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By PetEssentialist Team · Updated July 2026 · How we review
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Our top pick is Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food — best for Indoor, long-coated cats. Why it wins: High fiber content for hairball control.
Long-coated cat breeds, such as Persians and Maine Coons, are prone to hairballs due to their thick, shedding coats. The single highest-stakes factor for these breeds is finding a dry food that effectively reduces swallowed fur and eases hairball passage. Fiber-rich formulas and deshedding tools can help alleviate this issue, but it's essential to choose a food that matches the cat's size, activity level, and specific health needs. For instance, indoor cats may require controlled calorie intake to prevent obesity, while cats with urinary issues may benefit from food with targeted kidney support.
Look for dry foods with high fiber content to help reduce hairballs. Fiber helps move hair through the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of hairballs forming. For long-coated breeds, a minimum of 2.5% fiber content is recommended.
Choose a dry food with kibble size and shape tailored to the cat's breed and size. For example, larger breeds like Maine Coons require larger kibble to prevent choking, while smaller breeds like Siamese prefer smaller kibble.
Ensure the dry food contains high-quality protein sources and adequate taurine levels. Taurine is essential for feline heart health, and high-protein formulas help maintain lean muscle mass.
Consider dry foods with deshedding tools, such as omega-6 fatty acids, to help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs. These tools can help reduce the amount of loose hair that is swallowed, reducing the risk of hairballs.
Opt for breed-specific formulas that cater to the unique needs of long-coated breeds. These formulas often include targeted nutrient profiles and deshedding tools to help reduce hairballs and promote overall health.
| # | Product | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food | Indoor, long-coated cats |
| 2 | Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Cat Food | Long-coated breeds like Persians and Maine Coons |
| 3 | Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Dry Cat Food | Indoor cats with hairball issues |
| 4 | IAMS ProActive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care | Indoor cats with weight and hairball issues |
| 5 | Wellness Complete Health Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food | Indoor cats with digestive issues |
This dry food is designed for indoor cats and contains natural fiber for hairball control. The controlled calorie intake helps prevent obesity, and the vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy coat.
This breed-specific dry food is tailored to the unique needs of long-coated breeds. The kibble shape and size are designed to reduce hairballs, and the formula includes targeted nutrient profiles for digestive health.
This dry food is designed for indoor cats and includes a fiber blend to help reduce hairballs. The real chicken first ingredient provides high-quality protein, and the LifeSource Bits offer antioxidants for overall health.
This dry food is designed to help indoor cats maintain a healthy weight and reduce hairballs. The L-carnitine helps with metabolism, and the fiber blend reduces hairballs.
This dry food is designed for indoor cats and includes a balanced omega fatty acid profile for digestive health. The deboned chicken first ingredient provides high-quality protein, and the fiber helps reduce hairballs.
Hairballs in cats are caused by swallowed fur, which can accumulate in the digestive system and form a hairball. Long-coated breeds are more prone to hairballs due to their thick, shedding coats.
To reduce hairballs in your cat, provide regular grooming, feed a high-fiber diet, and consider a deshedding tool. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
The best dry food for hairball control depends on the individual cat's needs and breed. Look for high-fiber formulas, deshedding tools, and breed-specific nutrition. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your cat.
Yes, hairballs can be a sign of a more serious health issue, such as gastrointestinal problems or digestive issues. If your cat is experiencing frequent or large hairballs, consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
The frequency of grooming depends on the individual cat's coat type and shedding level. For long-coated breeds, daily grooming is recommended to reduce shedding and prevent hairballs. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
For long-coated cat breeds, finding the right dry food for hairball control is crucial. Consider a high-fiber formula, deshedding tools, and breed-specific nutrition to reduce hairballs and promote overall health. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for your cat, and consider a premium upgrade to fresh, human-grade cat food for optimal nutrition.
The same category, matched to a different breed.