Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

A large proportion of a cat’s day will be dedicated to grooming. With the tongue being the tool of choice to accomplish the task, it isn’t surprising that a cat will often swallow stray hairs during their sessions.

In large enough amounts, a hairball can form in the gut which can only be eliminated through vomiting.

Of course, regular brushing is the best way to reduce hairball formation, but the right diet can also help. The following are some tips for choosing a food to help a cat with a hairball problem.

Note: If your cat has hairballs more frequently than once every 2 weeks, you should contact your veterinarian. Frequent hairballs can be a symptom of gastrointestinal disease.

1) Choose a diet with a source of insoluble fiber

Ingredients which provide insoluble fiber to the diet, such as cellulose or beet pulp, can help to keep things moving in the gut.

They will help hairballs to land in the litter box rather than regurgitated on the sofa! Sometimes diets with these ingredients will be marketed as “hairball reducing” on the label.

2) Choose a diet that contains prebiotic ingredients

Prebiotics are ingredients in the diet which feed the healthy bacteria of the gut. These “gut critters” produce compounds which have been linked with better gastrointestinal health. A healthy gut will help hairballs shuttle through more smoothly.

Examples of prebiotic-containing ingredients include cranberries, citrus pulp, and carrots. You can ask the manufacturer to confirm which prebiotic sources they have included.

Note: In a manufactured food, all important nutrients are present in the right amounts and in a form that is appetizing for your cat. You should check with your veterinarian before adding fresh ingredients to the diet on their own.

3) Consider a diet for adverse food reactions

Hair loss and shedding can increase the amount of fur your cat ingests while grooming. These can both be related to an allergy or adverse food reaction. Choosing a diet with alternative ingredients, particularly the protein source, can help to solve this problem.

The best choice for a suspected adverse food reaction or allergy is a hydrolyzed protein diet. This diet uses proteins that are broken down into pieces as their amino acid source. These pieces are so tiny that they are unlikely to trigger a reaction.

4) Choose a diet with the AAFCO statement

A diet that matches your cat’s basic nutritional requirements is essential for maintaining all around good health and reduce the incidence of hairballs. A food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials requirements will have an adequacy statement printed on the label.

Some foods may be regarded as adequate for “all life stages” which is suitable for growing kittens, motherhood, and adult cats. These can be used for any cat, but a food with an adequacy statement that matches your cat’s current life stage will be the best choice.

What is the Best Cat Food for Hairballs?

Author:
Last updated June 21, 2021
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Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach
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Cat Food for Hairball Reviews

Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe Adult Dry Cat Food

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The Blue Buffalo Sensitive Stomach Chicken Recipe is made with exceptional quality ingredients that can help prevent hairballs. It contains FOS prebiotics, which keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and minimize irritation. This formula is completely natural, without any poultry by-products, wheat, corn, soy, or preservatives.

This cat food is made with fresh ingredients such as deboned chicken as well as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These create a delicious taste and contain plenty of antioxidants. The formula includes omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for a healthy skin and coat.

This is the best cat foods for hairballs and vomiting on the market, with a balanced formula that is primed to support sensitive stomachs. Added ‘LifeSource Bits’ made from an optimal balance of vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s overall health.

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Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Hairballs

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Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Hairballs Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food For Hairballs is a gentle but nutritious formula that is excellent for sensitive stomachs. It is made with hydrolyzed soy proteins, which are much easier for your cat to absorb and can prevent hairballs. The formula also contains vital prebiotics, which help maintain a healthy digestive system.

This limited ingredient formula is easy for your cat to digest, but it also fortified with essential B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy balance of fiber also helps keep your cat’s digestive system regular. This formula from Royal Canin is one of the best dry cat foods for hairballs on the market.

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Hill's Science Diet Wet Cat Food for Urinary Hairball Control

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This wet food has an appealing chicken flavor that your cat will love. It’s also fortified with vitamins and minerals like taurine, which are primed to support your cat’s vision and heart health. This is one of the best wet cat foods for hairballs, and it keeps your cat’s entire body healthy as well.

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Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Hairballs

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The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is easy to digest and helps prevent unpleasant hairballs. It’s made from a single hydrolyzed protein source, which is broken down into very small components for easy digestion. The carbohydrates in this formula are also designed specifically to minimize stomach irritation and allergic reactions.

This cat food has a crunchy texture that cats really like. The balanced formula contains essential vitamins and minerals for full-body health. The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is one of the best cat foods for indoor cats with hairballs and can help prevent a range of digestive issues.

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food

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Hill's Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Chicken & Veg Wet Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care Wet Cat Food is a nutritious blend of essential ingredients that can help prevent hairballs and digestive irritation. It is made with insoluble natural fibers, which can minimize the chance of hairballs. It also contains an optimal balance of protein and fat to nourish your cat without irritating their stomach.

This formula is enhanced with antioxidants, which are essential for your cat’s health as they get older. The fresh chicken and vegetable formula is very appealing for your cat, particularly if they prefer wet formulas. The Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d formula is a great choice for preventing hairballs and other forms of digestive irritation in your precious furbaby.

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