Choosing the best cat food for hairball control involves selecting a formula that includes specific ingredients to help manage and prevent hairballs forming.
First of all, look for foods with high fiber content, as fiber helps move hair through the digestive tract. Ingredients such as sweet potato, psyllium husk and cellulose are good sources of fiber.
While some fat is essential for your cat's overall health, too much can lead to excessive shedding and hairball formation. Additionally, cats that are obese may also have difficulty in grooming themselves effectively, so opt for cat foods with moderate fat levels to help manage weight.
Foods which are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy skin and coat, reducing shedding and the amount of hair ingested during grooming.
Some cat foods contain natural ingredients such as pumpkin, flaxseed, or coconut oil, which can help lubricate the digestive tract and facilitate the passage of hairballs.
If your cat has food sensitivities or allergies that contribute to excessive grooming and hairball formation, consider a limited ingredient diet that excludes common allergens.
Please note: We normally only include foods within our Best Cat Food pages which are rated between 4 and 5 stars. However, you will see some recipes in this list that receive a lower rating. This is because the criteria we use to rate foods does not always apply to recipes formulated for specific health conditions. Some ingredients would be considered controversial and marked down in foods for healthy cats, but are necessary in formulas that tackle certain issues/concerns. All the foods listed below are the best to help with hairball control.
We also answer some of your frequently asked questions about the issue which you can see at the bottom of this page.
Our top picks
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food Jump to review
- Tuft & Paw Wet Jump to review
- I and Love And You Dry Cat Food Jump to review
- Diamond Naturals Wet Cat Food Jump to review
- Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food Jump to review
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food Jump to review
- Wellness Complete Health (dry) Jump to review
- Purina Pro Plan (Dry) Jump to review
- IAMS ProActive Health Dry Cat Food Jump to review
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Cat Indoor Hairball Chicken recipe received the Cat Food Advisor’s highest rating: 5 stars.
It is one of 11 recipes in this product range made by Blue Buffalo, a company owned by General Mills which operates from headquarters in Wilton, Connecticut.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Cat Indoor Hairball Chicken recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 41.8% protein, 17.6% fat and 32.7% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 42%.
This food provides cats with an excellent source of quality protein and essential fatty acids. It is made without the use of corn, wheat, soy or meat by-products and enhanced with added vitamins and minerals.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Chicken is the number one ingredient
- Contains antioxidant vitamin E
- Essential fatty acids
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, pea protein, tapioca starch, menhaden fish meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 41.8% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I have been giving this to my 8 year old long-haired cat for 6 years. He loves it and it definitely keeps the frequency of hairballs down. A bonus is it gives him a beautiful silky coat."
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Tuft & Paw Wet
Tuft + Paw wet cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor highest rating, 5 stars
This food is made up of just one recipe made by Tuft + Paw, a company founded by Jackson Cunningham in 2016.
The bulk of its protein in this recipe is derived from rabbit, which is naturally rich in all 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life. The recipe is also rich in fat and moisture and contains salmon oil to offer omega-3.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 54.4% protein, 22.2% fat and 15.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
This food supports a cat’s digestion as well as their skin and coat health and helps prevent hairballs. The high moisture content also helps keep cat’s hydrated and fuller for longer.
Read our review of the full Tuft & Paw Wet range hereThings we like
- High protein
- Added salmon oil
Main Ingredients Chicken broth, pumpkin puree, rabbit, carrots and ground golden flaxseed Texture Wet Type Stew Protein Percentage 54.4 AAFCO Standards Yes Best For Senior cats, cats & kittens Sample buyer review...
"This is the very first time I was able to find a wet cat food that all 8 of my cats loved! The packaging is awesome too and easy to open and store. I’m so glad I stumbled upon this brand when I used my rewards points from the shop app! I will be buying more!"
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I and Love And You Dry Cat Food
I And Love And You Naked Essentials Hairball Care Salmon & Whitefish dry cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor second highest rating, 4.5 stars
It is one of seven recipes made by I And Love And You, which was founded in 2011 in Boulder, Colorado. The bulk of its protein is derived from salmon, an oily marine and freshwater fish not only high in protein but also omega 3 fatty acids, essential oils needed by every cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis of this specific food reveals it contains 37.8% protein, 14.4% fat and 39.8% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 38%.
I And Love And You formulate each recipe with high-quality ingredients including non-GMO proteins, vegetables, and legumes.
It is an environmentally conscious pet food manufacturer that uses only ethical means to source its ingredients and manufacture its products.
Read our review of the full I and Love And You Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High protein content from named fish sources
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Contain prebiotics and probiotics
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, salmon meal, dried peas, dried garbanzo beans Texture Dry Type Protein Percentage 37.8 AAFCO Standards Yes - Maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"Actually smells like fresh food! No more hairballs."
