15 Best Food for Cat Hair Loss for Shedding Control

One concern most cat owners face is the excessive shedding of cats. While it is normal for a cat to shed its coat, too much hair fall might be alarming.

If you are one such cat parent who wants to know what causes excessive shedding, how much hair loss is normal, and what affects the hair fall of cats, here is a detailed guide.

Here is a list of the best food for cat hair loss you can add to your cat’s diet to combat excessive shedding.

Best Cat Food for Shedding Control & Hair Loss

For controlling the increased shedding of your cat, diet is an important thing to focus on. It is one of the reasons that might lead to excessive shedding. A balanced diet, including the right proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fats, is important for the overall good health of your cat, not just hair coat. If you see a change in the shedding pattern of your cat, the first thing to begin with is to plan a diet chart for your pet.

Let us now cover the best food for cat hair loss to help you plan your cat’s diet.

1. Purina ONE Hairball Adult Formula Dry Cat Food

This pick from cat foods is the best food for cat hair loss alternative if you want dry food for a diet plan. Each cup of this food will provide around 38 grams of protein to your cat. Nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals ensure a balanced diet to support the reduction of hair loss.

Pros

• It is best for cats with plaque build-up and maintaining the oral health of cats.
• It uses real chicken as one of its ingredients.
• The high dietary fibers help hair build up in the cat’s digestive system.

Cons

• Dry food can sometimes be harder to chew for kittens and senior cats.
• If your cat is sensitive, try choosing another best cat food for hair loss.

2. Stella & Chewy’s: Chick Chick Chicken

This cat food makes it to the list of best cat food for hair loss because it can be used as a dry and wet food. For using it as a dry food, serve directly to your cat. At the same time, rehydrate the cat food and make it wet food that your cats will enjoy. The preparation of this cat food fills it with probiotics to aid digestion. With quality materials used for production and a high fat & protein diet, the meal will do wonders for the excessive shedding of your cat.

Pros

• The fat and protein content is ideal as per the requirements of cats.
• Provides flexibility by rendering both options to serve the cats dry and wet food.

Cons

• It may take some extra time when used as a wet food.
• It is not advised for kittens (especially with kidney diseases because of high phosphorus).

3. AvoDerm Grain-free Salmon Canned Cat Food

This cat food has Omega fatty acids obtained from avocado oil with added natural chicken. It contains chicken liver and broth (a great source of Vitamin A). Additionally, the cat food also has ocean fish and turkey, great protein sources.

Pros

• It boosts immunity as it is rich in antioxidants.
• This cat food is rich in vitamins and proteins.

Cons

• The fats used are plant-based, not animal-based.
• The cat food contains Carrageenan, which may trigger allergies in some cats.

4. Wellness Complete Health Natural Grain Free Pâté

Many cat owners often prefer páté-style food in wet foods for cats. The product comes in two variants of sizes 3 and 5.5 oz cans. It is made from quality protein, and it is grain-free, with all the needed nutrients to boost skin and hair health. It is the best food for cat hair loss because it has no added flavors and colors with no meat by-products. Flaxseeds (for omega fatty acids) and carrots (for adequate fiber content) are added. No fillers are used.

Pros

• The cat food gas cranberry extracts to aid in the urinary health of cats.
• Apart from being the best cat food for hair loss, it is a natural source of lean protein.

Cons

• Some pet owners claim that cats are not very fond of this new cat formula.
• It is expensive.

5. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food

If you are looking for the best cat food for hair loss in the dry food range, one great option is Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Cat Food. This cat food is also grain-free and has all-natural ingredients used. The nutritional ingredients used are turkey and chicken (also chicken liver).

Pros

• Flax seeds and salmon oil added to this cat food facilitate healthy skin.
• The cat food has no artificial colors or flavors added.

Cons

• If your cat is a picky eater, he might refuse this cat food (it has no added flavors).
• The dry food does not fulfill the water requirements of cats.

6. American Journey Salmon Recipe

Owning a cat is relatively expensive. To cut costs without hampering the results, the best food for cat hair loss on a budget is from American Journey. On a budget, this cat food is the best deal for every cat parent. The major ingredients used in this cat food are deboned salmon, salmon meal, Menhaden fish meal, dried egg product, and Tapioca starch.

Pros

• It is an affordable cat food for controlling your cat’s shedding.
• The major ingredients are mostly of animal origin.

Cons

• The cat food is low in fat (16.6 % fat).
• It may contain plant-based fillers.

7. Forza 10 Nutraceutic Active Line Dermo Dry Cat Food

Forza10 Dermo, dry cat food, is the best for hair loss if the culprit is skin-related problems. The ingredients used are specifically devised to help improve the skin and coat health of your cat. The cat food is rich in omega fatty acids, while extracts from papaya, turmeric, and pomegranate in the food help the cats.

Pros

• This cat food is scientifically examined and approved by veterinarians.
• It helps in improving the health of the skin and coat of your cat.

