The 6 Best Cat Foods For Shedding
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If you have a cat, you’re probably used to finding cat hair just about everywhere. Shedding is normal for cats, but how much is too much?
Some cats simply shed more than others but, in some cases, excessive shedding could be a sign of illness. Keep reading to learn more about excessive shedding in cats and how to resolve it with dietary changes.
Compare The 6 Best Cat Foods For Shedding
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Best Dry Cat Food
4. I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food |
Best Grain-Free Cat Food
5. Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Salmon Recipe Wet Canned Cat Food |
Best Cat Food For Allergies
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Indoor Hairball Control Grain-Free Dry Cat Food |
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|
Protein
8% Min |
Protein
21.2% Min |
Protein
10.5% Min |
Protein
36% Min |
Protein
10.5% Min |
Protein
38% Min |
|
Fat
3.5% Min |
Fat
8.05% Min |
Fat
10.5% Min |
Fat
16%Min |
Fat
4% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
|
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
0.4% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
5.5% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
|
Moisture
82% Max |
Moisture
66.1% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
10% Max |
Moisture
78% Max |
Moisture
9% Max |
|
Caloric Content
750 kcal/kg or 116 kcal/156 g carton |
Caloric Content
550 kcal/package |
Caloric Content
1385 kcal/kg |
Caloric Content
362 kcal/cup |
Caloric Content
1057 kcal/kg |
Caloric Content
410 kcal/cup |
|
Food Type
Fresh |
Food Type
|
Food Type
Pate |
Food Type
Dry Food |
Food Type
Pate |
Food Type
Dry Food |
How To Choose The Best Cat Food For Shedding?
All cats have the same basic nutritional requirements when it comes to key nutrients like protein and fat.
Your cat needs a minimum of 26% protein and 9% fat in its diet, though more protein is always better and higher fat content equates to higher calorie content, which is important for kittens and active cats. Your cat also needs certain vitamins and minerals to ensure nutritional balance.
The best cat food for shedding will meet these nutritional needs while also helping to reduce shedding.
Here are some things to look for in the best food for shedding:
- Rich in animal protein. Cats are obligate carnivores, so meat should be the foundation of your cat’s diet. Animal proteins like meat, poultry, and fish are the most nutritionally valuable for your cat and should make up at least 26% but ideally 30% or more of its diet.
- Plenty of omega fatty acids. Healthy fats provide your cat with a concentrated source of energy as well as support for healthy skin and coat. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial.
- Limited number of ingredients. Food allergies are a common cause of skin and coat issues in cats, so you may want to consider a limited ingredient diet to reduce the risk of food allergies.
- Highly digestible. The digestibility of your cat’s diet affects its ability to absorb nutrients, so look for a cat food made with high-quality, natural ingredients to ensure optimal digestion.
- Complete and nutritionally balanced. Most commercial cat foods are nutritionally complete, but it never hurts to check. Look for vitamins and chelated minerals to ensure balance.
Now that you have a better understanding of your cat’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for a new cat food. If you still aren’t quite sure where to start your search, keep reading to see our top picks for the best cat food for shedding.
Our Top 6 Best Rated Cat Foods For Shedding Reviewed
Your cat’s nutrition should always be a top priority, but as long as its nutritional needs are met, you have the freedom to choose whatever cat food you like. If your cat sheds excessively, you might consider switching to a cat food designed to reduce shedding.
Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 8% Min
- Fat: 3.5% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 82% Max
- Caloric Content: 750 kcal/kg or 116 kcal/156 g carton
- Food Type: Fresh
- Packed with high-quality animal protein
- Rich in moisture, good for your cat’s digestion
- Free from artificial additives, fillers, and by-products
- Contains several plant-based ingredients
- Made with some thickener (agar agar)
Open Farm is a great option for fresh cat food and for shedding because it is made from wholesome, natural ingredients including premium animal proteins and fresh vegetables.
This Open Farm Herring & Mackerel Rustic Blend Wet Cat Food recipe features fresh ocean herring and mackerel as the top two ingredients with real vegetables for carbohydrate energy, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Because fish is the main ingredient, this recipe is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids which is essential for skin and coat support, helping to reduce your cat’s excessive shedding.
Smalls Fresh Minced Chicken Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 21.2% Min
- Fat: 8.05% Min
- Fiber: 0.4% Max
- Moisture: 66.1% Max
- Caloric Content: 550 kcal/package
- Fresh chicken (thigh and breast) as first two ingredients
- High in moisture for digestion and hydration
- Free from grains and fillers
- Low carbohydrate content (estimated under 2%)
- Doesn’t come proportioned in daily meals
- Some cats may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
Choose from a variety of wet food formulas including minced foods and pates, made with real animal proteins like chicken, turkey, and beef. Smalls also offers a selection of freeze-dried food and treats, all of which can be delivered right to your door in convenient monthly shipments.
If you’re looking for a nutritious, highly digestible cat food made with ingredients you can feel good about, Smalls is a brand worth considering.
