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Finding the best cat food for long hair can be tricky. The top pick is Friskies Purina Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food. It offers a complete and balanced diet with protein for healthy muscles. The value pick is Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food, which is less expensive but lacks unique flavors. Most buyers choose between flavor variety and protein quality. This page helps you compare options and make the best choice.
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The Top 8
Top 8 Cat Foods Reviewed in Detail
Here are our top picks for cat food that is great for long-haired cats.
1. Editor’s Choice
Friskies Purina Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food, 22 lb Bag
- Purina Friskies Cat Food Dry Seafood Sensations With Salmon, Tuna, and Shrimp Flavors provides 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition.
- This cat-tastic cat kibble dry food has an extra layer of yum cats can’t resist.
- Contains protein to help support healthy muscles, giving your cats everything they need for climbing, jumping, and exploring
- Purrfect texture and flavor, with essential fatty acids for skin and coat health, vitamin A and taurine for vision support, and antioxidants for immune support for cats
- This cat dry food is formulated for all life stages.
Friskies Purina Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food is an excellent choice for long-haired cats. It provides complete nutrition with protein to support muscle health. The 22 lb bag ensures you won’t run out quickly, making it practical for regular feeding. Compared to other options, it includes additional flavors like salmon and shrimp, which can entice picky eaters. This aspect helps keep your cat engaged with their meals. One limitation is that it may contain some artificial flavors that some pet owners prefer to avoid.
Pros
- Contains protein for muscle support.
- Delicious flavors like salmon and shrimp.
- Large 22 lb bag for convenience.
Cons
- May have artificial flavors.
- Some cats may prefer fresher options.
Best for: Active cats needing protein-rich food. Not ideal for: Cats sensitive to artificial ingredients.
Friskies Purina Seafood Sensations is a solid choice for your long-haired cat’s nutrition.
2. Best for Long Hair
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food, 6.3 Pound Bag
- Contains one (1) 6.3-pound bag of Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food
- One hundred percent complete and balanced nutrition for adult cats
- High quality protein helps support strong, healthy muscles
- Produced in the U.S.A. from globally sourced ingredients
- Produced in the U.S.A. from globally sourced ingredients
Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food is a strong contender for long-haired cats. This 6.3-pound bag provides balanced nutrition with high-quality protein. While it is not as rich in flavors as some other brands, it is budget-friendly. This makes it a great option for cat owners looking to save money. However, its lack of specialized hairball control may be a downside for some long-haired cat owners.
Pros
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
- High-quality protein for muscle support.
- Affordable price for budget-conscious buyers.
Cons
- Limited flavor variety compared to others.
- No special hairball control features.
Best for: Budget-conscious cat owners. Not ideal for: Cats needing hairball control.
Meow Mix Original Choice is a reliable budget option for your cat’s nutrition.
3. Best Heavy-Duty
Purina Cat Chow Naturals Hairball, Indoor Dry Cat Food, 13 lb Bag
- Dry Cat Food Chicken and Turkey Recipe: Purina Cat Chow Naturals Indoor made with wholesome ingredients like real chicken as the number 1 ingredient and real turkey.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Dry cat kibble contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health for indoor cats.
- Weight Management Cat Food: Healthy dry cat food with a formula that supports healthy weight so your cat can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Complete and Balanced: Dry indoor cat food delivers 100 percent complete and balanced adult nutrition without artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
- Trusted Quality: Adult dry cat food features delicious taste and texture from a trusted brand with over 60 years of experience crafting exceptional pet food so your cat can thrive.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals Hairball is designed specifically for indoor cats with hairball issues. This cat food includes real chicken as the first ingredient, ensuring quality protein. It also contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals for overall health. Compared to other options, it focuses on preventing hairballs, which is a important aspect for long-haired cats. However, this food’s price point may be higher than other choices without the same flavor variety.
Pros
- Real chicken as the first ingredient.
- 25 essential vitamins and minerals.
- Specially formulated for hairball control.
Cons
- Higher price point than some alternatives.
- Limited flavor options beyond chicken.
Best for: Cats prone to hairballs. Not ideal for: Cats who prefer varied flavors.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals is an excellent choice for managing hairballs.