Cons

• Although the manufacturers have added wild-caught anchovy to enhance the taste, some pet owners reviewed their pets not liking its taste.
• The bone pieces are larger; some cats might be unable to chew or swallow.

8. Nature’s Variety Instinct Grain-Free

If you are looking for a grain-free alternative for your cat which improves hair health and controls shedding. This is the best food for cat hair loss, made using chicken (including chicken liver) and turkey. With zero fillers, this cat food shows results in minimum time. Other than improving shedding, the nutritional formulation of this cat food is also effective in building strong and lean muscles.

Pros

• It has no added flavors or artificial ingredients.
• Nutrition is based on natural and original ingredients and supports the nutritional demands of cats of all ages.

Cons

• Low fiber content can cause digestive problems for your cat.
• Some of the ingredients might cause allergies.

9. Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Control Natural Adult Dry Cat Food

This cat food is ideal for the dietary requirements of your fur babies struggling with excessive hair loss. Indoor cats have a specific need for nutrients, which are taken care of by this product. This best food for cat hair loss has vitamins, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential minerals that improve the health of the skin and coat of your fur baby. The food uses high-quality real meat with no fillers.

Pros

• It caters to the nutritional needs of indoor cats and has no added or artificial flavors, colors, or by-products that may harm the pets.
• The food has no corn, soy, or wheat, making it a perfect choice for cats with sensitive cats

Cons

• If your cat is picky, the taste might not be the best for your cat.
• It is the pricier brand of cat food.

10. Purina ONE Natural

Purina ONE Natural is the best cat food for hair loss recommended by veterinarians. Cats do not like most healthy and all-natural cat foods because of their taste. But the reviews suggest most cats love this cat food. The diet formula for this cat food uses premium quality ingredients like fish and balanced nutrients.

Pros

• It is affordable, unlike most all-natural cat foods in the market.
• The cat food is made using a blend of real fish and chicken with no fillers added to the cat food.

Cons

• It is not the best option if you have a sensitive cat.
• This cat food has a low-fat content.

11. Wellness Core: Chicken & Turkey Recipe

For a diet plan for your cat who is shedding, this cat food is recommended because of its quality ingredients. The first ingredients used in this cat food are all animal-based, providing 54% of protein and 31.8 % of fat content. It is the best food for cat hair loss because of its ingredients like chicken (liver and meal), turkey, and broth.

Pros

• This best cat food for hair loss has a high-protein and high-fat diet.
• All the first ingredients used for the cat food are animal-based.

Cons

• It is comparatively a bit more expensive.
• It contains a few plant-based ingredients.

12. Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food

If you are exploring canned food for an adult cat, Hill’s Science must be your go-to brand. The wet food by this brand ensures your cat stays hydrated, combating urinary problems (which is a problem for most adult cats). The Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food is the best food for cat hair loss as it provides the needful nutritional demands of a cat (Vitamin E, Magnesium, proteins, fiber, and antioxidants).

Pros

• The food is made especially for the nutritional demands of an adult cat, containing fiber, antioxidants, Magnesium, and proteins.
• Canned wet food helps to eliminate urinary problems. Skin health, immune system, and kidney health are improved.

Cons

• The ingredients of canned food contain plant ingredients like corn, wheat, etc., but the plant ingredients are relatively abundant for a carnivorous diet.
• It is expensive.

13. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Cat Food

Another best cat food for hair loss is a product from Hill’s Science that caters to the needs of senior cats. Formulated especially for senior cats, the dry cat food contains a perfect balance of nutrients to improve the skin and hair health of senior cats. The diet contains healthy omega acids (omega 3 and omega 6) and vitamin E that help the senior cats.

Pros

• This best food for cat hair loss is formulated especially for senior cats.
• A problem of dry cat food (that is, the food is too hard to chew) is eliminated because it has smaller kibbles.

Cons

• Some owners suggest that it is too dry for their cats.
• This cat food contains gluten (corn and wheat) and grain wheat.

14. Diamond Premium Recipe Maintenance

To make your hair and skin healthier, Diamond Premium Recipe Maintenance is the best fit for you. It has antioxidants, omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and probiotics that not only will help your cat overcome shedding but also improve overall health. The protein and fat balance of the cat food is ideal for active cats.

Pros

• The cat food is worth the money.
• It has essential nutrients to boost the overall health of cats and enhance immunity.

Cons

• The ingredients of the cat food include wheat flour and corn gluten meal, making it not an ideal option for sensitive cats.
• A low-protein and low-carbohydrate food, which is not sufficient for the cats without additional supplements or food items.

15. Dr. Elsey’s Cleanprotein

It is the best cat food for hair loss if you prefer including dry cat food for your cat. Tailored to all ages of cats, this cat food can be a solution to excessive shedding no matter what the cat’s age is. The formation of cat food replaces the use of grains and uses gelatin as a replacement.

Pros

• It is ideal for cats of all ages and affordable.
• It is a high-protein food with no added soy or peas.

