of hairballs. This chicken-based kibble includes a unique blend of whole grains, having all the necessary antioxidants, such as vitamin E, for a healthy immune system.

This formula also contains omega-6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and shiny, soft fur. The food does not contain GMO products and artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

Key benefits:

• Fiber blend to help minimize hairball formation.
• High-quality fats and oils.
• Whole brown rice to provide extra fiber
• Real chicken is the number 1 ingredient.
• Contains omega fatty acids to support healthy fur coats.

9. Purina Pro Plan Weight Management

#1 Pick for Weight Loss

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Product Info:

• Protein: 46.0%
• Fat: 8.0%
• Fiber: 5.0%
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Dry
• Made In: USA   

This food is 40% protein. It also contains fatty acids that help improve and maintain skin and coat’s health. This helps to reduce shedding and reduce the number of hairballs.

The product includes natural chicory root as fiber, which contributes to normal digestion. The content of vitamins and minerals helps to balance body and promotes both internal and external health.

Key benefits:

• Protect your cat’s muscle.
• Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive and immune health.
• Great taste and quality ingredients.
• Real chicken as the first ingredient.

10. Weruva Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

#1 Pick Gluten-Free

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Product Info:

• Protein: 10% min
• Fat: 1.4% min
• Fiber: 0.50% min
• Life stages: Adult
• Type: Wet
• Made In: Thailand    

Weruva feed is a grain-free wet formula that does not contain gluten or other grains. This blend includes only natural ingredients that are useful for your cat. Since it is wet food, there is enough water in it to keep coat healthy.

Weruva grain-free feed is produced in a factory that meets the most stringent quality control standards. Organic products are used in the production, which will appeal to even the most fastidious cat.

Key benefits:

• Completely grain and gluten-free.
• May be suitable for cats who are prone to kidney problems.
• High in protein and low in fat and carbs.

How do I know if my Cat sheds normally and excessively?

A cat’s first molt persists for up to one year, and when a kitten turns 5 months old, their downy fur changes to an adult coat. Normal molting in a healthy pet lasts from September to November and February to April, depending on your local area’s climate. Each cat’s periods and duration of molting are individual and depend on age, health, stress, and other reasons. But if your pet sheds continuously, you may need to look at your pet more closely in case of an underlying health problem.

We have little control over our kitty’s molting schedule and intensity, but some supplements and special diets have been suggested to help strengthen hairs, lengthen their life cycles, and reduce molting.^[1]

To be sure that the shedding process does not cause problems and that the cat’s coat looks healthy and beautiful, the diet should consist of high-quality food that’s easily digestible. These diets should have a balanced composition, and the formulas contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Two types of feed can be recommended by veterinarians when shedding:

• Food for the health of skin and fur.
• Food increase the output of fur from the stomach.

Both types of food help solve some problems that arise from molting. Cats tend to be fastidious self-groomers and swallow most of their groomed fur. Pet fur is not digested by gastric juices, and ic could cause obstructions within your kitty’s gastrointestinal tract. ^[2]

Causes of Excessive Shedding in Cats

The causes of abnormal hair loss can be different:

• Skin diseases, including allergies.
• Parasites, including fleas or ticks.
• Excessively high temperatures for prolonged periods.
• Stress.
• Poor nutrition.
• Some endocrine disorders or cancers.

Photo by Madalyn Cox on Unsplash

If you suspect that your kitty is excessively shedding, you should consult with your veterinarian. 

Here are some measures that you can undertake to help maintain your kitty’s healthy skin and coat:

• Regular check-ups. Look at your cat and assess the condition of their skin in the places that bother the cat. If insects are detected, use appropriate treatment. If there are bumps, spots, or balding areas, consult your veterinary surgeon.
• If your cat sheds heavily, you can add extra omega fatty acids to their diet. This may be through a complete food change over time or additional supplementation with products such as salmon oils. Don’t forget to consult with your vet’s before adding changes to the diet.
• Control parasites. Regular parasite monitoring and treatment of internal and external parasites are essential to maintaining your kitty’s health.

Annual check-ups (or more frequent if necessary) with your veterinarian are another essential tool in preventing illness in your kitty, including skin and fur concerns.

Buying Guide

Proper nutrition plays an essential role in the process of hair loss. An unbalanced diet and lack of vital elements in the coat’s health and condition are reasons for increased, long-term molting. The following nutrients should be present in the animal’s diet:

• Biotin (vitamin B7) is an essential element for the health of hair. An acute biotin deficiency can lead to sudden baldness of the pet.
• Taurine. Lack of taurine leads to the cat’s serious health problems, which affects the coat’s quality.
• Sulfur. It is involved in creating keratin–fur and skin protein substances.
• Vitamins B6, B2 (riboflavin), and B5 (pantothenic acid). Lack of these vitamins leads to deterioration of hair quality, increased fragility and loss, and dermatitis.
• Iodine, calcium and phosphorus. The lack of these minerals leads to hair loss and dullness.
• Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Deficiency leads to dull hair and its loss.^[3]

READ MORE: Best Vitamins for Cats

Cats naturally need a range of B vitamins, omega fatty acids, and proteins. Some foods that contain these are:

• Beef,
• Pork,
• Pork and beef liver,
• Beef heart,
• Sardines, halibut, salmon,
• Poultry,
• Carrots,
• White cabbage,
• Buckwheat.

READ MORE: Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Cats

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Tips to Stop Cats from Shedding

A balanced diet will help to reduce excess molting. Special food and vitamins to support hair quality, such as omega-3 and omega-6, contribute to the growth of a beautiful and healthy coat.  

Unique products can also help in the fight against excess hair. You can use shedding shampoo, available at any pet store or veterinary pharmacy. Also, regular combing will benefit your pet’s coat. As a rule, cats love this procedure, mostly if you teach them from kittenhood.

FAQs

Article Sources:

1. P‐1 Evaluation of the Influence of Sex, Diet and Time on Hair Coat Characteristics of Cats. 16 Aug. 2004, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-3164.2004.00414_1.x.
2. “The Danger of Hairballs.” Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 21 May 2018, vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/danger-hairballs.
3. Biagi, Giacomo, et al. “(PDF) The Role of Dietary Omega-3 and Omega-6 Essential Fatty Acids in the Nutrition of Dogs and Cats: A Review.” ResearchGate, 1 Jan. 2004, researchgate.net/publication/272784328_The_role_of_dietary_omega-3_and_omega-6_essential_fatty_acids_in_the_nutrition_of_dogs_and_cats_A_review.