Best Cat Food for Shedding

The best cat food for shedding can help your cat receive all the vital nutrients it needs to prevent excess and abnormal hair loss.

To some extent, shedding is normal in cats and is also necessary to promote new hair growth.

Sometimes though, underlying health issues and dietary deficiencies can cause excess hair loss or alopecia in your cat.

Thankfully, in most cases, simple dietary changes can help reduce shedding and also give your pet a softer, shinier, and healthier coat.

Here are 5 best cat food for shedding control that is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omegas for preventing hairball and shedding in your cat.

Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our top 5 reviewed products for the best cat food for shedding:

1. IAMS Proactive Indoor Hairball & Weight Control
2. Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control
3. Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Allergen Reducing Cat Food
4. Royal Canin Hair and Skin Care Dry Cat Food
5. AvoDerm Natural Tuna Canned Cat Food

Best Cat Food for Shedding – 2022 Top 5 Picks

1. Our Editor’s Choice: IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Adult Indoor Weight Control & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food with Chicken & Turkey Cat Kibble, 7 lb. Bag

IAMS Proactive best cat food for shedding control has an optimal omega 6 to omega 3 ratio which ensures a softer shinier coat in your cat.

This food, as per their website, contains 2% omega 6 fatty acid and 0.2% omega 3 while its crude protein content is 30%.

It contains real chicken as its first ingredient which provides your cat with protein necessary for stronger and healthier fur.

IAMS Proactive weight and hairball control cat food works in two ways for your beloved pet: it prevents hairball formation and also aids in weight management.

What we like about it

• Optimal Omega 3 and Omega 6 ratio for shinier and healthier coat
• Real chicken for optimal protein
• Contains 80mg/kg of L-carnitine for healthy metabolism
• No artificial dyes, preservatives, and wheat
• Balanced nutrition without fillers.

What we don’t like

• Some cats love this food so much that they overeat it. Won’t help with weight loss if that happens!

2.  Blue Buffalo Tastefuls Natural Dry Food for Adult Cats, Hairball Control, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe, 15-lb. Bag

The flax seeds in Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control Adult cat food provides your pet with healthy Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for a beautiful shiny coat.

Fiber in the form of berries, peas, and carrots also aids in optimum nutrient absorption and you will see the results in the form of healthier and shinier coat.

Blue Buffalo cat food to help with shedding also contains tons of antioxidants which prevent effects of aging, balance out oxidative stress, and minimize shedding.

High-quality protein in the form of real chicken also aids in coat and fur improvement.

What we like about it

• Contains flaxseeds, high-quality natural protein, and anti-oxidant rich fruits and veggies for healthy coat.
• Fiber aids in digestion and helps your cat absorb nutrients better
• Supports immunity and deters infections and parasites responsible for skin and health diseases in cats.

What we don’t like

• Caused struvite crystals in a small percentage of cats. Speak to your vet before choosing this food for your pet.

3.  Purina Pro Plan Allergen Reducing, High Protein Cat Food, LIVECLEAR Chicken and Rice Formula - 7 lb. Bag

Some cat parents claim that Purina Pro Plan LiveClear reduced shedding in their cats in just one use!

Purina Pro Plan LiveClear contains probiotics that reduce dander and allergens in cat-fur and prevent hair loss and shedding.

This best cat food for dandruff and shedding uses egg protein to minimize the Fel D 1 allergen in cat’s saliva and dander – a feature that benefits allergic humans.

Purina Pro Plan cat food’s high probiotic content boosts your cat’s immunity and prevents infections, parasites, and diseases which can cause abnormal shedding.

What we like about it

• Lesser hairballs and shinier coats with minimized shedding in most cats
• Reduced allergens in saliva and dander in fur – great for humans with cat allergies

What we don’t like

• Produced a strong urine smell in some cats. This shouldn’t be an issue if your cat is otherwise healthy.

4.  Royal Canin Hair & Skin Care Dry Cat Food, 3 lb bag

As the name indicates, Royal Canin Hair and Skin Care Dry Cat Food provides complete and balanced nutrition for cats having dry and sensitive coats.

