Best Dry Food for Shedding

By PetEssentialist Team · Updated July 2026 · How we review

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🏆 Quick answer

Our top pick is Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Cat Food — best for Long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons. Why it wins: Targeted coat support.

Long-haired and medium-haired cat breeds, such as Maine Coons and Persians, are prone to excessive shedding. This can lead to hairballs, matting, and an increase in loose fur around the home. To manage shedding, it's essential to provide a balanced diet that supports skin and coat health. A high-protein, omega-rich dry food can help reduce shedding by promoting a healthy coat and skin. Additionally, certain ingredients like natural fiber can help control hairballs, while antioxidants support overall health. When selecting a dry food for shedding, it's crucial to consider the cat's size, activity level, and specific breed needs. For example, indoor cats may require a different calorie density than outdoor cats, while long-haired breeds may benefit from targeted coat support.

What to look for

Kibble Size and Calorie Density

The size and calorie density of the kibble should match the cat's size and activity level. For example, smaller breeds like the Siamese require smaller kibble and lower calorie density, while larger breeds like the Maine Coon require larger kibble and higher calorie density. Indoor cats may also require lower calorie density to prevent weight gain.

Protein Content

High-protein dry foods can help support skin and coat health, reducing shedding. Look for dry foods with real chicken, salmon, or other animal-based protein sources as the first ingredient. This is particularly important for breeds with high energy levels, such as the Abyssinian.

Omega-Rich Formulas

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin and coat health. Look for dry foods with balanced omega fatty acids to help reduce shedding and promote a healthy coat. This is especially important for breeds prone to skin issues, such as the Sphynx.

Breed-Specific Support

Some dry foods offer breed-specific support, such as hairball control for long-haired breeds or urinary support for breeds prone to kidney issues. Consider the specific needs of your cat's breed when selecting a dry food. For example, the Persian breed may benefit from dry foods with targeted coat support and hairball control.

Weight Management

Indoor cats and obesity-prone breeds may require weight management support. Look for dry foods with controlled calories and natural fiber to help manage weight and reduce shedding. This is particularly important for breeds like the British Shorthair, which can be prone to weight gain.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose →

#	Product	Best for
1	Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Cat Food	Long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons
2	Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food	Indoor cats with shedding issues
3	Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food	Cats with high energy levels and shedding issues
4	Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Dry Cat Food	Indoor cats with shedding and hairball issues
5	IAMS ProActive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care	Indoor cats with weight and shedding issues

Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Cat Food

Best for Long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons

Royal Canin's breed-specific dry food offers tailored nutrient profiles and targeted coat support, making it an excellent choice for long-haired breeds prone to shedding. The unique kibble shape and size are designed to meet the specific needs of each breed, reducing shedding and promoting overall health.

✓ Targeted coat support
✓ Breed-specific kibble shape and size
✓ Tailored nutrient profiles

✕ May be more expensive than other options

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Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food

Best for Indoor cats with shedding issues

Hill's Science Diet indoor cat food is designed to meet the specific needs of indoor cats, with controlled calories and natural fiber to help manage weight and reduce shedding. The formula also includes vitamin E and omega-6 for coat health.

✓ Controlled calories for indoor cats
✓ Natural fiber for hairball control
✓ Vitamin E and omega-6 for coat health

✕ May not be suitable for outdoor or high-energy cats

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Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food

Best for Cats with high energy levels and shedding issues

Purina Pro Plan's complete essentials dry food offers high protein and omega-6 for skin and coat health, making it a great option for cats with high energy levels and shedding issues. The real chicken or salmon first ingredient provides essential nutrients for overall health.

✓ High protein for lean muscle
✓ Omega-6 for skin and coat health
✓ Real chicken or salmon first ingredient

✕ May not be suitable for indoor or low-energy cats

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Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Dry Cat Food

Best for Indoor cats with shedding and hairball issues

Blue Buffalo's indoor health dry food is designed to meet the specific needs of indoor cats, with a fiber blend for hairball control and LifeSource Bits for antioxidants. The real chicken first ingredient provides essential nutrients for overall health.

✓ Fiber blend for hairball control
✓ LifeSource Bits with antioxidants
✓ Real chicken first ingredient

✕ May not be suitable for outdoor or high-energy cats

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IAMS ProActive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care

Best for Indoor cats with weight and shedding issues

IAMS ProActive Health dry food offers a fiber blend to reduce hairballs and L-carnitine for healthy metabolism, making it a great option for indoor cats with weight and shedding issues. The real chicken protein provides essential nutrients for overall health.

✓ Fiber blend reduces hairballs
✓ L-carnitine for healthy metabolism
✓ Real chicken protein

✕ May not be suitable for outdoor or high-energy cats

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best dry food for shedding in cats?

The best dry food for shedding in cats depends on the individual cat's needs and breed. Look for high-protein, omega-rich formulas with targeted coat support and breed-specific ingredients. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dry food for your cat's specific needs.

How can I reduce shedding in my cat?

To reduce shedding in your cat, provide a balanced diet with high-protein, omega-rich ingredients, and consider adding supplements like omega-3 fatty acids. Regular grooming and brushing can also help reduce shedding. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on reducing shedding in your cat.

Do indoor cats require a different dry food than outdoor cats?

Yes, indoor cats may require a different dry food than outdoor cats. Indoor cats tend to be less active and may require lower calorie density to prevent weight gain. Look for dry foods specifically formulated for indoor cats, with controlled calories and natural fiber for hairball control.

Can dry food help with hairballs in cats?

Yes, some dry foods can help with hairballs in cats. Look for dry foods with natural fiber, such as psyllium or beet pulp, which can help move hair through the digestive system and reduce hairballs. Consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on the best dry food for hairball control.

How often should I groom my cat to reduce shedding?

The frequency of grooming depends on your cat's individual needs and breed. Generally, cats with long hair or thick coats require more frequent grooming, while short-haired cats may require less frequent grooming. Aim to groom your cat at least 2-3 times a week, and consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice on grooming your cat.

For cats prone to shedding, a high-protein, omega-rich dry food with targeted coat support is essential. Royal Canin's breed-specific dry food is an excellent choice for long-haired breeds, while Hill's Science Diet indoor cat food is suitable for indoor cats with shedding issues. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best dry food for your cat's specific needs and reduce shedding.

Best Dry Food for other breeds

The same category, matched to a different breed.