Hound & Gatos 98% Salmon Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10.5% Min
- Fat: 10.5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Food Type: Pate
- Caloric Content: 1385 kcal/kg
- Real salmon as the first ingredient
- Naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- No carbohydrate ingredients
- May be too high in fat content for some cats
This Hound & Gatos Salmon Formula Grain-Free Canned Food is one of our top picks because it features real salmon as the main ingredient, making it a rich source of protein as well as omega-3 fatty acids.
This formula contains no carbohydrate ingredients but does contain supplemental fiber to ensure healthy digestion. It is supplemented with vitamins and chelated minerals as well to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.
I and Love and You Lovingly Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Salmon & Sweet Potato Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 36% Min
- Fat: 16%Min
- Fiber: 5.5% Max
- Moisture: 10% Max
- Food Type: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 362 kcal/cup
- Limited number of ingredients
- Real salmon as main ingredient
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- More expensive than the typical dry food
It features fresh salmon as the main ingredient, a rich source of animal protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like peas and sweet potatoes as well as supplemental fiber to ensure healthy digestion.
Overall, it is a nutritious source of protein and healthy fats to reduce your cat’s shedding.
Instinct Original Grain-Free Pate Real Salmon Recipe Wet Canned Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 10.5% Min
- Fat: 4% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Moisture: 78% Max
- Food Type: Pate
- Caloric Content: 1057 kcal/kg
- Real salmon rich in protein and omega-3s
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Highly digestible
- Some cats may be sensitive to pork ingredients
It features 95% salmon and pork liver with 5% fruits, vegetables, and supplements. Salmon is a rich source of protein and a natural source of skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids.
This recipe contains fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key vitamins and minerals as well as supplements to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. It is also loaded with moisture and natural flavor.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Indoor Hairball Control Grain-Free Dry Cat Food
Product Info
- Protein: 38% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Moisture: 9% Max
- Food Type: Dry Food
- Caloric Content: 410 kcal/cup
- Formulated for skin and coat support
- Lean chicken as first ingredient
- Rich in omega fatty acids
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
It features lean chicken as the first ingredient and a rich source of protein with menhaden fish meal as a source of omega-3 fatty acids.
This recipe contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like tapioca and peas, as well as supplemental fiber and probiotics to support your cat’s digestion.
It also contains fresh fruits and vegetables which provide natural sources of key vitamins and minerals, balanced with supplements as needed.
Things To Know About Shedding In Cats
Most cats shed year-round, but some cats shed more during certain seasons. For example, many cats shed more heavily in the spring to prepare for summer. If you notice an increase in shedding, ask yourself whether it may be tied to a change in seasons. If not, consider talking to your veterinarian.
Excessive shedding in cats can be caused by a number of things including low-quality food, stress, age, and certain health problems.
Stress caused by a change in the cat’s routine or environment can trigger hair loss, and many cats experience an increase in shedding as they age. Certain health problems that may increase shedding include allergies, parasites, hormonal imbalance, and infections.
On top of these causes, poor diet is frequently a contributing factor for excessive shedding. Your cat requires a balance of specific nutrients for optimal health, so a low-quality diet could lead to poor coat quality and excessive shedding. Your cat’s food also needs to be highly digestible and rich in omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat support.
Tips For Reducing Shedding In Cats
If you notice that your cat is shedding more than usual, your first step should be to consult your veterinarian. Your vet will be able to determine whether your cat’s increase in shedding is due to an underlying health problem and if so, will tell you how to treat.
Aside from treating underlying health problems, here are some tips for reducing shedding in cats:
- Make sure your cat is protected against external parasites by using a topical flea and tick preventive or a flea collar.
- Brush your cat’s coat on a regular basis to distribute the natural oils produced in its skin and to remove excess hair before it can be shed.
- Consider bathing your cat occasionally, especially if it suffers from skin problems – look for a medicated shampoo designed to treat your cat’s specific issue.
- Increase the moisture content of your cat’s diet to improve hydration – try getting a cat fountain to encourage your cat to drink or add some wet food or broth to its diet.
- Supplement your cat’s intake of omega-3 fatty acids with fish oil supplements or switch to a cat food naturally rich in essential fats.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to deal with your cat’s excessive shedding, you’re ready to start shopping for new and better cat food! Keep reading to learn what to look for when shopping for cat food to reduce shedding.
Final Thoughts
You can’t stop your cat from shedding, but if your cat is shedding more than normal, you can talk to your veterinarian to identify the underlying cause.
Once you know what’s causing your cat’s excessive shedding, you can take steps to remedy the problem – changing your cat’s diet might be one of those steps. A high-quality, easily digestible diet is the key to optimal health and reduced shedding.
Now that you understand your cat’s excessive shedding issues and how to resolve them through diet, you’re ready to start shopping! If you’re still not quite sure where to look, try one of our top-rated picks for the best cat food for shedding reviewed above.