This well-loved brand of cat food claims to improve your cat’s coat and skin health (with reduced shedding) in just 21 days of use!

The reason why Royal Canin Hair and Skin Care is one of the best cat food for shedding is due to its precisely balanced nutrients (all vitamins, minerals, and trace minerals, proteins, amino acids, and balanced Omega essential fatty acids) that create a ‘protective barrier’ on your pet’s skin.

These nutrients reduce shedding, encourage health growth, and prevent dullness, dandruff, and itching.

In case your cat prefers wet or canned food, Royal Canin has a canned version of this food as well. Check out Royal Canin Feline Care Intense Beauty wet cat food.

What we like about it

• Contains high-quality amino acids, B-vitamins, proteins, and balanced ratio of omega 6 and omega 3. These create a protective barrier to reduce shedding, add a shine, and encourage hair growth.
• Optimal sized pieces and great taste and flavor which even picky cats love

What we don’t like

• Contains wheat gluten which could cause allergies. (Not all cats are sensitive to it).

5. Avoderm Natural Grain Free Wet Cat Food, Chicken Chunks Entrée In Gravy, 3 Oz Cans, Case Of 24

AvoDerm canned cat food contains avocados which are packed with omega essential fatty acids and healthy oils to promote healthy skin, reduced shedding, and a luxurious coat in your beloved cat.

Its first ingredient is real chicken which provides proteins for strong hair and muscles.

AvoDerm’s well-balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and antioxidants make it highly suitable for all life stages and especially for cats showing deficiency-related shedding, skin problems, dandruff, etc.

This great cat food is also perfect for cats with sensitivities since it is free from soy, wheat, corn, and grains. There are no artificial colors, preservatives, or fillers which can sometimes be responsible for abnormal shedding in cats.

What we like about it

• Omega-rich avocados and high-quality proteins
• Simple ingredients free from fillers, colors, preservatives – ideal for sensitive
• Meat chunks and shreds which picky cats love
• Slow-cooked food in small batches to preserve nutrition and maintain quality
• Made in USA

What we don’t like about it

• Inconsistent in viscosity and chunks to gravy ratio; but that is due to smaller batches in production.

What are Common Causes Behind Excess Cat Shedding?

A dense, shiny, and well-conditioned fur and coat with soft pliant skin are hallmarks of good health in your kitty.

A beautiful coat in cats not only has aesthetic importance, it also protects your fur baby’s internal organs and helps maintain the right body temperature.

This is the main reason why pet parents must never overlook excess or abnormal hair shedding in cats.

When your pet grows new hair, it has to shed its old hair.

Therefore, to some extent, shedding on an annual or biannual basis is normal and even necessary.

However, normal shedding in cats is never accompanied by patches of bald spots, biting and chewing of the skin, redness, blisters, dandruff, and rashes. If you see these signs, you must understand that something is amiss.

Here are some common causes behind excess and abnormal hair shedding cats.

A) Improper Diet

Without proper nourishment, your kitty’s fur and skin will invariably suffer.

Your cat needs the right balance of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fatty acids to keep its fur soft and glowing. According to this article, nearly 25-30% of daily protein intake is systemically used for hair growth and skin maintenance in cats.

Your pet food must also contain a balanced omega 6 to omega 3 ratio. Ideally, for cats, this ratio needs to be at least 30:1 (omega 6: omega 3).

Protein and vitamin deficit foods can lead to abnormal hair fall in your cat.

Then there is low-quality food having toxins and other unwanted products in it.

Chemicals and preservatives in food, fillers, byproducts, and other toxins in this type of cat food can also impact your cat’s skin and coat health.

Thankfully, simple dietary changes and switching to the best cat food for shedding cats can reverse the hair fall and give your pet a luxurious and shiny coat over time.

B) Emotional factors

There also may be emotional aspects as to why your cat might refrain from eating properly.

Perceived competition from other cats, trauma and abuse, a scary dog, being left alone for hours on end, and other anxiety-inducing factors in your pet’s environment could lead to tremendous stress buildup in your kitty.

Stress can cause the buildup of stress-hormones which can lead to poor appetite, vomiting, and other symptoms that can all result in severe shedding and hair loss.

