Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

Shedding is a normal process as part of a healthy cat coat.

Some cats will shed more than others and shedding can be seasonal. Choosing the right diet can help maintain a healthy coat and prevent excess shedding. If you notice excessive hair loss in your cat, consult with your veterinarian as this can be a sign of illness.

The following tips can help you pick out a diet that is suitable for a cat who is shedding.

1) Choose a diet suited for cats with adverse food reactions

Hair loss and shedding can sometimes 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 that are so tiny that they are unlikely to trigger a reaction. These diets are also a top choice to use for clinical dietary trial to pinpoint the exact ingredient causing the problem.

2) Choose a diet with a source of insoluble fiber

A shedding cat is more likely to accidentally swallow stray hairs while grooming. Ingredients which provide insoluble fiber to the diet, such as cellulose or beet pulp, can help to keep things moving in the gut.

If your cat gets hairballs frequently, regular brushing is another great way to prevent their occurrence.

3) Consider your cat’s energy needs

Over time, excess calories can cause obesity which can make it impossible for even the most flexible cat to groom properly. Be sure to match your cat’s energy needs and continue to monitor her body condition as she grows. Your veterinarian can help you determine her daily caloric needs. Always use a scale to measure out meals as cups are inaccurate.

4) Choose a diet with the correct AAFCO statement to ensure protein levels are adequate

The main building block of hair is protein, so your cat will need to be getting enough dietary protein to maintain a healthy coat.

You can be sure there is an adequate amount of protein in a food when there is an adequacy statement by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) on the label. The AAFCO statement will highlight the life stage which matches the nutrient profile of the food. For example, a diet that is formulated for “maintenance” will meet the requirements of an adult or senior cat while a diet for “growth” is suited for kittens.

What is the Best Cat Food for Shedding?

Author:
Last updated April 27, 2021
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Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Formula
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  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
Hill’s Science Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 524 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 29%
Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care
  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Protein: 37.9%

Shedding Cat Food Reviews

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

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TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
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  1. Brewers Rice
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
  3. Chicken Fat
  4. Powdered Cellulose
  5. Natural Flavors
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Fat
18%
18%
Protein
24%
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Fiber
5.7%
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Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is a specially formulated to help your cat maintain a healthy coat. It’s packed with ingredients that support a healthy, shiny coat, including omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and amino acids. Not only do these ingredients help keep your cat’s coat nice and healthy, but they are also very nourishing for the skin.

Additionally, this food is enhanced with hydrolyzed soy proteins that break down into very small pieces, making them easy to digest. It also contains prebiotics and healthy fibers that support a healthy gut, which can prevent hairballs for cats who shed. If you’re looking for the best cat food to help with shedding, this option from Royal Canin is a great choice.

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Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food

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  1. Rice Starch
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  3. Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq
  4. Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
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  • Type: Dry food
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Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Formula is easy to digest and nutritious enough to keep your cat’s fur healthy. This limited ingredient formula is made with a single hydrolyzed protein that breaks down easily in your cat’s stomach. This increases nutrient absorption and is less likely to cause food sensitivities that could affect your cat’s coat.

The carbohydrates in this cat food are also formulated with sensitivity in mind. This formula only uses on carbohydrate that is low in allergens that could cause a negative reaction. On top of that, this cat food is designed to support a healthy urinary environment. This cat food from Purina Pro is one of the best cat foods to reduce shedding.

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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food

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  1. Salmon Hydrolysate
  2. Peas
  3. Potatoes
  4. Pea Starch
  5. Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids)
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet is a formula with the optimum balance of natural ingredients that support a healthy coat. Salmon is one of the main ingredients, and it’s full of essential proteins as well as fatty acids like omega-3s that support healthy hair growth. Additionally, it contains healthy natural ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, and pumpkin, which support your cat’s coat as well as their immune system.

This formula is hydrolyzed, which means it’s very easy for your cat to digest. It’s also fortified with vitamins E and C, which are an essential part of any cat’s diet. Overall, this formula from Blue Buffalo is one of the best cat foods to prevent shedding and help your cat maintain a healthy coat.

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Hill's Science Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Cat Food

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  1. Chicken
  2. Brewers Rice
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Whole Grain Corn
  5. Chicken Fat
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  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 524 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
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Fat
17%
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Protein
29%
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Fiber
3%
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Hill's Science Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Cat Food Review

The Hill’s Science Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dry Cat Food is specifically formulated to nourish your cat’s coat and skin without irritating their stomach. It contains plenty of omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for a shiny, full coat. It also contains vitamin E, which helps keep skin moisturized.

On top of this, the formula contains prebiotics and healthy fibers to keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and balanced. It’s made with nutritious chicken, rice, and eggs, which have plenty of protein and create a tasty flavor for your cat. If you’re looking for the best cat food for excessive shedding and healthy skin, this formula from Hill’s is one worth trying.

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

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  1. Water
  2. Chicken
  3. Pork Liver
  4. Carrots
  5. Wheat Gluten
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  • Type: Wet food
  • Calories: 71 kcal/2.9 oz can
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
23.2%
23.2%
Protein
37.9%
37.9%
Fiber
2.7%
2.7%
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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 formula is another balanced formula that has the nutrients to support a healthy coat without irritating the digestive system. It’s suitable for both adult cats and growing kittens who shed excessively. It’s made with insoluble natural fibers that support a healthy digestive system.

Additionally, this formula is fortified with antioxidants to boost your cat’s immune system. The chicken contains plenty of protein to support a healthy coat, while vegetables like carrots add extra nutritional value. It also contains nutrients like taurine, which boosts your cat’s heart health. Overall, the Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d Digestive Care formula is a nutritious but gentle formula that helps keep your cat’s fur looking healthy.

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