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Best Dry Food for Selkirk Rexs

By PetEssentialist Editorial ยท Updated July 2026

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๐Ÿ† Quick answer

Our top pick is Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food โ€” best for Indoor Selkirk Rexs with weight gain concerns. Why it wins: Supports weight management.

Selkirk Rexs, with their distinctive curly coats, require a diet that meets their obligate-carnivore protein needs and addresses their breed-specific health risks. Their moderate energy level and potential for weight gain mean they need a balanced calorie intake. Additionally, their prone urinary tract and kidney issues necessitate a diet that supports these systems. A well-structured dry food can help mitigate these risks, ensuring the Selkirk Rex maintains optimal health. Their tendency to develop hairballs, particularly in long-haired individuals, also requires a diet that includes ingredients to reduce this issue. By focusing on high-protein, taurine-rich formulas with targeted support for urinary and kidney health, as well as weight management and hairball control, owners can provide their Selkirk Rex with the nutrition they need to thrive.

What to look for

Protein Content

Selkirk Rexs require a diet rich in animal-based protein to meet their obligate-carnivore needs. Look for dry foods with high protein content from named animal sources like chicken or salmon. This will help maintain their lean muscle mass and support overall health.

Urinary and Kidney Support

Given the breed's predisposition to urinary tract issues and polycystic kidney disease, it's crucial to choose a dry food that supports these systems. Ingredients like cranberry or specific mineral balances can help maintain urinary health.

Weight Management

With a tendency towards moderate to high weight gain, especially in indoor Selkirk Rexs, selecting a dry food that is balanced in calories and fat content is essential. Foods designed for indoor cats or those with weight management formulas can be particularly beneficial.

Hairball Control

The curly, plush coat of the Selkirk Rex can lead to hairballs, particularly in long-haired individuals. Dry foods that include natural fiber for digestive health and ingredients specifically aimed at reducing hairball formation can help alleviate this issue.

Our top picks

SponsoredHow we choose โ†’
#ProductBest for
1Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat FoodIndoor Selkirk Rexs with weight gain concerns
2Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Dry Cat FoodSelkirk Rexs needing high-protein diets
3Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Cat FoodSelkirk Rexs benefiting from tailored nutrient profiles
4Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Dry Cat FoodIndoor Selkirk Rexs needing antioxidant support
5IAMS ProActive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball CareSelkirk Rexs needing weight and hairball management
1

Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Dry Cat Food

Best for Indoor Selkirk Rexs with weight gain concerns

This dry food is tailored for indoor cats, addressing the Selkirk Rex's tendency to gain weight. It provides controlled calories and natural fiber for hairball control, making it an excellent choice for indoor Selkirk Rexs.

  • โœ“ Supports weight management
  • โœ“ Includes natural fiber for hairball control
  • โœ“ Formulated for indoor cat health
  • โœ• May not be suitable for highly active Selkirk Rexs
Check price โ†’
2

Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Adult Dry Cat Food

Best for Selkirk Rexs needing high-protein diets

With real chicken or salmon as the first ingredient, this dry food provides the high protein levels Selkirk Rexs require. It's also formulated to support skin and coat health, which is beneficial for their unique curly coats.

  • โœ“ High protein content from named animal sources
  • โœ“ Supports skin and coat health
  • โœ“ Includes omega-6 for skin and coat
  • โœ• Not specifically formulated for weight management or hairball control
Check price โ†’
3

Royal Canin Breed-Specific Dry Cat Food

Best for Selkirk Rexs benefiting from tailored nutrient profiles

Although not specifically designed for Selkirk Rexs, Royal Canin's breed-specific approach can be beneficial. Their formulas are tailored to meet the unique needs of various breeds, which could align well with the Selkirk Rex's requirements.

  • โœ“ Tailored nutrient profiles for specific breeds
  • โœ“ Can support digestive and coat health
  • โœ• Not specifically designed for Selkirk Rexs
  • โœ• May require consultation to choose the right breed-specific formula
Check price โ†’
4

Blue Buffalo Indoor Health Adult Dry Cat Food

Best for Indoor Selkirk Rexs needing antioxidant support

This dry food is designed for indoor cats and includes LifeSource Bits with antioxidants to support overall health. It also has a fiber blend for hairball control, making it suitable for Selkirk Rexs.

  • โœ“ Includes antioxidants for overall health
  • โœ“ Fiber blend for hairball control
  • โœ“ Real chicken first ingredient
  • โœ• May not be the best choice for highly active Selkirk Rexs
Check price โ†’
5

IAMS ProActive Health Adult Indoor Weight & Hairball Care

Best for Selkirk Rexs needing weight and hairball management

This dry food is specifically designed to help with weight management and includes a fiber blend to reduce hairballs. It's a good option for indoor Selkirk Rexs that need support in these areas.

  • โœ“ Supports weight management
  • โœ“ Includes fiber blend to reduce hairballs
  • โœ“ Real chicken protein
  • โœ• Not the highest protein content compared to other options
Check price โ†’

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to transition my Selkirk Rex to a new dry food?

When transitioning your Selkirk Rex to a new dry food, it's best to do it gradually to prevent digestive upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the proportion of new food over 7-10 days.

How often should I feed my Selkirk Rex?

The frequency of feeding depends on the age, size, and activity level of your Selkirk Rex. Generally, adult cats do well with two meals a day, but consult with your veterinarian for a feeding schedule tailored to your cat's specific needs.

Can I mix dry food with other types of cat food?

Yes, you can mix dry food with other types of cat food, such as wet or raw food, to provide variety and potentially enhance nutrition. However, ensure that the combined diet is balanced and suitable for your Selkirk Rex's needs.

What are the signs of urinary tract issues in Selkirk Rexs, and how can diet help?

Signs of urinary tract issues in cats can include frequent urination, accidents outside the litter box, and signs of pain while urinating. A diet that supports urinary health, such as one with specific mineral balances or cranberry, can help mitigate these issues.

How can I prevent hairballs in my Selkirk Rex?

Preventing hairballs involves a combination of regular grooming to reduce the amount of loose hair, providing a diet that includes natural fiber to help move hair through the digestive system, and ensuring your cat has access to plenty of fresh water.

For Selkirk Rex owners, prioritizing a dry food that addresses their cat's specific health needs, such as weight management, urinary health, and hairball control, is crucial. By choosing a high-quality dry food tailored to these requirements, owners can help ensure their Selkirk Rex leads a healthy and happy life. Always consult with a veterinarian before making significant changes to your cat's diet.