C)  Parasites

Internal parasites can also prevent your cat from getting the nutrition it needs.

You might feed your pet the best cat food for dandruff and shedding but parasites like hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms might end up absorbing all the nourishment meant for your pet.

Thankfully, regular deworming can prevent this cause of excess hair shedding in cats.

D) Skin diseases

Skin diseases such as mites, scabies, dandruff or seborrhea, and ringworm can also result in patchy hair loss and excess shedding.

Treatment of these diseases involves the use of topical and oral medicines to get rid of the infection.

Simple dietary changes can also help. Try adding flaxseed oil, omega-essential fatty acids, B-vitamins, zinc to reduce skin problems in your cat.

As always, it is best to work with your vet and evaluate the exact cause of skin diseases and alopecia in your pet.

E) Pregnancy and lactation

In pregnant and lactating cats, excess shedding can occur due to hormonal changes.

Thankfully, this type of shedding is temporary.

Your vet will suggest supplements and kitty treats to help reduce shedding.

Once your cat starts getting the nourishment it needs, the shedding will reduce considerably.

F) Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can occur when your cat has an adrenal-gland or thyroid-related issue.

Your vet might order some blood tests to ascertain the kind of imbalance your cat is face. S/he will then prescribe medication along with the best cat food for shedding to help manage symptoms.

What Home Remedies Can You Use to Prevent Excess Hair Shedding in Your Cat?

1) Provides balanced nutrition in the form of proteins, omegas, and vitamins

In most cases, switching to the best cat food for shedding can help prevent abnormal and excess shedding.

Look for a food high in proteins, omega essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals.

As stated earlier, the Omega 6: omega 3 ratio in the food should be about 30:1.

Once your cat receives good nutrition, its shedding will reduce as well.

2) Provide fiber

Ideally, the best cat food for shedding should ideally contain fiber which can pass off the formed hairballs more effectively through the GI tract.

Look for foods with pumpkins and beets which dissolve hairballs and also prevent their formation.

3) Groom your pet regularly

Grooming is an important way of controlling the hair from getting all over your furniture and carpets.

Brush your kitty once or twice a day to catch the loose hairs.

Check out these best cat brushes for long haired and short haired cats. You can also use a grooming glove.

You can also bathe your pet once a month to prevent dandruff, seborrhea, and other skin diseases that trigger shedding.

4) Use supplements

Ask your vet which kitty treats help with less shedding.

Look for treats/supplements with B-vitamins, probiotics, fiber, minerals and trace minerals, as well as balanced omega-essential fatty acids.

5) Make sure that your pet drinks adequate water

Lack of hydration can lead to dry and flaky skin which can exacerbate hair fall and shedding.

Provide your cat plenty of fresh water after meals, especially if you feed it dry kibble.

How to Select the Best Cat Food for Shedding

A) Contains balanced nutrition without fillers

Read the ingredient label.

Make sure that the food contains a healthy blend of omegas, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Avoid foods with allergens, wheat, fillers, and preservatives which only provide empty calories and can also cause food sensitivities, skin allergies, and hair fall in some cats.

B) Contains fiber for minimizing hairballs

Hairballs commonly affect long-haired cats and cats that groom excessively.

Look for foods with fiber which reduce hairballs and also help pass the hairballs through the GI tract more efficiently and also prevent their formation.

C) Contains probiotics

Probiotics improve digestion and aid in nutrient absorption.

When your kitty gets all the nourishment it needs, the shedding will reduce as well.

D) Does not cause urinary crystals

Avoid foods high in magnesium which can cause crystals in your cat’s bladder.

E) Fulfills your cat’s taste and health requirements

Finally, select the best cat food for shedding control which your picky cat loves.

If your pet has any pre-existing health issues, work with your vet to find a brand that deals with it while also minimizing hairballs and shedding.

Conclusion

The best cat food for shedding control reduces abnormal shedding and gives your pet a healthier and shinier coat while also reducing hairballs.

We recommend No products found. cat food for its healthy blend of omegas and proteins. It also helps with weight management.

Do check out our other recommendations as well.

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