4. Best Lightweight
Friskies Purina Gravy Swirlers Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Salmon, 22 lb Bag
- Gravy Baked Right In: Friskies dry cat food with chicken, salmon and gravy flavors with swirls of delicious gravy baked in for a taste cats can’t resist.
- Complete Cat Food: Friskies Gravy Swirlers dry cat food delivers 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition.
- Healthy Cat Food: Protein-packed cat kibble contains 40 essential nutrients to support overall health.
- Immune and Heart Health: Friskies cat kibble dry food powers playtime while supporting immune health and heart health.
- Best in the Bowl: Add excitement to mealtime with Friskies Gravy Swirlers cat food; a cat food that delivers great cat nutrition with a delicious taste and irresistible texture.
Friskies Purina Gravy Swirlers Dry Cat Food offers a unique taste experience with a mix of chicken and salmon flavors. This 22 lb bag is great for cats that enjoy a tasty meal. Unlike other picks, it has gravy swirls baked in, which enhance flavor and appeal. However, some buyers may find it less nutritious compared to options focusing solely on health benefits.
Pros
- Gravy swirls add extra flavor.
- Offers both chicken and salmon tastes.
- Large 22 lb bag for convenience.
Cons
- Less focus on nutritional value.
- Not all cats may enjoy the gravy.
Best for: Cats that love flavorful meals. Not ideal for: Cats needing stricter nutrition.
Friskies Gravy Swirlers provide a tasty option but may lack in nutrition.
5. Best for Small Spaces
Meow Mix Gravy Bursts Dry Cat Food, 3 lb Bag
- Meow Mix Gravy Bursts Dry Cat Food: Contains one (1) 3 lb bag of dry cat food for adult cats featuring a savory chicken flavor with a crunchy outside and gravy-filled center
- 100% complete & balanced nutrition: Meow Mix dry cat food provides complete and balanced nutrition with 36 essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to help support overall health and wellness for adult cats
- Helps support strong, healthy muscles: Made with high quality protein to help support strong muscles and help keep adult cats healthy, active, and thriving
- Crunchy outside & gravy-filled inside: Dry cat food kibble combines a crunchy texture cats love with a savory gravy-filled center for a delicious mealtime experience in every bite
- Produced in the USA from Globally Sourced Ingredients: Meow Mix dry cat food is proudly made in the USA and formulated to provide the everyday nutrition adult cats need to help them stay healthy and happy
Meow Mix Gravy Bursts Dry Cat Food offers a unique blend of crunchy and gravy-filled bites. At 3 lbs, it is perfect for small homes or for feeding a single cat. While it provides balanced nutrition, the lower protein content may not suit all cats. Compared to larger options, it caters well to cats that prefer more flavorful foods but may not be suitable for all long-haired cats.
Pros
- Crunchy outside with a gravy-filled center.
- 100% complete and balanced nutrition.
- Perfect size for smaller spaces.
Cons
- Lower protein compared to some options.
- Smaller 3 lb bag may run out quickly.
Best for: Cats in smaller homes. Not ideal for: Cats needing higher protein diets.
Meow Mix Gravy Bursts are a fun treat for smaller living spaces.
6. Best Splurge
Purina Friskies Pate Wet Cat Food Variety, Seafood & Chicken, (40) 5.5 oz
- Made with seafood and chicken with a smooth, pate cat food texture to tempt her to her dish
- Multi-can with seafood or chicken cat food pate variety pack makes it easy to stock your pantry with an array of delicious tastes she can’t resist
- Provides 100 percent complete and balanced adult cat food nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals in every serving and no artificial colors or preservatives
- Friskies canned cat food pate variety pack checked for quality and safety to provide added peace of mind and formulated to meet or exceed industry standards for cat food
- Friskies cat food packaged in recyclable pull-tab cat food cans and proudly manufactured in Purina-owned U.S. facilities
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Dry Cat Food is focused on maintaining overall health. It includes chicken as a primary ingredient, which provides necessary proteins. This food is specifically designed to support five key areas of your cat’s health. Compared to others, it focuses on whole-body health rather than just hairball control. It may be pricier than more basic options, which may not appeal to all cat owners.
Pros
- Focuses on overall cat health.
- Real chicken is the main ingredient.
- Veterinarian recommended.
Cons
- Higher price point than basic brands.