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Diamond Naturals Wet Cat Food
Diamond Naturals Indoor Cat Hairball Control Dinner for Adult Cats is a wet food which receives the Cat Food Advisor rating, 4 stars.
This range is made up of three recipes. The bulk of the protein in the hairball control food is derived from chicken which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis of this specific recipe reveals it contains 45.5% protein, 27.3% fat and 19.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 60%.
Diamond Naturals wet cat food is high in both protein and fat and provides a rich source of enhanced superfoods.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Wet Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- High moisture content
- Free from artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken broth, chicken, chicken liver, fish, brewer's rice Texture Wet Type Canned Protein Percentage 45.5 AAFCO Standards Yes - maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"Amazing for my cats. No more hair balls! They love the food."
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Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food
Merrick Purrfect Bistro Complete Care Hairball Control dry cat food receives the Cat Food Advisor rating, 4.5 stars
It is one of eight recipes made by Merrick, a company founded in 1988 by Garth Merrick and purchased by Nestle Purina Petcare in July 2015.
The bulk of this food’s protein is derived from chicken which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis of this specific recipe reveals it contains 36% protein, 15.7% fat and 140.3% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
Merrick Purrfect Bistro provides cats with the nutrients they need by mixing high quality proteins with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and antioxidants.
Read our review of the full Merrick Purrfect Bistro Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Contains taurine
- Protein-packed kibble
- Contain probiotics
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, sweet potatoes, potatoes Texture Dry Type Protein Percentage 36 AAFCO Standards Yes - maintenance Best For Cats & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I have an older cat who suffers from hair balls due to over grooming. He is also a bit selective on what he likes to eat. He really likes this food and it has really helped with the hair ball situation. He has been on this for about a year now. Super pleased with this brand and formula"
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Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food
Hill’s Science Adult Hairball Control Chicken dry cat food received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 27 recipes in a range made by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, an international pet food brand that’s known for selling scientifically developed foods.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 33.9% protein, 19.3% fat and 31.1% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 57%.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Chicken Recipe is made from high-quality proteins to help your cat maintain a healthy weight along with natural fiber to stop hairballs.
Omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E work together to promote a healthy skin and coat.
This food is made from natural, high-quality ingredients without any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.
Read our review of the full Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- High quality proteins
- Natural fiber
- Omega-6 fatty acids
Main Ingredients Chicken, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, chicken fat, powdered cellulose Texture Dry Type Grain inclusive Protein Percentage 57% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"Hairball issues are so much better, we are happy with this product and the Hill's Science Diet line of healthy foods."
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Wellness Complete Health (dry)
Wellness Complete Health Hairball Control with Wholesome Grains Chicken Meal & Rice received the Cat Food Advisor’s second highest rating: 4 stars.
It is one of 5 recipes in this product range made by Wellness Pet Company. Its headquarters are just outside Boston, in Tewksbury, Massachusetts and it maintains the Farm Fresh Kitchen manufacturing facility in Minnesota as well as a manufacturing plant in Indiana.
Wellness Complete Health Hairball Control with Wholesome Grains Chicken Meal & Rice obtains the bulk of its protein from chicken meal. Chicken meal is considered a meat concentrate and contains nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40% protein, 17.8% fat and 34.2% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
Wellness Natural Hairball Control formula features a special natural fiber blend that helps move hair and already-formed hairballs through cats’ digestive system. It packs plenty of protein to support lean muscle and energy, along with vitamins, minerals, and essential taurine.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health (dry) range hereThings we like
- High in protein
- With added vitamin and minerals
- Free from artificial ingredients
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, brewer’s rice, deboned chicken, pea fiber & turkey meal Texture Dry Type Grain inclusive Protein Percentage 40% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"I’ve been feeding my long haired cat this food for many years (she’s 18 yrs old now) and she doesn’t bring up hairballs like she used to on other food."
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Purina Pro Plan (Dry)
Purina Pro Plan Adult Hairball Management Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Cat Food was unrated. This is because the criteria we use to rate foods is not applicable for some recipes which have been formulated for very specific health conditions.
It is one of 27 dry foods in a product range made by Nestlé Purina PetCare, an American subsidiary of the Swiss corporation Nestlé, based in St. Louis, Missouri. The average rating of the overall range is 3-stars.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Hairball Management Chicken & Rice Formula derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 40.9% protein, 18.2% fat and 32.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 44%.
The high protein cat food is fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support your cat’s digestive and immune health. The natural fiber in this recipe helps control hairballs.
