Dr Marie Menniti - Miss Cats Team

Dr. Marie Menniti's Veterinary Advice

Healthy skin and a healthy coat are so important in keeping our feline friends feeling content and comfortable. There are a number of reasons that your cat may have a dull or dry coat and this may extend to the skin.

If you notice a sudden change in your cat’s fur or skin, you should consult with your veterinarian.

The right diet can help to maintain a healthy skin barrier and keep the coat soft and shiny.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best food for healthy skin and coat.

1) Consider a hydrolyzed protein diet

Skin conditions and fur abnormalities 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, which 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. 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 omega-3 fatty acids

There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids supplements can help to promote healthy skin in cats. Ingredients such as flax oil and fish oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They are often added to the diet to increase the proportion of this beneficial compound.

Remember that these ingredients are incorporated into your cat’s kibble in a balanced way. You should check with your veterinarian before adding these as a supplement to your cat’s daily meals.

3) Consider your cat’s energy needs

Grooming is the way that all cats keep their coat soft, clean, and shiny. Over time, excess calories can lead to obesity which can make it impossible for even the most flexible cat to groom her coat 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 for your cat’s lifestage

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 Skin and Coat?

IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 351 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 24%
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 30%
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 524 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 29%
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 443 kcal/cup
  • Protein: 40%

Cat Food for Skin and Coat Reviews

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Skin & Coat

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

Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Skin & Coat Review

The Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is enhanced with high quality ingredients to support healthy skin and coat. This formula is made with hydrolyzed proteins, which are very small and break down easily in the digestive system. This means that your cat can absorb the nutrients much more effectively.

Because this formula is designed to prevent allergic reactions, it can help keep your cat’s skin healthy. It also contains DHA and EPA, which are essential omega-3 fatty acids that are primed to support a shiny coat. This formula from Royal Canin is one of the best skin and coat cat food options on the market.

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Skin & Coat

TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Rice Starch
  2. Hydrolyzed Soy Protein Isolate
  3. Partially Hydrogenated Canola Oil Preserved with Tbhq
  4. Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver
  5. Tricalcium Phosphate
PRICE
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FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 350 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
9%
9%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food for Skin & Coat Review

The Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Protein Dry Cat Food is primed to support your cat’s skin and coat with essential nutrients. It uses just one hydrolyzed protein source, which is very easy for your cat to digest. This helps them absorb more of the vital nutrients in this recipe.

This diet also uses a low allergen source of carbohydrates to prevent irritation throughout the entire body. Although the formula is easy to digest, it still contains many of the vitamins and minerals your cat needs for a healthy diet, such as taurine, magnesium, and zinc. This formula from Purina Pro Plan is a great choice if you’re searching for the best cat food for healthy skin and coat.

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food

TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Salmon Hydrolysate
  2. Peas
  3. Potatoes
  4. Pea Starch
  5. Canola Oil (source of Omega 6 Fatty Acids)
PRICE
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FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 430 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
14%
14%
Protein
30%
30%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Cat Food is made with natural ingredients and enhanced with antioxidants for optimal health. It’s made with hydrolyzed salmon, which creates a fresh taste and is very easy for your cat to digest. The salmon meets your cat’s need for protein, and is balanced with the right amount of fat and fiber.

This diet is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which come from fish oil and flaxseed and keep your cat’s coat looking shiny and soft. This cat food also contains vitamins C and E to support your cat’s immune system. This natural formula from Blue Buffalo is full of exceptional quality ingredients that are primed to support your pet’s skin and coat.

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

TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Chicken
  2. Brewers Rice
  3. Corn Gluten Meal
  4. Whole Grain Corn
  5. Chicken Fat
PRICE
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FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 524 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
17%
17%
Protein
29%
29%
Fiber
3%
3%
REVIEW

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

The Hill’s Science Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Rice Cat Food is a well-rounded formula that is primed to support your cat’s skin and coat. This cat food contains a blend of chicken, rice, and eggs, which are an excellent source of protein. The entire formulation is gentle on your cat’s stomach and is very easy to absorb.

This cat food contains omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for a healthy coat. It’s fortified with a blend of vital antioxidants and vitamins to support your cat’s immune system and overall health. The Hill’s Science Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food is one of the best cat foods for skin & coat, especially if your cat also struggles with a sensitive stomach.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food

TOP 5 INGREDIENTS PRICE FEATURES
TOP 5 INGREDIENTS
  1. Deboned Chicken
  2. Chicken Meal
  3. Pea Protein
  4. Tapioca Starch
  5. Peas
PRICE
VIEW LATEST PRICE →
FEATURES
  • Type: Dry food
  • Calories: 443 kcal/cup
  • Lifestage: Adult
NUTRITION
Fat
18%
18%
Protein
40%
40%
Fiber
4%
4%
REVIEW

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Cat Food Review

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Dry Cat Food is a well balanced formula that’s excellent for a healthy coat. It contains both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for smooth skin and a shiny coat.

This recipe contains real chicken as a source of protein, as well as healthy natural carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. The formula is grain-free and also does not contain irritants like corn, wheat, or soy. It also contains Blue Buffalo’s signature LifeSource Bits, which are a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This well-rounded formula from Blue Buffalo is an excellent source of nutrients to support a healthy skin and coat.