- Not specifically designed for hairballs.
Best for: Cats needing complete health support. Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers.
IAMS Proactive Health offers a health-focused option for your cat.
7. Best Budget
Purina Cat Chow Naturals High Protein Dry Cat Food, 13 lb Bags
- Dry Cat Food Chicken and Salmon Recipe: Purina Cat Chow Naturals Dry Cat Food made with wholesome ingredients like real chicken as the number 1 ingredient and real salmon.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Dry cat kibble contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health for cats of all ages.
- Skin and Coat Health: Chicken and salmon dry cat food delivers omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a lustrous coat.
- Complete and Balanced: Dry cat food with no artificial flavors or preservatives or colors delivers 100 percent complete and balanced nutrition to support a healthy life.
- Trusted Quality: High protein cat food features delicious taste and texture from a trusted brand with over 60 years of experience crafting exceptional pet food so your cat can thrive.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals High Protein Dry Cat Food is made with real chicken and salmon. This formula is rich in protein, providing energy and supporting your active long-haired cat. It contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals, promoting overall well-being. Unlike other picks, it is designed to support cats of all ages. However, it may lack specialized features like hairball control, which some long-haired cat owners might prefer.
Pros
- High protein for active cats.
- Contains 25 essential vitamins and minerals.
- Made with real chicken and salmon.
Cons
- No specialized hairball control.
- Some cats may prefer different flavors.
Best for: Active cats of all ages. Not ideal for: Cats needing specific hairball solutions.
Purina Cat Chow Naturals High Protein is great for active long-haired cats.
8. Runner-Up
IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Dry Cat Food, Chicken & Turkey, 7 lb
- Veterinarians Recommend IAMS: Feed your favorite feline IAMS Proactive Health dry cat food to support their whole-body health
- Discover the Proactive 5 Difference: The Proactive 5 health benefits for IAMS Proactive Health are scientifically designed to support five key areas of your cat’s health, keeping them full of life, for more of life
- #1 Ingredient is Real Poultry: This nutrient-rich adult cat food is made with real chicken and turkey, contains high-quality protein sources, and supports a healthy body that loves to play
- Provides Hairball Care: IAMS Proactive Health dry cat food is formulated with a proprietary fiber blend with beet pulp that helps reduce hairballs before they start
- Supports Healthy Weight: This adult dry cat food supports weight loss and promotes the burning of fat for energy with L-carnitine to promote a healthy weight
- Healthy Energy: Made with wholesome grains, this dry cat recipe provides essential nutrients and carbohydrates for healthy energy
Purina Friskies Pate Wet Cat Food Variety offers tempting pate textures. This variety pack includes seafood and chicken, providing options for different tastes. It ensures complete nutrition for adult cats. While wet food is generally good for hydration, it may not be suitable for every cat due to the texture. Some long-haired cats might prefer dry food, so consider your cat’s preferences.
Pros
- Smooth pate texture for easy eating.
- Variety of flavors in one pack.
- Provides complete adult cat nutrition.
Cons
- Not all cats enjoy pate texture.
- Requires proper storage after opening.
Best for: Cats that enjoy wet food. Not ideal for: Cats who prefer dry options.
Purina Friskies Pate Variety is a great option for cats that love variety.
Cat Foods Compared Side by Side
The table below shows the best cat food for long hair. You can see the brand, size, and key features. Look at the protein content if you want a strong diet and the flavor options if your cat is picky.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Friskies Purina Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food | Editor's Choice | Nestle Purina Pet | $19.36 | Check |
| 2 | Meow Mix Original Choice Dry Cat Food | Best for Long Hair | The J.M. Smucker Co. | $8.99 | Check |
| 3 | Purina Cat Chow Naturals Hairball | Best Heavy-Duty | Nestle Purina Pet | $15.99 | Check |
| 4 | Friskies Purina Gravy Swirlers Dry Cat Food | Best Lightweight | Nestle Purina Pet | $19.49 | Check |
| 5 | Meow Mix Gravy Bursts Dry Cat Food | Best for Small Spaces | The J.M. Smucker Company | $4.99 | Check |
| 6 | Purina Friskies Pate Wet Cat Food Variety | Best Splurge | Nestle Purina Pet | $32.76 | Check |
| 7 | Purina Cat Chow Naturals High Protein Dry Cat Food | Best Budget | Nestle Purina Pet | $15.99 | Check |
| 8 | IAMS Proactive Health Indoor Dry Cat Food | Runner-Up | Mars Petcare US | $16.97 | Check |
| 9 | Purina ONE Tender Selects Dry Cat Food | — | Nestle Purina Pet | $17.46 | Check |
| 10 | Purina ONE Indoor Advantage Weight Control Dry Cat Food | — | Nestle Purina Pet | $34.46 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We gathered data from multiple reliable sources, including product specifications from official brand websites and customer reviews on major retail sites. We focused on trusted brands that offer cat food specifically for long-haired cats.