Read our review of the full Purina Pro Plan (Dry) range hereThings we like
- High protein
- Fortified with live probiotics
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
Main Ingredients Chicken, corn gluten meal, rice, poultry by-product meal, beef fat preserved with mixed tocopherols Texture Dry Type Grain inclusive Protein Percentage 40.9% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"Since I started to buy this dry food for my cat, I don’t need to use the hairball management gel. I am very happy, because my cat has very long hair and he is extremely fluffy. This food is very helpful"
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IAMS ProActive Health Dry Cat Food
IAMS Proactive Health Long Hair Care with Chicken & Salmon recipe is unrated by the Cat Food Advisor. This is because the criteria we use to rate foods is not applicable for some recipes which have been formulated for very specific health conditions.
It is one of 13 products in a dry food range made by IAMs which was founded by self-taught animal nutritionist Paul F Iams in 1946. It is now manufactured by home essentials company Spectrum Brands. The average overall rating of the range is 2.5 stars.
IAMS Proactive Health Hairball Care with Chicken & Salmon derives the bulk of its protein from chicken, which is naturally rich in the 11 essential amino acids required by a cat to sustain life.
Dry matter label analysis reveals a wet recipe containing 43.3% protein, 17.8% fat and 30.9% carbohydrates . . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of 41%.
This food is formulated to help maintain strong muscle and control problematic hairballs before they start. It contains fiber blended with prebiotics and beet pulp to nourish a healthy heart and digestion.
Read our review of the full IAMS ProActive Health Dry Cat Food range hereThings we like
- Budget-friendly
- Animal proteins
- Added fiber
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken by product meal, corn gluten meal, corn grits, ground whole grain corn Texture Dry Type Grain inclusive Protein Percentage 43.3% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior cats Sample buyer review...
"My cats love this food, not all are long haired but all have extra thick coats. Any dandruff is gone and shedding is minimal. Also, waste in the litter boxes is minimal so they’re utilizing the food."
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What are hairballs?
Hairballs, also known as trichobezoars, are clumps of hair that accumulate in a cat’s stomach or intestines. Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, and as a result, they ingest loose hair. Most of this hair passes through the digestive system and is expelled in the feces. However, some hair can accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball.
Why are hairballs problematic in cats?
Hairballs are typically cylindrical in shape and may vary in size. They can cause discomfort and irritation to the cat, leading to symptoms such as hacking or gagging, retching, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, or diarrhea. In some cases, hairballs can also cause intestinal blockages, which require veterinary attention.
How can I prevent my cat from getting hairballs?
To help prevent hairballs, regular grooming can be beneficial. This may include brushing your cat to remove loose fur and reduce the amount of hair they ingest during grooming. The frequency of grooming depends on your cat’s coat type, but aim for at least a few times per week for long-haired cats and less often for short-haired breeds.
Additionally, there are specialized diets and hairball remedies available that can help reduce hairball formation or aid in their passage through the digestive system.
It’s also important to ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times. Proper hydration can help prevent hairballs by keeping the digestive system functioning smoothly.
Some cats may not drink enough water, which can contribute to hairball formation. Consider offering a water fountain or adding wet food to your cat’s diet to increase their water intake.
What other hairball remedies are available for cats?
There are various over-the-counter hairball remedies available, such as petroleum-based products or laxatives specifically formulated to help lubricate and facilitate the passage of hairballs. These remedies often come in the form of gels, pastes, or treats and are typically administered orally.
If your cat’s regular diet doesn’t include a hairball control formula, you can supplement their diet with fiber. This can be done by adding a small amount of plain canned pumpkin to their food as this can help lubricate the digestive tract and promote the passage of hair.
Is there anything I can do to help my cat expel a hairball?
If your cat is experiencing discomfort due to a hairball in their mouth, you may be able to help them by following these steps:
Cats can sense when their owners are stressed or anxious, which may cause them to become more agitated. Stay calm and approach your cat gently and reassuringly.
Carefully examine your cat’s mouth to determine the severity of the hairball and whether it’s causing any obstruction. If the hairball is small and your cat doesn’t seem distressed, you may choose to monitor them closely to see if they’re able to dislodge it themselves.
Encourage your cat to drink water, as it can help lubricate their throat and facilitate the passage of the hairball. You can also offer wet food, which contains moisture that may help soften the hairball.
If your cat allows it, you can try gently massaging their throat to help stimulate the muscles and encourage the hairball to move downwards. Be careful not to apply too much pressure or cause your cat any discomfort.
If your cat is unable to dislodge the hairball on their own, or if they’re showing signs of distress such as excessive drooling, gagging, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to seek veterinary care immediately. A veterinarian can safely assess the situation and provide appropriate treatment, which may include removing the hairball under sedation if necessary.
It’s important to note that attempting to remove a hairball from your cat’s mouth can be potentially dangerous if not done correctly.
Sources
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Article reviewed by
Pet Nutritionist
Laura studied BSc (Hons) Animal Science with an accreditation in Nutrition at the University of Nottingham, before working for eight years in the pet food and nutrition industry.