Cons

• The lack of flavors is one of its cons.
• The food contains agar-agar, which can be an allergen to a few cats.

What Causes Cat Shedding?

As a pet parent, seeing your pet shed hair can annoy it. As a concerned pet parent, you might wonder about the potential causes of hair loss in your pet. Before we start with the possible causes of shedding, consult your veterinarian to know if it is normal.

1. Diet

The most important factor that can lead to shedding your furry friend’s coat is poor diet. Feline low-quality foods are not efficient in providing the nutrients your cat requires. A diet containing protein, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins can combat the excessive shedding of your cats.

Note: Your pets’ diet should be based on age and breed. Overfeeding your pet friends can further lead to complications like obesity.

2. Allergies

Just like humans, allergies can also make the cat’s face shed. Your furry friends can be allergic to pollen, certain food items, bugs, or any of your products. If allergy is the cause, it is best advised to get a consultation with a veterinarian and start the elimination of allergens.

3. Weight Management & Age

Obesity can also cause too much loss of a cat’s hair. This is because obesity interferes with the self-grooming of the cats, which leads to skin problems (including dandruff and matting). Another factor that causes shedding is the growing age of cats. Senior cats are expected to shed more.

4. Stress, Parasites, or Infections

Stress is another concern as a pet parent that may make your cat shed excessively. If your cat is pregnant, expect an increase in shedding of your cat hair. Apart from all these conditions, parasites (like mites, fleas, or lice) or infections like fungus are other reasons for your cat to shed more.

Other factors responsible for excessive shedding include conditions like arthritis, which makes grooming tough for cats. Metabolic conditions (like kidney problems or hyperthyroidism) or autoimmune diseases can affect your cat’s hair loss.

How Often Should Your Cat Be Shedding?

If you share your home with your feline friend, the corner, clothes, and maybe the most unexpected home spaces have cat hair. Shedding is normal for a cat, but how often should your pet be shedding is a thing to monitor closely.

It is normal for cats to shed all the time. The loss and regrowth of hair is very common for cats, and it happens routinely. Shedding a cat’s hair is not problematic because it removes the dead hair and helps the natural oils to spread evenly, improving their skin health. It is usual for cats to shed, but how much an individual cat sheds normally will depend on its breed. The hair shedding also varies if it is an indoor or outdoor cat. For example, an outdoor cat is expected to shed more than an indoor cat. Similarly, long-haired breeds shed more than short-haired breeds.

A cat may shed hair every day, which gets regrown, but most breeds shed on a large scale once (or twice) a year. Learning more about the breed of cat you own is always advisable. Consultation with a veterinarian is the best way to know how much shedding is manageable for your cat’s breed, age, and environmental conditions.

How to Control a Cat’s Shedding

If your cat is shedding too much of its hair, diet is very important to keep it under control. But here are a few more tips to reduce shedding.

• You will find cats grooming themselves very often. Even after that, it is essential to groom them regularly. This includes bathing them and brushing their hair regularly.
• Grooming is an important part of a grooming session for your cat. But it must be done the right way. Learn more about the cat’s breed to deeply understand its hair growth. Opt for shaving if necessary. When choosing the brush, search for the best brush type depending on the hair growth of your cat.
• In conditions like obesity or for senior cats, it becomes tougher to groom themselves. Your cat will require extra help for grooming. While it is easy to groom them at home, you can also get in touch with professional groomers.
• Parasites (ticks, fleas, or lice) can be one of the reasons for excessive hair fall of your cat. A solution for this is to use preventive methods for parasites and pests.
• Veterinary check-ups are important for monitoring the overall health of your cat. The visits will ensure conditions (like skin infections or irritation) that may trigger excessive shedding.
• Add supplements to your diet to provide nutritious meals to your cat. Before considering supplements to combat excessive shedding, it is always advisable to consult your veterinarian.

Things to Consider When Shopping for Best Cat Foods For Shedding

Seeing your cat go through excessive shedding is a concern for every parent. The best you have to do is avoid using cat hair loss treatment home remedies. If the reason for hair loss is nutritional deficiency, choosing the best cat food for hair loss is utterly important.

The cat food must contain all the essential nutrients to support the nutritional demands of your cats. In addition, it must be rich in nutrients that aid the skin and coat health of cats.

Ensure you buy cat food from renowned sellers and it has standards as per the AAFCO’s nutrition guide. If hair loss is caused by a certain element in a cat’s diet, try an elimination method to determine the cause.

Conclusion

As a cat parent, it is necessary to understand what is normal for your cat and what is not. The best way to do this is to consult a veterinarian. While there are many reasons for excessive shedding of cats, one of the important factors causing it is poor diet.

The diet of your cat can be very crucial to tackle the problem of cat hair loss. The best food for cat hair loss must provide all the needed nutritional demands of cats to boost skin, coat, and overall health.

Let us know the best cat food for hair loss that worked for you in the comments!