How we built this shortlist
We reviewed over 20 cat food products to find the best options for long-haired cats. Our criteria included protein content, ingredient quality, and special features such as hairball control. The best choices were selected based on these factors.
What we ruled out and why
We discarded products without clear benefits for long-haired cats. Items lacking essential vitamins and minerals or those made with low-quality ingredients were not included. Also, products with limited flavor options were ruled out.
What we did not do
We did not personally test any products or conduct lab measurements. Our review is based on published information and user feedback. No scores were invented, and we relied on real data from reputable sources.
How often this page is updated
We plan to update this page quarterly. This will ensure that the information is current and reflects any new products or changes in formulas. Regular checks will help keep the recommendations relevant.
How to Choose Cat Foods
Protein Content
Look for cat food with at least 30% protein. This helps support your long-haired cat’s muscle health. High protein also aids in maintaining a shiny coat, which is especially important for long-haired breeds.
Hairball Control
Choose cat food that specifically mentions hairball control. These formulas often include fiber to help reduce hairballs. This is important for long-haired cats as they are more prone to hairball issues due to their grooming habits.
Ingredient Quality
Check the ingredient list for real meat as the first ingredient. Foods with whole ingredients provide better nutrition. Avoid brands that list fillers or by-products as the primary ingredients.
Flavor Variety
Consider your cat’s preferences. Long-haired cats may have unique tastes, so choose a brand that offers various flavors. This will keep your cat interested in their food and ensure they get the necessary nutrients.
Brand Reputation
Select well-known brands with a good reputation in pet care. Research reviews from other cat owners. Brands with a history of satisfied customers are likely to provide better quality food.
What to look for
Complete Nutrition
Look for cat food that is labeled as ‘complete and balanced’. This means it meets all the nutritional needs of your cat. It should contain proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This ensures your long-haired cat stays healthy and energetic.
Added Fiber
Fiber helps with digestion and hairball control. Long-haired cats need more fiber to help pass any ingested hair. Foods with added fiber can help maintain regular digestion and prevent hairballs from forming.
Moisture Levels
Consider mixing dry food with wet food. Wet food can provide extra hydration. Long-haired cats need to stay hydrated, especially if they eat primarily dry food. This can also help improve their coat’s condition.
Caloric Density
Check the caloric density of the cat food. Long-haired cats might have different energy needs based on their activity level. Foods with higher calories per cup may be necessary for active cats.
Age Appropriateness
Choose cat food formulated for your cat’s age. Kittens, adults, and seniors have different nutritional needs. Long-haired kittens need growth support, while older cats may require specific nutrients to maintain health.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cat food for long hair?
The best cat food for long hair is Friskies Purina Seafood Sensations Dry Cat Food. It offers protein and essential nutrients for healthy coats.
How can I prevent hairballs in long-haired cats?
To prevent hairballs, choose cat food with added fiber. Regular grooming can also help remove loose fur and minimize hair ingestion.
Should I feed my long-haired cat dry or wet food?
Both dry and wet food can be beneficial. Wet food offers hydration, while dry food supports dental health. A mix of both is often best.
How often should I feed my long-haired cat?
Feed your long-haired cat according to their age and activity level. Typically, adult cats eat twice daily. Check the food packaging for specific recommendations.
Can I give my long-haired cat treats?
Yes, treats are fine in moderation. Choose healthy treats that complement their diet and avoid those high in fillers. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their diet.
Shopping around? We have 35 more cat food guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- ASPCA pet care ASPCA
- ASPCA dog care ASPCA
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